The Pilot boasts more cargo space than the Toyota Highlander, and surprisingly, more than the Ford Explorer or GMC Envoy. All the while packing eight seats into an overall package the EPA actually considers a compact SUV. Make no mistake though; the Honda Pilot is aimed squarely at midsize SUV buyers.

Another surprise sits under the hood — the Pilot offers a 240-horse, 3.5-liter V-6 that’s married to a five-speed automatic transmission with Honda’s patented VTM-4 electronically controlled full-time all-wheel-drive system — all as standard equipment. Since it shares its platform with the Acura MDX SUV and Honda Odyssey minivan, it also features the same crisp, predictable handling.

The Pilot borrows its overall styling from Honda’s smaller CR-V sport-ute, with its headlights, grill and basic body lines simply enlargements of those on the CR-V, while body-color moldings give the Pilot a more upscale, refined look.

Interiorwise, the Honda Pilot packages an amazingly large amount of interior room into a relatively small space.

Instrumentation is familiar to anyone who has ever driven a Honda, with a layout proven over decades to be the standard for ergonomics.

The Pilot’s spacious, comfortable front bucket seats are separated by a very versatile center console that includes a fold-out cell phone holder with a power outlet and loads of storage space. A covered compartment located on the centerline provides more storage in the space between the console and the instrument panel.

The seats give excellent access to all the controls, and in what I thought was a particularly clever innovation, the largest dial in the center of the instrument panel is a switch, which changes the sound controls from front to rear-seat audio. Several people with young children noted this immediately, recognizing it as the control they would use most and commenting on its large size and central placement.

The headliner-mounted DVD screen doesn’t take up much room when not in use, and is easily visible from the second and third-row seats

The middle seats are fairly comfortable for adults, but like most third-row seats, these are strictly for young children — or very short trips. Both rear seats split 60/40, and with both rows folded flat, the Pilot boasts 90.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The GMC Envoy compares with 80.1 cubic feet and the Ford Explorer with 81.3 while the Toyota Highlander has 81.4.

Passive safety features include dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags, front side-impact airbags with occupant position sensing on passenger side.

The Pilot is available in two models: The LX ($26,900) and EX ($29,270).

The LX offers a wide range of standard equipment including A/C, cruise, AM/FM stereo with an in-dash CD player, power windows, mirrors and door locks as well as driver and front passenger front and side airbags.

The EX raises the bar, adding a powerful seven-speaker stereo system, standard aluminum alloy wheels and synchronized front and rear automatic climate controls. Options for the EX include leather interior trim, rear entertainment system and navigation system.

Since the Honda Pilot shares not only its platform, but virtually all its key mechanical systems – engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive system, and brakes – with the more expensive Acura MDX and Odyssey minivan, its maneuverability, handling and ease of parking quickly remind you what an extraordinary package this really is.

The 240-horse 3.5-liter V6 is more than adequate and bests the V6-powered Toyota Highlander by 20 horses. Acceleration is excellent — especially in the 40-60 mph passing range. The electronically controlled five-speed automatic shifts smoothly and precisely, even under hard acceleration. The transmission’s computer control holds lower gears longer than normal for better performance going up hills and delivers strong engine braking on downhill grades.

Whines: The cell phone holder in the front-seat center console was the only interior feature not fully thought out. Whenever it was in use, it completely blocks the two cupholders mounted in front of it in the console.

Applause: The Honda Pilot’s ride and handling compares with the best midsize cars. It’s stable at highway speeds and agile in parking lots. The steering wheel informs the driver of road conditions without jerking at every bump in the road. Unlike many SUVs, the Pilot is unusually quiet, with enough sound insulation to prevent bumps from being transmitted to the interior as noise.

Bottom Line: Everything about the way the Honda Pilot behaves — on the road, in town and it’s overall utility, quietness and roominess — is a just little better than was necessary to beat its competition. This is, very simply, a great package.