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Honda Pilot III 3.5 V6 (280 Hp) AWD Automatic 9-speed
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)
III Overview:
Honda Pilot (III). With 355 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1955 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. 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 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Honda Pilot III was primarily designed for the North American market and has not been tested by Euro NCAP. It received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS in the US.
3.5 V6 (280 Hp) AWD Automatic 9-speed Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 280 Hp V6 provides strong, smooth acceleration, well-suited for highway cruising and confident overtaking. The 9-speed automatic optimizes power delivery.
Fuel Economy
Combined fuel economy of 10.7 l/100 km is respectable for an AWD V6 SUV of this size, benefiting from the efficient 9-speed transmission.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with comfortable seating for 7-8.
- • Smooth and powerful 3.5L V6 engine.
- • Excellent reputation for reliability and strong resale value.
- • Comfortable ride quality, ideal for long family trips.
- • Available AWD system enhances all-weather capability.
Cons:
- • Fuel economy, while competitive, can be a concern for some buyers.
- • Some interior materials might feel less premium than rivals.
- • The 9-speed automatic transmission had initial refinement issues (though generally improved).
- • Exterior styling might be considered conservative by some.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (facelift 2012): 2012 - 2015).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Honda |
| Model: | Pilot |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 V6 (280 Hp) AWD Automatic 9-speed |
| Start of production: | 2016 |
| End of production: | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats: | 7-8 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 280 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 80.7 Hp/l [78mm more] |
| Torque: | 355 Nm @ 4700 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J35Y6 More details about the engine J35Y6 |
| Engine displacement: | 3471 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC, i-VTEC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.4 l |
| Coolant: | 7.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 93 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Maximum engine speed: | 6800 rpm. |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7 kg/Hp, 143.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 181.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1952-1958 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 3092 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 453 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 2268 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 74 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4940 mm [78mm more] |
| Width: | 1996 mm [2mm more] |
| Height: | 1788 mm [51mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2819 mm [45mm more] |
| Front track: | 1684 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1684 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 185 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.0 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 18.0° |
| Departure angle: | 19.7° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 9 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | SBW |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/50 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | 20 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Honda Pilot!