Honda’s successful midsize sport utility vehicle, the Pilot, introduced in 2003, mixes new standard features along with some minor interior changes in its 2006 all wheel drive, EX-L model with navigation, our test drive. All Pilots come with the same V-6, 244-horsepower engine and 5-speed automatic transmission.

However, for 2006, two-wheel drive versions have variable cylinder management allowing the valvetrain to shut down three of the engine’s six cylinders during cruising or deceleration. It is seamless to the driver and improves fuel efficiency to a city/highway fuel consumption of 18/24 mpg, compared to 17/22 mpg for the all-wheel drive using a conventional engine.

Trims are the base LX, the EX and the top-of the line EX L, which can be equipped with Honda’s 7-inch screen navigation system that adds a rear camera to show what’s behind the vehicle when backing up - a major plus in a crowded mall parking lot. Unfortunately, the screen becomes unreadable in sunlight for drivers with sunglasses on, a problem duplicated on the dashboard LED audio information band.

This year new standard features include curtain airbags for all three seat rows; a freshened look for taillights, headlights and wheels, and new fog lights on EX and EX-L trims. Safety features remain strong, with best possible test scores in government side and front crash tests and second best in rollover tests. All eight passengers have plenty of knickknack spaces and the second and third rows have a 60/40 split folddown into the floor that adds some of the largest cargo area in the Pilot’s class. Third-row seating is the tight, best for children only.

Handling and on-road performance remain strong features of the Pilot, with a drive-by-wire throttle for quick steering response and front MacPerhson strut and rear multilink suspensions that keep the ride comfortable yet firm.

If you’re not buying a Honda hybrid, consider 90% of the Pilot is recyclable, and long-life fluids used by Honda don’t require any scheduled engine maintenance for the first 100,000 miles/10 years of normal driving. Oil changes are scheduled every 7,500 miles.

The EX-L raises comfort with soft leather seats (heated in front), XM radio, an activity tray for kids in the second row, a power moonroof, six-CD in-dash player and a conversation mirror so drivers can monitor children in the rear seats. All seats receive decent air flow, no third-row suffering. It can tow 4,500 pounds, has a lock up torque converter for off-road and is much quieter than most living rooms.