The interior of our tester features beige, perforated leather seat covers. (Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy)The Basics
Model: 2018 Honda Pilot EliteColor: Black Forest PearlEngine: 3.5-liter, V-6Fuel Economy: 26 mpg highway, 18 mpg cityMSRP: $47,470Local Dealer: Economy Honda
Our 2018 Honda Pilot Elite tester this week is the first car we've ever driven that actually changes color.
Park it in the shade and it's undeniably black. Pull it into direct sunlight and it immediately turns a deep, emerald green usually reserved for expensive luxury cars.
Actually, in Elite trim ($47,470) you'd be hard pressed to find a mass-market SUV that comes closer to reaching the "luxury" level than the Pilot, a family hauler from the Japanese carmaker that can carry seven to eight people, depending on the seat configuration.
An entry-level Pilot starts at $30,900 in LX trim, while the popular EX mid-trim version has an MSRP of $33,330. Our tester maxes out practically all the options - including heated second-row captains chairs - and approaches Acura-level pricing at $47,470.
The Economy Honda dealership here had 26 new Pilots in stock this week, marking it as one of the store's most popular models.
Comfort and utility are the Pilot's strong suits in a competitive segment that also includes the Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer, among other models.
JUST THE FACTS: The Pilot is a three-row family SUV powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine that makes 290 horsepower. It's available in front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations and can tow up to 1,500 pounds. Our top-of-the-line tester comes with second-row captains chairs, which limits seating to seven. With second-row bench seats the pilot can seat eight.
The Elite model gets heated second row seats, a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot monitors and LED headlamps. The popular EX trim comes with lane-watch technology, remote start and touch-screen telematics. The EX-L adds leather seats and a full suite of safety-tech features, along with an available rear-seat entertainment package.
WORTHWHILE OPTIONS: Honda generally doesn't offer many options a la carte. It's best to pick the trim level that suits your needs. We recommend the EX-L trim which bundles the safety-tech package to protect your precious cargo, without breaking the bank.
IT'S GOOD FOR CHATTANOOGA CUSTOMERS BECAUSE: All-wheel drive models are great for those mornings when our mountain roads become dangerous with ice and/or snow. Dealer competition in the area also leads to competitive pricing for Hondas in the region.
HOW MUCH? Our top-of-the-line tester, which includes all-wheel-drive, weighs in at $47,470.
COOL STUFF: Captain's chairs in the second row may limit the number of passengers you can carry, but they work to reduce sibling discord. Opt for the eight-inch, drop down video monitor in the back (with headphones) and parents in the front seats should finally be able to hear themselves think. Also, that chameleon paint job has its charms.
WHILE YOU ARE LOOKING: Also check out the new Volkswagen Atlas. It has many of the virtues of Pilot with the advantage of an enhanced new-vehicle warranty.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com.