Well for his first venture out in controlled situations, Smoky did a pretty decent job going off pavement. He handled the grade going up and coming down really well and I even tried out the hill start assist. I do admit I like that little feature is needing to stop on a very steep incline.
This print review is fairly even-handed, and while I like many of the features of the new Pilot, I also agree the Idle-Stop feature on the Touring and Elite trims, was frequently jerky and annoying off the line when engaged (since it can be cancelled/disengaged at the press of a button), so the engineering of this feature needs work/improvement. Other concerns for me about the '16 Pilot, as I have mentioned in previous posts: 1) the lack of a wide center arm-rest for the driver and front passenger, which all of the competition offers, including the RDX and MDX; 2) not offering the extremely important safety features, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Touring, EX and EX-L trims, even as optional features; 3) bundling/requiring the RES/Rear Entertainment System for those getting the Touring and Elite trims, rather than as an option, which increases the retail price of the Touring and Elite trims by $1,500 - $2,000 when many of those potential buyers/families don't want that feature.
OK, I would like honest opinions about something. I saw something today that made me go "OOooooo". I'm going to post a side by side picture "A" will be the left, "B" will be the right. Which looks better?
I'm debating about doing this. I would also leave the Honda Logo alone.
It looks like it swallowed a Ford Fusion. I don't mind the Chrome, but with the amount of off-pavement I go, I can see the Plastic-Chrome get pitted, scuffed, or other.
Comparisons: 2016 Pilot vs 2014/2015 Highlander (2016 Highlander not out yet, but reportedly no major changes expected until 2017 MY mid-cycle refresh)
4 Video Comparisons: Vid #1 pretty even-handed; Vid #2 comparison by the #'s (although not mentioned, updated safety/crash test results are in and excellent for both the Pilot and Highlander, and 0-60 times (V6's) slightly better for Pilot by 1/2 to 1 second, but from a practical perspective, negligible); Vids #'s 3 & 4 biased toward Toyota Highlander (Vid #'s 3 & 4 produced by Toyota dealers).
Are Keyless Ignition Safeguards in place on the new 2016 Pilot, like a timed auto shut-off, to eliminate the risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, when you have an attached garage?
Does anyone know if the 2016 Pilot has built-in keyless ignition safeguards, like a timed auto shut-off, to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, if you have an attached garage? And if not, is there a recall in place yet to retro-fit/fix this problem?
At the very least, this car tech deficiency can cost the car owner lots of wasted gas and bad MPG #'s, and at the worst it can kill the owner and the entire family!
I'm going to post an issue over in the maint. & repair thread. Those with the '16 might want to keep an eye on it. I'm also working with the Honda Corp. Office for Service. It got bumped up to them from my dealership. (Yeah, that big an issue)
Are Keyless Ignition Safeguards in place on the new 2016 Pilot, like a timed auto shut-off, to eliminate the risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, when you have an attached garage?
Does anyone know if the 2016 Pilot has built-in keyless ignition safeguards, like a timed auto shut-off, to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, if you have an attached garage? And if not, is there a recall in place yet to retro-fit/fix this problem?
At the very least, this car tech deficiency can cost the car owner lots of wasted gas and bad MPG #'s, and at the worst it can kill the owner and the entire family!
Are you concerned that you'd pull into your garage and forget to turn your car off? That is about the only scenario I can think you're referring to. Can you clarify what exactly it is that you're concerned about?
Some have argued these inexpensive auto shut-off safeguards are unnecessary, and that drivers who forget to turn off their keyless ignition cars in their garage before they exit their vehicle are 'stupid' and shouldn't be driving at all. I disagree. After all we are human, and we all occasionally make mistakes. This occurs with some frequency when people get busy with their kids or grand kids, etc, or having a senior moment. While it probably happens more than we might think on the Pilot and other models, it probably occurs much more on the ultra quiet hybrids like the Accord, Camry and Prius! Sometimes people need to be protected from themselves, and I believe requiring Honda and other mfg's install an inexpensive auto-off switch on keyless ignition cars is one of them, when a stupid mistake or forgetfulness could cost someone and their family's lives from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Heck, one could make the same argument for the necessity of safety features that are showing up on most cars like blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, etc, etc, because if the 'stupid' driving public would only look into their side and rear view mirrors properly and turn their head a little over their right shoulder like they are suppose to before changing lanes in traffic to check their blind spots we shouldn't need those safety features (and other safety nannies) either, right, yet the auto manufactures (including Honda) claim these features make driving safer (and I agree), and are putting them on more and more of their products/cars.
Requiring the auto mfg's to retro-fit/fix this problem/tech deficiency seems to me to be a no-brainer, before more people are injured or die from keyless ignition carbon monoxide related poisoning.
Additional Reference on the Keyless Ignition risk of CO Poisoning, and Honda's Legal Exposure
If Honda does not intervene in a timely fashion and right a wrong in their cars, like issue a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) and/or recall, for those Honda cars already sold that have keyless ignitions, it's not only terrible for the owners who will continue to be injured and killed by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to this issue, it can be potentially very expensive to Honda, like the unintended acceleration suit that cost Toyota at least one billion dollars not so long ago.
Yep, the newer cars are very quiet while the engine is on/running due to the extra sound proofing in the engine compartment and the newer engines when tuned properly are very hushed; even more so for the ulta-quiet hybrids. Then add a senior driver (or not so senior driver) with compromised hearing....
Consumer Reports testing of 2016 Honda Pilot just completed and is somewhat disappointing
Consumer Reports testing gave the 2016 Honda Pilot an overall score of 80 which is good, but significantly lower than the 2014/2015 Toyota Highlander (2016 not yet released) and 2016 Kia Sorento which both received an overall test score of 84.
