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2009 Honda Pilot: Interior

The interior of the Honda Pilot is designed to provide a comfortable experience for all passengers in business class style. For 2009, the key areas of improvement concentrate on increasing spaciousness, knee room, general comfort and accessibility while maintaining the optimal mid-size SUV exterior. The design goal of the interior was to create best-in-class functionality that truly sets it apart from the competitive set. A 2.9-inch longer and 1.0-inch-wider exterior contributes to an additional 4.1 cubic feet of space inside (EX-L), with much of that space resulting in greater practicality for the 2nd row, 3rd row and cargo area. Some of the latest technology and features from Honda culminate in a new Touring edition that includes the newest generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™ mobile phone connectivity, available DVD entertainment system with DTS surround sound, a power tailgate and more. A rearview camera is standard on the Pilot EX-L and Pilot Touring models.

Styling-wise, a functional, strong and intelligent design theme emanates from a massive-looking, wide center stack using clean, crisp lines and a combination of richly textured surfaces. The instrument panel intelligently organizes switchgear into zones for audio, climate controls and navigation (if equipped). An interface dial, similar to the one used in the Honda Accord, is used to control the navigation system on the Pilot Touring.

Interior Summary

• Eight-passenger seating with improved comfort and more practical cargo utilization
• Enhanced appearance with high quality materials and well-organized storage areas
• Total interior volume up by 4.1 cubic feet to 174.5 cubic feet
• Leg room up by 1.1 inches in second row, 1.9 inches in third row
• Third-row seating more spacious and can better accommodate adult-sized occupants
• Cargo area behind third row holds larger items like medium-sized coolers and strollers
• Available premium features include the latest Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System technology and DVD video playback with surround sound

Interior Key Dimensions, 2009 Pilot vs. 2008 Pilot

* Includes 2.8 cu-ft. inside the underfloor hidden storage well (2008 model =1.5 cu-ft.). The underfloor storage well can be fully combined with the above-floor storage by securing the cargo lid to the third row seatback.

New Interior Features

• Instrument panel-mounted shifter
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Auxiliary audio input
• Humidity control (as part of standard A/C)
• Radio Data System (RDS)
• Rearview camera (EX-L and Touring)
• Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® (Touring)
• Driver’s seat power lumbar support (EX, EX-L and Touring)
• USB jack for iPod and MP3 playback (Touring)
• Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System (RES) with DTS Surround Sound (available EX-L, Touring)
• Standard 7-speaker audio system with subwoofer, available 10-speaker audio system (standard with RES)

Interior Styling

Honda designers used the three-dimensionally beveled lines of an ultra-rugged laptop computer as inspiration for the active and intelligent design theme. The concept provided the basis for the Pilot’s unique blend of sporty, functional and fun interior and exterior design elements. In keeping with conventional Honda design philosophy of “man maximum, machine minimum,” Honda designers sought to provide Pilot owners with the largest possible interior space while optimizing the exterior size for improved driveability, garageability and efficiency. Like all Honda vehicles, the Pilot interior is designed with world-class levels of refinement, comfort and ease-of-use (ergonomics). Controls are designed to be simple and functional with minimal complexity. Gauges, switches and warning lights are carefully positioned and well labeled for intuitive use. Every aspect of the vehicle’s interior is optimized to provide an enjoyable and relaxing driving experience.

Clever Storage and Packaging

Flexible SUV cargo carrying capability is highlighted by 60/40 split second and third row bench seats that fold flat into the floor. Clever and thoughtful storage areas throughout instrument panel, center console and doors provide convenient access for items as small as sunglasses and mobile phones to larger items like purses and beverage containers of varied sizes. The extra large center console, which is up to two times larger by volume than most consoles in the segment, provides generous space for personal items.

The Pilot provides four Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) positions – whereas most vehicles in the segment can attach only two. The cargo area behind the third row has 25 percent more space so large items like a medium-sized cooler or a collapsed baby stroller can easily fit inside without having to fold the seat.

Versatile and Accommodating Eight-Passenger Seating

For maximum versatility, the Pilot is equipped with three rows of seats – two front bucket seats and two rows of three-person bench seats. The second- and third-row seats are split 60/40 and can be individually folded flat in one simple motion to handle anywhere from one to eight occupants and a variety of cargo shapes. The Pilot’s seats are designed to provide every occupant with a commanding outside view, comfortable seating position, and easy vehicle ingress and egress. The first and second-row seats are designed to fit occupants up to a 99th percentile adult male. The third row is optimized to accommodate a 95th percentile adult male.

First and second row outboard seats feature height adjustable seatbelt anchors. Second- and third-row seats utilize ceiling-mounted retractable shoulder belts in the center seating position. When in use, the shoulder belt attaches to a special receiver in the lap belt anchor. When not in use, the shoulder belt retracts snugly into a special ceiling fixture, providing for an open and unobstructed cargo space when the seats are not in use.

To ensure a high level of visibility and comfort for all passengers, the Pilot features theater-style second- and third-row seats and a large, glassy greenhouse with excellent outward visibility (273 degrees). Paying special attention to the comfort of third-row passengers, the third-row seats are approximately two inches higher than the first-row seats to allow for excellent forward visibility and a comfortable seating position. Second-row seats are raised about one-half inch over the front row for improved visibility.

