BEING in control over life’s challenges is one of the keys to success. Taking hold of any situation, may it be big or small, signifies strength. Being in command surely overcomes issues.

On the road, the Honda Pilot does all these.

The second-generation Pilot, launched in the country in June alongside Honda’s all-new Odyssey, created a wider roster for Honda Cars Phils. Inc. as the two North American models join their City, Civic, Jazz, Accord and CR-V stable-mates.

At the latest Pilot’s launch, Kevin McClure, one of Honda’s engineers, said that Honda’s flagship SUV is currently packed with flexible cargo space. Now what he claimed then exactly defines my experience when I took the vehicle for a few days’ spin some weeks back. With a price of P2.6 million, the Pilot is well worth it.

Sophisticated looks
The Pilot has a sophisticated look, exuding a distinct feel that’s robust yet still fragile and beautiful—and this could be the main reason why it sells like hotcakes in the US. It brags of a power sunroof with an anti-pinch function; a tailgate whose glass hatch comes with a key-integrated release button; projector-type halogen headlights that has auto on/off and manual leveling functions—great stuff that matches the vehicle’s bold design and huge size.

This beefcake could pack a lot within its very fascinating cargo configuration, thanks to much-improved third-row magic seats that easily tucks away partially or completely, making traveling comfortable. And despite its size (4,875 millimeters long, 1,995 millimeters wide, 1,845 millimeters high), every inch of this shuttle makes you feel that you are definitely in control whether on tarmac or off-road. A 5.63-meter turning radius makes the Pilot more flexible as it’s able to take on sharp curves.

The Pilot’s front and rear parking sensors, which can be turned off as they can get annoying as they beep every time another vehicle cuts in from the side, nonetheless make maneuvering around the busy streets of Metro more convenient. The backing-up camera also reduces the chances of incurring unexpected dings and dents—useful when reversing this massive vehicle.

Speed, safety
Power and speed are no issues in the latest Pilot as the SUV boasts of a 3.5-liter 24-valve i-VTEC V6 engine that delivers 254 horsepower at 5,700rpm and 347 Newton-meter of torque at 4,800rpm—good for a towing capacity of 2,045 kilograms. The engine is bolted on to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Being in control also means the capability to take the Pilot over almost all types of terrain. I tested it on the rugged patches in areas roughly hit by the recent monsoon rains and on muddy places in the countryside, and the Pilot never failed to deliver as it drove on effortlessly, thanks in part to its 17-inch alloys and tall 245/65 tires. Honda’s Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system also takes major credit for this capability.

The journey was made more enjoyable as the Pilot also has an active noise control, insulating those inside the vehicle not only from the heat outside but from noise as well.

When it comes to safety features, the Pilot is equipped with a dual-stage, multiple threshold front SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger, knee bolsters, curtain airbags, Honda’s Occupant Position Detection System for the front passenger seat, three-point ELR seatbelts on all 8 seats, the carmaker’s Advance Compatibility Engineering body structure and the lower anchors and tethers for children. These come aside from the usual active safety systems like vehicle stability assist, ABS and EBD.

Now, I could go on and on about the flashy features of the latest Pilot, but there’s a sole message it has conveyed to me, one that I have really taken to heart; it’s best to be in control.