The current model of the Pilot is actually a very nice midsize SUV but it doesn’t really impress through anything in particular. Honda is planning to change all that with the introduction of the 2016 Honda Pilot which seems to be based on the next generation Acura MDX luxury crossover. That means that Honda Pilot 2016 will use new engines, transmissions and running gear that will be a lot better than those of the previous model.
2016 Honda Pilot redesign
2016 Honda Pilot Exterior
Unlike most people think, this will be a brand new model meaning there will be changes all the way through the car. The most notable one will be its design, with the 2016 Honda Pilot going for a boxier and bigger look than before which is quite normal considering the MDX is also bigger. Both the front and rear overhangs will be longer which may damage its off-road performance but not as much as you would think.
Interior
On the interior there is going to be a lot more room both for the passengers and their luggage. The main reason for so much space is the longer wheelbase and a slightly higher roof. Standard equipment will include things such as dual zone automatic climate control system, a premium audio system as well as premium cloth upholstery. Leather will be available on all models but as an option on the entry level one while the rear view camera is a standard feature no matter the model.
Honda Pilot 2016 specs
As far as the engine goes, the new 2016 Honda Pilot is most likely going to feature a combination of old and new technology. The base car is most likely going to get a brand new 3.5-liter V-6 with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque which is almost 40 horsepower more than the current model. This should translate in better acceleration and top speed as well as better fuel economy thanks to a few new features. This engine also equips several Acura models and it is one of the smoothest V6 units on the market. Its only drawback is that at low revs it might feel a bit slow. This engine will be mated to a 6-speed automatic with front wheel drive as standard and an optional all-wheel-drive system and electronic differentials. There are rumors that the new Honda Pilot 2016 will get the new all-wheel-drive system from Acura which will allow it to control each wheel independently.
2016 Honda Pilot release date and price
The price for the new 2016 Pilot hasn’t been announced yet. If we consider that the current model has a price no more than $40,000 for a fully equipped car, the Honda Pilot 2016 should cost around $45,000 for a premium model while the base model of Honda midsize SUV should cost around $30,000. The 2016 Honda Pilot release date isn’t set yet but we expect it in the last quarter of 2015 or early 2016.
