Honda Pilot 2016 . . . thinking about it

[NutBucket]

Too expensive? Seems a loaded Pilot overlaps a bit with a base MDX. Sounds right to me.

 

[lsd]

I know they are in different classes but I'm looking at the 2016 Pilot or 2015 Murano. Pilot has better exterior looks but the Murano has a slightly better interior (imo) and I'm not liking that push button shifter at all. Test drives are in order

 

[vi edit]

Sucks that you have to go all the way up to the Elite trim to get 2nd row captains. That's one of the huge selling features of the Lambda triplets with GM. You can get that in lower end cloth covered trims.

 

[996GT2]

Yeah, I've been out of touch on the "large" unibody SUV market. Started shopping around the other day and GMC Acadias and Buick Enclaves are MSRP'ing in the low-mid 50's? Whut?

Who pays that much for these things?

People who are not so smart, to put it mildly.

 

[djnsmith7]

Giving the EX-L w/ NAV serious consideration. I'm done with my '12 MKX & ready to go back to Honda.

^I agree with vi, it sucks that you have to purchase the Elite model to get the captain's chairs, but that's not the only poor decision Honda made. Shockingly, you can only get HD Radio with the Elite model. Actively looking for a work-around on that though & have 2 potentially promising solutions.

On a separate note, I have a huge music library (300GB+) that the MKX hasn't handled well at all. Since the '16 Pilot is Android-based, how well do you guys think it would it handle a 480GB SSD in a USB 3.0 enclosure?

My initial thought is that it should be fine, but I've only tried that once before (in the MKX) & I got an error message saying that device wasn't supported.

A call to Lincoln's tech support confirmed that the MKX doesn't like external USB storage devices in general & that it doesn't support Apple devices with 5000+ libraries.

I don't want to turn this into an MKX vs Pilot thread, but just curious about initial thoughts, as it would be nice to have a fully functional, properly-working music library after 3 years of nonsense.

 

[Kaido]

Giving the EX-L w/ NAV serious consideration. I'm done with my '12 MKX & ready to go back to Honda.

^I agree with vi, it sucks that you have to purchase the Elite model to get the captain's chairs, but that's not the only poor decision Honda made. Shockingly, you can only get HD Radio with the Elite model. Actively looking for a work-around on that though & have 2 potentially promising solutions.

On a separate note, I have a huge music library (300GB+) that the MKX hasn't handled well at all. Since the '16 Pilot is Android-based, how well do you guys think it would it handle a 480GB SSD in a USB 3.0 enclosure?

See, I think that is just silly. It's 2015, for crying out loud! And on my last car (Kia Soul), it didn't even have a CD player...everything was integrated into the dash, no swapouts, and all it had was Bluetooth, USB, and Minijack - which was fine, because I only use Bluetooth, but other people use other things & you simply can't swap it out with an aftermarket head unit! I was surprised to learn that my wife's new Subaru has a swappable head unit, so we can pop a Carplay head unit into it down the road if we want to - the rest of the car's systems are tied into a smaller, secondary digital display, which is awesome for upgrading :thumbsup:

I'm surprised at how bad the in-dash systems still are. Subaru's is just terrible. It looks like Windows 95. I hate in-dash navs & will sell it on eBay if I can. It's just not intuitive at all, even for basic things like playing music. Versus something like Carplay that basically mirrors your phone's screen in jumbo format. Even the most expensive aftermarket iPhone/Android stereo I've seen, Pioneer's AVIC-8100NEX, which supports both Carplay & Android Auto, is $1400, which is a lot cheaper than the typically $1500-$2000 in-dash nav systems (and better!)

 

[NutBucket]

HD Radio sucks. Sound quality is much worse than FM...on par with shitty Sirius/XM

 

[PricklyPete]

With a third kid showing up in Dec, something like this is very tempting. AWD seems like a nice step up from previous model. Just have a really hard time spending that much on a family vehicle. A used Odyssey seems like a much better investment...just wish Odyssey had a AWD option.

 

[vi edit]

With a third kid showing up in Dec, something like this is very tempting. AWD seems like a nice step up from previous model. Just have a really hard time spending that much on a family vehicle. A used Odyssey seems like a much better investment...just wish Odyssey had a AWD option.

Sienna's have an AWD option. I think even the higher end XLE models have it available.

 

[PricklyPete]

Sienna's have an AWD option. I think even the higher end XLE models have it available.

Yes, but my understanding is that it requires to get captains chairs. My wife says that she wants a bench. Her reasoning is that if she is going through the pain of having to drive a minivan, she wants it to have maximum utility. We will likely keep the 4Runner, so we technically have AWD covered, but 3 kids under 2 with dogs will likely be a bit tight for weekends in the mountains. Having AWD in the minivan/crossover would at least help getting up there. If we have to make due with the 4Runner for mountain trips...so it is...but would like to have the option.