Well my Toyota is so quiet I can hear bears crappin' in the woods! Seriously though, most modern engines are quiet. I think noise complaints are more about when driving at high speeds. My Honda is louder on the highway than my Toyota, but it is certainly not egregiously so. I don't think you can really win long term in this though because if the car is very quiet on the road you'll probably hear more rattles and the like as it ages due to the quiet cabin. Catch-22
Well my Toyota is so quiet I can hear bears crappin' in the woods! Seriously though, most modern engines are quiet. I think noise complaints are more about when driving at high speeds. My Honda is louder on the highway than my Toyota, but it is certainly not egregiously so. I don't think you can really win long term in this though because if the car is very quiet on the road you'll probably hear more rattles and the like as it ages due to the quiet cabin. Catch-22
When I change out the OEM Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires for the Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S tires I know the road noise will increase due to the overall tread design. I also know I will sacrifice 2-3 mpg due to switching from a street / highway tire to more of an off-road all-terrain tire.
Since some of you may have had some difficulty accessing the CR info, I have made it available below, in 3 parts:
PART 1: Road Test, Driving Experience
Road Test At one time, driving a Honda Pilot meant that driving dynamics, family friendliness, and powertrain refinement were more important to you than the macho, trucklike SUV look. The Pilot was a natural next step for Civic and Accord owners with growing families. But something went awry in the late-2000s. Honda changed tack, making the Pilot more trucky and cheap-feeling.
Other manufacturers stole buyers by making a better Honda than Honda. With the 2016 redesign, Honda takes a swing at a softer, more carlike Pilot.
Built properly, an SUV performs the family-hauling duties of a minivan with some added machismo, and without being a poster child for a "Mom-mobile."
In that respect, the redesigned Pilot does a commendable minivan impression with its flexible seating for eight; a roomy, versatile, and feature-filled interior; and easy access to all three seating rows. But while it addresses many of the previous generation's flaws, the new Pilot is still lost in the fog.
When it comes to handling, this SUV has no connection with the nimble Hondas of the past. On open roads, the Pilot maneuvers like an apartment building on wheels. Its cumbersome cornering makes the Pilot feel reluctant to turn, and the vague steering chips away at your confidence. Nobody expects sports car handling from an SUV, but the Pilot is inferior to Honda's hulking Odyssey minivan -- whether meandering down the road or darting around obstacles. Plus, the Pilot's mediocre braking on wet roads trails most competitors.
The flip side to the Pilot's ungainly handling is a comfortable ride. This SUV's suspension smooths out bumps with composure. Some road imperfections will rock the Pilot from side to side, but overall a trip in the Pilot is uneventful. Honda loaded up on the sound-deadening materials, too, resulting in a quiet cabin.
The 3.5-liter V6 is a gem, smoothly and promptly delivering power throughout its rev range. Drivers are never left feeling in a dead zone of acceleration, with the standard six-speed automatic smoothly swapping gears. Our all-wheel-drive Pilot averaged 20 mpg overall in tests -- on par with other vehicles in the segment. Front-drive Pilots are likely to do 1 or 2 mpg better.
But shoppers should stick with the six-speed. The upmarket Touring and Elite trim levels are saddled with a nine-speed gearbox that's neither smooth nor responsive, and it uses an infuriating and unintuitive push-button shifter.
Interior materials and details are certainly improved, with hard, cheap plastics exiled to the recycling bin. All sizes of drivers found plenty of room, with good access to the pedals, adjustable steering wheel, and dashboard controls. Windows are big and roof pillars are thin, giving a commanding all-around view from the helm.
Though the front seats are well-padded and supportive, the lumbar adjusts only for pressure, not height. And some drivers felt that the front of the seat cushion didn't lower enough.
The second row is roomy, and the seats can slide fore/aft to give space to third-row occupants. The rearmost seats are best left for kids. Gauges are easy to read, and the climate controls are super-clear. But like every contemporary Honda, drivers must suffer with a convoluted touch-screen infotainment system. Fonts and buttons are large, but finding menus, changing the volume or radio station, or adjusting settings is frustrating. Consider the steering-wheel controls your copilot to handle tasks.
Advanced crash-prevention tech is available across the lineup, but only the top-level Elite gets blind-spot detection. In its place on most trims is the LaneWatch camera, but glancing at the display screen takes your eyes off the road.
Honda faithful will recognize this Pilot as an Odyssey in weekend warrior packaging, but will still wonder where the brand's cherished attributes -- such as intuitive controls and agile handling -- have gone.
The Driving Experience Handling: Granted, you don't expect a three-row SUV to handle like a Porsche. But even compared to its peers, the Pilot feels every bit like the boat that it is. It doesn't take much for body lean to pile on. The steering is not very swift in response, and vague. All of that combines to make the Pilot very reluctant in the corners.
On the track the Pilot was very secure and predictable despite not posting a particularly high speed in our avoidance maneuver. It reached its cornering limits early but kept its composure with a gradual, controlled intervention of the stability control as the vehicle adheres to its cornering line, keeping you out of trouble. It posted a modest speed in our avoidance maneuver with sufficient driver confidence.
Powertrain: The Pilot's powertrain is a strong point, providing smooth, abundant acceleration and oodles of reserve power under your foot. The engine is quiet and sounds polished and eager all the way to high revs. The six-speed automatic transmission that comes on most Pilots is smooth and unobtrusive.
The high-end Touring and Elite versions come with a new nine-speed automatic that's not nearly as smooth and responsive. We would go as far as saying to stick with EX-L or lower trim levels in order to avoid the nine speed. This transmission also saddles the car with an unintuitive push-button shifter and an annoying start/stop system that falls short of the best systems in smoothness.
Fuel economy is par for the course for a large three-row SUV with 20 mpg overall on regular.
Off-road: he Pilot is not intended for off-roading at all.
Towing: Maximum tow rating is 5,000 pounds. Like most other Hondas, that rating decreases if you have more than two people in the car.
A tow hitch is now an accessory; the previous Pilot had one standard. One plus: the Pilot comes prewired under the dashboard for an electric brake controller, functional once you add the accessory trailer wiring kit.
