2016 Honda Pilot

2016 Honda Pilot Highlights

The 2016 Honda Pilot marks the debut of the all-new third generation, representing a leap forward in design, technology, and performance. This model year introduces a sleeker, more aerodynamic exterior that departs from the boxy styling of its predecessor. The new Pilot offers improved fuel efficiency, enhanced interior space, and advanced safety and technology features. Key improvements include a more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine, an available nine-speed automatic transmission, and the introduction of the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies.

Honda Pilot 2016 Specifications/Key Details

• Midsize crossover SUV body style
• Three-row, seven- or eight-passenger seating
• 3.5-liter V6 engine
• Six-speed or nine-speed automatic transmission, depending on trim
• Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)

Benefits

• Spacious and versatile interior with room for up to eight passengers
• Generous cargo capacity
• Improved fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation
• Available Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies
• Refined ride quality and handling
• Strong V6 engine performance

Learn More: Here Are The Honda Pilot Years To Avoid

2016 Honda Pilot Overview

Performance

The 2016 Honda Pilot is powered by a revised 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which can deactivate three cylinders under light loads to improve fuel efficiency. The V6 is paired with either a six-speed automatic transmission (standard on LX, EX, and EX-L trims) or a nine-speed automatic (standard on Touring and Elite trims).

The new powertrain offers a notable improvement in power and efficiency over the previous generation. The drive-by-wire throttle system provides responsive acceleration, while the VCM system transitions between three- and six-cylinder operations to maximize fuel economy. Front-wheel drive comes standard on most trims, with Honda's advanced all-wheel-drive system available (standard on Elite models). The all-wheel-drive system delivers extra traction in slippery conditions and modest off-road situations.

When properly equipped, a 2016 Pilot with all-wheel drive can tow up to 5,000 pounds (3,500 pounds for front-wheel-drive models).

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2016 Pilot a top five-star overall safety rating. Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2016 Pilot a "Top Safety Pick+" when equipped with optional front crash prevention. This is IIHS’s highest designation.

Standard safety features across all 2016 Pilot models include:

• Multiple airbags
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Vehicle stability assist (VSA) with traction control
• Multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines

The Pilot also offers the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance technologies, available on EX trims and above, standard on Touring and Elite:

• Forward collision warning (FCW)
• Collision mitigation braking system (CMBS)
• Road departure mitigation system (RDM)
• Lane departure warning (LDW)
• Lane keeping assist system (LKAS)
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

Additional available safety technologies include:

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

Driving

The 2016 Honda Pilot checks many driving experience boxes: comfort, capability, and confidence. Responsive steering allows easy maneuverability in close quarters while providing stable handling at high speeds. The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers strong acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission in higher trims offers smoother and more efficient power delivery.

Models equipped with the nine-speed transmission feature a shift-by-wire gear selector and paddle shifters, adding a sporty touch to the driving experience. The Pilot also has a drive-mode feature, including Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand options, allowing drivers to optimize vehicle performance for different conditions.

Interior

The 2016 model year continues the spacious and accommodating Pilot interior tradition. This new generation adds high-quality materials and thoughtful design, giving Honda’s flagship SUV a premium feel, particularly in higher trims.

All three rows offer comfortable seating, with the third row being exceptionally spacious for the class and capable of accommodating adults on shorter trips. The second row can have a three-person bench seat or captain's chairs (standard on Elite trim).

The cargo space is generous: 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a cavernous 83.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

2016 Honda Pilot's available interior features, varying by trim, include:

• Leather-trimmed seating surfaces (EX-L and above)
• Heated and ventilated front seats (Elite)
• Heated second-row seats (Touring and Elite)
• Ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat (EX and above)
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Panoramic roof (Elite)

Technology

The 2016 Honda Pilot comes well-equipped with modern technology features. The standard infotainment system includes a 5-inch LCD screen, while EX trims and above feature an 8-inch touchscreen with HondaLink smartphone integration. Available technology features, varying by trim, include:

• Satellite-linked navigation system (EX-L Navi, Touring, Elite)
• Rear entertainment system with 9-inch screen (Touring, Elite)
• 540-watt premium audio system with ten speakers (Touring, Elite)

