Long-Term Honda Pilot Update: Perfect Production Vehicle

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Tripod Territory (Cargo Space):

Most families purchase the Pilot because of its practical features, including cargo space among many others. With a maximum cargo capacity of 83.9 cubic feet, the Pilot ranks high in its segment, conceding space only to more cavernous options such as the Chevy Traverse and Kia Telluride. While I may lack the typical 2.2 kids of the average American family, I do lug around 2.2 times the camera equipment of most Americans. And the Pilot never failed to accommodate.

With its split-folding third-row bench seat, we loaded the crossover with camera trunks, tripods, diffusers, and more – there’s even a bonus compartment beneath the trunk area. Among its practical features, the Pilot’s ability to take on cargo is perhaps its best.

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Eye In The Sky (Sunroof And Panoramic Roof):

Along with the other goodies included in the top-of-the-line Pilot Elite come two pieces of roof-mounted glass: one traditional sunroof over the driver and front passenger and one fixed panoramic roof over the rear seats. In addition to flooding the cabin with light, making it generally enjoyable for passengers, both were immensely helpful for filming, too. The sunroof proved spacious enough to sneak through and shoot from above, offering a high-up perspective on the fly. And although the rear piece of glass stays shut, it’s a sizable surface perfect for mounting cameras for car-to-car shooting.

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The Nooks And Crannies (Storage Space):

In addition to its cargo space, the Pilot offered plentiful options for storing smaller items. With 12 cupholders and numerous cubbies throughout the cabin, the spacious crossover welcomes you (and all of your stuff) with open arms. Bonus points were awarded to our long-termer’s second-row center console nestled between the captain’s chairs. It’s the small details like this that make all the difference with a crossover’s overall practicality, and Honda’s typically brilliant engineers and designers more than stepped up to the plate.

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My Personal Bullhorn (Cabin Talk):

The Cabin Talk feature eases the communication process between the driver and front-seat passenger and those in the third row. In layman's terms, Cabin Talk is a built-in microphone that parents use to yell at their kids via the Pilot’s speakers. Though I never tested that specific application, Cabin Talk helped me direct various photo and video shoots, as the voice amplification system allowed me to work from the driver’s seat while allowing my commands to audibly make their way to camera operators or video producers resting their bottoms in the third-row seats or on the rear bumper. It’s a fun, somewhat kitschy feature that can be surprisingly helpful.

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Places To Plug (USB Outlets):

With three USB ports and a 115-volt outlet, the long-term Pilot regularly charged a number of devices, including the batteries for Motor1.com’s arsenal of video cameras, GoPros, stabilizers, and microphone packs. Having the power outlet in the second row makes things extra convenient, as not all camera chargers have USB connections. In any case, the Pilot saved many a shoot from ending early due to a dead battery.

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Jul 10, 2019 at 10:01am

By: Clint Simone

Practical, even without the family.

The Motor1.com long-term Honda Pilot accomplished quite a bit during its six-month stint at our headquarters in Miami, Florida. In addition to winning a comparison test, going jet ski racing, and racking up thousands of miles, the Pilot fulfilled its primary role of aiding with local video production and photo shoots.

A big three-row crossover is quite handy when it comes to producing photos and video in the South Florida sun. From cargo space to Cabin Talk, the Pilot had us covered with its bevy of comfort and convenience features, making days in the field a much less arduous process. It didn’t take long to realize that video crews appreciate the same family-friendly luxuries that a big crossover offers, just for different reasons.

After six months of shooting in the books, we’ve compiled a list of the most helpful features that the Honda Pilot has to offer. Odds are, if they worked for our crew, they’ll likely work for you and your family, too.