2016 Honda Pilot

ushy66

Honda just announced the 2015 Special Edition Pilot. As most Honda watchers know when Honda announces the temporary trim level of 'Special Edition' to any of their models, it really means it's only 6-12 months before Honda will introduce a complete make-over for that particular model, in this case the 2016 Honda Pilot. Check out the Special Edition 2015 Honda Pilot: (http:// "http://blog.caranddriver.com/honda-introduces-special-edition-pilot-relax-its-just-a-new-trim-level/ ").

It's only a few months now before Honda will release news of the complete make-over of the 2016 Pilot, perhaps the 2014 LA Auto Show in November, or the 2015 Detroit AS in January to see if
the new Pilot will be competitive with the 2014 Highlander and others in this segment. The next iteration of the Honda Pilot is long overdue.

ushy66

2016 Pilot breaks cover (sort of) with Camo

Check it out: (http:// "http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2016-honda-pilot-spy-photos-news")

stever

Sound like an early summer arrival for the '16 Pilot could be possible but the headline says later this year.

"The redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot SUV will debut shortly after the all-new 2016 Honda HR-V subcompact SUV this year, Honda's top U.S. executive said at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

John Mendel, executive vice president of Honda's U.S. Automobiles division, announced that the HR-V will debut this spring.

"Shortly after, we'll introduce an all-new Pilot SUV that will redefine what is possible with an eight-passenger midsize SUV," Mendel said."

Redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot Due Later This Year

gandroid

It looks huge on the spy photos I found on the google search. Hopefully it's not too big and they release soon. I am hoping to replace my infiniti qx4 soon

ushy66

2016 (3rd Gen) Pilot and 2016 RDX (mid-cycle refresh) to be revealed at Chicago AS on February 12th

Check it out: http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/chicago/2015/1501-updated-2016-acura-rdx-coming-to-chicago-auto-show/

saratogasteve

i have to give credit to Honda - they sure seem intent on keeping the new Pilot under wraps. The existing Pilot has become a dog among others in it's class. A make over is long overdue.

ushy66

2016 Honda Pilot – These Are The First Official Photos!

Check it out: http://www.carscoops.com/2015/02/2016-honda-pilot-these-are-first.html

ushy66

2016 Honda Pilot- More Pics + Honda Press Release: More of Everything

Check it out: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/02/12/2016-honda-pilot-chicago-2015/

ushy66

8 Coolest Features on the 2016 Pilot

Check it out: http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/chicago/2015/1502-the-8-coolest-features-on-the-2016-honda-pilot/

ushy66

Apple's Tim Cook yesterday announced CarPlay is coming to 40 car models by the end of the year.

Does this mean the next gen 2016 Pilot will get the factory installed CarPlay on the 2016 or 2017 Pilot? Anyone with info on this subject from Honda sales staff?

Check it out: http://www.leftlanenews.com/apple-carplay-to-arrive-in-40-models-this-year.html

ushy66

2016 Honda Pilot to pack 280 hp, new Intelligent Traction Management system + Trim Level Feature Content Detailed

Check it out: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/04/10/2016-honda-pilot-260-horsepower-intelligent-traction-management-official/

But why in the hell does one have to get the top of the line pricey elite trim package to get the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert/Monitor (RCTM)? That should be available on even the basic trim level. Honda is putting corporate profit ahead of driver and passenger safety, and telling the general public 'you have to spend big bucks before we consider your family's safety' properly.

I use to be a Pilot owner, but will not consider getting another Pilot until they put BSM and RCTM on even the basic trim level.

Honda, you are missing the big picture, BIG TIME !!!

berri

I think Honda is just copying Toyota. I believe you only get blind spot indicators on the top line Highlanders. At least the stuff you want appears to be available as an option on the lower line new Pilot's. Funny that I'm pretty sure quite a few of the Toyota Sienna minivans give you blind spot, but I suppose the demand for the crossovers means they don't have to. I think Japan Inc. is joining D3 and Europe with the option price ups.

odie6l

The new Pilot looks nice IMHO. A couple of things I'm not liking. I personally don't like the push button transmission. I know it's the Hot new thing to have, but having an actual gear shifter is better. Also, why do we have to get away from the physical key for the wireless fob? Guess I'm just an old traditionalist.

