What is the consensus of the Honda AWD systems in the second generation of the Pilot? We have a Forester with symmetrical AWD for comparison.
I'm looking at the second generation because I love the boxy shape, and the prices seem reasonable. The Sequoia looks nice, but that thing is so big, like a Navigator.
Subaru ahs the best AWD. The AWD in Honda is Ok, but if you don't need it, get the FWD.
The second generation Pilot is my favorite Pilot of all time.
In terms of size vs the Forester, it is significantly bigger and higher.
The Pilot looks like a truck but feels like a car, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Subaru probably has the best AWD on the market. But that doesn’t mean Honda’s is bad.
I’m not sure which version of of AWD the Pilot uses, it could be the newer SH-AWD or an older one like the MDX of the same generation.
I will admit, at first I wasn’t a fan, but after rolling in it from a friends Pilot, I became a huge fan of everything Honda did to make the Pilot, the Pilot.
I like the Forester, but have to go used, which could mean dealing with oil consumption, again. Our 2014 had to have the engine replaced.
I mistakenly wrote AWD when I meant 4WD in my original post.
Something I notice about these used 2nd generation Pilots: Most have 2 and 3 owners. I have to wonder why they are passed around so much.
Thanks for your reply!
In terms of the engine, it is based on the Honda J engine. It’s been around forever. And TMK, not too many problems.
BUT, the one you have to worry about is the cylinder deactivation variant. If the former owners used cylinder deactivation, that may cause some longevity problems.
Thank you!
I test drove a 2014 Pilot EX-L with just over 100K miles from a Honda dealership about half an hour away from home. They've had the vehicle in inventory for two days—long enough to put a couple stickers in the windows, but not long enough to clean the thing.
Paint was coming off the leading edge of the roof. The from wind had an enormous crack and what looked like a bullet hole. There was melted ice cream in the center console. There were food crumbs everywhere. It smelled. All surfaces were dirt and dingy. The rear camera screen was too dark. Whoever had it had abused it, badly. It shuddered during acceleration, it shuddered when braking. The engine was loud. I did not think the turning radius was bad, probably because I've had a couple full-sized pickups in the past. I liked the height.
I was surprised to find the inside less roomy than it appeared from the outside. My Forester feels more generous in the front and rear seats. I would prefer the third row wasn't there.
Thing was listed at $18K. I wouldn't have given them a thousand for it.