2016 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6 9AT AWD (280 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Honda introduced the third generation of the Pilot in early 2015 at the Chicago Auto Show, and it was a big step forward compared to the boxy-looking second generation of this moniker.

The Japanese automaker kept the second generation of the Pilot on the market for just seven years. Still, it helped the car manufacturer overcome the challenges of the world financial crisis. In addition, it had plenty of time to listen to its customers and hear what they liked and didn’t enjoy in Honda’s three-row SUV and fixed everything. Or, at least, it worked hard on those matters. As a result, when the automaker pulled the wraps off the 2016 Honda Pilot, customers were delighted. As a result, the vehicle sold well despite being in a highly contested market segment where Toyota, Nissan, and Ford had their offers.

At the front, the automaker introduced a completely new design language for the Pilot. Instead of the previously used wedged shapes, it created smoother lines with swept-back headlights. Between them, Honda installed a three-slat grille where the brand’s badge took center stage. The upper slat was extended over the headlights, resembling a samurai sword. Lower, on the bumper, the Pilot featured a pair of side scoops that housed the blinkers and the daytime running lights, while on the apron was a second air intake.

From its profile, the 2016 Honda Pilot revealed a clear SUV stance with a short nose compared to the rest of the vehicle. However, it didn’t look like a minivan, even though it shared its GLTP2 platform with the Odyssey. The long greenhouse ended with a slightly tilted forward tailgate that sported a roof spoiler at its top. Thanks to the alloy wheels and flared wheel arches adorned by black plastic trims around them, the car looked ready to tackle unpaved roads and even some soft off-road sessions. In addition, the sculptured line below the windows created a dynamic look to the vehicle.

Inside, there was room for up to eight adults on the three rows of seats, albeit the top trim level was available exclusively in a seven-seat layout, with captain chairs in the middle. At the front, the driver fronted a dashboard that looked like it was carried over from a sedan. The redesigned instrument cluster followed the trend of mixing large displays with analog dials. As a result, the speedometer was digital, while the tachometer and the fuel and temperature gauges flanked a TFT for the car’s onboard computer. Atop the center stack, all but the base grade featured an eight-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. At the same time, the center console housed the buttons for the automatic transmission, which was standard across the range.

Under the hood was a 3.5-liter V6 engine as the only option. On the lower grades, Honda paired it with a six-speed manual, while the top trim levels sent the power to the wheels via a nine-speed automatic. Customers could opt for either a front- or a 4WD system. While the car didn’t shine in the fuel-efficiency catalog, it was the star of the Honda SUV family.