Test driving a Honda Pilot is always a treat – but this wasn’t just any ol’ Pilot – this was the all-new 2020 Black Edition.
Fresh off a thorough style and technology update last year, the Black Edition is positioned at the top of the Pilot lineup and features exclusive styling touches inside and out that distinguish it from the rest.
The aggressive new styling introduced to Pilot last year emphasizes its capabilities while highlighting the state-of-the-art technology and family-friendly character that has made it one of the most popular midsize, three-row SUVs.
Based on the Elite trim level, the Black Edition comes exclusively with a Crystal Black Pearl coat of enamel, including Black Edition badges on the grille and tailgate. Also included are black-painted 20-inch alloy wheels and blackout treatments for the grille, headlight trim, side trim, door handles, window trim and fog lights.
Inside, there is red accent lighting for the dash, doors, center console and leather captain’s chairs stitching. Otherwise there is black and more black.
My torque-vectoring, all-wheel drive tester was powered by a 3.5-liter, VTEC V6 engine with variable cylinder management. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the combination produces 280 horsepower. The three-row Pilot SUV seats up to eight passengers and receives a 26 mile per gallon down-the-highway rating from the EPA.
Standard on all AWD trims, i-VTM4 uses an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated rear differential to apportion engine torque between the front and rear axles, and dynamically distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels. The benefits are superior all-weather handling and neutral, accurate steering under power.
The creature comfort quotient is off the charts on this model. Items like adaptive cruise control, panoramic moon roof, tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, Blu-Ray DVD rear entertainment center, navigation with voice recognition, multi-view rear-view camera, premium audio with 10 speakers, wireless phone charge, mobile hotspot capability, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB ports and a partridge in a pear tree.
Other goodies include pushbutton start, second-row sunshades, idle/stop feature, paddle shifters, satellite radio, remote engine start, rain-sensing wipers, pushbutton shifter, security system and more.
Third-row access is made simple and easy with the available, one-touch walk-In feature. And when not needed, cargo capacity is at a premium when the seat is folded flat. Christmas gifts or golf clubs can be stowed with room to spare.
Best of all is Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features that provides top-drawer safety for all occupants. The system is highlighted by a collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping and assist system, road-departure mitigation, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic monitor. The features are standard on all trim levels.
Base Price: $50,715
Price As Driven: $50,715
Destination charge is included in the base price. Vehicles are provided the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
Gallery
