Honda has unveiled the all-new 2016 Honda Pilot SUV, which now in its third generation, the eight passenger SUV ditches the previous boxy look. The 2016 Pilot will arrive in showrooms this summer with a body that’s been stretched 3.5 inches, a new 3.5L V6 and a Honda’s first 9-speed automatic transmission.
“With looks that command attention and the powerful presence of true functionality, the 2016 Pilot sets a new benchmark in the midsize SUV class with an unmatched combination of sophistication and utility,” said Jeff Conrad, Honda Division senior vice president and general manager. “This means the all-new Pilot will comfort, entertain and assist active families in all aspects of their lives, whether it’s an evening out for two, a road trip adventure for all or just the chores of everyday life.”
On the outside the 2016 Pilot gets a more curvaceous body that mimics other larger crossovers like the Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer. Honda calls the exterior more muscular, while buyers will appreciate the first-ever panoramic roof option. The good news is that even with the added length, the new Pilot is 300 pounds lighter than the outgoing model.
Inside the 2016 Pilot’s interior is more spacious thanks to the added length. It’s available with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. For the first time, upper-trim Pilot models will have available two second-row captain’s chairs, providing for easy walk through between the second and third rows, in addition to the standard second-row three-person 60/40 split seat for 8-passenger seating capacity.
The new Pilot delivers the connectivity and power access that the modern family demands, including up to five USB ports, four that provide better recharging with 2.5-amp output, to charge iPads or smartphones while in use. Additional ports and plugs include an auxiliary jack for nearly any audio player, an HDMI port for a gaming console, two headphone jacks, two 12-volt power outlets and a 115-volt outlet to power just about anything.
Under the hood the 2016 Pilot will be powered by a new 3.5L V6 with Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation technology. For improved fuel efficiency, the Pilot will include available Idle Stop technology that shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. The 3.5L V6 can be mated to either a six-speed automatic or nine-speed automatic transmission depending on which trim level you choose.
Source: Honda