First Row Seating

The first row seats are designed for optimal space and quality. The driver and front-seat passenger sit in bucket seats with six-way manual adjustments (LX), adjustable active head restraints and three-point seatbelts with adjustable B-pillar anchors. All seats are designed to provide long-distance driving comfort with an excellent balance of driver comfort and enveloping feeling while maintaining good vehicle ingress and egress. In keeping with the vehicle’s stuff-able storage capabilities, the front seat backs feature cargo pockets.

Pilot EX, EX-L and Touring models add an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support. Pilot EX-L and Touring models, which feature leather-trimmed first- and second-row seating surfaces, door panels and a matching vinyl third-row seat, also add a four-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat. The Pilot Touring provides an additional sliding storage bin under the front passenger seat.

Second Row Seating

The second row seats are designed to be adaptable and comfortable. The three-person, second-row seat features two separate sections split 60/40 with individual fold-flat capability. Each section slides back and forth by approximately three inches to allow for more cargo space or more legroom. Three-point seatbelts with automatic tensioners, adjustable head restraints and three LATCH system child seat attachment points are provided for all three seating positions. Second-row seatbacks can recline via a lever on each seat’s upper bolster.

For 2009, the second row “walk-thru” opening is between 2.6 inches longer (top) and 1.8 inches longer (bottom) to make ingress and egress even more convenient. The second row center armrest, positioned higher off the seat for better comfort, provides two beverage holders and a tray to hold small items. Second row legroom measures 38.5 inches, up 1.1 inches from 37.4 inches in the 2008 Pilot.

To fold the second row seat flat for cargo hauling, the user simply lifts up on a lever located on the upper portion of the outboard seat bolster. A linkage automatically cantilevers the bottom seat cushion both down and forward as the seat back is folded down to create a flat load floor for optimal cargo carrying utility. The head restraints do not have to be removed to fold the seats flat.

Third Row Seating

More spacious for 2009, the three-person, third-row bench seat features a 60/40 split with recline and fold-flat capabilities. Third row legroom measures 32.1 inches, up 1.9 inches compared to the 2008 Pilot. Knee room also increased by moving the seat’s hip point higher by 0.6 inches and rearward by 2.0 inches. This additional space provides sufficient knee room for a 95th percentile adult male (an above-average-size person) to sit comfortably. Expanded cargo room behind the seats allows the third row to be used in greater variety of people and cargo situations, as opposed to the less desirable people or cargo situations.

The rear seats are also easier to enter and exit compared to the previous model with larger walk-thru openings (up to 2.6 inches wider than the 2008 Pilot) and newly added 3rd row grab handles located on the C-pillar. The increased walk-thru openings are made possible by the 2.9-inch longer wheelbase. Third row air vents have also been added for 2009, which can help reduce rear seat cool-down time by as much as 25 percent.

Levers on the seat bolster allow for simple, one-step, transformation of seats from the side doors or rear tailgate opening. Head restraints and three-point seatbelts are also provided in all seating positions. New for 2009, the head restraints do not need to be removed for the seat to be folded flat.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) System

Up to four child seats can be installed using the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children LATCH system. The second-row seats (all three positions) and one outboard position in the third row (on the passenger side) feature the LATCH system with its easy-to-use tethers affixed between the seatback and seat bottom. The third row LATCH position is placed on the 40 percent side of the 60/40 seat so that the cargo area can be better utilized, if needed. The LATCH system, when used in conjunction with compatible child seats, eliminates the need to secure the seat using the vehicle’s seatbelts. (See the safety section for additional LATCH information.)

Cargo Hauling Capabilities

The Pilot is designed to provide the most versatile cargo hauling capacity in its class with the unique capability to allow loading of four-foot wide items, like plywood sheets, between the wheel wells with no tilting of items or scraping of interior surfaces. With its two rows of 60/40 split fold-flat seats, the Pilot is easily reconfigured to handle anywhere from one to eight occupants and a wide variety of cargo. Longer items can be stored down either side of the vehicle while maintaining two to four occupant seating capability. In full cargo mode (all second and third row seats flat), the Pilot provides 87.0 cubic feet of storage capacity. The rear cargo floor has four separate tie-down points to secure loose items.

When the second-row seats are in use, there is still 47.7 cu-ft. of space available, more than three times that of a full size car's trunk. And if it's necessary to use all three rows of seats for passengers, the Pilot still provides up to 20.8 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seat (lid open to utilize the 2.8 cu-ft. underfloor storage zone). The floor of the rear cargo area has large enough dimensions for a medium-size cooler, or a collapsed baby stroller, or a full set of golf clubs.

A 2.8-cubic-foot underfloor storage area exists behind the third row (+1.3 cubic feet compared to the 2008 model). The lid of the underfloor storage area opens flush against the back of the third row seat and locks in place. The open lid creates an extra deep well and provides access to five grocery bag hooks. Once open, a cargo net (standard equipment) can then be attached across the upper portion of the lid to create a second tier of storage. Access to the rear cargo area is enhanced with lift-up glass hatch in the tailgate, a new feature for 2009. A power tailgate is standard on the Pilot Touring.

Another new feature is an integrated storage box located in the driver’s side wall of the cargo area. It’s large enough to accommodate such items as a one gallon container of windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper or a roadside assistance kit.