TOKYO: Honda’s Pilot SUV in the US is about to be replaced by an all-new model, and the Japanese carmaker has outlined some of the new features customers can expect.
Unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, the third-generation Pilot brings an upgraded 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine producing 209kW, along with new six- and nine-speed automatic transmissions.
The Pilot will be available in seven trim levels, with the entry-level LX and range-topping Elite bookending the line-up.
Features include heated and ventilated front seats, heated ‘Captain’s chairs’ for the second row with illuminated cup holders, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel along with a panoramic glass roof; depending on the variant.
All models get a multi-angle reversing camera, LED tail lamps, an infotainment display screen, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring and an audio system with at least seven speakers and a subwoofer.
On the safety front, there’s LED headlights with automatic high-beam, rain-sensing wipers, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring.
The Pilot’s SUV credentials in all-wheel-drive models include a new ‘Intelligent Traction Management’ system with settings for mud, snow or sand driving.
Otherwise, ‘normal’ mode is selectable, while 2WD models get the normal and snow settings only.
Honda showrooms in Australia once stocked the similar MDX MPV, but almost a decade has passed since local buyers were able to purchase such a model locally from the Japanese carmaker.
The 2015 Honda Pilot is due to arrive in US showrooms in the next few months.
