It's been awhile since the Honda Pilot received a significant update, but it appears as though the wait may have been worth it. The Japanese automaker revealed the completely redone 2016 Pilot at this week's Chicago Auto Show, where it pulled a Renee Zellweger by boasting a nearly unrecognizable appearance compared to the outgoing model. Below, we closely examine all the changes the Pilot underwent to look the way it does now.
Right away, you'll notice that the Pilot's boxy frame has been smoothed out, making it look more like a crossover than the utilitarian SUV it looked like before. Although a rounded hood gives the Pilot's front end an overall softer appearance, it still looks muscular thanks to character lines on the hood. The front grille now only has two chrome bars, with a thicker one at the top connecting newly designed headlights that have been pinned back. Directly below the headlights are new daytime running lights and air inlets, while foglights are found on the lower bumper.
From the side, the Pilot looks much more modern with a sharp character line that starts on the front quarter panel and runs through the door handles, kinking up toward a more angular rear quarter window. That window now connects to the other side windows, whereas before, it stood alone since it was separated by sheetmetal. The roofline has also been squished down, sloping down toward the rear.
Major changes continue around back, where the Pilot appears to have taken inspiration from the Acura MDX and RDX. Two-piece taillights that split on the tailgate and on the rear quarter panels replace the old Pilot's rectangular lights, giving the SUV a more premium appearance. An integrated rear spoiler above the liftgate also adds more character compared to the slab-sided SUV.
