Voted Car and Driver’s Best Large SUV six years in a row, the Pilot has been doing Crossover duty at Honda since 2002, the year it replaced the Passport. With four trim levels - LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring - the Pilot seats eight in three rows and comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

A 3.5-liter V6 engine is the sole offering, along with a five-speed automatic transmission. Producing 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, maximum towing capacities for the FWD and AWD trims are 3,500 and 4,500 lbs, respectively, with the AWD trim’s locking center differential. The 3.5-liter offers adequate power in all situations, although decisive use of the throttle is necessary to avoid occasional gear hunting on the part of the transmission. Still, this is a refined engine that manages 17/23 mpg on regular gasoline in FWD form, and 16/22 in AWD, thanks in part to Honda's Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. This engine also avoids the harshness of some of Honda’s smaller engines; engine noise never manages to intrude obnoxiously into the cabin.

Unfortunately, the cabin is where some of the most persistent complaints regarding the Pilot originate. A quirky on-dash gear selector draws differing opinions, but it’s the materials that really disappoint, with hard and sometimes ill-fitting plastics having a domineering presence. Gauges are well placed, with those directly in front of the driver receiving a mecha-inspired design. Special note is given to the navigation system that is simply a navigation system, without the need for taking over the stereo or climate control. Second- and third-row 60/40 bench seats offer seating for adults in all three rows, although comfort levels drop as you move farther back.

The EX upgrades on the LX’s air conditioning and CD player with tri-zone automatic climate controls and a 6-CD, satellite-ready stereo and MP3 player, with a digital media connection. The EX also offers an 8-way power driver’s bucket, heated power mirrors and alloy wheels, among other upgrades. The EX-L adds leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a rearview camera, while the top-tier Touring trim gets buyers a navigation system, memory system, iPod adaptor and Bluetooth, a power liftgate, and a trailer wiring harness, standard.

Safety features do not rake so violently, with all trims getting standard antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, an anti-skid system, traction control, dual front, front-side and curtain-side airbags, daytime running lights and a tire-pressure monitor. The NHTSA has awarded the Pilot five stars in all tests excepting rollover, in which the Pilot earned four stars.

Although complaints have been heard regarding the high hood and the retro dash-mounted gear selector, overall the Pilot continues its success, before and after the 2009 redesign. Attention paid to interior materials would benefit the vehicle greatly, both in perceived and actual value, not to mention ditching the steel wheels that come standard on the EX.