2016 Honda Pilot Elite AWD 
Class: Midsize Crossover
Dates tested: 8/17/2015 – 8/24/2015
Miles driven: 235
Fuel used: 12.9 gallons
Real-world fuel economy: 18.2 mpg
Driving mix: 90% city, 10% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 19/26/22 (city, highway, combined)
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A |
| Power and Performance | B |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
Base price: $46,420 (not including $925 destination charge)
Options on test car: None
Price as tested: $47,300
Quick Hits
The great: Roomy, comfortable cabin; great ride and handling; plenty of cargo space
The good: Ample power
The not so good: Sensitive park-assist system can become annoying
Check out Consumer Guide’s Midsize Crossover Best Buys
Damon Bell
The all-new Honda Pilot is one of 2016’s most significant redesigned vehicles, and after test driving a top-line Elite model, I’d also call it one of the best. The 2016 Pilot sheds its former boxy profile in favor of slightly sleeker lines that bring it more in step with the look of most class competitors. It also gets a host of newly available luxury, technology, and safety features, all while improving on the already excellent passenger and cargo versatility that have long made it a class standout. For more specifics on the Pilot’s new features, you can check out our First Spin report here.
Our tester was the top-of-the-heap all-wheel-drive Elite model, which comes loaded up with standard features such as 20-inch wheels, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. Note that those second-row seats are captain’s chairs instead of a bench seat, which reduces maximum seating capacity from eight to seven passengers, but also makes for easier access to the third-row seat.
Up in the front row, Pilot foregoes the typical center console-bin lid/armrest arrangement in favor of flip-down center armrests on the chairs. This gives a slightly more open-air feel and slightly easier “pass-back” space to the second-row seats—not a bad feature when you’ve got little ones back there. Second-row seats offer excellent room for adults, and even the third-row seats are comfortable for passengers under 6’ tall.
Cargo room is outstanding too; there is better space behind the third-row seats than in most competitive midsize SUVs. Useful bins on both sides of the main cargo floor are good for storing small items so they don’t roll around. And, rear cargo-floor panel can be positioned about four inches below the load-floor surface, creating a handy shallow bin. With both the second and third rows folded (and they all fold perfectly flat), the cargo area grows cavernous.
The interior has an exceptionally high-quality feel, but even in the top-line Elite model, it favors sturdy functionality over plushness. The Pilot is a no-nonsense vehicle—there’s nothing frivolous about it. (Well, the Elite’s panoramic sunroof might be a little frivolous—I’m not a fan of those, but I must admit that our test vehicle’s gargantuan second-row skylight is pretty impressive.)
Test Drive: Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
The Pilot is laudably tractable for a “plus-sized” three-row midsize SUV, and the 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 supplies adequate acceleration in most any driving situation. The up-level Touring and Elite models come standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission and an unconventional push-button gear selector. This shifter frees up console space, but it takes a bit of acclimation—I warmed to it eventually, but some drivers might not. The Pilot has a fuel-saving stop/start feature, which shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarts it automatically when the driver releases the brake pedal. I found the feature to be unobtrusive, though it can be shut off via a button on the console.
My complaints about the Pilot are few, and they amount to little more than nitpicks, considering how well executed the vehicle is as a whole. The unfortunately placed left-center air vent blows air right on my hand on the steering wheel. The park-assist system is a bit on the sensitive side… at times it was more of a hindrance than help, but at least it can be turned off easily. And, the Pilot uses the same touchscreen audio/infotainment system found in other new Hondas; we lament its lack of a traditional power/volume knob, and its occasionally sluggish response to inputs.
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Despite its minor foibles, the new Pilot is a home run for Honda. It boasts outstanding passenger and cargo-carrying versatility, it’s packed with thoughtful storage solutions, and it delivers fine road manners and fuel economy for a vehicle of its size and heft. It was an easy addition to our Consumer Guide Best Buy award list for 2016, and it definitely deserves a spot on your midsize-SUV shopping list.
Tom Appel
Someone once said of the Honda Accord, “It does nothing exceptionally well, but it does everything very well.” That sort of balanced demeanor has long been a Honda hallmark, and it’s very much present in the 2016 Honda Pilot.
I would actually argue that in terms of ride and handling, the new Pilot leads the class, but it’s this crossover’s family-friendly demeanor that makes it such a strong candidate for households with two or three kids.
Our loaded Elite test truck compromises the value equation somewhat, but this Pilot still comes in less expensive than top-line models from other brands. Additionally, a nicely equipped Pilot EX can be had for around $36,000.
The midsize crossover segment is too competitive for shoppers not to spend time test driving all the leading products in the field, but I strongly recommend putting this Consumer Guide Best Buy at the top of your list.
