MotorWeek | Road Test: 2016 Honda Pilot

Navigate with us through suburbia in the Honda Pilot.

[@Tacoexplorer]

I really like the new pilot. Making it look like a crv is a good thing. We have a '12 crv and we like it. If we need a 3rd row the the new pilot will definitely consider purchasing.

[@AWDfreak]

More off-road feedback on crossovers like this video would be nice, thanks for uploading!

[@shopwithaaron]

Finally Honda's gotten thru the box on wheels!

[@ThePauliebuck]

So now it looks like all the other misfits out there, 2015 looks much better

[@TomDeVito]

It's basically a larger CR-V with a 3rd row. It's good to see Honda ditch the old boxy design I'm just not sure how to feel about the new pilot

[@FunAtDisney]

I agree with MW assessment of the style. I too thought when is Honda going to update the Pilot to a more modern design? But unfortunately what they came up with is neither original or stylish. It made my decision to lease a 2015 Pilot SE a couple of months ago and with the 2016 coming out, it made for a great discount on the 2015s. And now with the new Elite trim, the cost has really ballooned!

[@robs2765]

Here’s a review from an owner. I purchased my 2017 Elite back in September 2017 for an excellent deal, 39k with taxes. It rides nice but I do not like the push bottom transmission. It has trouble finding 1st gear and I hate pressing it. There is a huge amount of space and features. The ride is nice and very very suited. I recommend this to anyone

[@billyjoejimbob56]

So... how is this generation of Pilot aging? Bought a 2017 EX-L AWD five years ago. I was not a fan of the (ZF suppllied) nine speed AT and I did not want the 20 inch wheels or NAV system, although I do wish we had the perforated leather memory seats. Five years and 70K later... it has been an excellent vehicle. One issue with an intermitent check engine light. The dealer found no system problems, reflashed some software and charged just $90. With the 6-spd AT, we get a consistent 28 mpg on long road trips and no worse than 18 mpg in daily around town use. Overall, roomy, comfortable, versatile, and the most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned.

[@jvrdlc]

Safety features shouldn't be optional like on this Pilot Elite" trim.. it should be standard on any car

[@haydenhartley2823]

jvrdlc lucky for you this has changed

[@senseicorey9979]

Great background music

[@Geordo1960]

That speedo would be a deal breaker with me.

[@davidaubin3902]

Not so blocky as the old one, so I expect it sell well. Doesn't look dated as highlander, traverse, or Santa Fe

[@davidaubin3902]

+David Aubin Also, your right there, John on not having a traditional speedometer, and no volume knob for the radio.

[@velboone6041]

Love it

[@jvrdlc]

It is a nice SUV and it should come with Honda's reliable engine, but most of the nicest options are on the Elite trim, including the panoramic sunroof and the cross traffic alert and cool seats and that will cost you 47K, that is a lot for a family car with all the bells. You can get an Acura MDX 2013 or so for the same cash with the SH-AWD and fully loaded, now it might not be as spacious as this or the Infiniti Jx35 can be priced the same. that is a tough one. If anything wait a year or 2 and get a used Elite for less

[@yuzum100]

jvrdlc Oooohm! Acura is Honda , new pilot has SH-AWD with a different name. Oh infiniti is Nissan. I m sure you know it but you should know why Honda ,Toyota or Nissan need a different name to sell or to who.

[@anhdungngo6538]

Someone made good deal 39 k with elite

[@jakedsnake]

No speedometer?

[@MrHmongrice]

where's your 2nd gen pilot review?

[@yuzum100]

I own a 2009 bmw x5 with. Test drove a 2016 pilot touring and ordered an elite. Motorweek guy saying that the new pilot is not as quiet as luxury brands, well he is either lying or did not drive luxury suv. There is a big difference between this two.Honda beats bmw on everything accept power and $25.000 less.

[@mariomaster0248]

The gadgets and infotainment system needs to be in Acuras and other Hondas

[@anthonyszeto5508]

I prefer classic color combo. Silver exterior and black (cloth) interior. oddly its not offered on this generation Pilot. Other competitors have this option.

[@bilalahmed2123]

It's alright. I hope its made in Japan and not in North America ! You can feel the foreign wormanship in these cars not made locally !

[@sharmaman1]

Sorry, but I am 95% sure that this is made in Alabama

[@bilalahmed2123]

Im not suprised.

[@sonyabhakta2855]

Bilal Ahmed and a great

[@JDubbs07]

Last gen Ford Fusion-inspired grill with a Chevy Traverse greenhouse. Lights are weird. Honda seems to be struggling as much as Toyota when it comes to successful styling. Also, I don't think Honda's ACE architecture allows for a panoramic roof like H/K, Mercedes, and others - too many compromises.

