We’ve test driven a Honda Pilot before, this time we had the 2019 model to try out. It’s a vehicle that causes a lot of debate between my husband and me. If given the opportunity would we go for a larger SUV like the Pilot or would we go for a minivan like the Odyssey? Honestly, Honda’s done it again where we are completely torn between the two. If they could put the best of each vehicle into one, sold!
I did not want to give this vehicle back after our week of having it. I really enjoy driving a larger SUV like the Pilot. One of my favourite upgrades for the 2019 model is the hands-free power tailgate. This is a huge help when you are lugging all of the groceries in your hands to the vehicle because you decided you didn’t need a buggy since you were only getting a few things. I would still like to see a feature that stops the tailgate from going down instantly if anything gets in its line or touches. I want it to stop instantly as a safety feature.
The model we were driving also had one-touch walk in feature for getting to the third row of seats. This was a huge help in having more space with the captain seats in the second row, for getting to the back. It brings them that bit more out of the way to allow more movement when getting in and out. When you do not need to use the third row of seats, this vehicle has a great amount of storage space in the boot. Costco trips and family outings to the pumpkin patch were no match for this. Space was never an issue. I was still pleased with the space when the third-row seats were up. We were able to get our packing crates in there and make use of what was available.
CabinControl is a standard feature. It’s an app available to be downloaded to iPhone and Android phones. It allows passengers to control things within the vehicle such as the audio system, rear entertainment system, and the climate control. There is also CabinTalk which is like an in car PA system. So instead of having to raise your voice to be heard in the back of the vehicle, use CabinTalk. I would really like to see the CabinWatch be a feature added to the Pilot as it would make a huge difference as a parent. It’s a feature I loved when driving the 2018 Honda Odyssey and think it would be a beneficial option in the Pilot too!
As with any vehicle, the girls are won over immediately if it has a rear entertainment system. The Rear Entertainment System also includes an app called “How Much Farther?” It’s like a “flight tracker” that features a colorful on-screen animated marionette play that counts down time and distance to the destination that has been set into the navigation system. So you can either show an “in-flight movie” on the entertainment system or give that new app a try.
There are always little things we appreciated in the Honda Pilot. Like the auto-dimming review mirror. It’s amazing what a difference that makes. There where cupholders everywhere and we were thrilled to have a knob back for controlling the volume! The idle-stop was much better tuned in the 2019 Honda Pilot. It no longer felt like it took a minute to get off the line. We were back to moving right away. The restarts were much quicker, and it was less noticeable when in traffic.
With a larger vehicle like this, we really appreciated the Econ Mode that helps enhance your fuel efficiency. With gas prices today, you want to use this feature! We were also driving the Touring edition which meant this was a 9-speed automatic. It never felt like the transmission was struggling to figure things out, everything was very smooth.
If you are not ready to get a minivan and you need something larger than a crossover vehicle, the Honda Pilot is definitely a vehicle to be considered. It is definitely in the runnining for us if we were to ever switch to a larger vehicle.
This looks like a great sort of car if you can’t convince yourself to get a minivan but need a bigger car than a compact! Very cute!!
I liked the Pilot but found that it was just too big for our needs. We ended up with the CR-V and love it!
I’m so glad I read this. We are seriously considering a Honda Pilot so I love that a REAL family reviewed it.
I didn’t realize the honda pilot featured a third row!! SO Cool!
This looks like such an amazing car! I love the color too!