With so many SUVs on the road today, it can be difficult to discern one from the other. But there is no mistaking the 2012 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring. The strong look and large interior are trademarks of the Pilot, and we could add a few more standout features to the list.
Exterior
The size of the Honda Pilot is what first caught my eye, and that’s because of the sleek but aggressive look that is unique for this segment. Our Bali Blue Pearl test vehicle looked amazing and the 18-inch alloy wheels fit well with the overall exterior look. You will love the double polygon chrome grille, which looks as tough as any construction truck around, and for a brand like Honda that symbolizes “nice,” the Pilot is a change of pace. With that toughness also comes a refined body design with features like auto on/off headlights, fog lights, heated power door mirrors, roof rails, chrome body side moldings, rear privacy glass, chrome exhaust finishers, power tailgate with lift-up glass hitch and power moonroof with tilt feature.
Interior
The wide Pilot shines with an interior fit for those who demand more room and comfort in their SUVs, and the 2012 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring delivers. The expansive dashboard is filled with high-end features and cup holders and storage areas for those who truly value bins and compartments. The Touring was loaded with extremely comfortable gray leather seats, Honda Navigation System with Voice recognition, rearview camera, Hard Disk Drive, DVD Rear Entertainment System with 9-inch display & wireless headsets, AM/FM/CD Premium Audio system with 10 booming speakers, Bluetooth hands free link, Bluetooth audio, XM satellite radio, USB audio interface, Tri zone automatic climate control, drivers 10-way power seat, memory seat and mirrors, heated front seats which can get nice and toasty if choose the high option, auto dimming rearview mirror, tilt and telescopic steering column, second row sunshades and homelink system.
Since there are three rows of seats, there will be a wide variety of consumers who will consider the 2012 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring, and that’s a good thing for Honda. For those who are looking for real space but don’t really need the third row on a regular basis, you may still want to consider the Pilot for the top notch interior it offers and versatile seating that is offered. There is a great feel in the Pilot from the very comfortable steering wheel to the extra wide storage counsel that is deep and sturdy. We did find the gear shifter to be in somewhat of an odd place that can at times get in your way of the controls, so maybe relocate or shorten the shifter and knob to be less conspicuous.
Performance
With an improved ride and less wind noise in the cabin, that can only mean better performance and happy customers behind the wheel, and that is what Honda accomplished with the 2012 Pilot Touring. The Pilot is powered by a 250-hp, 3.5-liter, aluminum-alloy, SOHC, 24-valve i-VTEC engine featuring the latest version of Honda’s advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. The active noise cancellation is partially responsible for that quieter ride we referred to, and the VTM 4 wheel drive system gets you that toughness for harsh weather and off-road fun that many of us cherish in an SUV. The ride is one of the best in a full-size three-row SUV from the time you hit the gas pedal to the feel of the front MacPherson strut suspension working like a charm eating up bumps in the road. The rear multi-link suspension came in handy when I tested the Pilot Touring on some hard turns and I was impressed with the grip on the road and controlled steering with the variable assist rack and pinion power steering. I guess you can say that we really like the performance of the 2012 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring!
Overview
There is much to like about the 2012 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring, and with fuel economy hitting 17mpg in the city and 24mpg in highway driving, you can haul a bunch of folks or just haul you know what and not burn a hole in your pocket at the pump. The test model we drove is a top of the line Touring, and the sticker came in at $41,630, but when you look at the complete package that the Touring trim line offers consumers, you have a bargain on your hands my friends.