Ride comfort: No one's likely to complain about the Pilot's ride. It absorbs typical bumps and potholes with fairly muted kicks. Some suspension noise on impact makes the ride feel less comfortable than it actually is. Ride motions are not entirely well-controlled with a tendency for the Pilot to rock and sway when confronted with uneven pavement. On the highway it's an uneventful cruise.
Noise: This Pilot is very quiet with a smooth, low-key engine hum and muted wind noise, trailing behind modest levels of road hiss heard from the rear of the car. It's considerably quieter than previous generation and on par with many competitors (Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and the Toyota Highlander). However, some domestic SUVs (Chevrolet Tahoe and Dodge Durango) are far more hushed. The top-level Touring and Elite trims have more sound deadening, thanks to laminated front door glass and additional door noise sealing.
Braking: The Pilot had mediocre braking performance, especially in the wet, with stopping distances being a bit longer than we typically see for a midsized SUV. There were no complaints when it came to brake pedal modulation.
Headlights: The standard halogen lamps provide just enough forward visibility but they lack the distance and width of better lights. LED daytime running lights give the lamps a signature styling. LED headlights are standard on the Elite trim.
Acceleration Very Good 0 to 30 mph, sec. 3.2 0 to 60 mph, sec. 7.5
Interior fit and finish: Cabin finish hits the class average, rivaling competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander. The top of the dashboard and door panels are padded, but most other materials are hard. Everything looks good and proper at a glance, but it falls short of being luxurious. Some details seem cheap or ill-finished, like a glove box door that clunks open and a few lumpy seat seams and fuzzy panel edges.
Driving position: You sit tall at the helm behind the Pilot's tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, with plenty of room all around. Short drivers appreciated being able to sit up high, giving them a commanding view and easy reach to the wheel and pedals. The foot-operated parking brake cuts (almost literally) into left shin space; given the Pilot's price, it should have an electronic parking brake.
Visibility: Upright and stately, the Pilot's rectilinear styling supplies big windows all-around. Most roof pillars are relatively thin, creating smallish blind spots. Overall, visibility is pretty good especially compared to many competitors.
All Pilots have a standard backup camera, a welcome safety feature. More controversial is the LaneWatch system found on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims. Turn on your right turn signal and this camera displays on the radio screen what lurks in your right blind spot. This can be rather helpful in urban situations -- it's great for spotting bicyclists -- or for left-lane merging situations.
However, it comes with several disadvantages, especially when compared to a full blind-spot detection system. You need to figure out if cars on the screen pose a threat; that's sometimes hard to do, especially at night. LaneWatch does nothing to protect you against hazards on your left-side blind spot. It can also be distracting to have that moving image pop up on the radio screen every time you signal a right turn; sometimes all you see are the back of stop signs and curbside trash cans and mailboxes. (A button on the end of the turn signal stalk turns the camera image on or off at will, but only for that moment.) Finally, it doesn't monitor your blind spots all the time, only when the right turn signal is on.
For these reasons, we prefer a full blind-spot detection system, which is only available on the Elite trim. With such a system, there is no mistaking whether a car poses a risk or not -- when the light is shining, there's a potential collision -- and it protects both sides of the car. While this feature is very well-liked among consumers, the Pilot only has it on the very top-level Elite trim, costing over $46,000. Most rivals let you get it on SUVs that cost thousands less. This is a big competitive disadvantage in a designed-for-2016 SUV.
Seat comfort: Big and wide, the front seats are well-padded and flatly contoured for comfort rather than corner-hugging capability. A nice touch: inboard folding armrests that are height-adjustable. Two minor complaints: Some drivers weren't able to lower the front of the seat cushion flat enough, resulting in too much under-thigh pressure. We also wish the lumbar adjustment delivered both height and pressure.
The second-row bench seat has plenty of room, especially when slid fully back. Adults might want a bit more thigh support from the bottom cushions, though. Captain's chairs come on the Elite trim, reducing seating capacity to seven total. Many other SUVs offer this configuration -- featuring distinct zones for warring siblings, but also omitting the preferred center position for a child restraint -- on less-expensive trim levels.
Sliding the second-row seat forward creates more leg and knee room for those in the third-row seat. Adults can fit there, but it's not preferable because the low bottom cushion forces their knees up into the air.
Access: Getting in and out, front or rear, is easy through the big square doors over low sills. There's no need to duck down low or climb up high into the Pilot.
EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims feature a tremendously clever one-button release for folding the second-row seat. Push the button and the seat folds and slides forward, clearing a decent path to clamber back to the third-row seat.
Gauges: It's easy to read the digital speedometer and large gauges. Happily, the trip/fuel computer is simpler to figure out than in most contemporary Hondas, although paging through its offerings still isn't the most intuitive.
Controls: Using the touch-screen radio, found on most higher trimlines, is a mess, but other controls are mostly easy. Big, clearly-labeled climate control buttons are welcome. A minor gripe: given that the Honda HR-V, their least expensive SUV, has a standard electric parking brake, we wonder why all Pilots don't get this convenience as well.
Infotainment: All Pilots, except the most basic LX trim, have a poorly-designed touch-screen-controlled infotainment system. We really mean it -- the touch screen controls everything. There are no conventional knobs or buttons at all on the radio, just a sleek looking plane of glass. Forget about a simple volume knob or a power button. Nope, instead, everything is done by tapping on the screen.
Doing this precisely is difficult while reaching for the far-away screen, whose smooth surfaces give you nothing to brace against. The on-screen buttons are big, but some are too close together. Finding some necessary menus, like for iPod browsing, is hidden and unintuitive. Even simple things like changing volume or radio stations are annoying. (The steering wheel controls help; you'll learn to rely on them.)
By comparison, the base-trim LX's radio is super-simple to use, with conventional buttons for presets and mode selection and conventional knobs for tuning and volume. That said, this system is more difficult to use for accessing the music stored on your smartphone because it lacks a touch screen.