Trims will be...
LX
EX
EX-L (comes standard with Nav now)
Touring
Elite

My local sales manager (who happens to also live in my development) informed me the pricing will be starting around $32k for the LX and top out around $48k for the Elite. They did away with the opening rear glass window (wish they would do a drop window like the 4Runner) but added more room behind the 3rd row. 2nd row captain chairs will now be standard on the Touring / Elite and anything above the EX-L will have Leather Standard.

Odie

stever

Thinking of upgrading @odie6l?

ushy66

I agree with you Odie about the push button transmission. Also it's design and location seem to put it at risk for spilled drinks causing a short. If they're going to do away with the gear shift knob, why not save some real estate on the console between the driver and passenger and make it into a dial knob (like the 2015 Dodge Durango, DD) and put it on the on the dash near the push button start, with the display visible between the speedometer and odometer dials?

DD Trany control knob pic #1: http://www.dodge.com/en/durango/gallery/#filter=interior&asset=11

DD Trany control knob pic #2: http://www.dodge.com/en/durango/gallery/#filter=interior&asset=10

DD Trany control knob pic #3: http://www.dodge.com/en/durango/gallery/#filter=interior&asset=12

BTW, as some of you already know, 2015 will be the last year for the DD, as it will be unfortunately dropped from the Dodge lineup, but will reappear in a totally redesigned format as a 2017/2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3-Row SUV, but will be rebadged as the reborn upscale Jeep Grand Wagoneer (JGW), and will be either released in 2018 or 2019. The 2018 JGW will fulfill CEO Sergio Marchionne’s wish to have a true Range Rover competitor in the FCA portfolio (Link: http://blog.caranddriver.com/jeep-ceo-mike-manley-confirms-next-gen-wrangler-to-stay-body-on-frame-grand-wagoneer-on-track-for-2018/). Apparently whenever Marchionne sees a Range Rover on the road, he gets quite irritated: "When I see a Range Rover on the street, my blood boils, because we should be able to do a thing like that, and we will." ---> 2018 JGW! Link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/marchionne-met-with-tesla-apple-says-range-rover-makes-his-blood-boil-88451.html .

The other major interior design flaw/omission (IMHO) is eliminating the wide center armrest between the driver and front passenger, and instead using the thin flip down arm rests (shown on the 2016 Pilot prototype at the 2015 NYIAS) that are quite uncomfortable and non-supportive on trips greater than a mile or two.

2015 Pilot center armrest, pic : http://2016hondapilot.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2015-Honda-Pilot-interior.jpeg
2016 Pilot Prototype center armrest(s), pic #1 : http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/suvs/1502_2016_honda_pilot_first_look/91047143/2016-honda-pilot-front-interior-view.jpg
2016 Pilot Prototype center arm rest(s), pic #2: http://image.trucktrend.com/f/features/news/2015/1502_2016_honda_pilot_first_look/90119662/2016-honda-pilot-interior-view-02.jpg

The Toyota Highlander and Sequoia use to use the thin flip down center arm rests, but due to so many customer complaints they went to the large center arm rest several years ago.

Likewise the Acura MDX and the RDX have a large/wide center arm rest that is comfortable. Who on the Pilot interior design team pushed for the flimsy, uncomfortable arm rests?! Time for a mulligan/do over! It may seem like a small thing to some, but it's NOT. It's not rocket science to design a large and accessible center storage bin with assorted USB and accessory ports/jacks with an integrated, large,ergonomic and comfortable center arm rest; just look at the current MDX or RDX for heavens sake!

