It is not a secret at all that Honda wants to expand its crossover lineup. The Japanese carmaker will reportedly offer several all-new models in a few years. However, the first new high-riding vehicle will have a familiar badge. Judging by our insider, Honda’s Lincoln Alabama plant will start with the production of a two-row SUV. We don’t know the actual name at the moment, but the rumors suggest it’s going to be called the 2019 Honda Pilot Sport.
The smaller Pilot isn’t a bad idea at all. This way, the carmaker will fill the gap between the three-row Pilot and CR-V, and thus become competitive in the segment where Ford’s Edge and Nissan Murano currently rule.
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The 2019 Pilot Sport should sit on the same platform as its seven-seat sibling. However, instead of the 111.0-inch wheelbase, the two-row crossover will get around107 inches between wheels. Honda hasn’t said anything regarding the engine of the Pilot Sport, but we think it’s going to be mated to a V6 unit only. The 3.5-liter V-6 will deliver 280 horsepower, running either front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Of course, the manufacturer won’t skip the chance to offer an optional nine-speed gearbox. Even though it’s going to use the same engine as the regular Pilot, the 2019 Honda Pilot Sport will feature a slightly better fuel economy thanks due to a slightly lighter body.
Although it’s going to share the name with its bigger sibling, the five-seat Pilot will probably feature a different exterior styling. Though, the differences will be mostly cosmetic. It’s far more important to mention that the 2019 Honda Pilot Sport will be priced significantly less than its bigger sibling. We don’t know the exact figure, but we know it’s going to start south from $30K.
