The redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot: Aiming to Please Everyone's Expectations
In recent years, people have been clamoring for more from their family haulers. They want it all - space, power, style, and safety features. The Honda Pilot, last redesigned in 2009, aimed to eke out the most room in the smallest footprint possible, but unfortunately, its boxy styling clashed with its station wagon on steroids mission. This time around, the pilot is bigger, having gained almost 4 inches in its redesign, and it also looks more upscale, less utilitarian.
The new Pilot boasts an impressive power output of 280 horses from a new 3.5 L V6 engine. This significant increase in power will surely provide ample acceleration for families on-the-go. Moreover, the base transmission has been upgraded to a six-speed automatic, which should improve performance and fuel economy. However, it's worth noting that this change also introduces an unintuitive push-button shifter, which may take some getting used to.
One of the most significant advancements in the new Pilot is its reduced weight. Honda claims that the vehicle now weighs 300 pounds less than its predecessor, a feat that should significantly improve fuel economy and overall performance. This reduction in weight has also led to improved safety results, as Honda is now claiming best-in-class crash test scores. This is particularly noteworthy since the previous pilot did not fare well in the IHS small overlap crash test.
Safety is indeed a top priority in the new Pilot, and Honda has taken several steps to ensure that families are protected on the road. The vehicle's Lane Watch camera system is now standard in most trims, starting with the EX trim. This feature provides an additional layer of protection for drivers by monitoring blind spots and alerting them if another vehicle enters their lane. Additionally, Honda offers a Honda Sense safety package that includes Ford Collision and Lane Departure Warning. While we strongly recommend opting for this package, it's worth noting that driver visibility is crucial in ensuring safety.
The Pilot's interior has also undergone significant improvements, providing more room, nicer materials, and a range of convenient features. One notable innovation is the fancy sliding cubby top, which covers more cabin storage if needed. The second row seats have been replaced with Captain's chairs, allowing for easier access and more comfort for passengers. Moreover, these seats fold with just the push of a button, a truly fabulous convenience that grown-ups will surely appreciate.
However, there are also some areas where Honda could improve its design and functionality. For instance, the audio systems in the new Pilot seem to be more complicated than necessary, with touchscreens that can be difficult to navigate. We wish Honda had spent a bit more time on developing these systems, as they often struggle with making them intuitive for drivers. Similarly, the controls in the vehicle can feel overwhelming at times.
When it comes to driving, the Pilot doesn't quite set any benchmarks. It feels big and heavy, even more so than its rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Toyota Highlander. While this may be a trade-off for some families who prioritize space over sporty handling, others might find it less desirable. Fortunately, the new Pilot has made significant strides in reducing noise inside the vehicle, making it a quiet and comfortable ride - but only for the upper-level Touring and Elite trims.
Despite its flaws, the Honda Pilot is undoubtedly an improvement over its predecessor. With its increased power, improved safety features, and more spacious interior, it's well on its way to becoming a family favorite. While there's still room for growth and refinement, we can't deny that this redesign has finally brought the Pilot up to speed with the times.
"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enpeople want more more more more and the redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot it aims to please them last redesigned in 2009 the Honda Pilot tried to eek out the most room in the smallest footprint possible it did that but the boxy styling clashed with the car's station wagon on steroids Mission now the pilot is bigger having gained almost 4 in in its redesign it also looks more upscale less utilitarian there's more power with 280 horses from a new 3.5 L V6 and there are more gears with the base transmission finally becoming a six-speed automatic upper level touring and Elite versions get a nine-speed automatic that should improve performance and fuel economy but it also gives you an unintuitive push button shifter to Honda's credit there's one place where more didn't apply they claim that the new pilot weighs 300 lb less than the old one that should help fuel economy safety is vital in a family hauler like this despite the reduced weight Honda is claiming best-in-class crash test results that's important because the previous pilot did not do well in the IHS small overlap crash test there's also more safety gear Honda's Lane watch camera system is standard in most trims starting with the e X trim you can also add the Honda sense safety package that includes Ford Collision and Lane departure warning we'd strongly recommend you getting that driver visibility adds to safety and the pilot gives you more than most rals thanks to Upright styling with big Windows all around including the back window and freakishly thin windshield pillage for this day and age there's more room interior materials are nicer take this fancy sliding cubby top it covers more cabin storage if you want you can opt for something less one less seat thanks to the new second row Captain's chairs the second row seats fold with just a push of a button a fabulous convenience grown-ups won't like the sit on the floor posture forced by the low third row seat but kids sure won't mind so the pilot is super accommodating and very familyfriendly basically a minivan and SUV disguise still with wish Honda had Spent A Little More Time On development we'd love to skip the new audio systems more complicated controls Honda struggles with making touchscreens intuitive and we really wish there were some normal knobs and buttons here driving the pilot doesn't set any benchmarks either don't expect sporty handling the pilot feels big to drive even more so than a rival Hyundai Santa Fe or Toyota Highlander and Honda might have finally built a pilot that qualifies as being quiet inside but only the touring and Elite get this level of noise insulation also you do notice some suspension noise over some bumps for more in the Honda Pilot check out consumerreports.orgpeople want more more more more and the redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot it aims to please them last redesigned in 2009 the Honda Pilot tried to eek out the most room in the smallest footprint possible it did that but the boxy styling clashed with the car's station wagon on steroids Mission now the pilot is bigger having gained almost 4 in in its redesign it also looks more upscale less utilitarian there's more power with 280 horses from a new 3.5 L V6 and there are more gears with the base transmission finally becoming a six-speed automatic upper level touring and Elite versions get a nine-speed automatic that should improve performance and fuel economy but it also gives you an unintuitive push button shifter to Honda's credit there's one place where more didn't apply they claim that the new pilot weighs 300 lb less than the old one that should help fuel economy safety is vital in a family hauler like this despite the reduced weight Honda is claiming best-in-class crash test results that's important because the previous pilot did not do well in the IHS small overlap crash test there's also more safety gear Honda's Lane watch camera system is standard in most trims starting with the e X trim you can also add the Honda sense safety package that includes Ford Collision and Lane departure warning we'd strongly recommend you getting that driver visibility adds to safety and the pilot gives you more than most rals thanks to Upright styling with big Windows all around including the back window and freakishly thin windshield pillage for this day and age there's more room interior materials are nicer take this fancy sliding cubby top it covers more cabin storage if you want you can opt for something less one less seat thanks to the new second row Captain's chairs the second row seats fold with just a push of a button a fabulous convenience grown-ups won't like the sit on the floor posture forced by the low third row seat but kids sure won't mind so the pilot is super accommodating and very familyfriendly basically a minivan and SUV disguise still with wish Honda had Spent A Little More Time On development we'd love to skip the new audio systems more complicated controls Honda struggles with making touchscreens intuitive and we really wish there were some normal knobs and buttons here driving the pilot doesn't set any benchmarks either don't expect sporty handling the pilot feels big to drive even more so than a rival Hyundai Santa Fe or Toyota Highlander and Honda might have finally built a pilot that qualifies as being quiet inside but only the touring and Elite get this level of noise insulation also you do notice some suspension noise over some bumps for more in the Honda Pilot check out consumerreports.org\n"
