Honda’s third generation Pilot set to fly into Pittsburgh
When the all-new, third-generation Pilot goes on sale at Pittsburgh area showrooms this summer, it should take the three-row SUV category by storm. There’s a new powerplant under the hood offering 30 more horsepower than the outgoing model. A new nine-speed automatic will be available as well. Honda is also rolling out an Elite trim with a panoramic roof that promises to offer comfort and upscale luxury never before seen from the Honda brand.
Nick Sherman, general manager at Dean Honda is expecting these new offerings to translate into boosted sales.
“Many of those features have been requested by Pilot customers in the past,” said Mr. Sherman. “The Pilot will now offer more content than basically any other vehicle in its class.”
This iteration of the Pilot is larger, sleeker, has skinnier windows, and is more efficient. And because it’s a Honda, it’s bound to be safe and reliable. Building on the solid reputation established from the June 2002 introduction of the first generation 2003 model, the 2016 Pilot brings a whole new level of refinement and available content to the segment.
Under the hood, there’s a more powerful direct injected 3.5-liter SOHC V6 EarthDreams Technology engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The new V6 uses variable cylinder management to shut down cylinders while you’re cruising to enhance fuel efficiency on the highway. It is mated to either a new six-speed or nine-speed automatic gearbox.
A new Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD System and allnew selectable Intelligent Traction Management system are excellent enhancements that add to the Pilot’s handling and ride. The Intelligent Traction Management System allows you to select various modes for changing weather conditions; offering Normal, Mud, Sand, and Snow modes on the AWD model and Normal and Snow modes on the 2WD model.
Operated from buttons on the center console, the Intelligent Traction Management System was developed, tuned and tested at various locations in the U.S. and around the world - including Imperial Dunes “Glamis,” CA; Moscow, Russia; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Based on the setting selected, the system adjusts the drive-by wire map, transmission shift map, Vehicle Stability Assist and i-VTM4 torque distribution for AWD equipped models for optimal performance in varying road or surface conditions.
This is one of the most sophisticated and technologically-advanced all-wheel-drive systems offered on a mainstream, three-row SUV. The system progressively distributes optimum torque between the front and rear axles and, for the first time ever in a Honda vehicle, dynamically distributes engine torque between the left and right rear wheels using the new, lightweight rear drive unit.
This system offers the kind of handling you need to handle Pittsburgh winters, while offering easy and accurate steering that is unmatched by most front-wheel, rear wheel or conventional all-wheel drives on the market.
Also significantly upgraded are the Display Audio and navigation systems. Mr. Sherman believes that the Honda Sensing package will be a huge selling point for customers. Its features include Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System with Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Providing customers with a greatly increased range of trim levels, the 2016 Pilot will be available in the previously mentioned top-of-the-line Elite trim together with LX, EX, EX with Honda Sensing, EX-L, EX-L with Honda Sensing and Touring trims. Honda Sensing is standard on both Touring and Elite trims. Pricing has yet to be announced.
The new Pilot Elite promises an extensive feature content list, including heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, LED headlights with auto high-beam, rain sensing windshield wipers and much more. And these are in addition to a long list of standard features throughout the Pilot trim range.
Mr. Sherman’s favorite new feature is the remote engine starter.
“That’s another feature that customers have been asking for and Honda has delivered it with the new Pilot,” he said.
Honda’s latest advanced, family-technology can also be found in the new Pilot. New features include the available eight-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface with Android operating system and all-new Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System developed in cooperation with the experts at Garmin.
With the new 2016 Pilot, Honda is delivering on its promise that the new generation would fly higher than its predecessors. And while the new 2016 Pilot is a clear step up, the 2015 models still in showrooms are great vehicles. Look for increased incentives on these outgoing models, as dealers pare down inventories for the new model-especially if you are currently in the market for a threerow SUV.
“There are great lease and purchase deals available,” said Mr. Sherman. “Honda is also offering a Loyalty incentive to all customers who are currently driving Pilots.”