We drove a $49,000 Honda Pilot to see if the new 2019 model is ready to take on Toyota and Ford. Here's the verdict.

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We drove a $49,000 Honda Pilot to see if the new 2019 model is ready to take on Toyota and Ford. Here's the verdict.

Honda Pilot Elite 2019

Business Insider/Hollis Johnson

Our 2019 Honda Pilot Elite test car.

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  • For Honda, the stalwart Accord and Civic sedans have for decades delivered reliable sales and helped the company profit year after year.
  • But with the meteoric rise of SUVs in recent years, Honda now depends more and more on crossover utes like the mid-size Pilot.
  • The three-row, mid-size Honda Pilot is updated for the 2019 model year with fresh styling, a more refined drivetrain, and new tech.
  • In the marketplace, the Pilot competes with the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Subaru Ascent, Nissan Pathfinder, and Volkswagen Atlas.
  • All Pilots are powered by a 3.5-liter, 280 horsepower V6 engine mated to either a six-speed or a nine-speed automatic transmission.
  • The base 2019 Honda Pilot LX with front-wheel drive starts at $31,450. Our top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive Elite trim test car starts at $48,020. A $995 destination and handling fee pushed the as-tested price to $49,015.

For decades, Honda has depended on its stalwart Accord and Civic sedans to deliver not only sales volume but also profits.

The automotive landscape has changed drastically in recent years. Crossover SUVs are now king of the showroom. For Honda, it's the CR-V compact crossover.

The Civic and Accord remain Honda's second and third best sellers in the US with 326,000 and 291,000 units respectively left showrooms in 2018. But those figures are down 13.7% and 9.8% respectively compared to 2017.

Fortunately for the Japanese auto giant, sales of its fourth most popular offering, the mid-size Pilot crossover SUV, surged 25% last year to just under 160,000 sold.

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According to data from Kelly Blue Book, the Pilot is the third best-selling three-row mid-size SUV in the US behind only the Toyota Highlander and the segment leader Ford Explorer.

Read more: We drove a $42,000 and a $50,000 Toyota Highlander to see why it's one of the best family SUVs money can buy - here's what we discovered.

The current third-generation Pilot has been around since 2016. However, Honda decided to give the Lincoln, Alabama-built family hauler a mid-life refresh for the 2019 model year.

Recently, Business Insider had the chance to spend a week with a 2019 Honda Pilot AWD Elite to see how the updated crossover stacks up to the competition.

The base 2019 Honda Pilot LX with front-wheel drive starts at $31,450. Our top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive Elite trim test car starts at $48,020. A $995 destination and handling fee pushed the as-tested price to $49,015.

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Honda introduced the first generation Pilot back in 2003. It was the company's first mid-size SUV.

Honda introduced the first generation Pilot back in 2003. It was the company's first mid-size SUV.

Previously, Honda's SUVs were simply rebadged versions of models made by other manufacturers. For example, this 2002 Honda Passport is really an Isuzu Rodeo.

Previously, Honda's SUVs were simply rebadged versions of models made by other manufacturers. For example, this 2002 Honda Passport is really an Isuzu Rodeo.
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In the 1990s, Honda even sold rebadged a Land Rover Discovery Series 1 as the Crossroad.

In the 1990s, Honda even sold rebadged a Land Rover Discovery Series 1 as the Crossroad.

A second generation Pilot followed in 2009.

A second generation Pilot followed in 2009.
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The current third generation model arrived in 2016.

The current third generation model arrived in 2016.

For 2019, Honda is rolling out an updated version of the Pilot.

For 2019, Honda is rolling out an updated version of the Pilot.
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This includes a refreshed front end with new LED headlights along with a redesigned bumper and chrome grille.

This includes a refreshed front end with new LED headlights along with a redesigned bumper and chrome grille.

The rear of the Pilot gets new taillights, bumper, and chrome accents.

The rear of the Pilot gets new taillights, bumper, and chrome accents.
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Our Elite trim test car also came with these new 20-inch wheels.

Our Elite trim test car also came with these new 20-inch wheels.

Aesthetic updates aside, the overall dimensions of the of 16.4-foot-long Pilot remain unchanged.

Aesthetic updates aside, the overall dimensions of the of 16.4-foot-long Pilot remain unchanged.
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Inside, the Pilot's interior received only minor styling updates for 2019.

Inside, the Pilot's interior received only minor styling updates for 2019.

