Honda Korea officially launched the completely redesigned 4th generation ‘All-New Pilot’ on the 29th, after an 8-year hiatus. The All-New Pilot is an 8-seater large SUV that sets the standard for large SUVs in space, convenience, performance, and safety.
The exterior has evolved into a true SUV style, featuring a larger and sturdier body with a simple yet powerful design. Notably, Honda’s unique packaging technology has enabled a user-friendly, spacious, and comfortable interior, along with an impressive cargo capacity that supports various lifestyles.
The powertrain features Honda’s latest 4th generation V6 engine, evaluated as the most powerful in Honda’s history, paired with Honda’s first-ever 10-speed automatic transmission, achieving both powerful driving performance and high efficiency. The All-New Pilot has earned the highest safety rating of TSP+ from the IIHS in the U.S. crash tests, ensuring top-level safety for all passengers through its upgraded Honda Sensing and airbag systems.
The price of the All-New Pilot is 69.4 million KRW (including VAT). It is available in three colors: White, Metal, and Black, and can be purchased via Honda’s online platform. The platform allows users to request test drives, generate estimates, make contracts, and complete payments all in one convenient location, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The All-New Pilot’s wide and robust front design, alongside its shoulder line, reveals the identity of Honda’s SUV lineup. Compared to the previous generation, its length, height, and wheelbase have all increased, enhancing its imposing presence with a larger body size and dynamic proportions. The details, such as the black front grille, chrome garnishing, matte PILOT badge at the rear, and black roof rails showcase the simple yet powerful true SUV style.
With the longest overall length (5,090 mm) and highest height (1,805 mm) in its class, the All-New Pilot offers spacious and comfortable seating in all rows. The front seats utilize a new global frame (G-Frame) that provides stable control of the driver’s posture, while the folding second and third-row seats, along with a removable second-row center seat, allow adjustments based on family composition and usage. The third-row space is designed to accommodate adult males, ensuring comfort and safety for all ages, even when transporting pets.
The trunk capacity is class-leading at 527L, increasing to 1,373L when the third-row seats are folded, and expanding up to 2,464L with the second-row seats down. The second-row center seat can be stored securely under the floor of the cargo space, providing ample room for luggage during long journeys with family, friends, or partners.
The powertrain is equipped with the latest 4th generation V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering strong driving performance and high fuel efficiency. The V6 3.5L direct-injection DOHC i-VTEC engine features a full aluminum structure developed for front-wheel-based luxury models, including the North American Acura line. The Pilot provides powerful yet smooth acceleration that offers comfort for both driver and passengers, and efficiency is maximized through the 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot’s first shutter grille, and the variable cylinder management (VCM) system.
The All-New Pilot features an all-wheel-drive system that can distribute up to 70% of power to the rear wheels in various off-road conditions, including dirt roads, wet roads, and snowy paths, implementing true torque vectoring that can send power entirely to one axle as needed for more stable and dynamic driving. During daily driving, the system can block the propeller shaft from rotating to prevent unnecessary power loss and enhance fuel efficiency by only using the front wheels.
Standard Honda Sensing on the All-New Pilot has been upgraded with a new 90-degree wide-angle camera and a 120-degree wide-angle radar, enhancing features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), and Blind Spot Information (BSI) technology.
In crowded traffic situations, the new Traffic Jam Assist feature detects lanes with cameras and operates from a standstill, while the Low-Speed Brake Control prevents collisions by controlling power based on obstacles in front and behind the vehicle when traveling under 10 km/h – a first for the Pilot series.
Additionally, Honda’s proprietary safety body design technology, ACE™ (Advanced Compatibility Engineering), and an improved airbag system ensure top-notch safety, with the latest IIHS crash tests earning a TSP+ (Top Safety Pick+) rating.
Various driver and passenger convenience features have also been incorporated. As an all-terrain SUV that encompasses both urban and off-road drives, it includes seven driving modes (Normal, Sport, ECON, Snow, Trail, Sand, Tow) to choose from based on different driving environments.
There is also a new feature where pressing the walk-away lock button in the tailgate will automatically lock all doors if the vehicle moves more than 1 meter away, simplifying access when hands are full or after unloading cargo from the trunk.
The audio system features a BOSE premium setup with 12 high-performance speakers, including a large subwoofer, allowing occupants to experience high-quality sound akin to being in a concert hall.
The driver’s seat is equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and a full-color head-up display, while the improved 9-inch display supports both wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some display buttons and the center fascia climate control unit are designed with physical buttons for ease of use while driving.
Mr. Lee Ji-hong, CEO of Honda Korea, stated, “Honda focuses on the essence of automobiles and aims to set the standards for each segment model. With the All-New Pilot reborn with outstanding product value after eight years, we hope everyone will experience the sporty charm inherent in being able to enjoy dynamic driving on both on-road and off-road.”
Meanwhile, to celebrate the launch of the All-New Pilot, Honda Korea is holding a nationwide test drive event. All customers who complete a test drive during the event will receive a beverage gift coupon, and customers who purchase will be entered into a raffle for generous prizes.
Jang In-seok daedusj@autodiary.kr