2nd-Gen Honda Pilot Prototype Coming to Detroit

Back when it was launched in 2002, the Pilot really changed things for Honda. Sure the Japanese brand had the CR-V, but it wasn’t big enough to compete within the midsize SUV segment which was flourishing at the time. Indeed, Honda had a hit on its hands. Nimble for its size and weight, featuring a car-like ride and a smooth, efficient, powerful V6 engine, it was hard to ignore then, and it’s still a popular choice amongst consumers today. Several years on, and one facelift later, the Pilot is now starting to show its age against some of its recently redesigned rivals. It won’t be long before the next generation Pilot will be launched, however, as Honda has just announced that it will be showing off the prototype version of this forthcoming crossover at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Honda knows what midsize SUV buyers want, as proven by the countless awards the Pilot has racked up. In the years that it has been around, Honda’s largest SUV has snapped up a position on Car and Driver’s 5 Best Trucks list for six consecutive years, between 2002 and 2007. Buyers want power, comfort, luxury and more importantly than ever, fuel economy, and these are all things that Honda has promised to improve on with the new Pilot.

From the preliminary sketch shown here, the Pilot will be keeping its upright, utilitarian look, but its styling is more aggressive and rugged than before. It may still have unibody architecture and an independent front and rear suspension, but deeper inset windows with chamfered edges, and wider fender flares, not to mention shorter overhangs and a fairly aggressive tire tread make it look like it’d be good to tackle the back country. Also present, there appears to be a panoramic sunroof that extends into the second row, providing additional light for improved interior ambiance. Inside, the Pilot will feature clever new interior packaging with more cargo space as well.

In terms of improvements to fuel economy, Honda has steadily improved the Pilot over the years by offering it with cylinder deactivation that halves the number of operational cylinders from six to three under lighter loads. Expect to see the new, second-generation version of this system currently used in the new Accord sedan, which permits the engine to run on three or four cylinders, allowing it to save even more fuel. With a clean diesel engine in the works for the North American marketplace, this just might be Honda’s greenest version yet, and perhaps even the range topping version.

Honda’s concept cars for the North American market have more or less been thinly veiled versions of future production vehicles, such as the Accord Coupe Concept and the Acura RDX Concept. While we’ll have to wait and see what the Pilot prototype will look like, once mid-January comes we’ll have a big clue as to what to expect for Honda’s next midsize SUV.