OpenRoad Driver Volume 13 Issue 1 | Page 55

Volume 13 Issue 1 » 55 2016 Honda Pilot » Building on the solid reputation established from the original Pilot back in fall of 2002, the all-new, third-generation 2016 Honda Pilot brings a whole new level of refinement and content to the Honda “truck” lineup. As expected with any family vehicle these days, the Pilot comes available with the latest collision-avoidance technology, including lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning with automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning, and much more. Compared to its predecessor’s truck-like boxy exterior, the 2016 Pilot looks downright sleek and athletic. Although the 2016 Pilot still comes with a 3.5-litre V6, this engine is thoroughly revised for more refinement, power, and fuel efficiency. Now with directinjection technology, the engine’s peak output rises by 30 hp to generate 280 hp. Torque is also up by 7 lb-ft to 260 lb-ft compared to the previous model. There’s also a start-stop system, the first time offered on a non-hybrid Honda vehicle, to help squeeze the extra few points in fuel economy. The Pilot’s all-wheel-drive system has also been upgraded with a new Intelligent Variable Torque Management system (i-VTM4), and an all-new Intelligent Traction Management system. This system includes selectable modes including Normal, Mud, Sand, and Snow.