Should You Buy a 2023 Honda Pilot? Thorough Review By A Mechanic
A Mechanic Reviews the 2023 Honda Pilot. Should You Buy One?
In this video we take a look at the 2023 Honda Pilot. We start with a proper technical review under the hood then underneath the car.
Then we look at the exterior and interior. Then we talk about some things we don't like about it.
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#thecarcarenut #tccnautomotive #honda #hondapilot
0:00 Intro
0:35 Under The Hood
12:33 Under The Car
19:07 Exterior Review
26:32 Interior Review
32:21 Things I Don't Like About It
35:00 Should You Buy One?
This dude is definitely one of the best car reviewers out there. So in depth and straightforward.
A rarety. Most reviews are "NUMBERS, LOOKS, HAS A WIRELESS PHONE CHARGING PAD, AnDrOiD Wireless!!!". This guy takes the time to show you what others won't.
And you can barely find ANY mechanical reviews these days either. I based my purchase off of his review too!
CCN and SavageGeese are the only reviewers worth watching
@@cadel5840 Agree
Well, because of how he presents cars I don't see any manufacturers inviting him to any press release or an auto show.
I respect a Toyota guy who doesn’t hate on Honda. Honda is not perfect. Neither is Toyota. But game respects game!
This idiot really hates Tesla model Y and gave a super bad review on it. He never owned one. He just badmouth it so he could sell his stupid videos on KZhead because he can’t make it as a Mechanic financially.!
So you’re a Honda fan? 😂
Thats why I like his reviews he looks at it as a mechanic!
@@erikgonzalez2278 He is an Idiot when it comes to Teslas! he criticizes a design because it’s aerodynamic. He’s a real POS.
Most Japanese brands are respectable. Chinese & Korean brands are cheaper but also come with problems...see more
Being a retired Honda mechanic I was always impressed by Honda's engineering, reliability and ease of maintaining. I still enjoy owning and driving my old 06 Pilot EX now with 246 k and still runs like new.
I have an 07 with 135k miles and the rear subframe rusted out. Luckily I saw and had it fixed, but it is a problem for those who lives up north.
kzhead.infobZMfswgcuDM?si=uGrw_H0gt5gJsy08
Would you buy the 2023 Honda pilot?
@@jamesjacobs592 I'd buy the shorter Honda Passport, Trailsport version if I was looking for a new suv. I'm single and don't need the extra seats of the Pilot. I'm ok with the mechanical upgrades but still very happy with my 06. I also own a newer 4x4 Ranger midsize pickup.
I have a question for you sir. I have an 07 ridgeline 155k bought it used I have no idea if a valve adjustment has been done. It's not loud and does not misfire runs great. Do I need a valve adjustment? Cam I wait to get one ? And how do a lot of honda v6 owners actually never get a valve adjustment and their some of their engines have well over 200k miles with a valve adjustment never done ?
I recently purchased this exact same vehicle. Honestly, I feel like I committed a sin by moving away from Toyota for the first time in my life, but I just can’t get on board with the 4cyl turbo in the GH. By watching your video, I feel a lot more comfortable and confident about my purchase. Thank you!
I’d take a 4cyl turbo over NA with cylinder deactivation. Turbos haven’t been proven problematics but CD absolutely has.
lol turbos have been around way longer than cylinder deactivation, if you’re going to have any modern car with a turbo or cd then you will have to service either at some point but the naturally aspirated vehicle should be more reliable regardless of cylinder deactivation.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid was a great choice & never feel under powered but it is cvt & not direct drive AWD like in Honda or VW but the electric motors do a good job of pulling out of sticky situation👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Notice AMD said in the past it was an issue. Why? Because the newer V6s have less prevalence of VCM issues versus pre 2015 I think. The good thing is if you don’t want to have VCM or don’t like the vibration when it’s active, then VCM can be disabled with VCM tuner 2.
@@sizzlacalunji already tons of reports of vibration
As a Honda/Toyota mechanic myself and having seen countless reviews on this generation Pilot, you still brought forth many bits of information that I didn't hear about before. Thank you AMD for your hard work and knowledge with these thorough technical reviews.
Have you work on any Acura products
@@Jamrock626 yes though not many. Mostly on Hondas/Toyotas.
@@nipponautomotivellc I have an MDX that's nothing but a nightmare to me. It vibrates when it changes gear particularly 8th. When purchased I had an itch and trans cooler installed and they told me the vibration was due to the cooler.
