In spite of that PR blurb, the active valve adjustment function is limited to disabling cylinders. There is no actual mechanism in our engines to adjust valve timing in running cylinders. No VVT solenoids or servos or other actuators, no smarts in the PCM to actuate them.
One of the claimed features on my Pilot is "Power Folding Mirrors", when in fact the feature is much more accurately described as "Folding Power Mirrors". There is no "Power Folding" function available. But, the marketing gurus twist the words slightly to more favorably misrepresent what's actually there. Ditto the Variable Valve Timing claim. Yeah, on up to four of the six cylinders, the valve timing 'varies' between "opens sometimes" and "never opens". It's a real stretch, but apparently they can do it.
TL;DR --
It certainly pays to do your homework/Due Diligence, and plan to manage your expectations. No single issue is likely to kill a purchase decision, but learning to plow through the marketing language is important when you shop. We had the luxury of a three-month test drive/familiarization period before purchase, something not everyone usually gets. For other new-car purchases, I usually go rent candidate cars for project/business trips, and get some actual seat time before a final decision.
