The Honda Pilot SUV was introduced as an all-new model in 2016. This third generation Pilot received major upgrades to interior quality to enhance its refinement, as well as more standard comfort and convenience features on all trims, along with the addition of a new line-topping Elite version.
The 2017 Pilot features the next generation of Honda’s advanced compatibility engineering body structure along with a new three-bone underbody frame design and new hot-stamped ultra-high strength steel door rings. Taken together, these engineering features and technologies deliver major gains to the Pilot’s collision avoidance and collision protection capabilities.
The redesigned pilot also received a new engine — a direct-injected 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine with variable cylinder management (VCM). The engine features a peak output of 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine is matched to a choice of two new advanced transmissions — a six-speed automatic transmission or, on upper trims, a nine-speed automatic transmission.
These new powertrains combined with a new, lighter yet more rigid unit-body and aerodynamically efficiency body and chassis designs result in EPA fuel economy ratings of 20/27/23 (city/highway/combined) for two-wheel-drive models and 19/26/22 mpg for all-wheel-drive models.
The Pilot’s available new intelligent VTM4 progressively distributes optimum torque between the front and rear axles and dynamically distributes engine torque between the left and right rear wheels. Benefits include superior all-weather handling and neutral, accurate steering under power that is more effective than front-drive, rear-drive or conventional all-wheel-drive systems.
The Pilot also features a new button-operated intelligent traction management system that offers different operating modes for the AWD — snow, mud and sand — and for the FWD — normal and snow.
Honda Sensing, a suite of technologies designed to expand the driver’s situation awareness while sensing and responding to potential road hazards, includes a standard multi-angle rearview camera and a suite of available safety and driver assistive technologies that include LaneWatch display, a blind spot information system, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, a road departure mitigation system and rear cross-traffic monitor.
The 2017 Honda Pilot is available in four trim levels:
- LX: features a 280 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine; 18-inch alloy wheels; multi-angle rearview camera and eight-passenger seating
- EX: includes all of the features available on LX, plus Honda LaneWatch, remote engine start, display audio touchscreen and tri-zone automatic climate control
- EX-L: includes all features available on EX, plus leather-trimmed seats, one-touch second-row seats, available rear entertainment system and available Honda Sensing
- Touring: includes all features available on EX-L plus a nine-speed automatic transmission, satellite-linked navigation, 20-inch alloy wheels and Honda Sensing
The entry-level Honda Pilot LX starts at $30,745. However, a top-of-the-line touring model, complete with all-wheel-drive, nine-speed transmission, leather seats and a rear entertainment system, will run about $43,620.
Servicing the 2017 Honda Pilot
The 2017 Pilot, like its predecessor, features Honda’s Maintenance Minder system, which displays oil life and maintenance service items on the information display or MID, depending on the model, to show drivers when they need to have service performed. Engine oil life is displayed in 10 percent increments down to 20 percent, and then in 5 percent increments down to 0. To see the vehicle’s current engine oil life, turn the power mode to On and press the information button (designated by an i in a circle) until the engine oil life appears on the MID.When a vehicle is due for service, drivers will be alerted by messages in the MID display accompanied by a wrench symbol. “Maintenance Due Soon” will be displayed when oil life is 6-15 percent. “Maintenace Due Now” will be displayed when oil life is 1-5 percent, and “Maintenance Past Due” will be displayed with a negative distance when the engine oil life has passed and maintenance items must be inspected and serviced immediately.
Honda’s Maintenance Minder system displays the vehicle’s maintenance needs in a series of codes. The coded string will begin with the letter “A” or “B” to indicate the maintenance main item, followed by one or more of the numerals “1” through “6” to indicate the maintenance sub items.
Maintenance Main Items
Maintenance main item “A” indicates the vehicle requires an oil change. Maintenance main item “B” indicates the vehicle requires the following services:- Replace engine oil and oil filter
- Inspect front and rear brakes
- Check parking brake adjustment
- Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox and boots
- Inspect suspension components
- Inspect driveshaft boots
- Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
- Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids
- Inspect exhaust system
- Inspect fuel lines and connections
Maintenance Sub Items
Honda uses the following numerals to indicate the following services are required:“1”:
- Rotate tires
“2”:
- Replace air cleaner element
- Replace dust and pollen filter
- Inspect drive belt
“3”:
- Replace transmission fluid and transfer fluid
“4”:
- Replace spark plugs
- Replace timing belt and inspect water pump
- Inspect valve clearance
“5”:
- Replace engine coolant
“6”:
- Replace rear differential fluid
Miscellaneous Items
- Replace brake fluid every three years
- Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km)
- Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2 or 3 if they are noisy
- If vehicle is driven in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
- If the vehicle is driven primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
- If vehicle is driven regularly in very high temperatures (over 110 F [43 C]), in very low temperatures (under -20 F [-29 C]) or towing a trailer, replace every 60,000 miles (100,000 km)
- Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds or trailer towing results in higher level of mechanical stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the Maintenance Minder. If vehicle is regularly driven under these conditions, differential fluid should be changed at 7,500 miles (12,000 km) and then every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
