2005 Honda Pilot New engine increases power. By New Car Test Drive staff, New Car Test Drive .com

The Honda Pilot gets a new engine for 2005, giving it a significant boost in power, along with other revisions that improve this sport-utility.

The Pilot is the Honda of SUVs, practical, efficient, reliable, and powerful. That last one is aided by an all-new 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and an advanced four-wheel-drive system. The Pilot drives more like a car than a truck, with the crisp, predictable handling for which Honda is known. Yet it delivers impressive fuel economy. As a Honda, it offers quality, durability and reliability.

Capable of seating up to eight passengers, the Pilot is not a small vehicle. It's larger overall than a Toyota Highlander and Nissan Murano it's wider than a Ford Explorer, and it offers more cargo space.

The 2005 model year also brings enhanced safety in the form of a tire pressure monitor, electronic stability control, revised steering and an upgraded air bag system.

All Pilots come with the new V6, all-wheel drive, and a five-speed automatic. Two models are available: LX ($27,350) and EX ($29,920). Both are well equipped.

The LX comes with air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and a rear wiper. Standard safety features: anti-lock brakes, front-passenger frontal and side-impact airbags.

The EX raises the ante with synchronized front and rear automatic climate control, a power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, an outside temperature indicator, HomeLink garage-door remote, a premium seven-speaker stereo with cassette and 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel audio controls. EX can be distinguished by its aluminum alloy wheels and body-colored moldings, mirrors and door handles. Safety is enhanced by an electronic stability control system that Honda calls Vehicle Stability Assist.

Option packages for the EX include the leather interior ($2,200) with heated front seats and side mirrors. The entertainment package ($3,700) includes the leather package and rear-seat DVD video system. The navigation package ($4,200) adds leather and a satellite-linked guidance system. A towing package and brush guards are available as dealer-installed accessories.