Honda’s second best-selling sport utility vehicle, the midsize Pilot, remains mostly unchanged for 2011. The Pilot is available in four trims -- LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring -- and is currently in its second generation after replacing the Passport in 2003. The solo engine/transmission combination available is a 3.5-liter V-6 with 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque mated to a five-speed automatic.
As Honda’s largest sport/utility offering, the automaker touts the Pilot’s cargo space (87 cubic-feet) and eight-passenger seating as key selling points. Fortunately for dealers and sales staff, they have little new material to memorize for the 2011 models. The lone change is the newly available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System for the second-highest EX-L model. This option was previously exclusive to the topline Touring trim.