2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD: Feature Rundown
Hey guys, let's dive into the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD! This SUV was a real standout back in its day, and it's still a solid choice for families looking for a reliable and feature-packed ride. When you're talking about a 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD, you're stepping into a world of comfort, versatility, and some pretty advanced tech for its time. Honda really outdid themselves with this generation of the Pilot, especially the Touring trim. It’s designed to handle everything from daily commutes to those epic road trips with the whole crew. We're going to break down what makes this particular model a gem, focusing on why it might still be worth your consideration today. So, buckle up, because we're about to explore all the ins and outs of this capable SUV.
Exploring the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD. This trim level is all about luxury and convenience, and Honda definitely delivered. Under the hood, you’ll find a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission in the AWD models. This combination provides a smooth and powerful driving experience, easily handling highway merging and mountainous inclines alike. The all-wheel-drive system is a major plus, offering enhanced traction and stability, especially in less-than-ideal weather conditions. Whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or just slippery roads, the AWD system in the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD gives you that extra peace of mind. It intelligently distributes power between the front and rear wheels to optimize grip, making it a capable companion for various adventures. Beyond the mechanicals, the Touring trim brings a host of premium features designed to make every journey more enjoyable for everyone on board. We're talking about comfort, entertainment, and safety features that really elevate the driving experience. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about doing it in style and with absolute ease. Honda’s focus on practicality is evident throughout, from the spacious interior to the clever storage solutions, ensuring that this SUV is as functional as it is refined. The engineers clearly had families and active lifestyles in mind when crafting this vehicle, aiming to create a do-it-all machine that doesn't compromise on quality or performance. It’s a testament to Honda’s commitment to delivering vehicles that offer a great balance of everyday usability and long-term value, even years after its initial release.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Now, let's talk about the inside of the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD, because honestly, that’s where the Touring trim truly shines. When you slide into the driver's seat, you're immediately greeted by premium leather-trimmed seats, and the driver's seat is 8-way power-adjustable with memory settings. That means you can find your perfect driving position and have it saved for next time – super convenient! For the passengers, there’s ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for even longer journeys. The second-row captain’s chairs are a standout feature in the Touring trim, offering a more premium and spacious feel than a traditional bench seat. Plus, they make it super easy for folks in the third row to get in and out. Speaking of the third row, it’s surprisingly accommodating for an SUV in this class, suitable for kids and even shorter adults on shorter trips.
But it's not just about comfort; the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD is packed with technology to keep everyone entertained and connected. The centerpiece is the 8-inch touchscreen Display Audio interface, which controls things like the navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and the premium audio system. This infotainment system was quite advanced for 2017, offering features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone for music, navigation, and calls. You'll also find SiriusXM Satellite Radio ready to go. For rear-seat passengers, there's a Blu-ray/DVD player with a 9-inch screen mounted in the ceiling, complete with wireless headphones and an HDMI interface. This is a game-changer for keeping kids occupied on long drives – seriously, it's a lifesaver!
Other interior highlights include a multi-zone automatic climate control system, ensuring everyone stays comfortable regardless of their seating position, and heated and ventilated front seats to tackle different weather conditions. The panoramic sunroof adds an open and airy feel to the cabin, letting in natural light and offering great views. And let's not forget the push-button start and Smart Entry keyless access, which just add to the overall convenience and modern feel of the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD. The attention to detail in the cabin, from the soft-touch materials to the ambient lighting, really underscores why the Touring trim was positioned as the top-tier option. It’s a space designed for both practicality and a touch of luxury, making it a fantastic choice for families who want a comfortable and engaging driving environment.
Safety Features and Performance
Safety is always a top priority, especially when you're talking about family vehicles, and the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD doesn't disappoint. Honda really loaded this SUV up with a comprehensive suite of safety features, many of which were cutting-edge for its time. The most notable is the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. This is standard on the Touring trim and includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. There's also Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), designed to alert you and help steer you back into your lane if you drift off the road.
Furthermore, the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system will alert you if it senses a potential frontal collision, giving you time to react. And for those long highway drives, the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. You also get Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. These technologies work together to provide an extra layer of awareness and protection for you and your passengers, significantly reducing the stress of driving, especially in heavy traffic or on long road trips. It’s like having a co-pilot looking out for you!
