Review: 2010 Honda Pilot Features, Retail Prices, Invoices

The Honda Pilot returns for 2010 with its compliant ride, top-notch crash test ratings, adult-usable third-row seat, smooth V6 engine and a great reputation for quality ... more than enough to pretty much guarantee plenty of takers.

Following last year's total redesign, there are only minor changes for the 2010 model, including two-stage heated seats as a standard feature on the EX-L and integrated rear window sunshades on the Touring.

Trims, Standard Features And Options:

The 2010 Pilot is categorized as a midsize crossover SUV and is available in four trims: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. All models offer both front-wheel and all-wheel drive choices.

Standard features on the already well-equipped base LX model include full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, front and rear air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 17 inch steel wheels, 60/40-split second and third-row seats and a 7-speaker CD/MP3 sound system with an auxiliary audio jack.

The Pilot EX then adds tri-zone automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a power driver seat, foglights, 17 inch alloy wheels, satellite radio and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

The Pilot EX-L chips in with leather upholstery, a sunroof, front heated seats and a back-up camera mounted on the rearview mirror.

The top-of-the-line Touring model adds navigation with voice recognition and an integrated back-up camera, rear-window sunshades, a power liftgate, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker stereo system and a USB audio interface.

2009 Honda Pilot Touring rear view as shown

While there are no optional features available on LX or EX models, for the EX-L there is a DVD rear entertainment system that's packaged with a 10-speaker audio system. And while the Touring already has the 10-speaker audio system, the rear entertainment system is its only option.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering the 2010 Honda Pilot is a 3.5 liter V6 engine, producing 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, that is coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission (a manual transmission is not available). And while front-wheel drive is standard, all models are offered with an all-wheel-drive system as well.

This system automatically directs up to 70% of the power to the rear wheels when front slippage occurs. It also has a "lock" feature for the driver that transfers the maximum 70% of torque to the rear wheels when driving at less than 19 mph.

The EPA-estimated gas mileage for a front-wheel drive Pilot is 17 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. The AWD Pilot comes in just slightly lower at 16 and 22, respectively. Even with Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which shuts down three cylinders when not needed, these numbers are about average for the segment.

Safety:

Standard safety features on all pilots include antilock brakes (ABS), stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

2009 Honda Pilot Touring interior as shown

The 2010 Honda Pilot has also been awarded the highest scores in government crash testing, earning perfect five-out-of-five-star ratings in every frontal and side-impact protection category for both driver and passengers.

Interior:

The cabin of the 2010 Pilot is attractive and comfortable with a bit of a "rugged" ambiance to match its boxy exterior. The center stack, with its many buttons, takes some getting used to and there is also a bit more hard plastic than some of its rivals. That said, there are a lot of convenient storage areas and the navigation system is considered one of the best available.

A big plus is the Pilot's third-row seat that can actually accommodate adults. This is very unusual in the midsize segment where third-rows usually are children-only. Even so, its cargo capacity only comes in slightly less than most competitors with a fairly ample 87 cubic feet.

Drive:

With its soft suspension, the Pilot has been engineered for comfort over performance and provides a comfortable ride whether on the highway or driving over bumps and rough spots. While most will be satisfied with its power and compliant drive, one shouldn't expect dynamic, road-gripping abilities on curvy back roads.

Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Pilot Prices:

Honda's sales have been on the weak side historically for close to the past two years now, right along with the other car brands and evidence of a continuing slow economy.

They've recently made some progress in offsetting at least some of the market weakness through strong incentives and easier-to-get discounts. The bottom line? The current combination of a soft market along with intense dealer competition has created the perfect opportunity for nailing down some great deals.

Car dealers will "wheel and deal" bigtime right now if you know how to push their buttons.

How To Buy A New Pilot At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2010 Honda Pilot, here's the best way to get the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.

Prices:

2010 Honda Pilot SUV:

LX, FWD: retail price: $27,895, invoice price: $25,282
LX, 4WD: retail price: $29,495, invoice price: $26,728

EX, FWD: retail price: $30,745, invoice price: $27,857
EX, 4WD: retail price: $32,345, invoice price: $29,303

EX-L, FWD: retail price: $33,845, invoice price: $30,658
EX-L, 4WD: retail price: $35,445, invoice price: $32,104

Touring, FWD: retail price: $37,045, invoice price: $33,550
Touring, 4WD: retail price: $38,645, invoice price: $34,996

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