The third generation 2016 Honda Pilot took the mid-size SUV segment by storm by providing what busy families seek in a three-row SUV – sleek and athletic styling, outstanding power, sophisticated technology, an available panoramic roof and a vast array of other standard features.
Building on the solid reputation established from the fall 2002 introduction of the first generation 2003 model, the 2016 Pilot brought a whole new level of refinement and available content to the segment. This included a more powerful direct injected 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC® Earth Dreams™ Technology engine producing 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and new 6-speed and 9-speed automatic transmissions. Providing outstanding dynamic handling was the Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4™) AWD System and all-new selectable Intelligent Traction Management system featuring Normal, Mud, Sand, and Snow modes on the AWD models. Also significantly upgraded was the Display Audio and navigation systems. The available Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies brought available features that include Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System, Lane Keeping Assist System with Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.
The 2016 Pilot trims available included LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L RES, EX-L Navi and Touring. Honda Sensing™ can be found on the LX trim, and standard on EX trims and above.
Earth Dreams™ Technology Powertrain
The 2016 Pilot delivered more refined, powerful and fuel-efficient performance than ever before courtesy of its new 3.5-liter, a direct-injected i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) cylinder deactivation technology. The engine’s peak output of 280 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque is up 30 hp and 7 lb.-ft. over the previous model. The engine is matched to a choice of two new advanced transmissions – a Pilot-first 6-speed automatic transmission or, on the top trim, a Honda-first 9-speed automatic transmission – both delivered more refined, responsive and fuel-efficient performance.
Intelligent Variable Torque Management for all Four Wheels (i-VTM4)
The 2016 Pilot’s available Intelligent VTM4 (i-VTM4) was the most sophisticated and technologically advanced all-wheel-drive system offered in a mainstream, three-row SUV at the time of its release. Benefits included superior all-weather handling and neutral, accurate steering under power that was unmatched by front-drive, rear-drive or conventional all-wheel-drive systems.
Intelligent Traction Management
The Pilot featured a new button-operated Intelligent Traction Management System that offered different operating modes. For the AWD: Normal, Mud, Sand and Snow - this system was developed, tuned and tested at various locations in the U.S. and around the world. In places including the Imperial Dunes “Glamis”, California; Moscow, Russia; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Intelligent Traction Management system allows the driver to select the operating mode that best suits the driving conditions by simply pushing a button on the vehicle’s centre console. Based on the setting selected, the system adjusts the drive-by-wire map, transmission shift map, Vehicle Stability Assist™ and i-VTM4 torque distribution for optimal performance in different road or surface conditions.
Display Audio and Navigation
Honda's thinking for advanced, family-friendly technology is embodied in the 2016 Pilot. New features includef the standard 8-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface with Android operating system and the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ developed in cooperation with the experts at Garmin®24.
Exterior Colours
Eight exterior colours including three metallic and five pearl colours are available on the 2016 Pilot, depending on trim. All colours have a strong character, offering expressive contrasts that complement the Pilot’s body-panel curves and angles, while also exhibiting a smart luxury appearance.