This includes a new steering wheel, redesigned trim pieces around the air vents, and wider front passenger armrests.

This includes a new steering wheel, redesigned trim pieces around the air vents, and wider front passenger armrests.
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The Pilot's interior is roomy, comfortable, and well put together. Overall material quality is superb. There wasn't a squeak or rattle to be detected. Even on the pothole-riddled roads of New York and New Jersey.

The Pilot's interior is roomy, comfortable, and well put together. Overall material quality is superb. There wasn't a squeak or rattle to be detected. Even on the pothole-riddled roads of New York and New Jersey.

The front seats are well bolstered and comfortable.

The front seats are well bolstered and comfortable.
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The driver's cockpit is well organized as controls for most functions are easily within reach.

The driver's cockpit is well organized as controls for most functions are easily within reach.

In front of the driver is a digital instrument display. I don't think it looks very good, but it was easy to use and presented all of the pertinent information the driver needs.

In front of the driver is a digital instrument display. I don't think it looks very good, but it was easy to use and presented all of the pertinent information the driver needs.
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All Pilots except the base LX trim are equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen running Honda's newest infotainment system. The Pilot LX gets a five-inch screen.

All Pilots except the base LX trim are equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen running Honda's newest infotainment system. The Pilot LX gets a five-inch screen.

The new system is a marked improvement over the previous unit. It's clearly organized and crisply rendered. Although we are happy to see the return of a volume knob in place of the touch panel, we would have also liked to see a tuner knob as well.

The new system is a marked improvement over the previous unit. It's clearly organized and crisply rendered. Although we are happy to see the return of a volume knob in place of the touch panel, we would have also liked to see a tuner knob as well.
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The system is equipped with a host of auto sources including satellite radio.

The system is equipped with a host of auto sources including satellite radio.

There's also Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

There's also Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.
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Our Elite test car came with a built-in navigation system. However, it proved to be surplus to our requirements with Google Maps, Waze, and a host of other navigation apps at our disposal.

Our Elite test car came with a built-in navigation system. However, it proved to be surplus to our requirements with Google Maps, Waze, and a host of other navigation apps at our disposal.

One of our favorite features in the Pilot is Cabin Talk. It comes from the Honda Odyssey minivan and allows the driver and the rear cabin passengers to communicate using a series of microphones placed within the interior. That way, folks in the front won't have to yell at people sitting in the back and vice versa. It's also a handy way for parents to listen in on what their kids are doing in the back.

One of our favorite features in the Pilot is Cabin Talk. It comes from the Honda Odyssey minivan and allows the driver and the rear cabin passengers to communicate using a series of microphones placed within the interior. That way, folks in the front won't have to yell at people sitting in the back and vice versa. It's also a handy way for parents to listen in on what their kids are doing in the back.
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Cabin Talk pairs perfectly with the panoramic mirror attached to the sun glasses holder.

Cabin Talk pairs perfectly with the panoramic mirror attached to the sun glasses holder.

The center stack is also equipped with a host of ways to charge your smart devices from USB plugs to a wireless charging pad.

The center stack is also equipped with a host of ways to charge your smart devices from USB plugs to a wireless charging pad.
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There are even more charging plugs located in the configurable center console between the driver and front passenger seats.

There are even more charging plugs located in the configurable center console between the driver and front passenger seats.

The rear cabin can be optioned with either a second-row bench or captains chairs. With the bench seat, the Pilot can haul up to eight passengers.

The rear cabin can be optioned with either a second-row bench or captains chairs. With the bench seat, the Pilot can haul up to eight passengers.
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The second row feels positively palatial. It is incredibly spacious with 38.4 inches of legroom.

The second row feels positively palatial. It is incredibly spacious with 38.4 inches of legroom.

The massive glass roof fills the cabin with natural light.

The massive glass roof fills the cabin with natural light.
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According to Honda, the third row boasts an airplane-seat-like 31.9 inches of legroom. However, it felt tighter than that. So that row is essentially reserved for kids.

According to Honda, the third row boasts an airplane-seat-like 31.9 inches of legroom. However, it felt tighter than that. So that row is essentially reserved for kids.

On the bright side, third-row ingress and egress is a cinch.

On the bright side, third-row ingress and egress is a cinch.
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The push-button seat actuator is a big help.

The push-button seat actuator is a big help.

Passengers in the back of the Pilot are also treated to a bevy of tech and convenience features.

