Page 38 - Motor Trend (May 2020)

THE BIG TEST I 3-Row SUVs

LAYOUT, HONDA PILOT

70.6”

66.3” 66.3” 111.0”
78.6” 196.5”

2020 Honda Pilot We headed to Southern California’s
spectacular Palos Verdes Peninsula. Its
HEADROOM, F/M/R 39.5/40.9/38.9 in
twisty and hilly roads overlook the Pacific
LEGROOM, F/M/R 40.9/38.4/31.9 in Ocean, and its neighboring streets and

SHOULDER ROOM, F/M/R 62.0/62.0/57.6 in reachable freeway made it a great spot for
CARGO VOLUME BEHIND 82.1/46.0/16.0 cu ft vehicle evaluation.
F/M/R
If we were to award a gold medal
CURB WEIGHT; DIST, F/R 4,285 lb; 56/44% for performance, ride, and handling,
GROUND CLEARANCE 7.3 in the Mazda CX-9 would be the champ.
APPROACH/DEPART ANGLE 19.7/20.8 deg With its stiffer steering, well-balanced
The Pilot still offers rear-seat entertainment
TURNING CIRCLE 39.4 ft suspension, and peppy 2.5-liter turbo-
with a Blu-ray player and HDMI ports.
TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb four engine, the CX-9 delivers on Mazda’s
“Driving Matters” mantra. “No SUV in you need that extra giddyap. We were
cousins. We loved the deep and spacious this group is as engaging and—dare I say— surprised to see the Honda Pilot winning
center console and the ease of getting into rewarding to drive as the CX-9,” Seabaugh the chase in 6.2 seconds. “Once the VTEC
and out of the third row, which is ample said. “Its steering is well weighted, kicks in, this engine feels and sounds
enough for city drives for adults. accurate, and pure.” With 227 hp and great,” Walton said. Its standard 3.5-liter
310 lb-ft of torque, the CX-9 was tied for naturally aspirated V-6 produces 280 hp
Driving Although these players the torquiest SUV (along with Explorer), and 262 lb-ft of torque, and its nine-speed
aren’t necessarily known for being great and its six-speed automatic transmis- automatic was updated for 2019 to make
athletes, you’ll want an SUV that has sion, though old, still gets the job done. shifts smoother and downshifts quicker.
enough punch to pass an 18-wheeler Rechtin agreed: “It’s definitely the most It’s not perfect, but the gearbox feels like it
when necessary, a suspension that makes entertaining drive of the bunch if you still has improved, though we wish it wouldn’t
the ride pleasant, and enough sound want the feel of fun.” hunt for gears when going uphill. Yekikian
insulation that you can hear your kids Although 0–60 times are almost noted a “squishy brake pedal that inspires
in the back. irrelevant for this segment, sometimes little confidence,” but during our testing

38 MOTORTREND.COM MAY