Japanese luxury in two packages

Honda Pilot

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to test the Honda Pilot and the Legend back to back.

One is an SUV, and the other a sedan type. One can be stereotyped as sporty and rugged where you can imagine five rascals coming out for a day in the park.

The other is a luxury date mobile where a dashing couple dressed to the nines emerges.

These two vehicles are worlds apart.

Honda, coming back from hibernation, started launching a string of exciting vehicles this year. For those not in tune with the motoring industry, Honda struggled with its vehicle supply for a couple of years after the Thailand flood, and experiencing a rollercoaster ride in terms of market share. Now they are back with a vengeance.

The 8-seater Honda Pilot premium SUV with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology 3.5-liter direct injection i-VTEC V6 engine with variable cylinder management (VCM) and a 6-speed automatic transmission retails at P3.38 million.

The Pilot has a lower stance compared to other SUVs, which gives it a somewhat minivan vibe, making entry and exit easier.

The claim to fame of this vehicle is its space and seat ergonomics. Honda has always had good seat ergonomics across all their vehicles with just the right angle that supports the back.

The interior of this vehicle is really well thought off. It has several push-button adjustments on both the driver and passenger seats.

Correct button placement, USB charging both in front and the back, ample space, and cubby holes are conveniently located.

In terms of drivability, it is easy for a mom like me to drive around on errands when the driver is off for the day.

Honda Legend

Although it may feel like driving something really big, it is still a good option if you cannot decide between a van or a sedan.

The exterior design, however, follows the low-key design cues that Honda seems to embrace.  While its counterparts are producing edgier products, they are sticking to what they know.

Flagship vehicle

The Legend is a stately sedan, especially with its P4.38 million price tag. It looks like a car you would use to shuttle ambassadors and other dignitaries, which makes me feel that this is for the older, more established set.

It comes with ab Earth Dreams Technology V6 3.5-liter direct injection i-VTEC with VCM engine, and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with an integrated high-performance electric motor.

Again, the claim to fame of this vehicle is space and interior design.

Rear entertainment system of the Pilot

The caramel interiors were such a great contrast to the black exterior of the vehicle.  The accent and trims gave a subdued luxury, with push-button back blinds that I always find so cool in vehicles.

The high-tech, push-button gear shifter takes a bit of time to get used to, but if you are looking for bells and whistles, the Legend is not far behind its competitors.

It has heads up display and a multi-angle camera which is a big aid in parking.

The Legend is an electric hybrid, which means at certain low speeds, it runs on an electric motor.

It was a surprise, therefore, when fuel consumption was on the high side. It would have been acceptable on a regular vehicle with its engine displacement, but the Legend was a hybrid.

Although these two cars are worlds apart, the marrying factor is that both have a commitment to a luxurious and comfortable ride.

If you need a bigger car because of the size of your family, the Honda Pilot won’t feel like you have to sacrifice comfort and the perks for space. If you need a sedan, the Legend gives you both the space and comfort for a luxury sedan.

Cockpit of the Honda Legend

Since taste is indeed subjective, these two cars give you the same luxury feel in whatever package you fancy.

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