Honda Automobiles: 2016 Honda Pilot

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Overview
As with all Honda vehicles, the 2016 Pilot is designed to provide a high level of safety performance, starting with predictable and stable driving dynamics that help drivers maintain control over their vehicle in a wide variety of driving environments and circumstances, including emergency avoidance maneuvers.

Contributing to the Pilot’s active safety performance is a comprehensive range of features that include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)1 with Traction Control, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS), Brake Assist, 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution. The Pilot’s new i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system with dynamic torque vectoring adds an additional degree of handling prowess and all-weather traction. See the Powertrain section for more information.

Significantly advancing Honda’s commitment to advanced safety technology, the all-new Pilot features the most comprehensive set of safety and driver-assistive technologies ever offered on a Honda vehicle. For the first time, the 2016 Pilot incorporates Honda Sensing™, a suite of technologies designed to expand the driver’s situational awareness while also sensing and responding to potential road hazards including other vehicles, road obstacles and even pedestrians.

To help mitigate the severity of a frontal collision and occupant injuries, the Pilot utilizes Honda’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which works in concert with a new “3-bone” floor frame assembly and new hot-stamped steel door rings. Passive safety features including dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS), driver and front passenger SmartVent® side airbags, adjustable head restraints and Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) also provide a high level of protection in the event of collision.

Combining these technologies, the 2016 Pilot targets the highest possible safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS: an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating and top marks (NCAP 5-star and IIHS GOOD) in all crash test modes.

Key New Safety and Driver-Assistive Features

  • Next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure (see Body section)
  • “3-bone” underfloor body construction (see Body section)
  • Hot-stamped ultra-high strength steel door rings (see Body section)
  • Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
  • Expanded View Driver’s Mirror
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist
  • Available Honda Sensing™ features:
    • Next-Generation Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS®)3
    • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)4
    • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)5
    • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)6
    • Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)7
    • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)8
    • Blind Spot Information (BSI)9
    • Rear Cross Traffic Monitor

Top Safety Rating Targets
The new Pilot was designed to achieve top scores and best-in-class performance in all National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests. In particular, the Pilot is projected to attain a 5-Star NHTSA Overall Vehicle Score, along with an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating. A significant area of improvement is achieving a Good rating in the latest IIHS small overlap frontal crash test.

Crash Safety Ratings

Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design
Structures in the front of the 2016 Pilot are designed to help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Research by Honda shows that the following features can dramatically improve a pedestrian’s chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle.

Specific pedestrian head injury mitigation features include:

  • Hood is designed to deform if contact is made with either an adult or a child pedestrian
  • Sufficient clearance exists between the hood and hard engine parts, allowing the hood to deform if impacted by a pedestrian
  • Windshield base has a unique section structure for efficient impact energy absorption
  • Energy-absorbing fender mounts and supports
  • Break-away windshield wiper pivots
  • Deformable hood hinges

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is an Electronic Stability Control system that works in conjunction with the Pilot’s Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and its 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver. VSA functions by applying brake force to one or more wheels independently while also managing the throttle, ignition and fuel systems to help the vehicle maintain the driver’s intended path of travel.

The VSA system constantly analyzes data from sensors that monitor wheel speed, steering input, lateral and longitudinal G forces and yaw rate. It compares the driver’s control inputs with the vehicle’s actual response. Whenever the actual response falls outside of a predetermined acceptable range, VSA intervenes with a corrective action. For instance, if VSA detects an oversteer condition, the system may apply braking force to the outside front and rear wheels to counteract the unintended yawing effect. In the event of understeer, VSA may apply braking to the inside rear wheel while reducing engine power to help return the vehicle to its intended course.

VSA also provides a limited-slip differential effect for the front wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. VSA is calibrated to function in a near-transparent manner, and in many cases a driver will not even be aware of its operation. However, anytime the system is enhancing vehicle stability, an indicator light flashes in the instrument cluster. While the driver can reduce the traction control effectiveness allowing more wheel slip during stuck condition by pressing the VSA button,  ABS remains fully operational at all times. See the Chassis section for more information.

Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) is standard on all 2016 Pilot models. The system incorporates driving stability technology that initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction during cornering and in slippery road conditions. Using vehicle speed and steering angle data, Motion-Adaptive EPS works with Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) and Electric Power Steering to detect instability in slippery road conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correct direction. This advanced technology supports the driver’s action in operating the vehicle more safely and comfortably.

Two examples of how Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) functions in conjunction with VSA are:

Stabilizes Vehicle under Braking
This function helps to correct the driver’s steering input to reduce vehicle instability when the driver is braking hard on road surfaces with different friction coefficients (such as pavement that is partially covered with dirt or snow).

Mitigates Understeer and Oversteer
To mitigate potential understeer or oversteer situations, the system helps correct the steering inputs to help the driver trace the curve.

For more information see the Chassis section.

Brake Assist
A function of the VSA® system, the Brake Assist feature recognizes emergency braking situations and almost instantly applies added braking force. This Brake Assist feature is controlled by a special logic in the system that evaluates the pedal application rate and force to recognize a panic stop situation. At that point, the VSA modulator pump increases braking pressure while the pedal is still being pressed to ensure maximum stopping force, an action that can help shorten braking distance.

Advanced 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution
The Pilot is fitted with 4-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking (ABS). The ABS system also incorporates Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) circuitry that automatically proportions front-to-rear brake force based on the vehicle’s dynamic load on each wheel. For more information see the Chassis section.

Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
Both the driver and front passenger are protected by advanced front airbags (SRS) that incorporate dual-stage and multiple-threshold activation technology. If deployed, these airbags are capable of being inflated at different rates depending on crash severity, seatbelt usage and other factors. Like other Honda vehicles, the driver’s front airbag is located in the steering wheel while the passenger airbag is located on the top of the dash. When deployed, the passenger airbag inflates upward and then rearward to maximize its protective potential while reducing the likelihood of injuries caused by airbag deployment.

Driver and Front Passenger SmartVent® Side Airbags
Side airbags mounted in the outboard area of each front seatback are designed to help provide pelvic and thorax protection for the driver and front passenger in the event of a severe side impact. In the 2016 Pilot, a revised side airbag design allows the side airbags to deploy in a manner that helps mitigate the risk of injury to a smaller seat occupant. This advancement eliminates the need for the previous-generation Pilot’s passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS).

Side Curtain Airbags
All outboard seating positions are protected by side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system. In the event of a severe side impact, the side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the roof, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area. In the unlikely event of a rollover, a roll-rate sensor, along with multiple G sensors determine the rate of roll and deploy the side curtain airbags accordingly. The side curtain airbags will also deploy and provide head protection in frontal small overlap impacts, such as when the front corner of the vehicle collides with solid object.

Like the other airbag systems in the vehicle, the side curtain system utilizes sensors to determine the most appropriate timing of airbag deployment. To provide the optimal level of protection for occupants, testing was performed to determine the most appropriate timing and rate of deployment in the unlikely event of a rollover. The system uses algorithms to continually evaluate the situation and determines whether a rollover is imminent. The roll-rate sensor and multiple G sensors (accelerometers) determine the “scenario” and calculate the angle of roll and the speed of the vehicle in order to deploy the airbags at the correct point for optimum protection.

In the case of a rollover, the side curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle will deploy. However, in the event of a sufficient side impact that does not result in a rollover, only the airbags on the impacted side of the vehicle will deploy. The airbag maintains full inflation for approximately three seconds after inflation to allow for the increased duration of a rollover accident.

Adjustable Head Restraints
The first and second row and third row center seating positions feature individually adjustable head restraints. The head restraints for the third row seats fold automatically when the seat fold-down straps are pulled simplifying the process of converting the Pilot into cargo-hauling mode. The headrests can also be folded down independently, improving rear visibility. See the Interior section for more information.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
All Pilot models are equipped with a child seat-mounting system called LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). All three of the second-row seating positions (two positions on Elite trims) and the passenger side third-row outboard seating position are fitted with dedicated LATCH attachment points.