@@Jamrock626 sounds a bit fishy to me though haven't come across this issue before. Not sure what could cause it.
@@Jamrock626what year MDX? The last generation, which I owned, had a ZF 9 speed, which has not gotten good reviews amongst owners in the MDX fb group. I own a pilot now and I’m glad this 10 speed has been smooth shifting
I’ve said it before …but he’s top of the heap. His under car review is absolutely the best thing on KZhead. Just the perfect walk through!
I just found your channel....this is the kind of reviews I really need when trying to purchase a new family vehicle. The info you provide is exactly what I want to know as a consumer.
I’m glad to see you reviewing different brands on your channel and focusing on the mechanical/technical aspect of things
Your reviews are absolutely one of the best out there. Well laid out, thorough, understandable and to the point.
The only review that is a real true review of the things that matter. Thank you.
Oh my goodness… thank you for this video! I own a ‘23 pilot elite. My family have been Honda owners for almost 30 years. I’ve had my pilot for close to 4 months now, and it has such a smooth and quiet ride. You’re right with it being focused with the design of the interior. It’s a simple to the point brand. Nothing is perfect, but this is close enough! Thank you again for your take on this vehicle! Just got some extra reassurance!! Take care.
amazingly comprehensive real review, not sales pitch. Thank you!
I truly appreciate every technical review you do on all vehicles!!!! Very detailed and it gives us things to consider prior to purchasing. May the good Lord continue to bless you and your family!!
What Honda really nailed with this generation of their interior design is easy controls. Big dials that feel high quality and big buttons. The design isn't glitzy but it will age well and it can be learned quickly unlike some of the systems that bury everything in touchscreens.
What good is the interior, buttons and infotainment system when you can't make a proper engine. Timing belt (still), GDI only and VCM. Gimme a break.
@@justacinnamonbun8658I’m pretty sure the timing belt is to make ppl change the water pump and tensioner at the same time. Forced maintenance, if you will
The new pilot has little tiny kind of cheap feeling dials...they arent as nice as the old ones.
Yes couldn't have said better myself. Other car and truck makers really really need to understand this.
@@justacinnamonbun8658 Honda builds some of best V6 engines on the planet. Dunce.
You are a HUGE HELP for us of those who care more about the dependability and how to maintain a vehicle more than the minor design tweaks that a vehicle may get. You help me out so much deciding what’s best for me and my family. Thank you.
I've got one of these in the EX-L trim. After 7600 miles, so far no complaints. We needed a capable snow driving car, not high-clearance with trail-tires. It's not lacking power at all. Highway mileage is much better than expected at speed -- I averaged 23-24 mpg on a recent 1000 mile road trip on the west coast driving at "brisk"speeds over 65-75 the whole way in "eco-mode". Very comfortable, quiet, ride and a fantastic road trip machine. Brakes are huge and amazing. This car is pretty big - it feels and drives wider and bigger than Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander (my other candidates before buying) --it's the widest of the three. 3Rd row is comfortable for adults. I'd say ride is firm and comfortable not plush/squishy. Very little body roll when cornering. Adaptive cruise is very useful for highway driving, esp. the "follow" function but algorithm could use some tweaking as it won't hold the lane on a moderately high-g sweeping curve at highway speeds.
i'm thinking of the EX-L trim. it has everything i need and i don't want that mega sized moon roof that i will never use that comes standard with the touring and elite. my 2014 ridgeline and 2011 acura rl have them and we never use them. we just lost our 2010 pilot touring in an accident. 125k miles well maintained. i did bypass the vcm but not until around 100k miles.
Good deal. My 2008 Honda Pilot EX-L does not have the cylinder deactivation. When I drive around 65mph I get about 22mpg. I take off the roof rack, inflate the tires properly and always have good oil and transmission fluids. Oh, I also took out the 2nd and 3rd row seats to make the car lighter as I don't really need them on a daily basis.
I have the 2004 honda pilot have 330 miles on it still drives great even on snowy winter.
I have the 2019 Passport Elite and get better MPG with ECO Mode off.
With 7600 miles, your car is brand new. My (not Honda, but I like Honda) has 50K on it and still feels new. My other car (also not Honda) has 140K on it and doesn't feel new, but still drives better than many cars today.
I wanted a reliable 3 row for my family trips. I did a lot of research and bought a 22 Pilot. I'm glad I did.
