ROAD-TEST EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: They made a point to it to make it appear more like a truck, when Honda rolled out the Pilot. Hence its squared-away look that is similar to the full-framework midsize SUVs of old. Personally, I have a *gentle spot for such things as the Toyota 4Runner and preceding Nissan Pathfinder, so I believe Honda's determination to create the Pilot a *small manlier was amazing. Will they follow Nissan and submit it and ensure it is more crossover-ish like the most recent Pathfinder? Or will remain boxy? to they I am guessing the former as that'll appeal to a broader variety of individuals.

As for this special 2013 Honda Pilot Touring test auto there is a lot to enjoy here still. It starts with the 3.5liter engine that is among the smoothest V6s available and produces sufficient power. Power is constant through the entire rev range and note to it once you boot it there is a surprisingly gratifying exhaust. Where in fact the Pilot shows its age has been the fivespeed automatic transmission, which seems aged by today's standards. I don't have any complaints about its process since it performs fast downshifts and perfect upshifts.

It handles fairly good with light, but reactive steering, and it really does not feel sloppy around corners. There is some roll tuned in and the ride quality is comfy with a suspension that smoothes little to moderate road dangers without a problem.

Interior comfort is fine overall with comfy front bucket seats offering a backseat plus some side support with good legroom. The centre console is enormous with loads of storage available. Materials throughout are of good quality with lots of hard plastics that feature adequate graining to them. I am not a huge supporter of the shifter sticking out of the dashboard.

So that I would not need to cope with a CVT I definitely would go over the Pathfinder. But it is still time for Honda to upgrade this thing.

I miss the times of the brick. It's basic, however. But for a customer seeking to blend in, which many do, that is really a solid, regularsized SUV.

Some of those crossovers make me stress. In many of them, there's just a foot of span supporting the secondrow of seats. In the Pilot, there is lots of room.

On my own potholeinfested drive home additionally, it soaked up most of bumps.

There are cheaper alternatives which have nearly as much utility but more sport. But when this isn't what you are into, the Pilot is worth a look. Reward, it is a Honda, therefore it'll likely be dependable.

2013 Honda Pilot 4WD Review on Everyman Driver

2013 Honda Pilot Touring

Base Price: $42,000

As-Tested Price: $42,000

Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; 4WD, five-speed automatic

Output: 250 hp -- 5,700 rpm, 253 lb-ft -- 4,800 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,608 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 17/24/20 mpg

AW Observed Fuel Economy: 23.1 mpg

Options: Non