2016 Honda Pilot

The redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot is new and features an extensive host of improvements including a new V-6 engine, two automatic transmissions, new exterior design, a roomier interior, updated multimedia technologies, and new active safety and driver assistance features.

Vehicle Summary

Slotting above the two-row CR-V, the 2016 Honda Pilot is a three row crossover with seating for up to eight passengers and is available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

Overview

Powering all 2016 Pilots is a new 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. LX, EX, and EX-L models are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission while the Touring and Elite are mated to a nine-speed unit. Fuel economy has improved over the previous generation, with front-drive Touring models achieving the best gas mileage at 20/27 mpg city/highway. Front-drive LX, EX and EX-L trims are rated at 19/27 mpg while opting for all-wheel drive drops those numbers down to 18/26 mpg. All-wheel-drive Touring and Elite variants are rated at 19/26 mpg.

The 2016 Pilot offers seating for up to eight passengers depending on the trim level. LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring models offer seating for up to eight while the range-topping Elite replaces the second-row bench with two captain's chairs. Cargo space is generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 83.9 cubic feet when both second and third rows are folded. Elite models have slightly less cargo space at 16 cubic feet, 46 cubic feet and 82.1 cubic feet respectively.

Safety

In addition to the standard two-stage front airbags, front-side airbags and three-row side curtain airbags, the 2016 Pilot is also available with a host of active safety and driver aids from the EX trim and higher. This includes Honda's LaneWatch system, lane keeping assist, automatic forward emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Exclusive to the Elite trim are automatic high-beam headlights, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Trims, Packages and What's Standard

Standard equipment on the base LX trim include a rearview camera, split-folding second and third rows, Bluetooth connectivity, a seven-speaker 200-watt sound system, a five-inch LCD screen, keyless entry and start, a USB port in the center console, and a 4.2-inch LCD screen in the multi-information display. Stepping up to the EX trim level adds LED daytime running lights, Honda's LaneWatch system, power moonroof, fog lights, tri-zone climate control, HondaLink Next Generation smartphone apps functionality, an eight-inch touchscreen, and Pandora capability. The EX-L trim adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and one-touch second row seats. Navigation and a rear seat entertainment system are available as extra cost options but can't be had together in the EX-L trim. The Touring trim adds roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, blue ambient LED lighting, navigation, illuminate front row beverage holders, additional USB ports in the second row, and a 540-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers. Range topping Elite models adds HD radio, corner and backup sensor indicator, automatic high beam, perforated front seats with heating and ventilation, perforated and heated second-row captain's chairs, panoramic sunroof, and LED headlights.

What We Think

The 2016 Honda Pilot represents a big step forward thanks to its improved driving dynamics, interior fit and finish, and packaging. In a First Drive review, we said that the Pilot's utility is much improved due to its clever interior packaging, maximizing the available space so that even with the third row in place there's plenty of room for gear. Like the previous generation Pilot, the new model retains is generous passenger space and is able to accommodate seven or eight passengers depending on the trim level. Build quality is also much improved, with plenty of high-grade material used throughout the entire cabin while storage cubbies are plentiful and functional, with the center console able to swallow nearly anything. The touch-sensitive infotainment controls, however, are a little finicky, making it slightly difficult to do simple tasks such as changing the volume.

On the road, the 2016 Pilot drives well thanks to its 300-pound weight loss and a platform shared with the Acura MDX. Body control and handling are impressive for a large three-row crossover, with sharp turn-ins, smooth weight transfers, great steering feel and sedan-like grip. Power from the new direct-injected V-6 is more than adequate and enables the crossover to pass and accelerate with ease. Both automatic transmissions available on the Pilot are well-tuned and shifts with ease; however, the nine-speed is much more aggressive when accelerating and is much more seamless than the six-speed.

Cool Fact

A Blu-ray player is standard on the Touring and Elite trims.

Key Competitors

• Toyota Highlander
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Ford Explorer
• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Dodge Durango