Thank you for all your time and effort as always!
Thank you for this review and for going above and beyond what other car journalists have covered!!
This is the best car review I've watched...he started with the engine and delivered on everything else...💯👍
Your reviews are the best I have ever seen and of course I subscribe to your channel and enjoy all your videos. Your made it so easy to eliminate this vehicle from my list as soon as you said cylinder deactivation and direct injection only.
Great thorough review. I just got the 23 Pilot Elite. I personally love it. See many great reviews...and some bad reviews. Most seem biased. Yours seemed straight up, honest and unbiased. Makes me feel better about my decision.
This is the most detailed/best car review I have ever seen. Well done!! And thank you for uploading this 🙏
Finally you make a video about Honda pilot that I been waiting for. Thank you!!!!
I'm really looking forward to the updated Honda Passport Trail Sport! I don't need a 3 row but I want the room and V6. My 2010 Honda Accord V6 has been fantastic for over 10 years and 175,000 miles.
This is what I call a great car review.. one of the best .. seriously, car reviews should only be done by honest professional mechanics .. thank you sir ..
Love this review, the info about the new engine is gold! Talking a about the tensioner and other aspects of the new engine is stuff I've never seen anywhere else.
I find your channel to be really helpful. Im an aircraft mechanic by profession and do alot of the maintainance of my wrangler. In the market for a new vehicle since my wrangler gas 313k miles and rising, so will be needing a new vehicle soon. Your reviews do help me see things from a technical point of view .Alot of other channels that do car reviews..dont really get into the guts and bones of the vehicles but rather talk about how good the car looks etc. Good job sir.
Your reviews are incredibly comprehensive and detailed, surpassing any KZhead reviewer I've come across. Excellent work!
I felt it was superficial. It avoided some of the key pitfalls of the Pilot over time.
@@BillyBobDingledorflike what?
@@rafaelgarcia5974I appreciate your question. The Honda Pilot has a transverse engine with an embedded water pump and a timing belt vs a timing chain, all of which makes it prone to catastrophic failure which could destroy your engine or, if you're lucky, result in a crazy ($2000+) expensive repair. Honda is also infamous for producing poor transmissions. In all honesty, I don't know if that's the case with the Pilot. I say this as someone that wants to like Honda. Every time I try to buy one, they wind up turning me away.
I'm 4 minutes in and heard all I need to know. As a Silverado owner , I know cylinders deactivation is a nightmare.
💯
It can be easily deactivated though which if you expect to keep the car for a long time is a must to help prevent burning oil later on
Completely agree, but still prefer this over the new trend of undersizing the engine and slapping a turbo on it like every other model
if you're driving a Silverado, you've got way bigger problems than cylinder deactivation.
I still have a 2008 honda Odyssey with 150K miles on it and never had a problem with cylinder deactivation
Fantastic in depth review. First time seeing your channel. I like how it doesn’t just sound like you’re reading off a fact sheet. A true review. Thank you.
Man…. I have just found your channel by accident. This is the first review on the mechanics side of the car. Great explanation with lots of knowledge. Keep up the good work.
This is the review you need if you're looking to buy this car. Very detailed, no nonsense (sorry the double negative) and to the points that prospective buyers will need to consider.
Thinking of buying one. Appreciate the video!
Just purchased 24 Pilot Touring. Your review helped me decide between the various vehicles in this class. Actual, useful information. Thank you for your efforts.
I really like the way you review a car, providing more details on every aspect of the car specially the technical details on engine and under chassis.
Thank God the Pilot got a good review I just purchased one last month. The Elite trim level has door lock and unlock with all four door handles. I love the car.
Waiting for mine to be delivered this will make our 10th Honda. We just can't beat the longevity I run most of mine well over 200k.
Have not seen a deactivation system that HAS not been a problem. Great video and review...better than Honda does them.
Real thorough review Amd !! You are doing so well with your channels ! Great stuff :- ) Thank you.
We trade vehicles way too much and therefor, I watch a ton of car reviews. This has to be one of the best reviews I have ever watched. Expertly done and the information is unmatched. Looking at buying one of these this weekend. Well done sir!
I was hoping you review this SUV. I really wanted a 4Runner but I needed something with more seating so went with this. Although it's a unibody design but I think Honda knows how to build a good frame. Simple and it works for me. And I'm happy about the newest safety features especially with all these heavy EVs everywhere.