Beyond the Honda Sensing suite, the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD also comes equipped with the usual suspects like multiple airbags (front, side-impact, and side-curtain), anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and vehicle stability assist (VSA) with traction control. The multi-angle rearview camera makes parking and reversing a breeze, offering different viewing perspectives. For those who want even more visibility, blind spot information (BSI) with cross traffic monitor is also included, which is super handy for changing lanes safely.
Performance-wise, as we touched on earlier, the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine delivers a solid 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This power is more than adequate for daily driving, accelerating, and hauling a full load of passengers and cargo. The 9-speed automatic transmission in the AWD model is smooth and responsive, helping to optimize fuel efficiency while providing strong acceleration when needed. The Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system is a key performer, actively managing torque distribution to the rear wheels based on driving conditions. This not only improves handling and stability in slippery conditions but also enhances dry-road cornering performance. The ride quality is generally comfortable and composed, absorbing bumps well, making the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD a pleasure to drive on a variety of road surfaces. It strikes a good balance between a smooth, quiet ride for passengers and confident handling for the driver.
Cargo Space and Practicality
One of the biggest selling points for any SUV, and certainly for the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD, is its practicality and cargo-carrying capability. Honda is known for making vehicles that are incredibly versatile, and the Pilot is a prime example of this. When all the seats are in use, you still get a respectable 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This is enough room for grocery bags or a couple of small suitcases. But here's where the magic happens: fold down that third row, and the cargo space expands dramatically to 46.0 cubic feet. That’s a significant amount of room for larger items, sports equipment, or luggage for a family vacation.
Need even more space? Folding down both the second and third rows opens up a cavernous 93.5 cubic feet of total cargo volume. This makes the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD capable of hauling larger items like furniture, bikes, or camping gear. The cargo area is well-designed, with a flat load floor once the seats are folded, making it easy to slide heavy objects in and out. There's also a hidden cargo area under the floor, perfect for storing valuables or keeping your gear organized and out of sight.
Beyond the main cargo area, the Pilot is brimming with thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin. You'll find numerous cup holders, door pockets, a large center console with multiple tiers, and seatback pockets. These little nooks and crannies are perfect for stashing phones, tablets, snacks, drinks, and all the other little things that tend to accumulate during family outings. The power tailgate on the Touring trim is another convenience feature that makes loading and unloading easier, especially when your hands are full. It can be opened and closed with the key fob, the button inside the cabin, or the button on the tailgate itself.
For those who need to tow, the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This is sufficient for towing a small trailer, a couple of jet skis, or a lightweight camper, adding another layer of versatility for active families. The combination of flexible seating arrangements, generous cargo capacity, and numerous storage compartments makes the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD an incredibly practical choice for families who need a vehicle that can adapt to their ever-changing needs. It truly is designed to handle life's adventures with ease and efficiency.
Why Consider a 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD Today?
So, guys, why should you still be considering a 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD in today's market? Well, for starters, value for money is a huge factor. These vehicles have proven to be incredibly reliable over the years, and you can often find them at a much more affordable price point than newer models. Honda's reputation for building durable and long-lasting vehicles means that a well-maintained 2017 Pilot is likely to have plenty of life left in it. You get a lot of bang for your buck with features that were considered premium just a few years ago.
Secondly, the feature set is still very competitive. As we've discussed, the Touring trim comes loaded with amenities like leather seats, a great infotainment system with navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a host of advanced safety features. These are all things that modern car buyers look for, and the 2017 Pilot delivers. The availability of AWD is also a significant plus for those living in areas with inclement weather. It provides confidence and security on the road, which is always a valuable commodity.
Thirdly, practicality reigns supreme. The spacious interior, flexible seating, and generous cargo capacity mean this SUV can handle just about anything your family throws at it. Whether it's carpooling, road trips, or hauling gear for hobbies, the Pilot is up to the task. Its comfortable ride and capable engine make it enjoyable to drive, even on longer journeys.
Finally, Honda's engineering and reliability speak for themselves. The brand has a stellar track record for producing vehicles that require minimal repairs and hold their value well. This peace of mind is invaluable when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. In conclusion, the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD remains a compelling option for anyone seeking a capable, comfortable, and feature-rich family SUV without breaking the bank. It’s a smart choice for smart buyers who appreciate quality and functionality.
