Nobody understands why I want to buy a 2WD Honda Pilot.

[johngenx]

Thye real question is: whether 2WD or 4WD, why buy an overpriced Pilot in the first place?

Because he likes it.  The Pilot isn't my cup of tea either, but at least I don't come in and up every thread about anything not made by GM.

[PJungnitsch]

I suggest you go to  http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml  and go about half way down the page to the section marked stoping distance and there you will find the chart below that shows a 4wheel drive, in testing for the Quebec government, will stop 7.9 meters shorter then a sub compact on all seasons and around 4 meters shorter then a subcompact with winter tires from 50 KM/H. It appears to me that the 4wd based on documented testing is safer and perhaps Subaru isn't spreading rubbish. Of course any vehicle will only be as safe as the drivers control it but an 8 meter different is a solid difference. In any case it appears its not cars with the most mass that slow the worst but the ones with the poorest controllabilty which is not the AWD.

Interesting, but I'd guess it has a lot to do with the type of 4WD. A part time system in 4 Hi  should brake well because engine braking is working on all the wheels. Likewise in the sophisticated Subaru AWD system.

But in a slip and grip system like the Highlander I'd guess the rear wheels would not engine brake any more than a 2WD.

[johngenx]

Actually, the AT version of the Subaru AWD system shifts the trans into high gear when the ABS in engaged to reduce engine braking effect and give the driver more control using the brake pedal.  Brakes are far more powerful and easily controlled than engine braking.

With many AWD vehicles, the simple change of the weight bias is responsible for the added ability to get the rear tires to bite under braking.

[blee]

The 2WD Pilot is $34K (including $2500 cash discount). Odyssey is close to $32K. Most important, this is the new generation Pilot, but current Odyssey was designed 7 years ago.

[TopGun]

......
With many AWD vehicles, the simple change of the weight bias is responsible for the added ability to get the rear tires to bite under braking.

I just wanted to acknowledge this post...I didn't know this...I will have to reserve my smart a$$ comments on AWD...well...at least until I do more research!   

[ricki65]

Remember a 2WD Pilot will really hurt your resale value later on down the road. By spending $3000 more, you will most likely recover that money back when you selling it again.