SINCE its debut as a 2003 model, the Honda Pilot has pretty much looked like the box it was shipped in. But now, Honda throws a curve with the third generation — there’s no square anywhere. Squinted eyes will see a vague resemblance to the CR-V. Smart move on Honda’s part; the Pilot’s little sister is the best-selling crossover in the United States.

With three rows, the Pilot’s biggest crossover competitors are the Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer. And I do mean big. These rigs are replacing minivans for many families, even though vans are more useful.

The Pilot can be ordered with front drive, which starts at $30,895. The only biblical natural event not experienced during my week in it was locusts, so the Elite model’s standard all-wheel drive was welcome. The weather was so bad during my test that I actually used the mud and snow drive modes. There’s no mode for locusts.

Slightly larger but some 240 pounds lighter now, the Pilot is quick. On dry pavement, the dash from 0 to 60 miles an hour should take about seven seconds. And while the outgoing Pilot suffered from road noise, this new generation is much more hushed.