Fairy tales aren't the only place where ugly ducklings turn into the beautiful swans. The 2016 Honda Pilot has transformed from a dated boxy family hauler into a thoroughly modern large crossover that can compete against all other three-row SUVs. And it's gained 30 horsepower and four more transmission gears along the way.
For years the Honda Pilot has been a practical but boring choice for those who value function over form. The blocky design offered a lot of interior room including enough for two adults to sit comfortably in the third row of seats but the 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission left a lot to be desired.
But now Honda has gotten serious about competing for everyone else who wants a large crossover that can carry seven or eight people, depending on how the second row of seats is configured. The 2016 Pilot is completely redesigned from stem to stern. The exterior styling is sleek but aggressive, the interior is modern and sophisticated, the 3.5-liter V6 is now rated at a respectable 280 horsepower and the transmission comes with nine forward gears, plus an Eco mode and a Sport mode with paddle shifters.
But more important, the new Pilot is engaging to drive. Gone is the truck-like ride, replaced with a refined suspension and enough steering response to maneuver easily through heavy traffic.
Our test pilot was the top-of-the-line Elite version that including practically every option, from leather everything in the interior to an upgraded stereo and the Honda Sensing Package that warned of vehicles in blind spots, potential front end collisions and unintended lane changes. It also came with second-row Captain's Chairs with a center console, which reduced the total seating capacity to seven. Both seats slid forward at the touch of a button for reaching the third row of seats.
Cargo space was adequate with the third row of seats up but enormous with them folded down, making the Pilot ideal for families with a lot of sports and outdoor gear to haul around. And when properly equipped, Honda says front-drive models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models can pull 5,000 pounds.
On a 1,000-plus mile round trip between Portland and eastern Washington, the Pilot proved comfortable and capable, smoothing out the pavement changes between interstate highways, state freeways, city streets and country roads. The ride was never less than pleasant, especially with the efficient air conditioning and 10 speaker premium audio system.
Second row passengers also have it easy, thanks to the separate climate control system and huge sunroof that let in plenty of light. Our test vehicle also featured a ceiling mounted DVD player for second and third row occupants.
The new Pilot comes with front wheel drive or all-wheel-drive, and can be ordered in trim levels ranging from LX to EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite. Naturally, the cost increases along the way, but our maxed out Elite test vehicle was only $47,300, well below many similarly equipped competitors.
With the 2016 model, the Pilot has jumped from near the back to the front of the affordable three-row crossover market. Anyone interested in such a vehicle should put it at the top of their shopping list.
2016 Honda Pilot
Base price: $29,995
Price as tested: $47,300
Type: Large crossover
Engine: 3.5 V6 (280 hp, 262 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic with Sport mode
EPA estimated mileage: 19/26
Overall length: 194.5 inches
Curb weight: 4,054 to 4,317 pounds
Final assembly: Lincoln, Alabama