The older Pilots run for 300k+ miles so I wouldn't worry
We chose the pilot touring over the Toyota grand highlander, because the second row was far superior and the Honda pilot we got what we wanted it was maybe $15,000 cheaper than an equivalent Toyota grand highlander
Which trim of the grand highlander were you looking at? I'm 90 percent in for buying the limited grand highlander hybrid but come Dec 2024 if it's too hard to get I may just go Honda pilot trail sport or elite.
Is touring good? Fast? I have sorento now, how does it compare
@@jerzs1363 can say for Elite, which is the same Touring. It drives as a sporty car despite be a big SUV. Just put in Sport mode and you will be fast enough to challenge almost anybody on the road, except EV.
You do the best reviews, packed with info.
Great job. Love to see reviews that peel back the glitz. Repair ability is an important factor that most consumer do not give a thought.
The first gen Highlander also had a flat floor. Its super awesome
These are the very best auto reviews you can watch if you care about keeping a vehicle for a long time. Please keep them coming.
Lot of good content between both channels. Thank you.
Excellent review. Excellent reviewer. I got under my 2023 Ridgeline the other day just to look at its suspension and look at the overall assembly of the car. It looks like it came out of aircraft factory, so straightforward. Honda having so much racing experience on and offroad explains it’s exceptional ride and cornering. I hit purposely a large speed bump at 50mph and the truck remained perfectly level absorbing the bump flawlessly. Hats off.
Great review. Keep up the good work. God bless you.
Been waiting for this for a long time
We need more car reviews like this so in-depth. Now I know almost everything about this Honda.
This is the most detailed and comprehensive review I've ever seen.
I was a Honda fan, but switched to Toyota. I like Honda cars but Toyota trucks, thus I own a 5.7 liter Tundra (dislike turbos). I just took possession of my nephew’s 2000 Honda Accord, my project car. Both Honda and Toyota are excellent Japanese vehicles and both have their great contributions to the automotive world. Excellent review from AMD!
You're reviews are awesome! Only feedback I have is to focus more on the specs comparing 3rd row leg room + comfort + trunk volume to competitors. Maybe start using a standard double stroller or 2 suitcases to put in the trunk so we can see how much room we really have. For anything with a 3rd row, I promise the families (me) watching it, care a TON about the back area of the car in making a decision. ESPECIALLY because everyone is backordered and we can't go to dealerships to ever see one of these in person. Thank you!
judging by the change in voice It seems like he forgot about the third row and had to add it in later
There’s other channels that do that so you can go watch theirs.. it says mechanics for a reason 🙄
This was a great review. Love your channel!
Thank you for this review. I have one on order now will be here in 3-4 weeks
The Honda Pilot is the third longest lasting SUV with 42.7% passing 250k miles, that's even more than the 4Runner. Whether this new generation can live up to those numbers is to be seen.
My 2000 excursion v10 i just sold had 250k
Very interesting statistic. May I ask where you got this information? I’m also a 2013 Honda Pilot owner and have been very pleased with it and still have it. I just picked up a 2020 Toyota 4Runner and they feel very different. I know Honda is unibody construction while the 4Runner is body on frame. Still, I’m loving my 4Runner also!😀
Just passed 300000 on my Dodge Durango. Still running strong!
What's the first 2 suvs?
@@rocketman3158 👍🏿sweet😎 those are rare
Interesting comment on the exhaust systems on Honda's. I've owned several. All had well over 100,000 miles and never had an issue with an exhaust system.
He’s in IL, maybe a rust belt thing? Although I’ve had Hondas in the Midwest and no exhaust issues.
This was the first time I watched an entire review, It was not really due the Vehicle, it was because of your detailed focused review of the entire Vehicle. I will be subscribing! Thank you for the review!
This is a phenomenal review. Accurate and comprehensive! Thanks AMD!
The new Honda Pilot also has very good styling, it’s the best looking Pilot to date. Our 2003 still runs great at 232K miles.
It is a trade-off, longer hook sacrificed cabin room; straight-line hook design increased blind spot in front of the vehicle. It is more masculine, with these trade-offs
Have you changed your timing belt at every 100k miles? If not your engine could fail at any time.
We own an 03 Pilot since birth, also. AC replaced 2x at $1500 each, but otherwise pretty darn reliable after 270K miles.
