Pilot vs Ridgeline performance

[MikeT]

Due to my Ridge being in the shop for an extended time, I got to drive the Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD. The first thing I noticed was that the Pilot was a lot peppier on the highway. When cruising at 65mph, the acceleration to 75mph was quicker that the Ridge. The Pilot also didn't down shift for the hills that has my Ridge in fourth either. I looked at the weights and the Pilot EX-L is at 4497lbs and the Ridgeline comes in at 4552lbs. If the wieght difference is so small, why does the Pilot feel so much quicker on the highway and from 40mph to 70mph?

Anyone else out there have both the Pilot and Ridgeline? If so, do you notice the differences that I have? Anyone else out there care?

[hiPSI]

They have the same displacement engine and weigh about the same but the similarities stop there. Check out the tow ratings for the Pilot vs. the Ridgeline. Everything has to be different to pull the extra weight and load. What is the GVW of the Pilot vs the Ridge? I'll bet you are not supposed to throw 1500 lb in the back of a Pilot.

[bigred1]

Mike,

I bought a 06' Pilot EX 4WD in Jan. 06 and my 06' Ridgeline RTL S/R in Apr. 06. The Pilot is driven primarily by the wife but i do drive it from time to time being as it is the vehilce of choice with a 15 month old son. The Pilot is more responsive than the Ridgeline. I don't know what the deal is. Same motor. Probably different tranny. If i was to race my Ridgeline and the Pilot, i think the Pilot would take the Ridge. strange.

[RidgeLI]

I think the Ridge is less aerodynamic, squarer front, open bed, possibly creating more drag. The Pilot probably has a different ride to give it a softer and more nimble feel to the target market Honda sells to.

Of course this is my opinion only, not necessarily a fact.

RidgeLI

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by hiPSI

They have the same displacement engine and weigh about the same but the similarities stop there. Check out the tow ratings for the Pilot vs. the Ridgeline. Everything has to be different to pull the extra weight and load. What is the GVW of the Pilot vs the Ridge? I'll bet you are not supposed to throw 1500 lb in the back of a Pilot.

The Pilot is rated for 1323lbs of cargo and the GVWR is within a 100lbs. With that said, the Pilot's engine is rated at 244hp / 240lb torque (Ridge is 247 / 245). Not a lot of difference in power, but about 150lbs in curb weight with the pilot being lighter.

I still do not understand why the Ridge shifts down at the slightest thought of a hill when the Pilot doesn't even notice it.

[kdogofjtown]

Back when I first joined the ROC there was a thread about comparing the RL to the Pilot. Dont know if this helps but if you wade thru the info it might give you some of your answers.

Lack in torque/horse power?

[spdrcr5]

Mike, check the transmission gearing. The final drive as well as the gear spacing is what this sounds like.

[kermit777]

I drove a pilot while my ridgeline was getting some bumper paint fixed and noticed the tires broke loose easier on highway on-ramps than my ridge interior felt cramped too, I think because it had the moonroof. I almots thought of maybe switching to a pilot one day but that sensation passed when I got my ridge back I think it was the leather seats...

[Directman]

I have an 05 Pilot EXL and an 06 Ridgeline. The Pilot is lighter than the Ridge also the tires are shorter and not as wide as those on the ridge. With the weight diference and the tire difference the gearing favors the Pilot. I like both of my Hondas they have differnt places in our family.

[hofffam]

We have an 06 Pilot EX-L 2WD.

I too believe the Pilot is slightly quicker and sounds less strained while accelerating. My guess is the main difference is the transmission. The weight difference is meaningful but that doesn't change the sound and "feel" so much.

The Pilot OEM tires are awful awful awful. They are slippery in all conditions and I'm glad they are wearing quickly so I can replace them.

The Pilot though is a fine vehicle. We bought it not because it is a Honda but because we thought it was better than a Pathfinder and Highlander.