Honda's Pilot SUV shines in Black Edition

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in the Northern & Central California Cruisin’ News magazine published monthly out of Folsom, California.

Sacramento, California -- I've said it before: I like the Honda Pilot, with its good looks, spacious interior and excellent reliability.

For 2020, there's more to like with the addition of a special Black Edition.  My tester was an all-wheel driver priced at a somewhat hefty $50,715 on the bottom line.

The first thing you notice about this new version is the Black Edition trim.  Think of it as a Honda Pilot seriously dressed up for a night on the town ... a Pilot in a tux, or a little black dress.

The aerodynamic exterior is accentuated with head-turning, all-black wheel covers.  Can't miss those; they're 20-inch alloys.  The paint job is called "Crystal Black Pearl," and in this case the dazzling skin lives up to the fancy name.  Black Edition badges can be found on the grille and tailgate.

Inside, the best-in-black theme continues with black leather touches all around, more Black Edition logos and, yes, even special black floor mats.  All this is nicely enhanced by red accent lighting and red accent stitching on the front and second row captain's chairs.

Controls are thoughtfully laid out and within easy reach of the driver.  Study up on the owner's manual, because there are plentiful, contemporary controls to master.  Helpful technologies includes a multi-view rear camera, adaptive cruise control and cross-traffic alert.

The 360-degree view from the driver's seat is excellent, and a sense of security is enhanced with maximum five-star federal government safety ratings throughout.  Fuel mileage is OK for this midsize SUV class at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

So, how does it handle? The driving experience is very good, with the 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower V-6 laboring well in most situations.  You do have to plant your foot into the accelerator on steep hill climbs, but engine response to this is immediate and firm.

There is some slight body roll on hard turns taken at speed, but not much.  On freeways, the tester was a rock-solid, quiet cruiser.  I could take this SUV on many a 500-miles-a-day runs and be completely happy with it.

Some might gripe about the push-button gear shifter.  But a floor shifter does not a vehicle make.  Rest assured, this Black Edition is plenty good, a sound investment for the long run.