Hey guys! Let's dive into the awesome world of the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD SUV. If you're in the market for a spacious, capable, and feature-packed family hauler, the Pilot Touring is definitely worth a serious look. Honda really nailed it with this generation of the Pilot, blending practicality with a touch of upscale comfort. We're talking about a vehicle that can handle your daily commute, weekend road trips, and even some light off-roading adventures with your crew.

Performance and Drivetrain Prowess

First off, let's talk about what's under the hood, because performance and drivetrain prowess are crucial for any SUV, especially one designed for families. The 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine. This powerhouse churns out a solid 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth and responsive 6-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers ample acceleration for merging onto the highway or passing slower vehicles. It's not about being a race car, but it's certainly got enough grunt to make driving feel effortless and confident, no matter the situation. The real star of the show for the Touring model is the Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system. This isn't your grandpa's all-wheel drive; it's a sophisticated system that actively manages torque distribution not only between the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels. What does this mean for you, the driver? It means superior traction and stability in slippery conditions, whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or loose gravel. It enhances cornering stability and provides a more planted feel, giving you peace of mind when the weather turns sour or the road gets a bit dicey. This AWD system works seamlessly in the background, so you don't have to do anything – just drive and let the Pilot handle the rest. Fuel economy is also surprisingly decent for an SUV of this size, with an EPA-estimated 18 MPG city and 26 MPG highway for the AWD models. So, you get that V6 power and AWD capability without completely breaking the bank at the pump.

Interior Comfort and Versatility

Now, let's talk about where you and your passengers will spend most of your time: the interior comfort and versatility. The 2017 Honda Pilot Touring is designed with families in mind, and it shows. Step inside, and you're greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The Touring trim level steps up the luxury game with premium leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. Seriously, your passengers will be thanking you on those long drives! The Pilot offers seating for up to eight people, depending on the configuration (captain's chairs in the second row reduce seating to seven). Even with a full load of passengers, there's a generous amount of legroom and headroom for everyone. The third row, often a cramped space in many SUVs, is surprisingly accommodating in the Pilot, making it genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips or for kids on longer ones. Beyond passenger comfort, the versatility is where the Pilot truly shines. Need to haul cargo? With the second and third rows folded down, you unlock a cavernous cargo area that can swallow up furniture, sports equipment, or whatever else life throws your way. The second-row seats feature a one-touch fold-and-slide mechanism, making access to the third row a breeze, even for those with larger car seats. Honda has also thought about storage solutions, with numerous cupholders, cubbies, and storage bins scattered throughout the cabin to keep everything organized. The cabin is also remarkably quiet, thanks to Honda's efforts in sound deadening, which makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable driving experience, especially on those long highway stretches. The overall ambiance is one of refined comfort, making the Pilot Touring a great place to be for drivers and passengers alike.

Technology and Infotainment Features

In today's connected world, technology and infotainment features are non-negotiable, and the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring doesn't disappoint. Honda packed this trim with a suite of advanced features to keep everyone entertained and connected. The centerpiece is the 8-inch touchscreen Display Audio interface. This intuitive system controls your navigation, audio, and climate settings. Speaking of navigation, the integrated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition is a lifesaver, guiding you accurately to your destination without needing to rely solely on your phone. For entertainment, you've got a premium audio system that delivers crisp and clear sound. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, allowing for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available on this model, giving you seamless integration with your smartphone. This means you can access your favorite apps, music, and navigation directly through the car's touchscreen, making your drive safer and more convenient. But it's not just about the front passengers; the Touring trim typically includes a Blu-ray/DVD rear entertainment system with a high-resolution screen that flips down from the ceiling. This is an absolute godsend for keeping kids occupied on long journeys! It’s the perfect way to prevent backseat boredom and keep everyone happy. USB ports are strategically placed throughout the cabin, ensuring that everyone can keep their devices charged. The Pilot also features Honda LaneWatch, a blind-spot monitoring system that displays video from a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror onto the infotainment screen when you signal right, giving you an extra layer of awareness. The sheer breadth of tech features ensures that the Pilot Touring is as modern and convenient as it is comfortable and capable.

Safety and Driver Assistance

When it comes to family vehicles, safety and driver assistance are paramount, and Honda takes this very seriously. The 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD SUV is engineered with a suite of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. It boasts Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which helps to improve crash energy management by directing frontal crash energy around the passenger compartment. Inside, you'll find a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side-impact, and side-curtain airbags. But the real story for the Touring trim lies in its suite of Honda Sensing technologies. This is a suite of driver-assistive features that work together to enhance your awareness and help prevent accidents. Features like Forward Collision Warning (FCW) can alert you if it detects a potential frontal collision, and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is deemed imminent. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows you to maintain a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, which is a fantastic feature for highway driving, reducing driver fatigue. Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) helps to center the vehicle in its lane, providing gentle steering input if you start to drift. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) will alert you if the system detects that you are unintentionally drifting out of your lane. These systems aren't meant to replace the driver but rather to act as a co-pilot, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind. The combination of its robust physical safety structure and these advanced electronic aids makes the 2017 Pilot an incredibly safe vehicle for your most precious cargo. Driver assistance features like the rearview camera and the aforementioned LaneWatch further bolster your confidence behind the wheel. The NHTSA gave the 2017 Pilot an overall 5-star safety rating, which speaks volumes about its protective capabilities.

Exterior Styling and Practicality

Let's wrap things up by talking about the exterior styling and practicality of the 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD SUV. This generation of the Pilot moved away from the boxier, more utilitarian look of its predecessors and adopted a sleeker, more modern, and arguably more sophisticated design. The lines are smoother, the grille is more refined, and the overall profile is less truck-like and more crossover-inspired. This more aerodynamic shape not only looks good but also contributes to a quieter ride and better fuel efficiency. Upfront, you'll find projector-beam halogen headlights, and the Touring model typically gets 18-inch alloy wheels that fill out the wheel wells nicely, giving it a solid stance on the road. The chrome accents and body-colored door handles add a touch of premium flair. Around the back, the LED taillights are stylish and add to the overall modern aesthetic. One of the most practical exterior features is the power tailgate, which is standard on the Touring trim. This makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze, especially when your hands are full. You also get a multi-reflector halogen headlights with auto-on/off and fog lights, which improve visibility in various conditions. The roof rails are also a great practical addition, allowing you to mount a roof box or cargo carrier for even more storage capacity, perfect for those family camping trips or ski vacations. Despite its size, the Pilot feels manageable to drive, thanks to its well-tuned power steering and good visibility. The practicality extends to its dimensions, offering a great balance between interior space and exterior footprint, making it relatively easy to park and maneuver in urban environments compared to some larger, less agile SUVs. The overall design is a thoughtful blend of style and function, proving that an SUV can be both handsome and incredibly useful for everyday life. It's a vehicle that looks good in the driveway and performs even better on the road, ready for whatever adventure you throw at it.

So there you have it, guys! The 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD SUV is a seriously compelling package. It offers a fantastic mix of power, comfort, technology, safety, and practicality. Whether you're navigating city streets, cruising on the highway, or venturing off the beaten path, this SUV is up for the challenge. If you're looking for a reliable, well-equipped, and versatile family vehicle, the Pilot Touring should definitely be on your radar. Happy driving!