High points:
Big bright touch screen is easy to read, with mostly large fonts USB port with higher amperage recharging is a nice touch Standard rear camera, with multi-angle views on all trims except the LX Typically responds quickly to commands Can connect to internet using available Wi-Fi connection or through smartphone via the HondaLink app
Low points:
Long reach to system's controls No knobs or buttons at all on touch-screen system System logic can make it hard to find what you're looking for Glossy screen reflects sunlight glare and smudges easily Can take a while to connect to devices Bluetooth-paired smartphone spoken instructions, like from Waze or a navigation app, are not transmitted through the audio system
Navigation: A factory system is available on EX-L trim and comes standard on Touring and Elite versions. The interface works similarly to the popular Garmin portable systems, with large fonts and fairly simple programming logic.
Rear entertainment system: The EX-L trim offers a single-screen system that plays DVDs and includes a single wireless headphone. The system can be controlled through buttons on the rear of the center console, dashboard controls (reachable by a parent sitting up front), or by a remote control that stows overhead. Touring and Elite trims have a system that includes two headphones and can play Blu-ray discs as well.
Phone: Bluetooth calling works well, but sometimes it takes a while to reconnect to the phone. Bluetooth audio streaming is supported. For those with iPhones, Siri Eyes Free lets you use Siri voice commands through a steering wheel button.
Connectivity: The LX trim has a single auxiliary input and a single USB port in the center console. All other trims add two USB ports on the dashboard. The rear entertainment system includes two USB-charging-only ports and a HDMI port.
Apps: The touch-screen audio system has available Pandora and Aha apps. Both require the corresponding apps to be installed on a paired smartphone. Since the touch screen works much like an Android-based tablet, some web-based apps can be used through the system's web browser when the car is connected through Wi-Fi or to a smartphone with the HondaLink app. Response time is often slow, though.
Climate features: All but the base models come with heated exterior mirrors and automatic climate controls for front- and rear-seat passengers. You have to pony up extra dough to the Elite trim line to get cooled front seats, and heated steering wheel and second-row heated seats. One annoying feature with the automatic climate system is that if you use the "sync" feature for the temperature settings, the rear fan automatically turns on whether you want it to or not. There might be times, say, when there's no one back there and you don't want to hear the fan blowing, so we don't know why the rear system needs to also be on if all you want is to even out the temperature up front.
Cabin storage: The Pilot proves its mettle as a supreme family hauler by virtue of its numerous and near-minivan-like storage options. The covered bin between the front seats is huge and comes with a very trick sliding coin tray. There are also two more open bins near the front cup holders, and multiple open bins and slots in all four doors.
Cup holders: Front-seat passengers can access two cup holders in the center console. Second-row seaters get two holders built into each door as well as two more in the center fold-down armrest. Those stuck in the third row get by with three holders in each side elbow rest.
Other neat touches: The overhead fold-down sunglasses holder also comes with a mirror so you can keep track of the rug rats in the rear seats.
Cargo area: The cargo area offers a ton of versatility and volume. With all of the rear seats folded, the cargo area can easily swallow bicycles, kayaks, and that over-the-top weekend trip to the hardware store.
Raise the second-row seats and there is still a large cargo area to haul camping gear, luggage, or sports gear for five. The second row slides forward or back, allowing you to find a balance between leg room or cargo space.
Need to pick up extra kids? Just raise the third-row seats. Access is easy with the second-row release button that comes on EX-L and higher trimlines. The cargo floor behind the third row can be lowered, forming a nice well for carrying groceries. In addition, there is an in-floor bin on each side of the rear hatch opening. These are helpful in keeping a gallon of milk or a big bottle of laundry detergent from rolling around.
A power tailgate release is available on the EX-L and higher trimlines.
Spare tire: A compact spare tire is standard.
Ride Very Good Noise Very Good Driving position Very Good
Safety
Crash-test results: The Pilot is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus, thanks to good crash-test results and available crash-avoidance features.
Crash-avoidance systems: Honda packages its active safety systems under the "Honda Sensing" name. The EX and EX-L trimlines can be purchased with or without Honda Sensing. Touring and Elite trims come standard with the package.
The system comes with forward-collision warning with auto brake, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. Adaptive cruise control is also part of the package.
The key item missing on all trim lines, except the Elite, is blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Honda has the aforementioned Lane Watch system, which is standard on lower trimlines except LX.
Forward-collision warning uses cameras and radar to watch for cars ahead and alert the driver if they are approaching too fast or not paying attention. The system alerts the driver with visual and audible signals. Advanced forward-collision braking systems typically use brake assist to apply the brakes when an imminent collision is detected. Honda refers to it as "Collision Mitigation Braking System" (CMB). This system will sound multiple beeps and send a big "BRAKE" message in the center instrument panel before it activates the brake assist function.
In our track evaluations, the forward-collision warning with braking worked as expected. At speeds between 10-15 mph, the system was able to stop the Pilot before it collided with our foam vehicle. At higher speeds, the Honda applied the brakes and scrubbed off speed, but did hit the foam vehicle. Still, we think the system is worth purchasing. It stops slow-speed fender benders and allows you to go on with your day. It may even keep you out of the hospital after an accident at highway speeds.
Lane-departure warning (LDW) alerts you if your car drives out of its lane without the turn signals activated. Using a camera to monitor lane markers, the LDW will sound a beep and blink a dashboard telltale; some systems even vibrate the steering wheel or seat as well.
Lane-keeping assist (LKAS) gives a tug on the steering wheel or can even steer you toward the center line if your car strays out of its lane. This system does need to be turned on by a switch on the steering wheel. It works at speeds between 45-90 mph.
Road-departure mitigation systems use a camera to monitor the side of the road. If the system detects the vehicle may be departing the road, it uses the lane- keeping assist steering component and the auto braking system to guide it back toward the center of the lane. This system is activated at speeds between 45-90 mph.
