Anybody can tell you that what is under the hood is more important than what is outside of it. Nobody knows this better than Honda. The engine is what makes or breaks the entire car. This is especially the case for crossovers, which demand that the engine be capable of performing heavy carrying work while also preserving the fuel economy of a traditional four-door sedan. For no other crossover is this truer than the Honda Pilot, the largest crossover on the Honda line. With size comes an expectation to perform heavy work you would expect from a large crossover, which represents the last of the great SUVs of the 90s.
Why is there no V-8?
Equipped with a 3.5L V-6 engine, some people have asked us why Honda doesn’t put a V-8 under the hood or at least provide the option for a V-8. The answer is really quite simple. We have found that for a crossover model as large as the Pilot, the V-6 supplies ample power to provide for any of your hauling needs. The capabilities of the Pilot are impressive enough as it is that it would be almost overkill to put in a V-8. The other issue surrounding the V-8 is that it is not even remotely as good with gas economy as the V-6, which is something Honda takes quite seriously as an automaker.
Capabilities of the V-6
However, the V-6 is not to be misunderstood. It is remarkably powerful and allows for the Pilot to have an exceptionally wide range of use. Not to mention its performance capabilities, the V-6 engine is built out of aluminum alloy for strength. It is also equipped with 24 valves, one of the highest valve counts for crossovers, for added power and effective fuel dispersion throughout the system. Every engine on every new Honda model is also equipped with the latest incarnation of the advanced Variable Cylinder Management system. This patented Honda system tracks engine output based on the work the vehicle is currently performing, such as off-road travelling, hill climbing, and hauling. After taking these readings, it automatically turns on or off the number cylinders the engine requires to perform the work it is doing. This also makes the Honda Pilot one of the smoothest gear shifters on the crossover market for models with automatic transmission.
The future holds many possibilities for the Honda Pilot. With demand as high it is, there may come a day when you will be able to request a V-8 engine at multiple tier levels. It could come next year, for all we know. However, when it comes to taking your family out on the next great road trip or your crew to the newest working site, do not underestimate the power of the V-6. It performs to your expectations while still holding onto the gas economy you desire. Ask us about the Honda Pilot today.