2016 Honda Pilot: All-new model takes flight
The all-new 2016 Honda Pilot looks and feels very different from its predecessor. However, it wasn’t until I drove the highly-regarded 2nd-generation 2015 Pilot back-to-back with the new 3rd-generation 2016 Pilot that the new model’s numerous updates — especially to its driving character — became stunningly apparent. On sale this summer, the eightpassenger family SUV has been redesigned and reengineered with changes that have been led by the “voice of the customer”, said Honda, with fresh exterior and interior styling, many of the car world’s latest features, increased value and improved fuel economy. Honda’s flagship three-row sport ute has been developed and manufactured in the U.S.
This mid-sized crossover was introduced in 2003 and received high praise as the first vehicle in its class with a car-like, unibody platform, and independent suspension. It set industry standards for fuel efficiency, packaging and cargo-carrying, safety and sporty handling and has found a home with some 1.4 million buyers. The newest Pilot raises the bar with more premium attributes, new power-
trains and a host of new technologies, along with the most advanced safety features ever, including the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, with lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring (like Honda’s innovative LaneWatch system, which uses a camera to display the passenger-side blind spot when the turn signal is activated), adaptive cruise control, forwardcollision mitigation braking and lane-keeping assist. Pilot shares its underpinnings with the Acura MDX luxury SUV, and with fortified frame rails, all-new AWD system and modest ground clearance, it is capable for light off-road use and can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
On sale this summer, the 2016 Pilot comes in 2WD and 4WD, and five trims. The base LX gets standard vehicle stability/traction control; rear camera, daytime running lights; ABS with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; and tire–pressure monitoring; and 18-inch wheels; while the new, top-of-the-line Elite trim brings a number of Honda-first features, including ventilated front seats; heated second-row seats; heated steering wheel; a panoramic glass roof; and 20-inch wheels and tires. The LX starts at $29,995 ($880 destination) and Elite at $46,420.
Although the newest Pilot is larger and longer, it has shed some weight, as well, which aids fuel economy and improves driving dynamics. Its design is more sporty, sleek and narrow, with more contemporary styling than the previous model that is boxy, upright and shares styling with the Ridgeline truck. It also has slightly muscled looks, with some sculpted panels and narrower window openings and has been smoothed to be more aerodynamic; a spoiler at the tail reduces drag. Bold LED lighting punctuates the front and back, while a bright-chromed, three-bar grille accents the fascia.
Inside is a premium cabin that is well-executed with lots of elbow room and good ergonomics and utility. In addition to attractive, softtouch materials, the front console has a smartphone tray and two cupholders. The main storage compartment has a smartphone tray, along with a 12-volt power outlet and 4 USB ports and auxiliary jacks. It is large enough to accommodate a purse or up to five iPads. The instrument panel pod and center-stack touchscreen are tastefully set up with the expected premium level of communication/navigation/audio features and systems.
Pilot has seven-or eight passenger seating, as second-row captain’s seats are available. There is one-touch easy access to the third row that has improved ingress and egress. Honda’s Flexible Cargo Management system is highlighted by a two-position cargo lid that lets you hide cargo in a lower, hidden compartment that can be repositioned at the bottom to make room for taller items and can even accommodate a large 82-quart ice chest behind the thirdrow seats. The reversible cargo lid is carpeted on one side and has a durable, water-resistant hardplastic surface on the flipside for holding wet and muddy gear. A side compartment can hold small items, like groceries or a gallon of milk. There is 12-volt power outlet is the rear on some trims.
Under the hood is a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine with cylinder deactivation technology that produces 280 hp. and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. It is matched to a new six-speed or new ninespeed automatic, depending on trim. The 9-speed can be operated in two different fully automatic modes: the D (or “Drive”) mode is for normal driving and top fuel economy, while the Sport mode is for more spirited, performance-oriented driving. A new push-button-operated Intelligent Traction Management System brings four different AWD operating modes: Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand; and two FWD modes: Normal and Snow.
We drove the different versions of the new Pilot in a small quadrant of Ohio and Kentucky, with city driving, motoring along freeways and on winding two-lanes. Notable attributes are the Pilot’s quietness; tighter, more responsive steering, and power that moves it quickly, when needed. We also enjoyed the paddle shifters on the ninespeed transmission, along with Pilot’s responsive Sport setting.
Of note, the new AWD system not only transfers power from the front to the rear, but also across the rear axle, a more sophisticated traction-enhancing technology. A Hill Start Assist system maintains brake pressure when the pedal is released, giving the driver time to engage the accelerator. A Grade Logic System holds the engine in a lower gear when on steep inclines for better hill-climbing torque and increased engine braking when going down steep inclines. The second-generation allwheel drive system enables it to wade through 19 inches of water.