2016 Honda Pilot Review: Totally Redesigned

2016 Honda Pilot Review: Totally Redesigned

Big and blocky on the outside but underneath just a roomy, family-friendly crossover, the previous-generation Honda Pilot possibly tried out a little too hard to look like something it wasn't. It was like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory gearing up in full Under Armour apparel to fake his way into an iron man competition. Now, the fully redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot has a better traditional crossover design. It's very likely a more honest approach, and it's supported by new upgrades that have made this third-generation Pilot the best alternative for a three-row large crossover than ever before.

The Pilot’s widely known for its versatility, and that’s in full force in this new design. Three rows of seats have place for as much as eight passengers. The front seats are just about ideally shaped, and with step-in height as much as an inch lower than before, the Pilot is an even greater bet for smaller or older drivers. The middle row is adult-friendly, and for the first time, is offered a version with two captain’s chairs and a pass-through. The seat reclines for long getaways and has its tray table and cup holders.

Honda affirms the new Pilot is nearly 300 pounds lighter rather than the previous generation and has 30 more horsepower. With 280 horsepower on tap from its 3.5-liter, direction-injection V-6 and a nine-speed transmission that gives a much wider gear spread than the previous generations' five-speed, this a lot faster, more responsive Pilot. Honda declares 7 seconds to 60 and I see not a single reason to debate that. I didn't need to paddle-shift through the gears to accelerate onto the short onramps of the Hudson Parkway; the Pilot has plenty of pop to make merging simply a matter of dropping your right foot.

Cargo space is important in an SUV. Pilot has an excellent amount behind the third row (16.5 cubic feet), second row (46.8 cubic feet) and first row (83.8 cubic feet). There’s great concealed storage beneath the load floor in the rear, a perfect place to stash a briefcase or computer bag out of site when parking.