The LATCH system provides two lower anchors and an upper tether anchor. When used with a compatible child seat, the LATCH system provides attachment points between the child seat and the vehicle seat without having to use the vehicle’s seat belts. Tether anchors are available for the remaining middle seating position and outboard driver’s side in the third row. All seat belts except the driver’s are equipped with a locking retractor that can be used to help secure any child seat. Both rear side doors are also equipped with childproof door locks for added protection.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Pilot is fitted with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts a driver whenever the air pressure in one or more of the vehicle’s tires decrease significantly below the recommended level. When the pressure in one or more tires drops sufficiently, it causes a low tire-pressure indicator, located in the instrument cluster or in the Multi-Information Display (MID), to illuminate. The information-selectable MID display can show all four tires pressures in real time and even if the TPMS information is not selected for viewing on the MID by the driver, it will appear automatically in the event one or more tires falls below the normal minimum pressure.

Tire Fill Assist
New for the 2016 Pilot, Tire Fill Assist10 works with TPMS to help the driver achieve the correct tire pressures quickly and easily. It does so by providing an audible chirp and flashing the parking lights when the correct air pressure is reached for any tire being filled.

Expanded View Driver’s Mirror
All Pilot models are equipped with the Expanded View Driver’s Mirror that increases the driver’s field of vision to provide a better view of objects to the back and side of the vehicle. The Expanded View Driver’s Mirror uses a flat reflective plane on the inner portion of the mirror closest to the door, while the outer portion of the mirror uses a convex element to provide a broader field of view.

Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
All 2015 and newer Honda models, including the 2016 Pilot, incorporate a multi-angle rearview camera. Viewable on the Pilot’s 8-inch touchscreen, the camera can show a top view, normal or wide view when the transmission is in Reverse. The LX trim features static guidelines that help drivers better judge distances, while EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite trims have dynamic guidelines that project the vehicle’s future path based on the driver’s steering inputs.

Honda LaneWatch™
For the first time on Pilot the EX, EX-L and Touring trims include the Honda LaneWatch™ display, while the Elite trim applies the blind spot information system in place of LaneWatch. Honda LaneWatch uses a camera located at the bottom the passenger-side exterior mirror to display a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway on the new, larger 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen. The image appears when the right turn signal is activated or when a button on the end of the turn signal stalk is pressed.

The typical field of view for a passenger-side mirror is approximately 18 to 22 degrees, but the LaneWatch™ display field-of-view is about four times greater, or approximately 80 degrees. The system helps the driver to see traffic, pedestrians or objects often in the vehicle’s blind spot. To help make judging distance easier, three reference lines are shown. Drivers should visually confirm roadway conditions prior to changing lanes.

LaneWatch™ can be customized to suit the driver’s preferences. Turn-signal activation of the LaneWatch™ system can be switched on or off, as can the three on-screen reference lines. Screen brightness, contrast and black level are also adjustable.

Blind Spot Information (BSI)
Included in the new Elite trim, the blind spot information (BSI) system uses radar sensors located on both sides of the rear bumpers to continually monitor blind-spot areas to help determine whether a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot. This is the first Pilot application of this technology. The system provides a visual cue by lighting an indicator near the sideview mirrors, depending on which side of the Pilot a vehicle is detected. The system also gives an audible warning and flashes the indicator to further alert the driver if the turn signal is activated on the side where a vehicle is being detected. To prevent false alarms while maneuvering at low speed, the BSI system is disabled below approximately 20 mph.  

Note that BSI cannot detect all vehicles, and that some vehicles or devices may interfere with the system. Drivers should always visually check for the presence of other vehicles before changing lanes. See the 2016 Pilot BSI Animation for an active representation of system operation.

Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
For the first Honda application of this technology, the Pilot Elite trim, the Rear Cross Traffic Monitor works in conjunction with the BSI radar sensors to enhance driver confidence when backing up. The system is especially useful when reversing in congested parking lots with an obstructed view from driver’s seat.

The system utilizes a pair of blind-spot radar units located in the rear bumper corners. When Reverse is selected and an approaching vehicle is detected, arrows indicating the approaching vehicles direction are shown on the center display’s rear camera image as well as an audible warning.

