With a complete redesign, the 2009 Honda Pilot seeks to maximize interior space, improve handling, and increase luxury. The ultimate goal: to deliver SUV versatility with car-like handling and fuel economy. Critics overwhelmingly agree that Honda has achieved this goal and more. The 2009 Pilot gains 1 inch in width and nearly 3 inches in wheelbase, adding extra legroom to the second and third rows and coming up with a class-leading 20.8 cubic feet of cargo room (twice that of the Highlander). With both 60/40 split-folding second and third rows pushed flat, that capacity expands to 87 cubic feet. The cargo area gets an underfloor compartment, a net, and now features a rear window that can open separately from the door. A power liftgate is standard on Touring trims. Though it advertises itself as an eight-passenger SUV, the 2009 Pilot comfortably fits seven (provided two are children).

The Touring trim is the 2009 Pilot's answer to consumer desires for more luxurious features. While the base LX offers full power features and a CD/MP3 player with new input jack, the EX adds a power driver's seat and tri-zone climate control, and the EX-L tacks on a power passenger seat and leather upholstery. The Touring, however, comes standard with a navigation system, Bluetooth, and front and rear parking sensors, and it's the only trim that offers an optional DVD player. All trims come with traction and stability control, ABS brakes, 17-inch wheels, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for all three rows.

The only engine is a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 that delivers 250 hp and 253 ft-lbs of torque, paired with a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic. The big news for 2009 is an improvement to Honda's cylinder-deactivation system. Designed to shut off cylinders while at cruising speed in order to improve fuel economy, the system can switch from six to four to three cylinders almost imperceptibly. Fuel economy has improved slightly to 17/23 on front-wheel-drive models and 16/22 on AWD. The AWD system does not feature low-range gearing, but its Variable Torque Management (VTM) acts as a locking rear differential to provide better traction on both soft surfaces and slippery roads. Torque defaults to a 50/50 front/rear split, but can distribute as much as 70% to the rear wheels.

The exterior gets updates to bring it closer in looks to an SUV, with a higher front end, larger grille, and larger headlamps. To compensate for the extra length and beefier profile without adding extra weight, the suspension has been refashioned in lightweight aluminum. The overall body features 39% more high-strength steel for a more rigid frame and better protection in crash situations. Inside, the shifter has moved from the steering column to the dash, while gauges have been redesigned with LED lighting. Second-row seats move forward and aft 3 inches to provide more legroom and easier access to the third row, and the added width allows for the addition of child-seat hooks in the third row.

Critics agree that the extra inches in length and width have made the 2009 Pilot a truly family-friendly vehicle, as well as a versatile SUV. A standard trailer hitch hauls 3,500 pounds (4,500 on AWD models). Despite the increase in dimensions, the overall driving performance and maneuverability have been improved, mimicking a crossover or large sedan rather than a truck. All reviewers rave about the Pilot's surprisingly tight turning radius, a highlight for those doing a lot of parking in supermarket lots. The major downside is noticeable torque steer. There were some complaints about the quality of the interior materials, the large step-in height, and the bland exterior appearance.