Thanks so much. Pretty much agree with the road feel, not very impressive. I found the Highlander to be worse. Have no idea why these 2 are so difficult to bargain. I'm leaning towards an Acura rdx or mdx anyway, MUCH better lease numbers.
Yes Toledo73 I agree, both the RDX and the MDX are great rides, but since I have long legs the RDX is a bit cramped for me so I'm strongly considering the MDX. Good luck!
If you are a parent of young children (at least one under 12 years old) who owns a 2016 Honda Pilot, a reporter would like for you to fill out a survey, due by December 22, 2015, for use in a print publication. Click here for the survey http://bit.ly/1M6rOvA
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Well my Toyota is so quiet I can hear bears crappin' in the woods! Seriously though, most modern engines are quiet. I think noise complaints are more about when driving at high speeds. My Honda is louder on the highway than my Toyota, but it is certainly not egregiously so. I don't think you can really win long term in this though because if the car is very quiet on the road you'll probably hear more rattles and the like as it ages due to the quiet cabin. Catch-22
When I change out the OEM Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires for the Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S tires I know the road noise will increase due to the overall tread design. I also know I will sacrifice 2-3 mpg due to switching from a street / highway tire to more of an off-road all-terrain tire.
Odie
Odie,
Now that you've had your new Pilot for a while, what are your impressions? Likes/dislikes?
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Well my Toyota is so quiet I can hear bears crappin' in the woods! Seriously though, most modern engines are quiet. I think noise complaints are more about when driving at high speeds. My Honda is louder on the highway than my Toyota, but it is certainly not egregiously so. I don't think you can really win long term in this though because if the car is very quiet on the road you'll probably hear more rattles and the like as it ages due to the quiet cabin. Catch-22
When I change out the OEM Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires for the Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S tires I know the road noise will increase due to the overall tread design. I also know I will sacrifice 2-3 mpg due to switching from a street / highway tire to more of an off-road all-terrain tire.
Odie
Odie,
Now that you've had your new Pilot for a while, what are your impressions? Likes/dislikes?
It rides a lot smoother than my '06 (but then again it had Off-road gear installed) I've only gone a total of 2800 miles since taking delivery on Labor Day. The farthest I've gone is from Hershey (home area) to Giants Stadium and back (with tailgating system attached). MPG's are a lot better than the '06, but again, weight and gear differences. I'm getting interested in seeing how he will handle once we get some colder weather & snow in the next month or so.
Comments
Odie
This print review is fairly even-handed, and while I like many of the features of the new Pilot, I also agree the Idle-Stop feature on the Touring and Elite trims, was frequently jerky and annoying off the line when engaged (since it can be cancelled/disengaged at the press of a button), so the engineering of this feature needs work/improvement.
Other concerns for me about the '16 Pilot, as I have mentioned in previous posts: 1) the lack of a wide center arm-rest for the driver and front passenger, which all of the competition offers, including the RDX and MDX; 2) not offering the extremely important safety features, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Touring, EX and EX-L trims, even as optional features; 3) bundling/requiring the RES/Rear Entertainment System for those getting the Touring and Elite trims, rather than as an option, which increases the retail price of the Touring and Elite trims by $1,500 - $2,000 when many of those potential buyers/families don't want that feature.
Check it out: http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/mark-phelan/2015/09/30/2016-honda-pilot-reveiw-car-auto-suv-crossover/72988512/
I'm debating about doing this. I would also leave the Honda Logo alone.
Odie
Odie
4 Video Comparisons: Vid #1 pretty even-handed; Vid #2 comparison by the #'s (although not mentioned, updated safety/crash test results are in and excellent for both the Pilot and Highlander, and 0-60 times (V6's) slightly better for Pilot by 1/2 to 1 second, but from a practical perspective, negligible); Vids #'s 3 & 4 biased toward Toyota Highlander (Vid #'s 3 & 4 produced by Toyota dealers).
Vid #1 (Winner depends on your family size):
Vid #2 (by the numbers):
Vid #3:
Vid #4:
Does anyone know if the 2016 Pilot has built-in keyless ignition safeguards, like a timed auto shut-off, to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, if you have an attached garage? And if not, is there a recall in place yet to retro-fit/fix this problem?
Check out the following link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/keyless-ignitions-led-carbon-monoxide-deaths-recalled-suit/story?id=33344253
At the very least, this car tech deficiency can cost the car owner lots of wasted gas and bad MPG #'s, and at the worst it can kill the owner and the entire family!
Odie
Check out a more recent article and video on this issue here: http://abcnews.go.com/US/abc-news-investigation-potential-risk-keyless-ignitions/story?id=34161887
Some have argued these inexpensive auto shut-off safeguards are unnecessary, and that drivers who forget to turn off their keyless ignition cars in their garage before they exit their vehicle are 'stupid' and shouldn't be driving at all. I disagree. After all we are human, and we all occasionally make mistakes. This occurs with some frequency when people get busy with their kids or grand kids, etc, or having a senior moment. While it probably happens more than we might think on the Pilot and other models, it probably occurs much more on the ultra quiet hybrids like the Accord, Camry and Prius! Sometimes people need to be protected from themselves, and I believe requiring Honda and other mfg's install an inexpensive auto-off switch on keyless ignition cars is one of them, when a stupid mistake or forgetfulness could cost someone and their family's lives from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Heck, one could make the same argument for the necessity of safety features that are showing up on most cars like blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, etc, etc, because if the 'stupid' driving public would only look into their side and rear view mirrors properly and turn their head a little over their right shoulder like they are suppose to before changing lanes in traffic to check their blind spots we shouldn't need those safety features (and other safety nannies) either, right, yet the auto manufactures (including Honda) claim these features make driving safer (and I agree), and are putting them on more and more of their products/cars.
Requiring the auto mfg's to retro-fit/fix this problem/tech deficiency seems to me to be a no-brainer, before more people are injured or die from keyless ignition carbon monoxide related poisoning.
