First Impressions

With every new generation, vehicles tend to get better. And – spoiler alert! – the third generation, 2016 Honda Pilot does just that. A recent Quick Spin showed us how.

Styling, for one, does away with the former “box”, and adapts a “blend in with rivals to stand out” approach. The new design could easily be mistaken for others. Nice up close details include LED lighting, slick 20 inch wheels, and a first time panoramic sunroof.

Inside is where the 7 or 8 passenger Pilot really takes off from other 3 row mass market SUVs. Outside noise is brought down to luxury car levels, and things are family friendly to the max. The push button sliding second row can be optioned up to include seat heaters, while the front seats can also get ventilated cooling. There are USB ports all over for charging devices.

Safety takes top priority with a host of advance systems including Honda’s LaneWatch, Land Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, and with new Elite trim, Blind Spot and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. 

Power comes from the familiar, but now direct injected 3.5 liter V6 with variable cylinder management and 280 horsepower. A six speed automatic is standard, though the here also a 9 speed auto is available, and it’s the smoothest one we’ve tried yet.

Capabilities improve thanks to an all-new torque vectoring all-wheel drive system. Last year’s lock button gives way to selectable traction settings including one for mud. It’s no Rover, but it can Pilot through some sticky and slick, situations. 

On sale in June, the 2016 Honda Pilot will start around $32,000.