There are few cars more thoroughly committed to family-centric transportation than the Honda Pilot. As a result the last-generation model earned a reputation as a very good, but often boring, crossover SUV. Today, an all-new Honda Pilot has been revealed at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, featuring a more exciting exterior design and new features.
Reaching its first buyers this summer, the new Honda Pilot wears a more modern, sleeker design than the previous boxy shape. Sweeping curves, flared fenders, and smoothly melded details define the new Pilot’s look.
Among the key new features of the 2016 Pilot are its tech abilities: up to five USB ports can be fitted, four of which will provide tablet-level 2.5-amp charging output; an HDMI port for a gaming console; two headphone jacks and an auxiliary input jack; two 12-volt power outlets and one 115-volt household outlet; plus an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen display.
That display houses a new Display Audio telematics interface, and a new satellite navigation system that enables 3D display of terrain, buildings, and road signs. The Display Audio system also enables smartphone connectivity and access to the HondaLink connected-car system. Rear-seat passengers can optionally use a 9-inch entertainment system.
Under the hood, a 3.5-liter V-6 i-VTEC engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and idle stop technology aims to improve gas mileage. A new six-speed automatic transmission is standard, while a new nine-speed automatic is available on upper-trim models.
On top of the new design, new technology, and upgraded powertrain, Honda has also managed nearly 300 pounds in weight savings in the 2016 Pilot.
Family crossovers must put a premium on safety, and the 2016 Pilot does that, adding a suite of available safety technologies, many of them new to the Pilot, including: LaneWatch display; blind spot detection; Honda Sensing, which can detect obstacles and pedestrians; multi-angle rearview camera; collision mitigation braking; forward collision warning; lane-departure warning; lane-keeping assist; rear cross-traffic monitor; adaptive cruise control; and Honda’s first road departure mitigation system.
For more of the latest from the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, be sure to visit our dedicated page.