If Honda does not intervene in a timely fashion and right a wrong in their cars, like issue a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) and/or recall, for those Honda cars already sold that have keyless ignitions, it's not only terrible for the owners who will continue to be injured and killed by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to this issue, it can be potentially very expensive to Honda, like the unintended acceleration suit that cost Toyota at least one billion dollars not so long ago.
Courthouse News Service: http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/08/28/class-calls-keyless-autos-dangerous.htm
Consumer Reports testing gave the 2016 Honda Pilot an overall score of 80 which is good, but significantly lower than the 2014/2015 Toyota Highlander (2016 not yet released) and 2016 Kia Sorento which both received an overall test score of 84.
Check out the CR (the CR website was just updated and takes some getting use to) review and Road Test at the following link: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/honda-pilot.htm
Check it out:
Odie
Since some of you may have had some difficulty accessing the CR info, I have made it available below, in 3 parts:
PART 1: Road Test, Driving Experience
Road Test
At one time, driving a Honda Pilot meant that driving dynamics, family friendliness, and powertrain refinement were more important to you than the macho, trucklike SUV look. The Pilot was a natural next step for Civic and Accord owners with growing families. But something went awry in the late-2000s. Honda changed tack, making the Pilot more trucky and cheap-feeling.
Other manufacturers stole buyers by making a better Honda than Honda. With the 2016 redesign, Honda takes a swing at a softer, more carlike Pilot.
Built properly, an SUV performs the family-hauling duties of a minivan with some added machismo, and without being a poster child for a "Mom-mobile."
In that respect, the redesigned Pilot does a commendable minivan impression with its flexible seating for eight; a roomy, versatile, and feature-filled interior; and easy access to all three seating rows. But while it addresses many of the previous generation's flaws, the new Pilot is still lost in the fog.
When it comes to handling, this SUV has no connection with the nimble Hondas of the past. On open roads, the Pilot maneuvers like an apartment building on wheels. Its cumbersome cornering makes the Pilot feel reluctant to turn, and the vague steering chips away at your confidence. Nobody expects sports car handling from an SUV, but the Pilot is inferior to Honda's hulking Odyssey minivan -- whether meandering down the road or darting around obstacles. Plus, the Pilot's mediocre braking on wet roads trails most competitors.
The flip side to the Pilot's ungainly handling is a comfortable ride. This SUV's suspension smooths out bumps with composure. Some road imperfections will rock the Pilot from side to side, but overall a trip in the Pilot is uneventful. Honda loaded up on the sound-deadening materials, too, resulting in a quiet cabin.
The 3.5-liter V6 is a gem, smoothly and promptly delivering power throughout its rev range. Drivers are never left feeling in a dead zone of acceleration, with the standard six-speed automatic smoothly swapping gears. Our all-wheel-drive Pilot averaged 20 mpg overall in tests -- on par with other vehicles in the segment. Front-drive Pilots are likely to do 1 or 2 mpg better.
But shoppers should stick with the six-speed. The upmarket Touring and Elite trim levels are saddled with a nine-speed gearbox that's neither smooth nor responsive, and it uses an infuriating and unintuitive push-button shifter.
Interior materials and details are certainly improved, with hard, cheap plastics exiled to the recycling bin. All sizes of drivers found plenty of room, with good access to the pedals, adjustable steering wheel, and dashboard controls. Windows are big and roof pillars are thin, giving a commanding all-around view from the helm.
Though the front seats are well-padded and supportive, the lumbar adjusts only for pressure, not height. And some drivers felt that the front of the seat cushion didn't lower enough.
The second row is roomy, and the seats can slide fore/aft to give space to third-row occupants. The rearmost seats are best left for kids. Gauges are easy to read, and the climate controls are super-clear. But like every contemporary Honda, drivers must suffer with a convoluted touch-screen infotainment system. Fonts and buttons are large, but finding menus, changing the volume or radio station, or adjusting settings is frustrating. Consider the steering-wheel controls your copilot to handle tasks.
Advanced crash-prevention tech is available across the lineup, but only the top-level Elite gets blind-spot detection. In its place on most trims is the LaneWatch camera, but glancing at the display screen takes your eyes off the road.
Honda faithful will recognize this Pilot as an Odyssey in weekend warrior packaging, but will still wonder where the brand's cherished attributes -- such as intuitive controls and agile handling -- have gone.
The Driving Experience
Handling: Granted, you don't expect a three-row SUV to handle like a Porsche. But even compared to its peers, the Pilot feels every bit like the boat that it is. It doesn't take much for body lean to pile on. The steering is not very swift in response, and vague. All of that combines to make the Pilot very reluctant in the corners.
On the track the Pilot was very secure and predictable despite not posting a particularly high speed in our avoidance maneuver. It reached its cornering limits early but kept its composure with a gradual, controlled intervention of the stability control as the vehicle adheres to its cornering line, keeping you out of trouble. It posted a modest speed in our avoidance maneuver with sufficient driver confidence.
Powertrain: The Pilot's powertrain is a strong point, providing smooth, abundant acceleration and oodles of reserve power under your foot. The engine is quiet and sounds polished and eager all the way to high revs. The six-speed automatic transmission that comes on most Pilots is smooth and unobtrusive.
The high-end Touring and Elite versions come with a new nine-speed automatic that's not nearly as smooth and responsive. We would go as far as saying to stick with EX-L or lower trim levels in order to avoid the nine speed. This transmission also saddles the car with an unintuitive push-button shifter and an annoying start/stop system that falls short of the best systems in smoothness.
Fuel economy is par for the course for a large three-row SUV with 20 mpg overall on regular.
Off-road: he Pilot is not intended for off-roading at all.
Towing: Maximum tow rating is 5,000 pounds. Like most other Hondas, that rating decreases if you have more than two people in the car.
A tow hitch is now an accessory; the previous Pilot had one standard. One plus: the Pilot comes prewired under the dashboard for an electric brake controller, functional once you add the accessory trailer wiring kit.
