The Pilot, Honda’s largest SUV, is back for a third generation, still trying to put more utility into the sports utility segment. No, the Japanese haven’t added a bed to their three-row crossover.
But they have added new technology and premium features for the 2016 Honda Pilot. What hasn’t changed is the Pilot’s all-American background. Just like its predecessors, the third generation is designed in Los Angeles, CA and Raymond, OH. Production has been moved to Lincoln, AL.
LED tail lights, with a distinctive L-shape, are standard on all trims. From the EX-L trim and upwards, the 2016 Pilot comes with a power tailgate. A panoramic roof is offered for the first time on the Pilot, but only on the Elite trim level. EX-L and Touring trims come with a moonroof. 18-inch wheels are standard on the LX, EX, and EX-L trim, but 20-inch wheels are available. Touring and Elite trims get 20-inch wheels as standard. The power side mirrors come with chrome housings and integrated LED turn signals on the top two trim levels. Eight exterior colors choices are offered, regardless of trim level.
Second-row passengers get optional heating function and their own climate control system, as well as an available rear entertainment system, with a 9-inch screen. They have 40.2 in of headroom and 38.4 in of legroom. On EX-L trim and above, second row seats come with one-touch operation for easier access to the rear.
Finally, third-row passengers just get some cupholders, 38.9 in headroom and 31.9 in legroom. There is some good news for those stuck all the way in the back of the 2016 Honda Pilot. The second row comes with optional captain’s chairs, meaning no more middle passenger. And no more middle passenger means rear seat passengers have a chance of watching what’s playing on the entertainment system, or at least see where the car is going. With the third-row seats up, cargo volume is still a decent 16.5 cu ft. It increases to a massive 46.8 cu ft with the third-row seats down.
The 8-passenger SUV has ditched the positioning of the gear lever high on the center console. In fact, it ditches the lever altogether in favor of gear selection buttons, on the top two trims. A 5-inch LCD comes standard with the infotainment system on the base model, but all other trims get an 8-inch multitouch screen. The top two trims come with a 10-speaker, 540-watt sound system.
The Touring and Elite trim levels come with navigation, 115-Volt power outlet and two additional USB ports with charging for second-row passengers. The top trim level is the only one that comes with HD Radio.
LX, EX, and EX-L models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. A nine-speed automatic – a Honda first – can be found on the Touring and Elite trims and comes with paddle shifters. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations are available. The Elite trim is the only one that comes standard with AWD.
The best fuel economy comes from the Touring trim, as it’s the only one available with 2WD and the modern nine-speed automatic. Its EPA rating is 20 MPG city, 27 highway and 23 combined.
Standard active safety features that come with the base model include a tire pressure monitor and rearview camera. Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist are available starting with the EX trim level. Other equipment offered higher up the trim ladder includes rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, and lane departure warning.