[@paulc6747]

I wish they put the gear stick back! Hate that button gear shifter...

[@paulc6747]

Well, you might not want the car automatically shifted into "P" when the door is opened. Why would you want the door to be unlocked and can be opened from the outside, for example, when you just stop (like at the red light) without shifting into "Park"? In some places, a thug can just open your door and get in while you were just stopping for traffic light. I preferred the door only unlocked when I shifted into "P".

[@paulc6747]

Yes, Coraga 1...All my cars have the auto lock when car is in motion. None of mine has the auto unlock while sitting idling in "DRIVE". Sure, most of us never have any thug jumping in the car and do us harm, it only takes but once.

[@cbach1997]

The six speed models (EX-L and lower) get it

[@MrDcseltzer]

Towing capacity ?????

[@TheGtracer1994]

Wow, 3 more gears and it only gets 1 mpg better in the city

[@Y10Q]

I would never pay no god damn $47k for a Honda or a car period. What the fuck are they thinking? That top trim Pilot should never go over 30k.

[@paulc6747]

Y10Q The top trim CRV goes over 30K already... the price is approaching its luxury brand Acura MDX... and surpassing the price for a Lexus 350RX.

[@Y10Q]

Cimarron Negro They better be reliable for $50k. I am thinking it's cheaper to get used Odyssey, but get 5 of em. Five used ones are hell of a lot cheaper than a single 2015 and definitely more reliable. You got five. If one breaks down, throw it away and continue in another one. Just register one and use one tag on all five. Insurance the same way.

[@ryanrome8446]

+Cimarron Negro are you flippin nuts? Toyota has the top reliability over anybody at least they don't have problems with their stupid transmissions, like a Honda does.

[@ryanrome8446]

+Cimarron Negro are you flippin nuts? Toyota has the top reliability over anybody at least they don't have problems with their stupid transmissions, like a Honda does.

[@paulc6747]

Toyota is more reliable than the Honda, at least for the transmission based on my past experience as a Honda owner. We bought three Honda Odyssey vans in 2003-2007 in our families and all had their transmission replaced (but continued with the issue even after replacements of re-built transmissions so we sold them all). Maybe their latest model is problem free but it left a bitter taste after all three vans has issues. Other than that, they were pretty good. By the way, we now own two 2007 Sienna vans and no problem so far.

[@golfbuddy1969]

Overall it is an attractive package...but, how in the world did those taillights get past ANY critical eye at Honda??? Really ruins the whole back end.

[@miguelh8834]

I don't like the new design. I really liked the old style. This is one looks like a CRV on steroids. I will be switching over to TOYOTA Highlander this time

[@JoseMendoza-qd5po]

it would look much nicer if the back would not be so inward

[@fatbowe]

...Luv those Heated rears...LoL...

[@hyperlogos]

Ah! What are you doing behind my left shoulder? Oh, there you go, back in front of me.

[@b.a.dgamer2416]

The 2016 pilot is great, but not as great the 2015 model

[@ccon27]

anyone else think 2003-2008 pilots looked the best

[@archurban]

wait a sceond. SOHC? are you kidding me? who uses it for big hauler nowadays?

[@8000RPMS]

Durango, wayyyy better looking, will beat any SUV in the segment, will destroy any competition in performance, towing, looks, muscle, RWD, and the way it handles and drives……incredible! its a tank!! a beast!

[@rockerdriver]

+8000RPMS Honda will beat it for dependability and resale value in the long run,though.

[@8000RPMS]

rockerdriver …you might be right, but the durango has been super strong and reliable since its re-launch in 2011 and you really have to drive one to understand how this thing drives….it almost has a 50/50 weight distribution….not to mention the manly looks...

[@TheSaka82]

+8000RPMS Durango looks better and can tow more but pilot is faster. honda knows how to build cars but not stereo systems. I haven't played with 540 watt system but the exl one sounds terrible.

[@YeuLaKho]

Elite mode is more than $47,000.. expensive.

[@tarringtonsk8te]

Kinda looks like a Mercedes Gl

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Mainstream and ugly, too bad combination!

[@Dake21]

Sanpedranoazul They pretty much all look the same.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

David Cazes Indeed!

[@Sanpedranoazul]

:p

[@TheCanadianCyclist]

still looks boring as before...

[@conlazymeo]

the back look so ugly

[@TJC450]

Already looks dated.

[@TJC450]

***** Just typical Honda/Acura design. Conservative...

[@foxtrot685]

I completely agree. This looks like something that wouldn't seem out of place in 2009

[@TJC450]

***** They make good looking cars. But this looks too much like a CRV.

[@pilotmantoyo]

You look dated

[@gerard321111]

Horrendous styling.

[@MEAMERIE]

Looks so plain and old already