Ride comfort: No one's likely to complain about the Pilot's ride. It absorbs typical bumps and potholes with fairly muted kicks. Some suspension noise on impact makes the ride feel less comfortable than it actually is. Ride motions are not entirely well-controlled with a tendency for the Pilot to rock and sway when confronted with uneven pavement. On the highway it's an uneventful cruise.
Noise: This Pilot is very quiet with a smooth, low-key engine hum and muted wind noise, trailing behind modest levels of road hiss heard from the rear of the car. It's considerably quieter than previous generation and on par with many competitors (Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and the Toyota Highlander). However, some domestic SUVs (Chevrolet Tahoe and Dodge Durango) are far more hushed. The top-level Touring and Elite trims have more sound deadening, thanks to laminated front door glass and additional door noise sealing.
Braking: The Pilot had mediocre braking performance, especially in the wet, with stopping distances being a bit longer than we typically see for a midsized SUV. There were no complaints when it came to brake pedal modulation.
Headlights: The standard halogen lamps provide just enough forward visibility but they lack the distance and width of better lights. LED daytime running lights give the lamps a signature styling. LED headlights are standard on the Elite trim.
Acceleration
Very Good
0 to 30 mph, sec.
3.2
0 to 60 mph, sec.
7.5
Part 2
Inside The Cabin
Interior fit and finish: Cabin finish hits the class average, rivaling competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander. The top of the dashboard and door panels are padded, but most other materials are hard. Everything looks good and proper at a glance, but it falls short of being luxurious. Some details seem cheap or ill-finished, like a glove box door that clunks open and a few lumpy seat seams and fuzzy panel edges.
Driving position: You sit tall at the helm behind the Pilot's tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, with plenty of room all around. Short drivers appreciated being able to sit up high, giving them a commanding view and easy reach to the wheel and pedals. The foot-operated parking brake cuts (almost literally) into left shin space; given the Pilot's price, it should have an electronic parking brake.
Visibility: Upright and stately, the Pilot's rectilinear styling supplies big windows all-around. Most roof pillars are relatively thin, creating smallish blind spots. Overall, visibility is pretty good especially compared to many competitors.
All Pilots have a standard backup camera, a welcome safety feature. More controversial is the LaneWatch system found on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims. Turn on your right turn signal and this camera displays on the radio screen what lurks in your right blind spot. This can be rather helpful in urban situations -- it's great for spotting bicyclists -- or for left-lane merging situations.
However, it comes with several disadvantages, especially when compared to a full blind-spot detection system. You need to figure out if cars on the screen pose a threat; that's sometimes hard to do, especially at night. LaneWatch does nothing to protect you against hazards on your left-side blind spot. It can also be distracting to have that moving image pop up on the radio screen every time you signal a right turn; sometimes all you see are the back of stop signs and curbside trash cans and mailboxes. (A button on the end of the turn signal stalk turns the camera image on or off at will, but only for that moment.) Finally, it doesn't monitor your blind spots all the time, only when the right turn signal is on.
For these reasons, we prefer a full blind-spot detection system, which is only available on the Elite trim. With such a system, there is no mistaking whether a car poses a risk or not -- when the light is shining, there's a potential collision -- and it protects both sides of the car. While this feature is very well-liked among consumers, the Pilot only has it on the very top-level Elite trim, costing over $46,000. Most rivals let you get it on SUVs that cost thousands less. This is a big competitive disadvantage in a designed-for-2016 SUV.
Seat comfort: Big and wide, the front seats are well-padded and flatly contoured for comfort rather than corner-hugging capability. A nice touch: inboard folding armrests that are height-adjustable. Two minor complaints: Some drivers weren't able to lower the front of the seat cushion flat enough, resulting in too much under-thigh pressure. We also wish the lumbar adjustment delivered both height and pressure.
The second-row bench seat has plenty of room, especially when slid fully back. Adults might want a bit more thigh support from the bottom cushions, though. Captain's chairs come on the Elite trim, reducing seating capacity to seven total. Many other SUVs offer this configuration -- featuring distinct zones for warring siblings, but also omitting the preferred center position for a child restraint -- on less-expensive trim levels.
Sliding the second-row seat forward creates more leg and knee room for those in the third-row seat. Adults can fit there, but it's not preferable because the low bottom cushion forces their knees up into the air.
Access: Getting in and out, front or rear, is easy through the big square doors over low sills. There's no need to duck down low or climb up high into the Pilot.
EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims feature a tremendously clever one-button release for folding the second-row seat. Push the button and the seat folds and slides forward, clearing a decent path to clamber back to the third-row seat.
Gauges: It's easy to read the digital speedometer and large gauges. Happily, the trip/fuel computer is simpler to figure out than in most contemporary Hondas, although paging through its offerings still isn't the most intuitive.
Controls: Using the touch-screen radio, found on most higher trimlines, is a mess, but other controls are mostly easy. Big, clearly-labeled climate control buttons are welcome. A minor gripe: given that the Honda HR-V, their least expensive SUV, has a standard electric parking brake, we wonder why all Pilots don't get this convenience as well.
Infotainment: All Pilots, except the most basic LX trim, have a poorly-designed touch-screen-controlled infotainment system. We really mean it -- the touch screen controls everything. There are no conventional knobs or buttons at all on the radio, just a sleek looking plane of glass. Forget about a simple volume knob or a power button. Nope, instead, everything is done by tapping on the screen.
Doing this precisely is difficult while reaching for the far-away screen, whose smooth surfaces give you nothing to brace against. The on-screen buttons are big, but some are too close together. Finding some necessary menus, like for iPod browsing, is hidden and unintuitive. Even simple things like changing volume or radio stations are annoying. (The steering wheel controls help; you'll learn to rely on them.)
By comparison, the base-trim LX's radio is super-simple to use, with conventional buttons for presets and mode selection and conventional knobs for tuning and volume. That said, this system is more difficult to use for accessing the music stored on your smartphone because it lacks a touch screen.
