The Pilot, Honda’s mid-sized three-row crossover, has certainly been long in the tooth. Thankfully, it’s been given a top-down change up with the all-new model that just debuted at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The all-new Pilot promises to continue where the old model left off. It will be more modern, refined, and confidently capable than ever while unfortunately, looking every bit like a CR-V on steroids. Styling issues aside, it certain looks to be the next preferred soccer mom transport out there.

Outside, the all-new Pilot gains a CR-V-like form with the swoopy, angular headlights and the three-bar grille upfront. Oddly enough, the styling cues are more reminiscent of the pre-facelifted CR-V than the current one, so it’s a wonder why Honda didn’t decide to integrate features like the solid wing face and the like. Still, the Pilot gains the option of its first-ever panoramic sunroof to go with bling-worthy 20-inch wheels. In terms of lighting, the Pilot uses LED extensively from the daytime running lights to the headlights to the tail lamps. Inside, the Pilot gains LED map lighting as well.



Underneath, the Pilot runs on a new direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine. This Earth Dreams engine features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) as well. This engine is mated to Honda’s 6-speed automatic (for lower-end variants) or the first-ever application of a 9-speed (!) automatic. This all-new mid-sized crossover also features idle start/stop technology to improve its city fuel mileage. And despite its increased size, it’s also 135 kilograms lighter than its most immediate predecessor. The platform has also been stiffed with an all-new three-bone platform that uses both high and ultra-high strength materials.

Inside, Honda promises best-in-class interior space with improved entry to the third-row seating. The Pilot is now available with an intuitive one-touch walk-in second row seat that tilts to its forward-most position at the touch of a button. The third row seats also feature wider seats and entry way and a lower step-in height.



The Pilot features advanced connectivity features with 5 USB ports (4 of which provide 2.5-amp output), additional ports such as HDMI, 12-volt, and 115-volt power socket, and even headphone jacks. Front and center is a new 8-inch Display Audio telematics powered by a new Android-based operating system. A rear entertainment system with a Blu-ray and DVD player is available to keep kids happy at the back.

In terms of safety, the Pilot carries with it a dizzying amount of tech from blind spot indicators, multi-angle parking camera, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, and others.