2016 MDX center arm rest pic: http://www.2015carsreview2016.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2016-Acura-MDX-interior.jpg

2016 RDX center arm rest pic: http://www.carxmotor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/2016-Acura-RDX-Chicago-Auto-Show-2015-14.jpg


For me, a former Pilot owner and a current Highlander owner, it would be a deal breaker! I like some aspects of the new Pilot design, but I must have a wide and comfortable center arm rest for me to have a chance of switching back to Pilot, when I trade my current 2010 Highlander in for either a new 2017/2018 Highlander or new Pilot in a couple years. And I'll bet I'm not the only one with this concern. I hope you're listening Honda!

berri

I agree. I've had those spindly separate armrests on several minivans I've owned. You can never get them level with the door armrest, so you can use them and get a crooked spine, or you have to forgo one side or the other. Maybe the prototype Pilot just grabbed some Odyssey seats for expediency to meet the auto show deadlines.

odie6l

stever said:

Thinking of upgrading @odie6l?

Yes @stever , we are narrowed down to the '16 Pilot or '15 4Runner as replacements for my '06 Pilot EX-OR. I am extremely thorough when it comes to car research. I feel a vehicle is like a great pair of jeans, you must try them on to make sure they fit, but when you find the right one, you'll be very comfortable for a long period of time.
I also need to make sure I have proper ground clearance of the trailer hitch receiver (plus being a Class-III) due to one of my new toys (see attached pictures).

Odie

odie6l

@ushy66 , It's not the spilled drinks that worry me on the push button, but rather something falling and hitting it during movement that can cause a change in setting / selection.

Odie

ushy66

Odie good point on the risk of something falling and hitting it causing a bad outcome.

Nice BBQ rig! Bet you have some great BBQ recipes. Care to share any?

ushy66

Yes Berri, perhaps it's just a temporary prototype hiccup/oversight. If not, the new Honda Pilot will loose quite a few sales to other competitors, like Highlander, etc.

odie6l

LOL @ushy66 you can go here....

https://www.facebook.com/Odie442#!/Odie442/notes

Odie

odie6l

I'm interested into how the Towing package is going to be. I haven't seen any pictures or anything showing a hitch or where a hitch would be. The current model has the little hideaway panel that can be removed, but I'm not seeing that on the '16. I know they had said it will be around 5k-7k for towing. Guess I need to wait.

I'm also not happy that the Blue that was shown at the unveiling is NOT going to be a factory available color. Of course I was getting my hopes up for that Sunset Orange that is on the new HR-V and the Civic Si, but again, not available.

Odie

I've added what they have as the Available colors.

Michaell

odie6l said:

I'm interested into how the Towing package is going to be. I haven't seen any pictures or anything showing a hitch or where a hitch would be. The current model has the little hideaway panel that can be removed, but I'm not seeing that on the '16. I know they had said it will be around 5k-7k for towing. Guess I need to wait.

I'm also not happy that the Blue that was shown at the unveiling is NOT going to be a factory available color. Of course I was getting my hopes up for that Sunset Orange that is on the new HR-V and the Civic Si, but again, not available.

Odie

I've added what they have as the Available colors.

So, only 3 "real" colors out of 8. Sheesh.

I may not know what my next vehicle will be after my lease is up in 18 months, but I'm vowing not to get a "non-color" color - white, black, grey or silver. Red, blue, green, orange - anything will be better.

For a time, our family had 3 silver cars - now two of them are shades of green.

ushy66

Thanks Odie for the BBQ recipe link, but unfortunately I was unable to open it.

ushy66

2016 Pilot First Drive Print and Video Reviews; Dealer Availability/ETA: June 18th

Overall, a vast improvement over the previous model, but MT's "Walk-off home run" is a bit of a stretch:

MotorTrend's take: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1505_2016_honda_pilot_first_drive/

Autoblog's take: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/05/20/2016-honda-pilot-first-drive-review-video/#image-22

LeftLane's impression: http://www.leftlanenews.com/first-drive-2016-honda-pilot-88541.html

Automobile's 'dream review': http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1505-2016-honda-pilot-review/

Vid #1; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUo4xrPtObw

Vid #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyz0waEeM28

Vid #3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emQhpjgehTY

odie6l

ushy66 said:

Thanks Odie for the BBQ recipe link, but unfortunately I was unable to open it.

I should have taken you to my FB page http://www.facebook.com/Odie442 and put you into my Notes where all my recipes are (you can click on them under the "More" tab at top.)