High points:
Big bright touch screen is easy to read, with mostly large fonts
USB port with higher amperage recharging is a nice touch
Standard rear camera, with multi-angle views on all trims except the LX
Typically responds quickly to commands
Can connect to internet using available Wi-Fi connection or through smartphone via the HondaLink app
Low points:
Long reach to system's controls
No knobs or buttons at all on touch-screen system
System logic can make it hard to find what you're looking for
Glossy screen reflects sunlight glare and smudges easily
Can take a while to connect to devices
Bluetooth-paired smartphone spoken instructions, like from Waze or a navigation app, are not transmitted through the audio system
Navigation: A factory system is available on EX-L trim and comes standard on Touring and Elite versions. The interface works similarly to the popular Garmin portable systems, with large fonts and fairly simple programming logic.
Rear entertainment system: The EX-L trim offers a single-screen system that plays DVDs and includes a single wireless headphone. The system can be controlled through buttons on the rear of the center console, dashboard controls (reachable by a parent sitting up front), or by a remote control that stows overhead. Touring and Elite trims have a system that includes two headphones and can play Blu-ray discs as well.
Phone: Bluetooth calling works well, but sometimes it takes a while to reconnect to the phone. Bluetooth audio streaming is supported. For those with iPhones, Siri Eyes Free lets you use Siri voice commands through a steering wheel button.
Connectivity: The LX trim has a single auxiliary input and a single USB port in the center console. All other trims add two USB ports on the dashboard. The rear entertainment system includes two USB-charging-only ports and a HDMI port.
Apps: The touch-screen audio system has available Pandora and Aha apps. Both require the corresponding apps to be installed on a paired smartphone. Since the touch screen works much like an Android-based tablet, some web-based apps can be used through the system's web browser when the car is connected through Wi-Fi or to a smartphone with the HondaLink app. Response time is often slow, though.
Climate features: All but the base models come with heated exterior mirrors and automatic climate controls for front- and rear-seat passengers. You have to pony up extra dough to the Elite trim line to get cooled front seats, and heated steering wheel and second-row heated seats. One annoying feature with the automatic climate system is that if you use the "sync" feature for the temperature settings, the rear fan automatically turns on whether you want it to or not. There might be times, say, when there's no one back there and you don't want to hear the fan blowing, so we don't know why the rear system needs to also be on if all you want is to even out the temperature up front.
Cabin storage: The Pilot proves its mettle as a supreme family hauler by virtue of its numerous and near-minivan-like storage options. The covered bin between the front seats is huge and comes with a very trick sliding coin tray. There are also two more open bins near the front cup holders, and multiple open bins and slots in all four doors.
Cup holders: Front-seat passengers can access two cup holders in the center console. Second-row seaters get two holders built into each door as well as two more in the center fold-down armrest. Those stuck in the third row get by with three holders in each side elbow rest.
Other neat touches: The overhead fold-down sunglasses holder also comes with a mirror so you can keep track of the rug rats in the rear seats.
Cargo area: The cargo area offers a ton of versatility and volume. With all of the rear seats folded, the cargo area can easily swallow bicycles, kayaks, and that over-the-top weekend trip to the hardware store.
Raise the second-row seats and there is still a large cargo area to haul camping gear, luggage, or sports gear for five. The second row slides forward or back, allowing you to find a balance between leg room or cargo space.
Need to pick up extra kids? Just raise the third-row seats. Access is easy with the second-row release button that comes on EX-L and higher trimlines. The cargo floor behind the third row can be lowered, forming a nice well for carrying groceries. In addition, there is an in-floor bin on each side of the rear hatch opening. These are helpful in keeping a gallon of milk or a big bottle of laundry detergent from rolling around.
A power tailgate release is available on the EX-L and higher trimlines.
Spare tire: A compact spare tire is standard.
Ride
Very Good
Noise
Very Good
Driving position
Very Good
Safety
Crash-test results: The Pilot is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus, thanks to good crash-test results and available crash-avoidance features.
Crash-avoidance systems: Honda packages its active safety systems under the "Honda Sensing" name. The EX and EX-L trimlines can be purchased with or without Honda Sensing. Touring and Elite trims come standard with the package.
The system comes with forward-collision warning with auto brake, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and road-departure mitigation. Adaptive cruise control is also part of the package.
The key item missing on all trim lines, except the Elite, is blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Honda has the aforementioned Lane Watch system, which is standard on lower trimlines except LX.
Forward-collision warning uses cameras and radar to watch for cars ahead and alert the driver if they are approaching too fast or not paying attention. The system alerts the driver with visual and audible signals. Advanced forward-collision braking systems typically use brake assist to apply the brakes when an imminent collision is detected. Honda refers to it as "Collision Mitigation Braking System" (CMB). This system will sound multiple beeps and send a big "BRAKE" message in the center instrument panel before it activates the brake assist function.
In our track evaluations, the forward-collision warning with braking worked as expected. At speeds between 10-15 mph, the system was able to stop the Pilot before it collided with our foam vehicle. At higher speeds, the Honda applied the brakes and scrubbed off speed, but did hit the foam vehicle. Still, we think the system is worth purchasing. It stops slow-speed fender benders and allows you to go on with your day. It may even keep you out of the hospital after an accident at highway speeds.
Lane-departure warning (LDW) alerts you if your car drives out of its lane without the turn signals activated. Using a camera to monitor lane markers, the LDW will sound a beep and blink a dashboard telltale; some systems even vibrate the steering wheel or seat as well.
Lane-keeping assist (LKAS) gives a tug on the steering wheel or can even steer you toward the center line if your car strays out of its lane. This system does need to be turned on by a switch on the steering wheel. It works at speeds between 45-90 mph.
Road-departure mitigation systems use a camera to monitor the side of the road. If the system detects the vehicle may be departing the road, it uses the lane- keeping assist steering component and the auto braking system to guide it back toward the center of the lane. This system is activated at speeds between 45-90 mph.
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