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2009 Honda Pilot

All-New 2009 Honda Pilot Offers Best of Both Worlds

by Rebecca Schweitzer

With high gas prices, SUVs are not a first pick for most consumers. However, many families and adventurers need a little more space and power than the average, fuel efficient compact car offers. For those consumers, Honda has the 2009 Pilot.

2009 Honda Pilot
2009 Honda Pilot

The all-new 2009 Honda Pilot combines the best of the SUV and Crossover segments to create a balanced vehicle with car-like dynamics and SUV functionality. By doing this Honda is able to offer drivers a vehicle that is fun to drive, fuel efficient and safe without limiting necessary power and space. With the all-new model for 2009, Honda hopes to please current Pilot drivers and attract some new customers.

Honda offers four models for 2009, meaning there is a Pilot for every budget with pricing expected to range from $27,500 to $40,000. The Touring trim is new for 2009. For the driver seeking practical and functional luxury the Pilot includes several features such as a navigation system with voice recognition, rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, a power tailgate, second row sun shades, 115 volt power outlet, USB port, a premium audio system, upgraded chrome trim and several other luxury offerings.

All Pilot trims strive to be more fuel efficient than other eight-passenger SUVs. Variable Cylinder management helps the Pilot achieve this goal. This means the Pilot electronically monitors its use of power so it can use fewer cylinders and less fuel when it is performing lighter driving tasks. For example, when the Pilot is accelerating, climbing and performing other powerful tasks it uses all six cylinders, but when it is cruising in the city it uses only three cylinders. If the Pilot is performing a task in between these power levels such as mild accelerating or higher speed driving, it uses four cylinders. This reduces the amount of fuel used without sacrificing the amount of power the Pilot can produce when needed.
 
Honda also understands the impact driving styles can have on fuel efficiency. To help Pilot owners drive more efficiently, the 2009 Honda Pilot has an ECO light in the instrument panel. When this light is on, it indicates that the vehicle is being driven with a low fuel consumption helping drivers maximize fuel economy. This small step may not save drivers big bucks at the pump, but it will help.  

2009 Honda Pilot Interior
2009 Honda Pilot Interior

Pilot moves the whole family and promises to grow as the family grows. Honda made the Pilot’s middle row of seat long enough to accommodate three child safety seats and included Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH).  All three seat positions in the second row and the right seat position in the third row have lower anchors, and all six rear seats include tether anchors. This will help families accommodate the increased child safety seat laws in many states.

In addition to accommodating child safety seats, the 2009 Pilot has added safety features for the entire family. The Pilot includes four-wheel disc Anti-Lock Brakes, electronic brake distribution, brake assist and Vehicle Safety Assist with traction control. All seat positions have three-point seatbelts. Side curtain airbags protect the first, second and third rows. Dual-stage, dual threshold front airbags protect the driver and front passenger.

Honda also improved the Pilot's body and floor structure to help evenly disperse impact energy. The 2009 Pilot also includes more high strength steel for added safety.

Not only does Honda want all the passengers to be safe, but it also wants them to all enjoy the ride equally. This is why Honda created a roomier interior in the Pilot for true, eight-passenger seating. The additional spaces allows for easier access to the third row and more leg room for third row passengers, especially adults. This extra space means more cargo room too. The rear cargo area can hold a medium sized cooler and strollers. A removable mesh cargo net shelf adds more storage space and makes items easy to reach through the Pilot's glass hatch opening, which allows for quick access to the cargo area.

Overall, the 2009 Honda Pilot is a functional, mid-size SUV. With a variety of trim options and a focus on improving fuel economy, there is sure to be a Pilot that meets any consumer’s needs .

2009 Honda Pilot Features and Specifications:

Description:

Mid-Size, 8-passenger SUV

Model options:

LX; EX/EX-L; Touring

Wheelbase:

109.2 inches

Overall length:

190.9 inches

Engine:

250-hp, 3.5-liter, aluminum alloy, SOHC, 24-valve i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management

Transmissions/speeds:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Rear/front drive:

FWD, AWD

Braking:

4-wheel disc ABS, EBD and Brake Assist

Air bags:

2 front, 2 side, 6 side curtain

Maximum towing capacity:

2WD - 3500 pounds, 4WD: - 4500 pounds

EPA mileage:

FWD - 17/23 mpg, AWD - 16/22 mpg

MSRP:

Starting at $27,545