2016 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is Honda's largest SUV in the US: a three-row midsize crossover sold continuously since the 2003 model year. Built on a car-like unibody platform rather than a truck frame, it has always emphasized interior space, ride comfort, and everyday usability over off-road ability. Every model year has been powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available, and it competes directly with the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride.

The Pilot's core appeal is practicality backed by Honda's reputation for reliability and strong resale value, which makes it a fixture on family-hauler shopping lists new and used. Typical buyers are households that need seating for seven or eight, flexible cargo space, and moderate towing capability without stepping up to a full-size SUV. With four generations spanning 2003 to 2026, used examples exist at nearly every price point, and the model's long production run makes year-over-year comparisons especially useful when shopping.

The 2016 model: For 2016 the Pilot swung back to smoother, more aerodynamic crossover styling and shed significant weight. A direct-injected 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 was paired with a 6-speed automatic or, on upper trims, a new 9-speed. The 2019 refresh made the Honda Sensing driver-assist suite standard across the lineup, and the rugged-look TrailSport trim arrived for 2022.