General Overview
- Model Years: 2008–2015
- Body Style: Midsize three-row crossover SUV, unibody construction darcarshonda.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15edmunds.com+15cars.com
- Seating: Standard 8-passenger capacity
- Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or available On-Demand Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Engine & Powertrain
- Engine: 3.5 L SOHC i‑VTEC V6 (J35Z4)
- Power Output: 244 hp @ 5,600–5,750 rpm; 240–253 lb‑ft torque autoblog.com+15edmunds.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15
- Cylinder Deactivation (VCM): Included on 2009–2015 models cars.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4reddit.com+4
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic (H5) edmunds.com+2edmunds.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2
Fuel Economy & Capacity
- Fuel Economy (EPA):
- FWD: 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- AWD: 16–17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway edmunds.com+7cars.com+7kbb.com+7en.wikipedia.org
- FWD: 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- Fuel Tank: ~20.4 US gal cars.com+15edmunds.com+15allcarsonline.com+15
Trim Levels & Differences
Common trims (varied slightly by year):
- LX / Value Package (VP): Basic features, 16″ or 17″ wheels, optional 4WD cars.com
- EX: Adds cruise control, blind-spot monitoring (later years), and upgraded audio
- EX-L: Leather upholstery, power liftgate, rear-seat DVD/nav options edmunds.com+2edmunds.com+2caranddriver.com+2
- Touring: Premium package—navigation, rear entertainment, 18″ wheels, roof rails
- Special Edition (SE, 2015 only): Between EX and EX-L; includes moonroof, pewter 18″ wheels, DVD player, satellite radio autoblog.com+4caranddriver.com+4cars.com+4
Dimensions & Tires
- Length: ~188.0 in en.wikipedia.org+6edmunds.com+6edmunds.com+6
- Width: ~77.5 – 78.5 in en.wikipedia.org+4allcarsonline.com+4kbb.com+4
- Height: ~71.1 – 72.7 in
- Wheelbase: 106.3 in en.wikipedia.org+10edmunds.com+10allcarsonline.com+10
- Ground Clearance: 7.8–8.0 in allcarsonline.com
- Cargo Volume: 15.9 cu ft behind 3rd row, expands to ~87 cu ft autoblog.com+4edmunds.com+4allcarsonline.com+4
- Tires:
- Standard 16″ alloy wheels with P235/70R16 on entry trims en.wikipedia.org+14edmunds.com+14caranddriver.com+14
- 17″ or 18″ across mid trims; 18″ on Touring/SE en.wikipedia.org
- Standard 16″ alloy wheels with P235/70R16 on entry trims en.wikipedia.org+14edmunds.com+14caranddriver.com+14
Suspension & Handling
- Front: MacPherson strut
- Rear: Independent multi-link suspension allcarsonline.com
- Stabilizer Bars: Front and rear caranddriver.com
Towing & Payload
- Towing Capacity:
- AWD models (2008–2014): 4,500 lb max; earlier claimed 3,500 lb edmunds.com+3edmunds.com+3darcarshonda.com+3
- 2015 Special Edition AWD and above: 4,500 lb edmunds.com
- AWD models (2008–2014): 4,500 lb max; earlier claimed 3,500 lb edmunds.com+3edmunds.com+3darcarshonda.com+3
- Tongue Weight: ~350 lb de.wikipedia.org+5caranddriver.com+5reddit.com+5
- Payload: Estimated ~1,400 – 1,600 lb (typical for midsize unibody SUV)
Safety & Features
- Airbags: Dual front, side, and curtain airbags
- Brakes: 4-wheel ABS with electronic brake distribution & brake assist caranddriver.com
- Traction Control / Stability Assist: Standard
- Safety Enhancements (2013+): Backup camera becomes standard
Notable Model-Year Changes
- 2009: Introduced VCM system and 4WD models reddit.com
- 2011–2012 facelift: Updated front styling, new wheels, interior tweaks en.wikipedia.org
- 2013: Backup camera and Bluetooth streaming become standard
- 2015: Added Special Edition trim with moonroof/DVD/nav; minimal mechanical updates en.wikipedia.org+3cars.com+3cars.com+3
Summary
The 2008–2015 Honda Pilot offers robust V6 power, optional 4WD, and seating for eight. Key strengths include towing up to 4,500 lb (AWD), spacious cargo capacity, and Honda’s i-VTEC V6 with cylinder deactivation. Available trims range from basic LX/VP to fully equipped Touring and SE. The model received progressive updates, including VCM fuel economy, backup camera, and mid-cycle styling improvements.
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