2009 Honda Pilot Touring

More convenience and safety features distinguish the 2009 Honda Pilot Touring from the rest of the pack. A new trim this year, the Touring shares the independent Macpherson strut front and multilink rear suspension with its siblings, along with the 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 253 ft-lbs of torque at 4,800 RPM. Matched with a five-speed electronically controlled automatic, it achieves 17/23 mpg and can tow 3,500 pounds with the standard trailer hitch. The midsize, front-wheel-drive SUV seats seven in three rows. The second row moves fore and aft 3 inches. Both rear rows split-fold 60/40 and fold flat, expanding the 20.8-cubic-foot cargo area to 87. Tiedowns are standard, along with a net and underfloor storage, and the rear window opens separately from the tailgate. On the Touring, this tailgate is power-operated. A roof rack is also standard.

New safety additions include Hill Start Assist, which prevents rollback on hills. Front and rear parking sensors are also standard, as are mirrors with turn signals and a voice-activated navigation system. These join traction and stability control, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all rows, a front and rear stabilizer bar, and 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. Halogen lamps are housed in automatic headlights. Foglights are also standard. A rearview camera helps when backing up. A tire monitor measures pressure in the 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.

Bluetooth is standard on the 2009 Pilot Touring, which also adds 2-driver memory settings for the seat and mirrors. Joining the three 12V power outlets is a 115V power outlet. Full power features include heated mirrors, remote entry, a sunroof, 8-way and 4-way front seats, a garage remote, and a trip computer. On the steering wheel sit cruise and audio controls. An upgraded 10-speaker sound system comes with a 6-CD/MP3 player with both MP3 and video input jacks and satellite radio. The system can be outfitted with a DVD player. Leather adorns the seats, wheel, and consoles. A tachometer, temperature display, compass, intermittent front and rear wipers, tri-zone climate control, and tilt and telescopic steering provide further convenience.