Been waiting on this review, not for the pilot, but anticipating the Ridgeline refresh. Timing belt and the expense that comes with it concerns me, along with direct injection only. Seems pretty solid overall. Nice review as always.
Same reason I'm keeping up with it. Trying to see what the New Ridgeline will have
We have a 2019 Ridgeline with six speed transmission. I be,I’ve it has DIrect Inject only
Cheaper to replace a timing belt than it is to replace a timing chain and it’s guides.
@@thinbrickspec77 yeah but timing chains should last the life of the car, a timing belt is a known high ticket item. It has to be done at a certain interval or you risk blowing an engine.
So a once every 75K mile service price is a concern. If you ran the car to 300K miles, you do 3 belts…. That’s your concern… people are goofy
Love your reviews from a master mechanics point of view! Thank you!
Great video, really impressive decisions to make a car simple rather than annoying complex driving/servicing. the LC100 lifted in the background, the greatest background you can ever have!
I bought one brand new. I disabled the cylinder deactivation and disabled the engine turn off when stopped. I had both little kits ready to go before the car had 100 miles on it. Now it'll last forever.
where can you buy the kit.thanks
@@MrRusoloco Are you employed by any federal, state, county, or municipal government?
@@prun8893I'm not. Got a '19 Odyssey Elite. I'd like to buy a kit.
But, why bother, just buy something that's actually put-together better.
Does this void warranty? I'm truly curious.
Just bought a 24 Honda Pilot in white/gray touring. Your review solidified my initial belief. thanks
Thank You, I asked for this, and you delivered!! Hope it was done sooner though as i had bought mine in May 2023 but it is still greatly appreciated. I had a few major problems in the first few hundred miles but has been good so far currently at 6k Miles (Drive with idle stopper off).
hahaha that idle stopper is annoying. it wouldn’t take that long to wait until the green light comes on at the traffic light. i turn it off b4 i drive.. i got the lowest trim in Pilot the sport but that was rare color. the Black pearl, full black even the rims. 😅 but my wife using the suv and im still driving my old school town car 😅
Your vehicle reviews are great!
Thanks for the Honda video! May the Lord bless you and keep you!😊
When it comes to the Pilot they took a page out of Toyota’s history book. The ‘90s Camry was a Lexus ES300 under the skin and it’s the same with this Pilot; it’s a Acura MDX underneath. The A/C dual drains is because the evaporator is for the front and rear system. Unlike most who have a dedicated evaporator for the rear the Honda system uses one big evap that is divided and can be used independently front and rear. Mechanically the Honda AWD system with rear torque vectoring is the same one the MDX uses for its Super Handling AWD. I’m sure a few software tweaks will unlock the SH-AWD capability.
Great video! Keep doing your thing your information is priceless.
What an absolute professional. Well done.
My 2010 Honda Accord V6 EX-L has been fantastic to own for over a decade. At 175,000 miles I'm finally looking at a repair for the cylinder deactivaton system and some small leaks.
I'd bypass the cylinder deactivation. I did on my 2011 Odyssey and I'm happy I did.
Yeah I did the same with my 09 Pilot, VCMuzzler for the win@@TheProtagonist_777
@@TheProtagonist_777how do you do that?
Vcm muzzler @@andrew881000
LOL that's me. My 2010 Honda Accord V6 EX-L has about 70,000 miles now and I recently discovered S-VCM controller and am looking forward to installing this device to prevent my car from burning oil.
I have a 23 pilot elite and it’s great! Showed my dad your crv video and he used it in deciding to buy one which he did
the best car review show, most of the reviewers doesnt anything about car but this dude know everything
Man...I don't know how I found your review but I am about to buy a New Pilot. I already own a 2010 Pilot but it's time to get a knew one for reliability and dependable out of town trips. This is an indepth review and exactly what I need to reassure myself to get a knew one. Thank you for your works and experiences in this field . May god bless you and your family.
Car care nut has yo have the best car reviews out there. After watching his Grand Highlander review and Honda Pilot review, i really like how he isn't biased and gives other manufacturers props when due, he also highlights the thigs toyota could do better. I also like how he doesn't glorify cars for having 20 in infotainments and doing 0-60 under 5 seconds, he reviews for what they are. Love this channel!
This review came just in time! Really appreciate it Car Care Nut. I’m looking to buy one of these asap. Assumed we’d get into a Highlander but after comparing you get more features and tons more space in the Pilot for less cost. It’s a shame that it’s still a timing belt and has cylinder deactivation. I’ll be looking into a cylinder deactivation defeat of some sort. The other hard part is availability but that’s the case with most of these cars.