As for the Colors.... I was really hoping for either the Blue they showed at the unveiling or that Sunset Orange that they have on the Fit and Civic. I know the 4Runner (which is the other vehicle I'm considering) has a great Orange color, but it is only available on their TRD Pro trim (starts at $45k).

Odie

berri

Well Odie, looks like it's keeping the minivan front seats. Got a few other irritants like the pushbutton transmission selector hogging part of the console and too much touch sensitive controls (which ironically the Explorer is dumping for more buttons on their 2016 model). But overall it seems like a nice and very competitive model. If some of those negatives are disappointing, look at it this way; once this Pilot gets out there in good production numbers, it should increase the competition with others like the Highlander, Explorer and Traverse, which may result in some better pricing out the door on whichever you chose.

odie6l

I came very, Very close to a new ride yesterday. I'm waiting to cross shop the '15 vs. the '16 in prices and trims once they are both in the showrooms, but the 4Runner is also still on the cross shopping list. I popped into a local Toy / Honda dealer to see what incentives / specials for Memorial Day they were tossing out there on both models. I immediately got the gimmies for a 4 sitting in the showroom, but need to be strong and wait.

Odie


'15 4Runner with 3rd row, nav, and towing ($37,250).

My short list is the following for my upgrade from "The Beast" ('06 Honda Pilot EX-OR)

2015 Honda Pilot
2016 Honda Pilot (waiting on trims / prices)
2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5 (must have 3rd Row option)

odie6l

Remember, I'm also in the very small minority that actually takes the SUV off the pavement and does use the Utility aspect of them.

Odie

ushy66

Honda Website: 2016 Pilot Model Feature Content, Specs and Pricing

View all Models and Features and Pricing (Click on both PDF files for full Specs): http://automobiles.honda.com/2016-pilot/

A few things I don't like about the 2016 Pilot's feature content and packaging:
1) Lack of a wide, comfortable center armrest between the driver and front passenger instead of the narrow uncomfortable and non-supportive flip-down arm rests that showed up on the prototype, hopefully, only temporarily.
2) Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert should at least be available as an option on the EX and the EX-L trims.
3) The Rear Entertainment System (RES) should be an option on the Touring and Elite trim levels, not 'baked into the cake' at an extra cost of $1500-2,000, whether you like/want it or not. Honda made this same mistake on the 2014-2015 MDX, but due to lots of consumer/customer complaints made the rear entertainment system on the MDX upper trims an option on the 2016 MDX.

gcutrell

Is it just me or does the 2016 Pilot look like an Odyssey but with regular doors vs. a sliding door? Prior years, it looked very distinctive and now it doesn't.

berri

...and you get minivan front seats as well

ushy66

2016 Pilot vs Explorer, Pathfinder, Highlander, and Traverse Smackdown/Mashup

Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T948Ywid9_w

tarunkalra1

I test drove a 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L today. I liked the way it looks,its engine had ample power and there is lot of room in the vehicle. The leg room for all seats was sufficient, including 3rd row seats which can accommodate 2 adults.

ushy66

Build your own 2016 Pilot on Honda's updated website

Check the link: http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot/

berri

I was disappointed that like Toyota and GM, you have to buy the most expensive model to get blind spot detectors in the outside mirrors. Not even an option on mid levels (and Honda sensing camera just works on right side of the vehicle). Has any one driven the new HyunKia Santa Fe and Sorrento? They seem to be getting decent reviews and like the Explorer, you can get BLIS without having to buy the top of the line model and all that extra crap you may not want.

Michaell

berri said:

I was disappointed that like Toyota and GM, you have to buy the most expensive model to get blind spot detectors in the outside mirrors. Not even an option on mid levels (and Honda sensing camera just works on right side of the vehicle). Has any one driven the new HyunKia Santa Fe and Sorrento? They seem to be getting decent reviews and like the Explorer, you can get BLIS without having to buy the top of the line model and all that extra crap you may not want.

I did a short test drive of a Santa Fe Sport with Tech package a year or so ago and liked it quite a bit. Lots of tech and equipment for under $40K.