 

[SearchMaster]

HD Radio sucks. Sound quality is much worse than FM...on par with shitty Sirius/XM

Maybe it depends on the head unit and the local stations but HD Radio for me is a big step up from both FM and Sirius. Because I live in the boonies, HD Radio can sometimes switch in and out, and it's a very noticeable improvement when HD kicks in.

 

[vi edit]

Yes, but my understanding is that it requires to get captains chairs. My wife says that she wants a bench. Her reasoning is that if she is going through the pain of having to drive a minivan, she wants it to have maximum utility. We will likely keep the 4Runner, so we technically have AWD covered, but 3 kids under 2 with dogs will likely be a bit tight for weekends in the mountains. Having AWD in the minivan/crossover would at least help getting up there. If we have to make due with the 4Runner for mountain trips...so it is...but would like to have the option.

Can't say I really understand that logic. But she is a woman.

I like the "utility" of captains chairs far more than a bench. They actually let you get to the back row easily. Are completely independent of each other so yo u can slide them at different distances from the front seat. You can remove them easily for more space. When kids get older it's easier to keep them separated (I know you have three). Plus with my Sienna I had captains chairs and it had a small "jump seat" that you can pull out and make room for an 8th person. That's how most others do it too. That "8th" person is really only going to be a toddler in most vehicles. That's sort of an odd argument to make.

My wife is terribly anti mini-van as well. I just don't get it.

 

[PricklyPete]

Can't say I really understand that logic. But she is a woman.



I like the "utility" of captains chairs far more than a bench. They actually let you get to the back row easily. Are completely independent of each other so yo u can slide them at different distances from the front seat. You can remove them easily for more space. When kids get older it's easier to keep them separated (I know you have three). Plus with my Sienna I had captains chairs and it had a small "jump seat" that you can pull out and make room for an 8th person. That's how most others do it too. That "8th" person is really only going to be a toddler in most vehicles. That's sort of an odd argument to make.



My wife is terribly anti mini-van as well. I just don't get it.

Her "logic" is that she wants the most seats possible if she is going to go through the "trouble" of getting a minivan. That being said, it is very likely she may change her mind when she actually gets in one. I'm pushing for just a Highlander ... But she is actually the one who is saying she needs the space. I get a kick out of this since i had to fight her to buy an A4 years ago because it had 4 doors...she didn't want to have anything to do with a car with more than 2 doors. Now she has done a 180 and wants a minivan with sliding doors and maximum seats. What do I know. I'm doing my best just to put off a purchase as long as possible and just stick with the 4Runner as long as it fits. Cars are just extra work to me these days.

 

[jasonstevens584]

Don't much care for the redesign TBH.

 

[PricklyPete]

Don't much care for the redesign TBH.

Completely agree from a design standpoint, but from a utility standpoint, it looks pretty good. I really can't think of a 3 row crossover that I actually think looks good (ignoring luxury brands). Highlander looks the best (that I can think of), but I still don't think it looks great.

 

[thomsbrain]

I wouldn't think about it with the likely mediocre "AWD" system they will put in it.

Word is that it's getting a version of the MDX's system. Probably won't be as aggressive with the torque-vectoring rear, but the SH-AWD system is essentially the best money can buy for on-road driving, which is exactly what this market segment is designed for.

If you need locking diffs and low-range, you're looking at a completely different segment of vehicles.

 

[vi edit]

Completely agree from a design standpoint, but from a utility standpoint, it looks pretty good. I really can't think of a 3 row crossover that I actually think looks good (ignoring luxury brands). Highlander looks the best (that I can think of), but I still don't think it looks great.

Mazda CX-9 looks good, as does the Explorer in the higher end trims. Explorer reviews are pretty bad though. I guess it's very cramped inside and nothing special to drive which is a disappointment given that it's one of the sharper looking crossovers on the road.

 

[NutBucket]

CX-9 is old hat. The Explorer is OK to drive but I agree the interior is not space efficient.

 

[PricklyPete]

Mazda CX-9 looks good, as does the Explorer in the higher end trims. Explorer reviews are pretty bad though. I guess it's very cramped inside and nothing special to drive which is a disappointment given that it's one of the sharper looking crossovers on the road.

Forgot about the CX9... Agree with you there. Don't really like the Explorer looks...and after having one as a rental... Just didn't like the interior. It did feel cramped for the size of vehicle that it is. I think I'd actually prefer the Flex over the explorer.

Edit: just looked at a picture of the flex...forgot how ugly it is. Nevermind.

 

[richardycc]

test drove one yesterday. still feel big, but not as 'boat-like' as the previous version. too bad they won't discount them at this point, the 4x4 EX-L with NAV is $39k, I can get a similarly equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee limited for about $38k, and my wife likes the new Jeep look better, so I will most likely get another Jeep. I am driving an 06 Jeep GC now.