Passengers in the back of the Pilot are also treated to a bevy of tech and convenience features.
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This starts with a 10.2-inch high definition rear seat entertainment system that comes standard on the Touring and Elite trims.

This starts with a 10.2-inch high definition rear seat entertainment system that comes standard on the Touring and Elite trims.

It's controlled using this remote.

It's controlled using this remote.
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You can plug in wired headphones or you can use the pair of wireless units that come with the car.

You can plug in wired headphones or you can use the pair of wireless units that come with the car.

There's a Blu Ray player built into the dash or you can stream video using a host of apps through the Pilot's onboard 4G LTE wifi hotspot.

There's a Blu Ray player built into the dash or you can stream video using a host of apps through the Pilot's onboard 4G LTE wifi hotspot.
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The second row also get heated captains chairs along with their own climate control setup.

The second row also get heated captains chairs along with their own climate control setup.

Out back, the Pilot is equipped with a hands-free tailgate that will lift up automatically if the driver swings his or her foot under the rear bumper.

Out back, the Pilot is equipped with a hands-free tailgate that will lift up automatically if the driver swings his or her foot under the rear bumper.
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There's also a small storage compartment under the rear cargo area.

There's also a small storage compartment under the rear cargo area.

Behind the third row, there is 16 cubic feet of cargo room.

Behind the third row, there is 16 cubic feet of cargo room.
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With the rearmost seats folded down, cargo volume expands to 46 cubic feet. With the second row folded, that figure expands to 82 cubic feet.

With the rearmost seats folded down, cargo volume expands to 46 cubic feet. With the second row folded, that figure expands to 82 cubic feet.

As with all Pilot models, our test car came standard with the Honda Sensing driver's assistance tech package. This includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigating braking, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist. Outside of Honda sensing our test car came with blind spot awareness and rear cross traffic alert.

As with all Pilot models, our test car came standard with the Honda Sensing driver's assistance tech package. This includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigating braking, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist. Outside of Honda sensing our test car came with blind spot awareness and rear cross traffic alert.
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Our test car also came with a multi-angle rear view camera.

Our test car also came with a multi-angle rear view camera.

Under the hood, all Pilots are powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated VTEC V6 engine.

Under the hood, all Pilots are powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated VTEC V6 engine.
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The V6 is paired with either a six or nine-speed automatic transmission. Our test car came with the nine-speed.

The V6 is paired with either a six or nine-speed automatic transmission. Our test car came with the nine-speed.

With the exception of the Elite trim, all Pilots come standard in front-wheel-drive with all-wheel-drive available as an option. Our Elite trim tester came standard with all-wheel-drive. According to Honda, front-wheel-drive models can tow up to 3,500 pounds while AWD equipped Pilots can tow 5,000 pounds.

With the exception of the Elite trim, all Pilots come standard in front-wheel-drive with all-wheel-drive available as an option. Our Elite trim tester came standard with all-wheel-drive. According to Honda, front-wheel-drive models can tow up to 3,500 pounds while AWD equipped Pilots can tow 5,000 pounds.
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So, what's like to drive?

So, what's like to drive?

It's inoffensive.

Here's what I mean. The Honda Pilot isn't going to blow you away with its blistering performance nor will with annoy you with any glaring faults. It's designed to deliver competent acceleration, a smooth ride, and a quiet cabin. The Pilot delivers all of those.

First, the engine. It's Honda's corporate V6 and it's an absolute jew. It's velvety smooth and delivers solid punch off the line. One of the updates made for the 2019 model year is a retuned nine-speed automatic. It worked. The nine-speed delivered quick shifts that were virtually in perceptible.

Unfortunately, the Pilot's handling proved to be very vague while its softly sprung suspension made the SUV feel large and a bit cumbersome. Especially around the streets of New York City. With that said, the Pilot's ride quality was exceptional. It felt like you were riding on a bed of pillows.

According to Honda, our Pilot Elite should be able to deliver 22 MPG of fuel economy in mixed driving. However, we struggled to get above 17 MPG. But, the Arctic cold weather may be may be to blame.

The verdict.

The verdict.

Three-row mid-size crossover SUVs are effectively the family minivans of this decade. They deliver exceptional people hauling and cargo hauling ability in a friendly and reliable package.

The Honda Pilot is the epitome of excellence in this genre of automobile. The third generation Pilot was always a strong competitor in the segment. But the updates made for the 2019 model year has corrected some of most glaring faults and bolstered its position as one of the finest family SUVs money can buy.

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