Fuel Economy

The EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2016 Honda Pilot vary depending on the drivetrain and transmission configuration. EPA estimates reflect:

3.5-liter six-cylinder (six-speed automatic)

• FWD (mpg): 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined
• AWD (mpg): 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined

3.5-liter six-cylinder (nine-speed automatic)

• FWD (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• AWD (mpg): 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined

2016 Honda Pilot Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book are less favorable for the 2016 Honda Pilot, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5. While owners give the 2016 Pilot good grades for comfort and styling, the rankings are much lower for reliability, quality, and value.

Reasons to Buy It

• Large, accommodating interior
• Ample cargo space
• Strong V6 power
• Optional all-wheel drive
• Available advanced driver aids
• Refined driving characteristics

Problems

• Known issues with the nine-speed automatic transmission
• Third-row access can be challenging without captain's chairs
• Some advanced features are limited to higher, more expensive trims
• Large size may be challenging to maneuver for some drivers

Explore: Which Years Of Used Honda Pilots Are Most Reliable?

CoPilot's Take

Honda deserves credit for taking the 2016 Pilot to the next level with an upgrade in refinement and technology. At the same time, a completely revised exterior gives this three-row family hauler a sophisticated street presence. What hasn’t changed are Pilot hallmarks like robust V6 power, three rows of spacious seating, and ample cargo space.

However, the Pilot’s drawbacks also deserve considerable attention. This focus starts with the well-intended but questionably executed nine-speed automatic transmission. Owners report hesitation and jerky shifts, while in some cases, this gearbox outright fails. This is a heavy mark against Honda’s usually strong reputation for reliability.

A review of NHTSA data also shows other problem spots, including the engine and the electrical system. These two areas represent over 75% of all consumer complaints submitted to the government agency about the 2016 Honda Pilot.

These troubling patterns are enough to suggest prospective buyers look at the 2016 Honda Pilot with caution. This approach doesn’t suggest scratching this crossover from any shopping list. Instead, any example under consideration should be thoroughly inspected by a professional mechanic before any deal gets made. In addition, a review of service records is equally warranted.

2016 Honda Pilot FAQs

How many miles can you put on a 2016 Honda Pilot?

With proper care, a 2016 Honda Pilot can last 200,000 miles or more. However, longevity is affected by build quality, driving conditions, maintenance history, and individual vehicle usage. Regular oil changes, following the recommended maintenance schedule, and addressing any issues promptly can help maximize the vehicle's lifespan.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Honda Pilot?

Yes, seven recalls have been issued for the 2016 Honda Pilot. Some notable recalls include fuel pump failure, a defective engine connecting rod, a fuel tank leak, and a hood that can open while driving. Owners and prospective buyers can check the recall status for any vehicle on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

Does the 2016 Honda Pilot have issues?

While no vehicle is perfect, the 2016 Honda Pilot does have a few recurring issues, according to NHTSA and carcomplaints.com. The transmission (nine-speed automatic), engine, and electrical system are all prone to problems, making this Honda one to consider cautiously.

Is the 2016 Honda Pilot a good vehicle?

Overall, the 2016 Honda Pilot offers a stylish design, strong safety ratings, a spacious interior, and numerous amenities—all desirable traits for a family vehicle. However, some below-the-surface issues require a cautionary approach to the 2016 Pilot. Often, avoiding the first year of an all-new model is well-advised to avoid the gremlins and engineering flaws that may present themselves. Such is arguably the case with the 2016 Honda Pilot, as it has an unfortunate record involving hundreds of consumer complaints submitted to NHTSA involving the engine, transmission, and electrical system. These reports point to a pattern of troubles, not isolated incidents, making the 2016 Pilot a less certain used car purchase.

What trims are available for the 2016 Honda Pilot?

Buyers can select from several editions:

• 2016 Honda Pilot LX
• 2016 Honda Pilot EX
• 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L
• 2016 Honda Pilot Touring
• 2016 Honda Pilot Elite

Check Out: Honda Pilot Resale Value: Do They Hold Their Value? What To Know