 

[PricklyPete]

test drove one yesterday. still feel big, but not as 'boat-like' as the previous version. too bad they won't discount them at this point, the 4x4 EX-L with NAV is $39k, I can get a similarly equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee limited for about $38k, and my wife likes the new Jeep look better, so I will most likely get another Jeep. I am driving an 06 Jeep GC now.

Really the Jeep and the pilot are two different vehicles. I would definitely go for the jeep if that is all the space you need. To me, the only reason to step up to something the size (3 rows) of the pilot is. Because you need the space. These are not nice cars to drive or look at...just pure utility.

 

[ultimatebob]

My wife will probably end up getting an older version of the Pilot soon. She likes the styling on the older ones better (she drives a 2009 Escape now, and they made that car look wimpier in the new version as well), and you can get a hell of a lot more car for the money that way.

 

[exar333]

not bad, not good either, and it's gonna be so hot the first 6months to a year, most dealers won't discount much.

• LX, $30,875 (add $1800 for AWD to all trim levels); includes 280-hp direct-injected V-6, 18-inch wheels, six-speed automatic, LED brake lights, keyless entry and pushbutton start, air conditioning, cruise control, auto up/down front power windows, 60/40-split folding third-row seat, five-inch color radio screen, 200-watt audio system with seven speakers, aux input jack, one USB input in center console, Bluetooth streaming audio and phone connectivity, 12-volt outlets in center stack and center console.

• EX, $33,310; includes all of the above and adds or substitutes tri-zone automatic climate control, remote engine start, second-row bench seat, HomeLink connectivity, illuminated front vanity mirrors, convex mirror in overhead console, 10-way power driver’s seat, 225-watt audio system with 10 speakers, auto-off headlamps, heated side mirrors (AWD only), eight-inch touch-screen infotainment display, HondaLink, SMS text-message functionality, two USB ports in center stack, one USB port in center console, HondaLink, exterior temperature readout, fog lights, smart keyless entry, rear 12-volt outlet, Intelligent Traction Management System with Normal, Mud, Snow, and Sand modes.

• EX w/Honda Sensing, $34,310; includes all of the above plus adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, collision-mitigating brake system, lane-departure warning, road-departure mitigation.

• EX-L, $36,785; includes all EX features and adds or substitutes a power sunroof, power liftgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, leather upholstery, four-way power front passenger’s seat, one-touch folding second-row seats.

• EX-L w/ Honda Sensing, $37,785; includes all EX-L features plus adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, collision-mitigating brake system, lane-departure warning, road-departure mitigation.

• EX-L w/ Rear Entertainment System, $38,385; includes all EX-L features plus rear-seat Blu-Ray entertainment system with HDMI input.

• EX-L w/ Navi, $37,785; includes all EX-L features plus navigation.

• Touring w/ Navi and Rear Entertainment System, $41,900; includes all EX-L features and adds or substitutes nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, 20-inch wheels, Honda Sensing package, rear-seat entertainment package, navigation, sound-deadening front side glass, chrome door handles, side-mirror-integrated LED turn signals, roof rails, body-color parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, illuminated front cup holders, two-position memory for front driver’s seat and side mirrors, 540-watt audio system with 10 speakers, USB ports in second row, automatic engine start-stop.

2016 Honda Pilot Elite AWD

• Elite w/ Navi and Rear Entertainment System, $47,300; includes all Touring features and adds or substitutes all-wheel drive, Intelligent Traction Management System, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, panoramic roof, automatic LED headlamps, LED map lights, heated steering wheel, illuminated second-row cup holders, HD radio.

Those prices are absurd. Anything above the EX is crazy money for this car (~33-34k). You can go Acura at more than that. The Elite is only a few thousand less than a Audi Q5 Prestige, for comparison....I would want way below MSRP to even consider that. Wow...

 

[exar333]

Forgot about the CX9... Agree with you there. Don't really like the Explorer looks...and after having one as a rental... Just didn't like the interior. It did feel cramped for the size of vehicle that it is. I think I'd actually prefer the Flex over the explorer.

Edit: just looked at a picture of the flex...forgot how ugly it is. Nevermind.

The Flex has 'interesting design' to be sure. When you sit inside though, its fantastic. Interior space galore, great drive and good engine choices. A better-styled version is what Ford should have focused on the Explorer to be IMHO.

 

[NutBucket]

Those prices are absurd. Anything above the EX is crazy money for this car (~33-34k). You can go Acura at more than that. The Elite is only a few thousand less than a Audi Q5 Prestige, for comparison....I would want way below MSRP to even consider that. Wow...

I don't think you can touch an MDX for under $40k and a Q5 isn't comparable size wise. Get your facts straight.