Honda Sensing™
Comprised of a suite of standard and available safety and driver assistive features, Honda Sensing™ helps provide greater awareness of driving conditions around the vehicle. Honda Sensing™ comes on EX and EX-L trims with the sensing package and is offered as standard equipment on Touring and Elite trims.

Honda Sensing™ features include the following:

  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)*
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)* – Integrated into CMBS
  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)*
  • Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)*^
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)* – Integrated into RDM
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)*

*First for Pilot
^First for Honda

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) 
Included in the Pilot EX and EX-L with Honda Sensing and standard on the Touring and Elite trims, the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) is one of the most sophisticated driver-assistive technologies available. The CMBS’s millimeter wave radar unit, located behind the front grille, and monocular camera, located between the rearview mirror and windshield, scans traffic conditions ahead of the Pilot.

When the system determines a collision is possible with a detected vehicle, the CMBS’s integrated FCW system’s visual and audible alerts to prompt the driver to take corrective actions. The visual alert appears on the Multi-Information Display (MID). If the situation is not resolved, CMBS can apply different levels of autonomous braking action to help reduce vehicle speed and eventual collision forces, and therefore to help reduce the severity of a collision if the driver doesn’t take corrective action on their own. The radar unit and camera work simultaneously and cooperatively to control the VSA modulator, which initiates any required braking.

Due to the effectiveness of its monocular camera, the CMBS on the Pilot can recognize shapes and differentiate between a vehicle and a pedestrian, warning the driver in each case. See the 2016 Pilot CMBS Animation for an active representation of system operation.

It is important to note that CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead, nor is it intended to replace the driver’s assessment of traffic conditions and control of the vehicle. The driver must intervene in certain situations, and must always be attentive when using the system. Although in many cases CMBS will stop the vehicle, it is not intended to apply enough braking force to prevent all collisions. Based on the conditions, the system also may not perform all visual- and audible-alert stages, and may instead automatically engage the brakes if the system deems it necessary.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Integrated into CMBS
Integrated with CMBS and Included in the Pilot EX and EX-L with Honda Sensing and standard on the Touring and Elite trims, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses the monocular camera to detect vehicles ahead and to determine whether a collision is likely. This reduces the stress of driving in traffic, while also contributing to an increased level of passive safety.

If the FCW system detects a vehicle in front of the Pilot and then determines that a collision may occur (due to a speed differential between the two vehicles), it will trigger visual and audible alerts for the driver. These include a “BRAKE” message on the Multi-Information Display (MID), and a series of beeps to alert the driver to apply the brake pedal. The FCW system will not automatically brake, and the driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle and avoiding collisions. If the driver doesn’t respond to the FCW warnings, however, the CMBS is triggered into operation.

Drivers may adjust the distance at which FCW alerts occur by pressing the “SETTINGS” button, selecting “Vehicle Settings,” and then choosing “Driver Assist System Setup” and the “Forward Collision Warning Distance” option. At this point they may choose between “Long,” “Normal” or “Short.” And if they choose to, drivers may also select “Off” to disable the FCW system entirely.

Note that the FCW system cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors.

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Included in the Pilot EX and EX-L with Honda Sensing and standard on the Touring and Elite trims, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) provides a less stressful driving experience by reducing steering correction movements and driving effort on the highway. LKAS uses a camera to read lane markings and uses the Electric Power Steering to assist the driver in maintaining their position within the lane.

Designed for the U.S. road structure, the system uses a monocular camera mounted on the upper portion of the windshield to identify painted lanes, Botts’ Dots and Cat Eye markers at speeds between 45 mph and 90 mph. When LKAS senses that the driver is drifting from the middle of a detected lane, the system generates corrective steering torque to assist the driver in maintaining lane position.

LKAS may be activated and deactivated using a switch located on the lower right part of the steering wheel. The system will suspend operation after several seconds if the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel, accompanied by a visual warning in the MID, resuming when the driver makes a steering input. See the 2016 Pilot LKAS Animation for an active representation of system operation.

