Three-row SUVs are hugely important for active (and big) families, so to ignore that segment would be to ignore a big chunk of the buying public. Honda’s not ignoring anybody; its all-new Pilot is ready to compete after being redesigned from the ground up.
2016 Honda Pilot
Looks-wise, the 2016 Pilot is now falling in line with the rest of Honda’s crossover-dish offerings, including the diminutive HR-V and the only-teased-thus-far next-generation Ridge-line pickup. The taillight shape is immediately recognizable from the HR-V, and the seamless merge of the headlights and grille is now a Honda-family staple across both cars and crossovers. The redesign also removed some of the harder edges from the Pilot’s silhouette, giving it a sleeker appearance that should help it better compete with the likes of the Highlander.
The interior is like most other Hondas these days, in that it’s packing a straightforward layout with a just-right amount of physical switchgear. Like the CR-V, but unlike other Hondas, this is a single-screen affair on the center stack, with the HVAC controls remaining free of touchscreen controls. The gauges are pretty, if a bit simple, with another screen smack dab in the middle. In short, if you’ve seen a Honda in the last two years, you’ll be at home immediately; Honda’s always been smart not to over-design its interiors.
2016 Honda Pilot
The Pilot remains under V-6 power, but its 3.5-liter unit now sports Honda’s Earth Dreams direct-injection technology. It also comes with variable cylinder management for improved highway economy. Total output rises 30 horsepower to 280, and torque jumps up 9 lb-ft to 262. On the three lower trim levels, the available transmission is a six-speed automatic; the top two trims receive a fancy nine-speed unit. Power goes to the ground through the front wheels, but all-wheel drive is optional.
As is the case with most Hondas, you’re not going to find a whole lot of optional equipment. The trim levels are laid out such that each successive jump nabs you a whole load of new stuff. The only true option is Honda Sensing, the automaker’s suite of safety systems, which includes forward collision warning, automatic braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
But even on the base-model Pilot LX, you still get a fair bit of equipment. Some of the LX’s standard loadout includes a backup camera, a five-inch infotainment display, LED brake lights, remote entry with push-button start, a seven-speaker audio system, and a single USB port.
Move up to the EX, and the tech starts to flow. Additional standards include remote start, LED daytime running lights, LaneWatch, a power driver’s seat, an eight-inch infotainment display, another USB port, and 25 more watts coursing through the audio system. Honda Sensing is available as an option on both the EX and the EX-L. The EX also gains Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system, which is a fancy way of saying you get a Snow mode in FWD, and several different off-road modes in AWD (Mud, Snow, Sand).
Things start to get fancy at the EX-L trim level. Acoustic windshield glass, a moonroof, a power tailgate, navigation, a power driver’s seat, and a leather-trimmed interior and steering wheel are all standard at this point. Oh, and the seats are finally heated, too.
At the top of the pile rest the Pilot Touring and the Pilot Elite, both of which come with Honda’s all-new nine-speed automatic. Honda Sensing becomes standard on the Touring, as do body-color side mirrors, start/stop engine technology, ambient LED lighting, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and three additional USB ports for the rear passengers. The Elite adds the following to the mix: automatic high beams, LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic moonroof, seat ventilation, and heated second-row seats.
Production has just started on the all-new Pilot in Alabama, with the first models appearing at dealerships in June. Pricing is right on par with the competition: You can order your Pilot anywhere from $29,995 (LX FWD) to $46,420 (Pilot Elite AWD). At all price points, AWD is a $1,800 option, and Honda Sensing adds $1,000. The top-trim Pilot Elite is only available with AWD. All models receive between 18 and 20 mpg city, and between 26 and 27 mpg highway.
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