2016 Honda Pilot: Used Car Buyer’s Guide
Overview
- Pros: comfortable ride, roomy interior, available advanced safety features
- Cons: problems with the available 9-speed automatic, finicky infotainment system, lackluster handling
Introduced in 2016, the third-generation Honda Pilot transitioned from its boxy roots to a sleeker design. The revamped interior prioritized comfort and usability, enhanced by quality materials and optimized storage. Under the hood, an updated 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a refined chassis offered improved handling and efficiency. Honda also bolstered the model with advanced tech and safety features, elevating its position in a competitive segment.
The 2016 Pilot is offered in five main trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. While the LX offers a basic level of comfort and convenience, moving up the trims brings additional features, infotainment enhancements, and safety technologies. The Elite model stands at the top with features like heated second-row captain’s chairs, panoramic sunroof, and a blind-spot information system.
Performance and Handling
- 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower
- Two transmission choices: 6-speed and 9-speed automatic
- Towing capacity up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive
The 2016 Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers smooth and confident acceleration, suiting both city driving and highway cruising. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but those seeking more traction can opt for examples with Honda’s available Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive system.
The LX, EX, and EX-L trims employ a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Touring and Elite trims benefit from a 9-speed automatic. However, some owners have reported issues with the 9-speed, including jerky shifts during low-speed driving, delayed acceleration response, and long-term reliability concerns. If considering the Touring or Elite models, a detailed test drive to assess the transmission’s behavior is advised.
Interior
- Seating for up to eight passengers
- Generous cargo space
- Family-friendly touches including rear sunshades
The 2016 Honda Pilot’s interior benefits from improved materials and a more refined design compared to the previous generation. Three rows of seating accommodate up to eight passengers, though the Elite trim, with its second-row captain’s chairs, seats seven.
Cargo space is generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 83.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Throughout the cabin, there are numerous storage compartments, and thoughtful touches like available rear sunshades make it family-friendly.
Tech and Safety
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in EX trims and above
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Honda Sensing suite of safety features available from EX-L trim
The infotainment system on the 2016 Pilot varies by trim, with the EX and above receiving an 8-inch touchscreen. Although feature-rich, some users find the system lacking in responsiveness and miss physical volume and tuning knobs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available in the EX trim and above, providing seamless smartphone integration.
Honda’s commitment to safety is evident in the available Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. These features are available from the EX-L trim onwards. The Pilot earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA.
Fuel Economy
- 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models
- 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive versions
- Real-world estimates align with official figures
Fuel efficiency for the 2016 Pilot ranges from 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models to 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive versions, according to EPA estimates. These numbers place the Pilot competitively within its segment, and owners have generally found these estimates to be accurate in real-world driving.
Which One to Buy
- EX-L trim offers a balanced mix of comfort and tech
- Consider the Honda Sensing package for enhanced safety
- 6-speed automatic is preferable due to 9-speed concerns
For most buyers, the EX-L trim offers a compelling mix of comfort, technology, and available safety features. Opting for the Honda Sensing package adds valuable driver assistance systems. While the Touring and Elite trims offer even more luxuries, concerns with the 9-speed automatic transmission might steer buyers toward the 6-speed options.
In terms of reliability, the Pilot is known for its long-term durability, but the issues with the 9-speed automatic are a noted concern. As with any used vehicle purchase, a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended to ensure no hidden issues.
Photos courtesy of Honda