Out with the old
More appealing and refined Honda Pilot debuts for 2016
With many stylish and respectable threerow mid- size SUVs to choose from, Honda’s Pilot was feeling like the odd man out for its boxy stance and frugal cabin.
Thankfully, an all- new Honda Pilot debuts for 2016 with better styling, a quieter and more upscale cabin, increased quantities of standard and available amenities and safety technologies, improved driving dynamics and an available top- of- the- line, ultra- luxurious Elite trim level.
The all- new third- generation Pilot has traded in its boxy styling for a more rounded, contemporary and attractive shape.
The 2016 Honda Pilot is 3.5 inches longer, and its wheelbase has increased 1.8 inches. This has helped improve cargo space and ride comfort, especially for second- and third- row passengers. Step- in height has been lowered 1.4 inches, making it easier to enter and exit. Older adults and families with young children should appreciate that.
Pilot’s new cabin offers a much more premium feel, even at the lower trim levels. All Pilot trims except for the new Elite trim offer eight- passenger seating. The new top- of- theline Honda Pilot Elite features two second- row captain’s chairs instead of a three- seat bench.
There is plenty of head and leg room in all three rows for adults, and entry to/ exit from the third row has been improved.
Second- row seats move fore/ aft to allow for stretching out. The third row does offer enough head and leg room for adults, but its low seating position forces your knees up, making it uncomfortable for long trips.
Cargo capacity has been increased, allowing for an 82- quart cooler to fit in the well behind the third row. The new Pilot is quite versatile, offering a maximum of 109 cubic feet of cargo space with both the second and third rows folded down.
Those who choose the Pilot Elite will be awarded with an exclusive, fixed panoramic glass roof over the second and third rows. It floods the cabin with natural light when desired, or it can be covered by a motorized sunshade. A power moonroof comes standard in EX- L, Touring and Elite trim levels.
All trim levels come very well- equipped with full power accessories, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming and plenty of USB ports for charging your devices.
A Blu- Ray rear entertainment system with HDMI interface is available as well as a 540- watt premium audio system.
Powering the new Honda Pilot is a revised 3.5- liter V- 6 engine that burns regular unleaded fuel and makes 280 horsepower. Mated to Pilot’s strong V- 6 is either a six- speed automatic or new nine- speed automatic ( only available on the top two trim levels).
Pilot can be had with either front wheel- drive ( FWD) or all wheel- drive ( AWD). Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds for FWD models and 5,000 pounds for AWD models.
Fuel economy for models with the six- speed automatic transmission is 19/ 27 mpg city/ highway ( FWD) and 18/ 26 mpg city/ highway ( AWD). Pilot models with the nine- speed automatic are rated for 20/ 27 mpg city/ highway ( FWD) and 19/ 26 mpg city/ highway ( AWD).
The new Pilot features a long list of standard and available safety technologies. Regardless of which Honda Pilot you choose, the ride is much more refined and car- like. The cabin remains very quiet, even at highway speeds. The new Pilot is destined to be a crowd- pleaser, and it is my top choice in the three- row midsize SUV segment.