Good bye big and boxy – hello stream-lined and stylish.
With the launch of the 2016 Pilot, Honda’s intermediate 3-row SUV, the automaker made a significant change to the overall styling and design. This 3rd generation Pilot has gone from being one of the clunkier and generally more unattractive designs in the segment, to one of the most aesthetically pleasing.
With a longer, lower and seemingly leaner profile, the 2016 Pilot may look smaller, but it still remains a highly functional 7 or 8 seat family-hauler. To add even more good news, the new Pilot has even gotten better when it comes to fuel consumption.
Standard on all trims is a 3.5L, 24 Valve V6 ‘Earth Dreams’ engine that puts out 280 hp and 262 lb/ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission on LX, EX and EX-L trims, and a 9-speed automatic on the top end Touring trim. An added bonus is that the engine uses cylinder deactivation to improve fuel efficiency overall. The vehicle utilizes all six cylinders during acceleration and at times when speeds are inconsistent, but during consistent highway driving, 3 cylinders will automatically disengage, thus offering sufficient performance but with reduced fuel consumption.
Estimated combined fuel economy ratings for 2WD is 10.8 L/100 KM or 21.8 US MPG. When paired with the 6-speed automatic combined fuel economy is 11.3 L/100 KM or 20.8 US MPG (AWD) and 11.0 L/100 KM or 21.4 US MPG with the 9-speed (AWD). These numbers are good for a vehicle of it’s size, but in my almost 10 days of driving with it, I managed to achieve a combined number that was even better.
After almost 1,000 KMs of driving, of which about 70% were done on highways, I managed a combined rating of just 9.5 L/100 KM or 24.75 US MPG. This represents an improvement of about 14% over what is posted. It’s important to note though that when setting combined fuel ratings, the ratio is typically set at 55% city and 45% highway, so the fact that I drove a higher ratio of highway driving would contribute to my lower rating. That said, the results still demonstrate that the new Pilot provides very respectable fuel consumption for a vehicle of it’s size.
The interior of the new Pilot has also been improved upon. A clean and easy to read driver information cluster offered me little difficulties. However if there is one thing I really don’t like, it’s in regards to the centre-console information screen. Honda has adapted a new button-less interface on all it’s new models and I have always had problems with using it. Controls for volume, menu and other features are difficult to use and I’d much prefer a more tactile option for these settings.
On the Touring trim, Honda has managed to successfully keep a drop-down video screen while also providing a panoramic sunroof for rear-seat passengers. I have been in several similar vehicles where automakers have told me that they removed the roof-mounted video screen because people wanted big panoramic rooftops instead. I’m glad to see here that Honda recognized how these screens still have value and that they found a way to give families a way to enjoy both.
The 2016 Honda Pilot represents a significant improvement from its predecessor. The new Pilot competes in a category, that while not heavily populated, still offers a number of increasingly appealing options such as the Chevy Traverse, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander. With the new design, improved fuel economy and a well-packaged product overall, Honda has given it’s formerly tired entrant a big boost and a real fighting chance to become the segment leader.
You’ve done good Honda…you’ve done good.
BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10):
LOOK/DESIGN:
EXTERIOR 8.5
INTERIOR 8.5
DRIVE: 8.0
GREEN FACTOR: 8.0
FAMILY FACTOR: 10.0
TECHIE STUFF: 8.5
VALUE: 8.0
(MSRP AS TESTED
TOURING – $52,359 CDN)
OVERALL: 8.5
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