Sponsored Content

2016 Honda Pilot Elite: family friendly, fuel efficient, 5-star safety rating

Published 8:38 am Friday, April 1, 2016

The 2016 Honda Pilot Elite mid-size sports utility is brand-spanking new – redesigned, as they say, from the ground up.

It still includes a third-row and seats up to eight adults, but this third-generation version includes more of everything consumers are looking for in this segment: Better performance, increased fuel efficiency, more creature comforts and premium features, and more state-of-the-art safety equipment.

My tester was powered by a direct-injected 3.5-liter, SOHC, ii-VTEC, six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The combination generates 280-horsepower (30 more than its predecessor) with enough oomph for towing. My all-wheel drive version was rated at a 22 miles per gallon for combined city/highway driving by the EPA.

The Pilot Elite is more family friendly than ever – even for those unlucky ones relegated to the hinterlands of the third row. It’s more spacious back there and features easy access thanks to a one-touch, walk-in feature. There’s also ports and plugs to accommodate virtually every imaginable device, from smartphones to iPads, to game consoles to digital video cameras, with up to four 2.5-amp USB outlets for charging even the most power-hungry tech gear.

And the cargo area is large enough to accommodate an 82-quart cooler without folding down the third row. I folded the third seat flat and found enough space to hold four full-size golf bags and push carts, which always tickles my fancy.

Honda’s Sensing Package, which is standard on the Elite trim level, includes the most comprehensive set of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies ever available on a Honda vehicle.

The new Pilot is expected to deliver the highest safety ratings in its class and targets a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The list includes a collision mitigation braking system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist system, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning and road-departure mitigation. I was slow to brake (just testing the systems) and a warning chimed and the brakes automatically were engaged at a more intense rate than I was pushing the pedal.

Basic safety features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist and hill-start assist; vehicle-stability assist (VSA) with traction control; an expanded view driver’s mirror and dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags.

Good to know the technology is fast approaching when drivers really won’t be needed at all – but what’s the fun in that, I ask?

Amenities are slathered on so you can stay ahead of the Joneses. We’re talking navigation system and rear-view camera, premium audio system with 10 speakers, rear entertainment center for the kiddies to view Blu-ray DVDs on a nine-inch screen with wireless headsets, Bluetooth, Pandora, leather heated and ventilated front- and second-row captains’ chairs, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated steering wheel, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Just checking to see if you’re still paying attention.

2016 HONDA PILOT ELITE

BASE PRICE: $46,420

AS TESTED: $47,300

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.