Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Honda Pilot II 3.5 V6 (253 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Honda Pilot:
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating manufactured by Honda since 2002 for the 2003 model year. Primarily aimed at the North American market, the Pilot is the largest SUV produced by Honda. As of 2025, the Pilot is manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, and the Pilot was produced in Alliston, Ontario, until April 2007. The first generation Pilot was released in April 2002 as a 2003 model.
The Pilot shares its platform with the Acura MDX, as well as the North American market Odyssey minivan. The Pilot's unibody construction and independent suspension are designed to provide handling similar to that of a car, and it has integrated perimeter frame rails to permit towing and light off-road use....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II Overview:
Honda Pilot (II). With 343 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1979 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. A vehicle that combines characteristics of SUVs and hatchbacks for versatility. With seating for 8, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Honda Pilot II was primarily designed for the North American market and was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, it performed well in US safety tests (NHTSA and IIHS), earning high ratings for occupant protection.
3.5 V6 (253 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.5L V6 provides ample power for daily driving, highway cruising, and light towing, offering smooth acceleration typical for a family SUV.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is typical for a large V6 SUV of its era, acceptable but not class-leading, especially in urban settings.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious and versatile interior with seating for eight
- • Comfortable and smooth ride quality
- • Reliable and robust 3.5L V6 engine
- • Good safety ratings (in US tests)
- • Practical and family-friendly design
Cons:
- • Fuel economy could be better for its class
- • Dated 5-speed automatic transmission
- • Somewhat bland exterior styling
- • Not particularly agile handling
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I (facelift 2006): 2006 - 2008).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Honda |
| Model: | Pilot |
| Generation: | II |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 V6 (253 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2008 |
| End of production: | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats: | 8 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 253 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 72.9 Hp/l [74mm more] |
| Torque: | 343 Nm @ 4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J35Z4 More details about the engine J35Z4 |
| Engine displacement: | 3471 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC i-VTEC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 93 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | ULEV-2 |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.7 kg/Hp, 129.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.7 kg/Nm, 175.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1959-1999 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2463 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 509 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1585 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 79 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4849 mm [74mm more] |
| Width: | 1994 mm [26mm more] |
| Height: | 1803-1846 mm [18mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2774 mm [74mm more] |
| Front track: | 1719 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1715 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 203 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.5 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 27.8° |
| Departure angle: | 24.5° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 330 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 333 mm [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
Does the Honda Pilot live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!