Keeping in line with 2009 Honda Pilot week at Cars.com, we’re going to dig into the 2009 Pilot’s cylinder deactivation feature to answer today’s question.
The previous-generation Pilot used Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system from 2006 to 2008. It would deactivate cylinders during light engine loads and steady cruising to save fuel. Oddly enough, this gas-saving feature was not available on the Pilot’s thirstiest 4WD versions; only front-wheel-drive Pilots used VCM.
That’s all changed for the redesigned 2009 Pilot, as Honda’s VCM feature now comes standard on both FWD and 4WD models. The new system can run on six, four or three cylinders, as opposed to the previous system that would only switch from six to three cylinders.
Thanks in-part to the new system, 2009 Pilots have boosted fuel economy ratings compared to the outgoing 2008: 17/23 mpg city/highway for the FWD and 16/22 mpg for 4WD. Despite the improvement, the Pilot still falls slightly short of its primary rival’s mileage, the Toyota Highlander, which is rated at 18/24 mpg with FWD and 17/23 mpg with 4WD.
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