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Included in the Pilot EX and EX-L with Honda Sensing and standard on the Touring and Elite trims, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) is a new technology for Honda. Integrated with LDW, RDM uses a monocular camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield) to identify solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts’ dots and Catseye markers. RDM uses both steering force, via EPS, and, if the vehicle is detected leaving a lane marked by solid lines, braking force, via VSA, to help the Pilot stay in its lane.

The monocular camera recognizes lane features and identifies the lane. If the RDM system determines that the Pilot is about to leave a detected lane, it will provide steering assist (primary) and in rare occasions when steering assist is not sufficient to avoid leaving a lane marked by a solid line, braking assist, to help the driver stay on the road. RDM is integrated with the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system to provide moderate braking, and with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to provide steering input.

Multiple visual and audible warnings alert the driver when the RDM system is taking corrective action. These include a lane departure warning on the driver’s Multi Information Display (MID) along with an audible warning.

RDM also has a customizable initial warning of either a steering wheel shake/vibration, or an audible alert. This can be customized in the vehicle settings. See the 2016 Pilot RDM Animation for an active representation of system operation.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Integrated into RDM
Included in the Pilot EX and EX-L with Honda Sensing and standard on the Touring and Elite trims, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is designed to alert the driver if the vehicle is leaving a detected lane without the turn signal being activated. The system functions at speeds from 45 to 90 mph on straight or slightly curved roads, alerting the driver of deviations from a detected lane. The LDW system utilizes the same upper front windshield camera used for CMBS® and LKAS and provides the visual and auditory alerts prior to the other systems actively engaging.

If the vehicle begins to move out of a detected lane without the turn signal activated, LDW illuminates a Lane Departure message on the Multi-Information Display (MID) and sounds an audible warning, advising the driver to take appropriate action. The system can be activated and deactivated by pressing the LDW button located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column.

There are certain conditions under which the system may not engage or operate, including inclement weather (e.g., snow, ice or heavy rain) and extreme cabin heat (due to operability of the camera). The system will automatically suspend operation when the brakes are applied or the turn signals are used. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. The driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Included in the Pilot EX and EX-L with Honda Sensing and standard on the Touring and Elite trims, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and following interval from a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic conditions. This significantly reduces the driver stress of driving in traffic. The system uses the millimeter wave radar and monocular camera to continually track the distance to the vehicle ahead, and then adjusts the Pilot’s speed to maintain the set following interval. A short, medium, long, or extra-long interval can be selected. When required, the Pilot autonomously brakes using the Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) modulator. ACC operates in the following ways in the listed circumstances:

  • A preceding vehicle is detected ­in the lane ahead – decelerates automatically, if required, and then controls the following distance.
  • Another vehicle merges in between the Pilot and the preceding vehicle – automatically switches “targets” to the nearest preceding vehicle.
  • The preceding vehicle exits the lane – ACC system continues at cruise-control speed previously selected by driver (25 to 90 mph).  

See the 2016 Pilot ACC Animation for an active representation of system operation.

A Multi Information Display (MID) message and audible warning alert the driver when the ACC function is activated. See the Powertrain section for more information.

Safety and Driver Assistive Features

 

 

# # #

1 VSA is not a substitute for safe driving. It cannot correct the vehicle’s course in every situation or compensate for reckless driving. Control of the vehicle always remains with the driver.

2 Display accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object and speed, and the display may not show all relevant traffic. The display is not a substitute for your own direct visual assessment of traffic conditions before changing lanes.

3 CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. System designed to mitigate crash forces. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

4 FCW cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. FCW does not include a braking function. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

5 LDW only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

6 LKAS only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. LKAS may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

7 RDM only alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use and can apply mild steering torque and/or brake pressure to slow the vehicle’s departure from a detected lane. Road Departure Mitigation may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

8 ACC cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather or on winding roads. The driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision.

9 Accuracy of the blind spot information (BSI) system will vary based on weather, size of object and speed, and may not detect all relevant traffic. Do not rely only on BSI system when changing lanes. Always look in your mirrors, to either side of your vehicle, and behind you for other vehicles before changing lanes.

10 For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge. Do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Honda dealer for details.