The new, more stylish, 6/7 passenger, 3-row seating 2016 Pilot has a nearly complete new makeover. Outside, the relatively short hood isn’t as blunt as in the past, offering viewers a little more pizzazz. But the Pilot is still identifiable by the familiar 3-bar grille.
The 2016 Pilot trimmed 200 to 250 pounds off last year’s model, yet it still tippy-toes to nearly 70-inches tall. Yes, it’s big (4,200 lbs), fast (0-60 in 6.2 seconds), and downright handsome with all the extra “curves and chrome.”
The muscular 3.5 L 24-valve Direct Injection SOHC i-VTEC engine is a member of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology portfolio, delivering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The 9-speed auto transmission with paddle shifters gives you the option to be more involved with the drive, or simply let Pilot shift for you, breezing through the gear processor.
Honda engineers got something right with the new Pilot. Watch out Toyota and Nissan, Honda is in the hunt.
Enjoy using the 8-inch Display Audio touch screen in the middle of the dash, flanked by air conditioning vents trimmed in silver on both sides. However, too many instructional icons clutter the screen, taking away valuable viewing area and ability to identify exact vehicle location.