Wife, however, wanted something more "wagony" so we ended up with an Outback.

odie6l

I had test drove the Sorrento and did like it. It only got knocked off the list because the hitch receiver wasn't high enough for the GoGalley.

Odie

ushy66

Honda releases lots of 2016 Pilot pics to wet your appetite

Check them out: http://www.carscoops.com/2015/06/check-out-2016-honda-pilot-in-139-new.html

ushy66

2016 Pilot: Additional print and video reviews, and updated rash test results

Print review link: http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/autos/the-daily-drivers-2016-honda-pilot-awd-elite/2243044

Video review link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwOJCreWdss

Crash test results link: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/2016-honda-pilot-aces-the-small-overlap-iihs-crash-test-earns-top-safety-pick-video-99293.html

odie6l

Well, I ended having to take the plunge today and went an got a Pilot EX-L w/ RES. He has already been named "Smoky". I couldn't pass up the deal. I had a '06 Pilot, so I'm familiar with the brand and size, but this one is going to take some getting use too.

Odie

stever

Congrats Odie!

ushy66

Great looking ride! Smokey should bring plenty of smiles for all with brats, brisket and ribs.

ushy66

2016 Pilot (HP): Infotainment and Safety feature content tutorials


HP INFOTAINMENT Related Tutorials

HondaLink Infotainment Review (7:27): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3__xnvJNrX0


HondaLink Smartphone App for Bluetooth pairing, etc (both iPhone and Android) (3:04):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp9tdqf0PwQ


Display Audio (3:02): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnyUfeHuhLs

Setting up WiFi & WiFi HotSpot + Customizing home screen + Smartphone functions :
1.) (0:50) Setting up WiFi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux0SwQ-v6UU
2.) (2:41) Customizing Home screen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuAOMQLmWKA

Sirius XM Short Cuts (2:49): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTyX1F1vSbU

Setting up and using the Aha App (2:15): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4AxdHvplEY

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HP SAFETY Related Tutorials

Honda Sensing Package (3:21): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hcKyw0HgxY

Active Safety System (5:38): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_7yJhRj93Q

Collision Mitigation Braking System (4:18): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIzLyjjDIU8


Intelligent Traction Management (2:16): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p-clCPZm2s

Mud Driving Mode Demo (1:00): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE5gyp_l6SI

ushy66

2016 Pilot: Miscellaneous feature content tutorials

Remote Engine Start (1:51): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhaWJJKFghM

Idle Stop (1:27): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm-26apa5n0

Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Tire Fill Assist (1:37): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWUTCNkAguk

Car Wash Mode (1:52): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xNhYLuT4tw

Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers (1:32): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3LDhDq-RWo

Enjoy!

odie6l

ushy66 said:

Great looking ride! Smokey should bring plenty of smiles for all with brats, brisket and ribs.

Thanks @stever . I have to take it back to the dealer for the "We Owe" items. They are adding the trailer package (hitch, wiring, etc.) and Roof Rails with Cross Bars at no extra charge. I just need to wait for the parts to come in.

@ushy66 Thanks for the extra vids. Most are based on the Touring or Elite. I got the EX-L and it actually still has a shift handle, so I'm guessing I don't have a "Car Wash Mode" LOL.

Odie

cward0625

If you are not happy about the 2016 Pilot not getting Android Auto or Car Play support (Like the Accord and Civic) please sign this petition:
https://www.change.org/p/honda-motor-company-2016-honda-pilot-upgrade-to-android-auto-carplay

berri

I don't understand this Honda mode of touch and tiny push buttons instead of knobs. Wasn't that a big rap on some Ford products like Explorer a few years ago?

odie6l

@ushy66 Everything was installed today and you know I had to make sure the GoGalley fit. Check out the pictures.




Odie

ushy66

Great looking color combo! Bring on the BBQ!

odie6l

ushy66 said:

Great looking color combo! Bring on the BBQ!

I'm really looking forward to having a nice Hand-painted Pinstriping done. I was thinking with the color a nice White over Blue with the scroll work and all. I've been quoted $250 already.

Odie