Excellent straight forward review, very cool. Thank you.
one of the best and most informative car reviews.
It's the torque that affects the acceleration and AWD contributes a 20% reduction in performance to the wheels compared to 10% for FWD. I'm concerned about cylinder deactivation the most but I guess you could have it reprogrammed. I really like the style, functionality and serviceability. Some of my favorite vehicles have been Honda's.
Can you though? Not to my knowledge. Just janky systems to install that change the vehicles reception of engine temp, which effects the cooling system function
It’s a shame about the cylinder deactivation. Even Mazda is doing it on their SkyActiv G engines. Hopefully they have managed to engineer it better than they used to.
What?! I’m a Mazda person (though I do like Honda and Toyota)… imwas not aware Mazda was doing this…my 21 CX5 doesn’t have that…is it on the larger CX90 or small models too?
@@lizzieb6311 All Mazda 2.5L 4 CYL Skyactiv-G's have Cylinder Deactivation iirc. Your CX5 (2018+) will have Cylinder Deactivation, however it's probably seamless so you don't notice it. Unless you have the turbo model, your vehicle will most likely have it.
@@24GirlPanda thank you…I did not know that! I don’t have turbo..but I guess that’s why I love my Mazda so much…I don’t even notice it! Thank you for the info ♥
@@24GirlPandanot true, 2022+ CX5 2.5 NA has them. The pre facelift does not.
@@thecentralman yep you are correct. I wish AMD had mentioned this on his review of the 2023 CX5 because his review had basically convinced me to go with one over a Toyota, since the Mazda dealers were willing to work with the price a bit. I don’t know if I would have purchased the vehicle if I had known. I stick to 5k mile oil changes so I hope that preserves my engine even with the cylinder deactivation.
Thanks for the review ! I just purchased the EX-L version of this to replace my trusty old 08 Sienna. Not a fan of the timing belt, direct injection or the VCM. I do have the VCM deactivation device that I plan on installing in the near future as some others have done. Loved your recent video of the $7k 2GR FE removal and fix all issues on the highlander. That's what I would love to do to my '08 outgoing Sienna, but of course for me it doesn't make financial sense. Keep up the great vids, love your work !
As always very good review- Thank you
Last winter I bought my 2008 Honda Pilot with 230 miles. It was the last year when Honda did NOT use the Variable Cylinder Management (cylinder deactivation). After redoing the suspension it runs like a new car - both the engine and the transmission are smooth and the suspension rides firm and sporty but not too firm and not too sporty.
2008 Pilots do have VCM. My 2006 has it. That was the first year they implemented it. 4WD models don’t have it. Is yours 4WD?
Love the in-depth reviews and perspective, pointing out design and engineering decisions and consequences, great stuff, really appreciate it. I'd love to see you get your hands on the newer toyota stuff like Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, iforce hybrid v6, sienna hybrid awd, etc. The downsize to the hybridized iforce engines gives me pause. Turbo 4 cyclinder + Hybrid + CVT/6spdauto or twin-turbo + v6 + 10 speed just seems like an awful lot to make work well for a long time. I know toyota can do some pretty great engineering but this feels an awful like like "New Toyota" or something.
Love your review it’s truly magical
Been waiting on this for a while. Thank you!!
Thank you so much for going into depth concerning this revised engine. After a very bad VCM experience with my 2012 Accord, I became skeptical. After all the issues Honda is very aware of, they double down and get even more complicated and, in my opinion, stupid. I've owned four J series engines now, a J30 from 2006, which was excellent, no VCM. The J35 that blew up at 130,000, its replacement, and my current J35 with 71,000 on the clock. VCM is a bad deal. Maybe a 1 mpg gain while putting the engine at risk. It's no risk to Honda and their warranty, only for the owners that believed Honda used to mean quality. When my engine blew up due to VCM failure, I chalked it up to just being "one of those things" and I immediately bought a 2017 Accord V6 while my car was in the shop for a new engine. I should've bought a Lexus ES350 instead at the time. VCM is a ticking bomb and I don't recommend any Honda with it. (Edit) I have owned 7 Hondas since 1992. I have always been a fan until fairly recently. For peace of mind anymore if your plan is long term ownership from new is to just go with Toyota and Lexus.
