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Honda Pilot II (facelift 2012) 3.5 V6 (253 Hp) 4WD Automatic
Overall Rating
Honda Pilot:
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured by Honda since 2002 for the 2003 model year. Primarily aimed at the North American market, the Pilot is the largest SUV produced by Honda. As of 2025, the Pilot is manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, and the Pilot was produced in Alliston, Ontario, until April 2007. The first generation Pilot was released in April 2002 as a 2003 model.
The Pilot shares its platform with the Acura MDX, as well as the North American market Odyssey minivan. The Pilot's unibody construction and independent suspension are designed to provide handling similar to that of a car, and it has integrated perimeter frame rails to permit towing and light off-road use....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II (facelift 2012) Overview:
Honda Pilot (II (facelift 2012)). With 343 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2063 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. A vehicle that combines characteristics of SUVs and hatchbacks for versatility. With seating for 8, it’s perfect for larger families.
3.5 V6 (253 Hp) 4WD Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 253 Hp V6 provides ample power for all-wheel-drive operation, ensuring confident acceleration and capability in varied conditions. The 5-speed automatic is robust.
Fuel Economy
With 11.7 l/100 km combined, fuel economy is slightly higher than the FWD model, which is expected for a 4WD system. It's adequate for its class but not exceptional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile 8-seater interior
- • Proven reliability of the 3.5L V6 engine
- • Comfortable ride quality for long journeys
- • Strong resale value
- • Available intelligent 4WD system
Cons:
- • Fuel economy is only average for its class
- • 5-speed automatic transmission feels dated
- • Interior design, though practical, lacks modern flair
- • Steering can feel vague at times
- • Limited off-road capability despite SUV styling
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 2008 - 2012).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Honda |
| Model: | Pilot |
| Generation: | II (facelift 2012) |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 V6 (253 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats: | 8 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 253 Hp @ 5700 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 72.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 343 Nm @ 4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J35Z4 [Same engine] More details about the engine J35Z4 |
| Engine displacement: | 3471 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC i-VTEC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 93 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6300 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.7 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | ULEV-2 |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8 kg/Hp, 124.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.9 kg/Nm, 168.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 2036-2090 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2463 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 510 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2038 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4862 mm [13mm more] |
| Width: | 1994 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1839 mm [36mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2774 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1720 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1715 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.37 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 24.4° |
| Departure angle: | 22.1° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels permanently, and the rear wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 330 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 333 mm [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
If you could change one thing about the Honda Pilot, what would it be?