Debating to buy the yet to be launched 2016 Honda Pilot with 9 speed transmission with Paddle Shifters. Main reason being am a guy who loves driving Stick Shift and am wondering if this would be an acceptable compromise. Trying to find out details about Shift by wire as mentioned in Honda website. My assumption is that with SBW and Paddle shifters, the only thing missing would be the clutch (I would miss it for sure) but the rest of upshifting and downshifting would be the same. If someone has any insight about the same, please update.
Shrek

 

What I have found is that the 9 Speed transmission is from ZF (http://www.autonews.com/article/2015...speed-in-pilot https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_9HP_transmission#Honda) That is exciting because that is something that is found only on premium SUVs (Range Rover Evoque).
No official confirmation as to how the 9 speed transmission with paddle shifters would be. Hope someone from within Honda shines some light on what really is inside the new Honda Pilot for 2016.

 

Exactly what SUV are you going to get with a stick shift?

I think paddle shifters is going to be the only thing remotely close to full size SUV with a "manual" transmission.

The only one that comes to mind other than Jeeps, and it's not a full size, is the Mazda CX5

I can't think of a full size SUV though that's new that comes with one.

I know the Porsche Cayenne had a manual transmission offering, but don't think someone shopping a Pilot is also going to cross-shop a car double its price.

Like I mentioned above, the only other ones I can think of would be a Wrangler. Which if you got the 4-door model would be pretty similar to a full size SUV.

 

My advise this is. I know you are trying to find a compromise. I've own 3 minivans and looked at the Pilot each time. Anyhow, what I want to say is, no matter what....9 speed PDK, DSG, etc, etc, a 4,600 lbs SUV will not give you the "sports" car feel.


Trust me, there is no substitute. If you are a manual guy like I am, I would get a manual beater car, or project car, so it feeds the need. Let the SUV (or minivan) be an SUV. Ride soft. Ride comfortable. Fit's the family.

 

@TheMuffinMan Agreed paddle shifters are the only ones we are going to get to a Stick Shift in SUVS and Sedans (at least in the US). I am trying to find how paddle shifters work (more specifically in Honda Pilot). For example, in my manual transmission if I floor my car in the second gear I can do that even if it hits the red without the ECU changing to 3rd(or 4th) automatically. I am wondering if something like that is possible with paddle shifters meaning I fully control the shifting or am just having a semblance of control while the ECU does the shifting for me.

@GoLowDew If I could, I would by a Corvette (maybe even a 1957/58 one). I hope to buy an SUV that is a little more fun to drive with a little more driver control. than the run of the mill SUVs.

 

I can't speak 100% for the Acura MDX, but in my Acura TL (SH-AWD 6AT) if I drop it into Sport mode it will hold every gear but 1st.

It looks like the MDX has similar tech in it -See Here

 

Yay! That is good news indeed! I hope the pilot gets the same kind of transmission. And more importantly I get to play with it at my local dealer.

 

Pricing has been announced. Only touring and elite have the 9 speed transmission with paddle shifters. (Honda Announces 2016 Pilot Pricing ? News ? Car and Driver | Car and Driver Blog) That would be about $42000 (plus $1800 for AWD). OUCH!!!