Excellent review. If cylinder deactivation can be defeated / selected with a button then okay but if that is forced on you, then that's a deal breaker for me. Its a shame its under powered because Honda really got so many things right on this update. Also not a fan of DI only but time will tell if that is any concern. Great job keeping the passenger cabin safe too.
Very simple to deactivate. I bought the S-VCM controller and self installed on my 2017 V6 Accord and 2017 Pilot. No issues. Problem solved.
Yup, first thing I would do is disabled vcm with the s-vcm device
Underpowered? Dang how heavy is it? 285 HP seems sufficient
@ctbale1 I was asked if the S-VCM tuner would work on the new double camed engine. That is a question I am not able to answer. Is a modified version available if needed? Needless to say/write, I would definitely recommend one from the problems it causes. I put one on my 19’ Pilot with no issues so far. As far as the pilot being underpowered, I disagree. Once the warranty is up, one could throw on a supercharger if one has the ‘Need For Speed.’
There is a tuber out there that has a 120k passport and when taking the top off, the system was very clean for DI. Doesn’t seem to be an issue at all. It’s a very high compression engine.
Great review! One of the best I've seen!
Thank you sir that was a most thorough assessment of the Honda Pilot Trail Sport. I did extensive research on this segment of industry and came to the same conclusion. It's nice to be validated.
I have a 2015 Pilot that I bought in late 2017 with a little over 27,000 miles on it. Today it has over 345,000. Best way to make any Honda last longer is to disable the VCM. I bought a device called S-VCM that disables it so that it runs on all 6 cylinders at all times, and I saw no difference in fuel economy. A lot of the feeling of being underpowered comes from the car having to switch on and off from 6 cylinders. It's bad for the car because when some of the cylinders are turned off, the pistons are still moving (at least on the 2nd gen Pilots) which causes a vacuum in the combustion chamber because there's no more combustion in the turned off cylinders, which pulls oil from the non-combustion side, gunking up the piston rings, and eventually fowling the spark plugs. Also, it causes uneven power in the engine which wears out the engine mounts. There is literally zero reason to keep VCM , I still pass emissions, I still get the same fuel economy, and the car feels better and gets less wear and tear. I wish I knew this from the beginning. When I get my next Honda it's the first thing I'm doing.
Going to buy a new pilot here next few months was it easy to install for a beginner light mechanical experience?
@@slickfox33 extremely easy. It's as simple as unplugging and plugging, and attaching a wire to the positive battery terminal
For a new car, I am surprised by the amount of rust underneath!!! Thank you for the great video!!
Honda and Toyota are known for it. You need to get a German vehicle it you don’t want rust.
No rust maybe, everything else failing yes for sure on a german car😂
Needs Fluid Film
Volvo is the best. It never rusts. I have a 2014 XC60 with 68,000 miles and drives and looks as good as new.
I really liked your review, you talk about things most the others do not or just have no clue about.
I’m so glad that they went back to the square front end. It looks a hell of a lot better.
Still going with the Highlander, but the seats seemed much more comfortable in the Pilot.
Pretty good SUV.. But wish they would'a given it a traditional shifter (instead of push button).. I just like shifting with a traditional shifter much better..
It's a bit odd at first but after a few days of driving, I didn't think about it. Nice benefit is better access to center console which is great in this car.
Agree, can’t stand paddle shifters.
@@magnoliap5824 im not sure why it even has them. once in a blue moon you might want to override auto but its already got electric “sport”,”towing” and “trail” modes which seem to shift the up/downshift points along the power curve. in any case, they don’t get in the way.
@@bigwave_dave8468 I'd use them to downshift and use engine braking going downhill. I wish my 1st gen Pilot had those, shifting its old-school gear lever on the steering column is less convenient than paddles. And you do need that when driving in the mountains. A few weeks ago going down from Pikes Peak, I saw (and smelled) a car ahead of me that was on the brakes almost all the time to the point it even started smoking. Lucky for him, there was a brake check station a thousand feet ahead where every car got stopped and its brake temps were checked, so he got sent to a parking lot to cool them off
I love how you point out every little detail in a car. I feel like Honda pilot is following new Nissan Pathfinder. Having timing belt was the reason we went with 2022 pathfinder and we have no regrets. I hope to see a review on 2023-2024 Nissan Pathfinder.
This is the best automotive review channel for car care nuts like myself.