2016 Honda Pilot Starts at $30,875
The all-new 2016 Honda Pilot is shaping up to be a home run for families with its newfound interior room paired with numerous comfort and safety features. Base pricing for the front-wheel-drive LX is only up $125 compared with the outgoing 2015 and starts at $30,875 (all prices include an $880 destination charge). The Pilot’s starting price remains competitive with other three-row SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Traverse.
Related: 2016 Honda Pilot Expert Review
Base pricing may have remained roughly the same, but the rest of the SUV has been re-engineered from the ground up for 2016. The redesigned Pilot has more cargo space behind the third row and increased passenger room between the standard three rows of seats, which can carry up to eight occupants. The 2016 trim levels are the base LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and the new Elite trim level that sits atop the Pilot range as the most feature-laden. These trim levels keep options to a minimum as each has a defined set of features. All-wheel drive is available on LX, EX, EX-L and Touring trims for $1,800 and is standard on the Elite.
An EX at $33,310 adds Honda’s LaneWatch camera system, smart keyless entry, tri-zone air conditioning, conversation mirror and more. For $34,310, EX trim levels are also available with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features that includes forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
Continuing up the Pilot trim-level ladder is the EX-L, which not only adds leather upholstery but also a moonroof and power tailgate, heated front seats, power front passenger seat and a handy one-touch button that slides the second-row seats forward, which impressed us when the Pilot debuted at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. An EX-L starts at $36,785 and is available with Honda Sensing for $37,785, with a rear-entertainment system for $38,385 and with navigation for $37,785.
The Pilot’s heavy hitters are the Touring and all-wheel-drive Elite trims that for $41,900 and $47,300, respectively, both include a rear-entertainment system, Honda Sensing and navigation. In addition, the six-speed automatic transmission is replaced with a nine-speed unit for an additional 1 mpg bump in city and combined city/highway EPA ratings. Touring trims add second-row sunshades, roof rails, memory seats, a premium stereo and more.
The Elite trim level keeps a valuable feature all to itself: second-row captain’s chairs. All other Pilots have room for eight passengers with the use of a second-row bench seat, while the Elite’s two captain’s chairs provide room for seven along with a walkway to the third row. The cream-of-the-crop trim also adds a heated steering wheel, heated second-row captain’s chairs, ventilated front seats and a blind spot warning system.
