2016 Honda Pilot: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2016 Honda Pilot marked a significant redesign for Honda's popular three-row SUV, ushering in a more modern aesthetic, a larger and more refined interior, and a host of new technology and safety features. This generation aimed to solidify its position as a family-friendly and capable option in a highly competitive segment.
Highlights
- Engine: The 2016 Pilot is powered by a robust 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for daily commuting, highway merging, and confident acceleration, even with a full load of passengers and cargo. It's paired with either a 6-speed automatic transmission (on lower trims) or a more advanced 9-speed automatic transmission (on Touring and Elite trims), offering smoother shifts and improved fuel efficiency.
- Safety Features: Honda is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the 2016 Pilot is no exception. Key safety highlights include:
- Honda Sensing®: Available on higher trims, this suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies provides a significant boost to confidence and accident prevention. It includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™): Helps to apply brake pressure when an impending forward collision is detected.
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): Can provide steering assistance to keep the vehicle within its lane or help it stop if it drifts off the road.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on highways.
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Helps to center the vehicle in its lane.
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Offers different viewing angles for enhanced visibility when backing up.
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure: Honda's proprietary design that helps to distribute crash energy more evenly, enhancing occupant protection.
- Standard Airbags: A comprehensive system of airbags throughout the cabin ensures passenger safety in the event of a collision.
- Honda Sensing®: Available on higher trims, this suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies provides a significant boost to confidence and accident prevention. It includes:
- Trim Summary: The 2016 Honda Pilot was available in several well-equipped trims, each offering a progression of features:
- LX: The entry-level trim provides a solid foundation with essential features for comfortable family transport.
- EX: Builds upon the LX with added convenience and comfort features, often including a touchscreen display and upgraded audio.
- EX-L: Adds premium amenities like leather-trimmed seats, a sunroof, and often more advanced infotainment options.
- Touring: Represents a significant step up, typically including the 9-speed automatic transmission, navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
- Elite: The top-tier trim offers the most luxurious experience, featuring premium amenities, the 9-speed transmission, and the full suite of Honda Sensing® technologies as standard.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Spacious and Versatile Interior: The 2016 Pilot boasts a significantly more upscale and spacious cabin than its predecessor. It comfortably seats up to eight passengers (depending on second-row configuration) and offers flexible seating arrangements with a one-touch fold-flat second row.
- Improved Ride and Handling: The redesign brought a more refined ride quality, with better isolation from road imperfections and more composed handling, making it a pleasant vehicle to drive on various road surfaces.
- Quiet Cabin: Significant effort was made to reduce cabin noise, contributing to a more relaxing and premium driving experience.
- Modern Infotainment: Higher trims offered an intuitive and responsive touchscreen infotainment system with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (available in later production months or as an update).
What to Expect
Owning a 2016 Honda Pilot generally means a dependable and practical ownership experience. Honda vehicles are known for their reliability and longevity, and the Pilot is no exception. Routine maintenance will involve oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks, which are typically straightforward and reasonably priced.
Maintenance: Expect to follow Honda's recommended maintenance schedule found in the owner's manual. This will include services like transmission fluid changes, brake checks, and spark plug replacements at specified intervals. Parts are generally readily available, and most Honda dealerships and independent mechanics are well-versed in servicing the Pilot.
Insurance: Insurance costs will vary depending on your location, driving record, age, and the specific trim level of the Pilot. However, as a mainstream SUV with a good safety record, its insurance premiums are generally competitive within its class.
Potential Considerations
While the 2016 Pilot is a strong contender, there are a few potential considerations to keep in mind:
- 9-Speed Transmission Jerkiness: Some owners of models equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmission reported occasional hesitation or mild jerkiness during shifts, particularly at lower speeds or when coming to a stop. While Honda addressed this with software updates, it's something to be aware of and test drive to ensure it meets your expectations.
- Base Model Infotainment: The infotainment system in the LX and EX trims, while functional, could be considered less advanced and visually appealing compared to the touchscreen systems found in higher trims or some competitors.
- Limited Rear Visibility (with certain angles): While the multi-angle rearview camera is helpful, the Pilot's overall rearward visibility can still be somewhat compromised by its large pillars, especially for shorter drivers.
- No Rear Entertainment System on Lower Trims: If rear-seat entertainment is a priority, you'll need to opt for the Touring or Elite trims, as it wasn't available on lower configurations.
Overall Summary
The 2016 Honda Pilot is a highly competent and well-rounded three-row SUV that excels in providing a comfortable, spacious, and safe family-oriented driving experience. Its strong V6 engine, refined ride, and a host of available modern technologies make it a compelling choice. Despite minor potential quibbles with the 9-speed transmission on certain occasions, the Pilot's legendary Honda reliability and practicality shine through, making it a sensible and enjoyable vehicle for a wide range of buyers.