The Official SUV of Gatineau Park? 5 Reasons the Honda Pilot is Perfect for Local Families

Living in Hull puts you at the doorstep of one of Canada's most beautiful natural spaces – Gatineau Park. For families who spend weekends hiking the Eardley Escarpment, cycling the park's extensive trail network, or enjoying beach days at Meech Lake, the 2025 Honda Pilot delivers the space, capability, and family-friendly features that make every adventure possible.

The Pilot's combination of three-row seating, substantial cargo capacity, and confident all-wheel drive makes it ideally suited for families who live and breathe Gatineau Park. Whether you're shuttling kids to swimming lessons at the Gatineau Aquatic Club or loading camping gear for a weekend at Philippe Lake, this SUV handles both daily routines and outdoor adventures with equal ease.

1. Massive Cargo Space for All Your Gear

The Pilot offers an impressive 3,166 litres of cargo space behind the first row – enough room for multiple bikes, camping equipment, beach gear, and everything else an active family needs. With the third row in use, you still have 635 litres for groceries, sports equipment, and daily essentials.

The flat-folding second and third-row seats create a completely level cargo floor, making it easy to load large items like canoes, paddleboards, or winter sports equipment. The reversible cargo lid provides a clean, durable surface for wet or muddy gear after a day on the park's trails.

For families who frequently transport bikes, the Pilot's wide rear opening and low load height make securing equipment simple and safe. The cargo area tie-down anchors (4) help keep everything organized during the winding drive through the park's scenic roads.

2. Advanced Communication Features for Managing Kids

The Pilot's CabinTalk in-car PA system transforms family road trips by allowing parents to communicate clearly with passengers in all three rows without raising their voices. This feature proves invaluable when explaining park rules to excited children or coordinating activities while driving to different areas within Gatineau Park.

The available CabinWatch rear seat monitor provides visual connection with rear passengers, helping parents monitor children's needs during longer drives to distant park locations like Lac La Pêche or the Luskville Falls trailhead.

Additional family-friendly features include:

• Integrated 2nd-row sunshades for comfort during sunny drives
• Tri-zone automatic climate control with second-row controls
• Multiple USB charging ports throughout all three rows
• Conversation mirror in the sunglasses holder for easy rear visibility

3. Confident All-Wheel Drive for Park Roads

Gatineau Park's roads present unique challenges throughout the year – from steep climbs to the Champlain Lookout to potentially icy conditions on the Parkway during shoulder seasons. The Pilot's second-generation i-VTM4 AWD system provides the traction and control families need to navigate these conditions safely.

The system can send up to 70% of the engine's torque to the rear axle and distribute 100% of that torque to either the left or right rear wheel, ensuring optimal traction on uneven or slippery surfaces. Seven selectable drive modes include specific settings for Snow, Sand, and Trail conditions commonly encountered in and around the park.

Drive Mode Options:

• Normal: Daily driving around Hull and Gatineau
• Sport: Enhanced response for highway merging
• Econ: Fuel-efficient operation for longer park drives
• Snow: Winter traction for park access roads
• Tow: Additional capability when hauling trailers
• Trail: Off-road optimization for unpaved areas
• Sand: Specialized traction for beach areas

4. Spacious Interior for Growing Families

The Pilot's three-row design accommodates up to eight passengers, making it perfect for families with multiple children or those who frequently carpool to park activities. The second-row captain's chairs (available on Touring trim) provide individual comfort for older children, while the flat-folding configuration allows easy access to the third row.

Interior space measurements demonstrate the Pilot's family focus:

• Front legroom: 1,041 mm
• Second row legroom: 1,036 mm
• Third row legroom: 826 mm
• Front headroom: 1,029 mm (Sport) / 993 mm (EX-L, Touring, TrailSport)

The second-row heater ducts ensure comfort for all passengers during winter drives to park activities, while the available heated second-row seats (outboard positions) provide additional warmth on cold days.

5. Powerful V6 Performance for Park Terrain

The Pilot's 3.5-litre V6 engine produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, providing confident power for navigating Gatineau Park's hilly terrain with a full load of passengers and gear. The 10-speed automatic transmission optimizes power delivery whether you're climbing the steep grade to Pink Lake or maintaining steady speeds on the scenic Gatineau Parkway.

With a available towing capacity of 2,268 kg when properly equipped, the Pilot can handle boat trailers for Meech Lake adventures or travel trailers for extended camping trips to nearby provincial parks.

The Hill Descent Control feature provides additional confidence when navigating steep descents within the park, automatically managing braking to maintain safe speeds on challenging terrain.

Pilot Trim Comparison

The Honda Pilot transforms family adventures in Gatineau Park from logistical challenges into memorable experiences. Discover how this three-row SUV can enhance your family's outdoor lifestyle at Lallier Honda Hull.