Overview
Sleek and modern, confident and athletic, the new 2016 Pilot’s exterior advances Honda’s flagship SUV to the forefront of its class in design, performance and usability. Longer, lower and subtly narrower than the previous model, the third-generation Pilot’s styling adds an extra quotient of sophistication and modern athleticism, while further advancing the family-friendly SUV functionality that has made Pilot a best-seller. Available LED daytime running lights (DRL) and LED projector low-beam headlights – which include the addition of Honda’s new Auto high-beam – further add to convenience, style and functionality.
Key Available Exterior Features
- Acoustic windshield (see Body section)
- Power tailgate
- LED daytime running lights (DRL)*
- LED projector headlights*^
- LED taillights*
- One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature (see Interior section)
- Panoramic glass roof *^ (see Interior section)
* First for Pilot
^ First for Honda
Exterior Styling
Starting with a bright-chromed three-bar grille design and sweeping rearward from there, the 2016 Pilot’s all-new exterior design conveys that Honda’s flagship SUV has gone full-force into the wind tunnel. Literally every inch of the exterior surface has been subjected to intensive tuning, backed up by testing, to ensure that the body design is as aerodynamically efficient as it is visually exciting.
The lenses of the projector beam headlights are rakish and aggressive, and the chiseled front fascia and air inlets evoke the high-performance face of a sports car. The hood and front fenders are strengthened with sharp character lines that add a muscular and purposeful air. The long roofline sweeps along in one dramatic curve, reminiscent of an airplane’s wing chord, from the A-pillars all the way back to the C-pillars, where the roofline drops subtly downward and then terminates in a drag reducing spoiler.
Along the body sides, another crisp character line extends from the front wheel arches up and rearward through the Pilot’s rear door handles, further lending the impression of a vehicle in swift flight. Meanwhile, the side sills and lower doors emphasize the Pilot’s wide, firmly planted stance, visually anchoring the Pilot to the road. In back, the wide fender profile, large tailgate and available new LED taillight array further add to the Pilot’s substantial feel, while bright satin trim on the rear fascia contributes to its look of sophistication. Touring and Elite trims cleanly integrate new lower-profile, silver-finished roof rails with reduced aerodynamic drag versus the previous design.
Tailgate Design and Features
The top-hinged tailgate function has been substantially refined and simplified on the 2016 Pilot. On all Pilot models, the tailgate now features fixed glass, reducing weight and complexity. As before, the tailgate glass incorporates an electric defogger system, activated by a button on the dash, along with an intermittent rear wiper and washer nozzle.
Pilot EX-L and above trims receive an improved power tailgate design. Instead of using a motor, lever and arm system to open and close the tailgate as in previous models, the new 2016 Pilot uses a spindle-type strut on the left side. This “active” strut contains a small electric motor and planetary gear set. Fully sealed, the spindle-type strut lends the tailgate area a cleaner appearance while also helping to improve cargo room.
The power tailgate can be operated via the remote key fob, from a button on the driver’s door panel, a button above the rear license plate (for opening) or from a button located inside the tailgate (for closing).
LED Lighting
The 2016 Pilot incorporates a wide range of available light-emitting diode (LED) exterior lighting features, including LED taillights, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED low-beam projector headlights.
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
The Pilot EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite trims have bright, distinctive LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). A signature design feature of the new Pilot, the DRLs utilize a wing shape positioned above and beside the round projector low-beams. Shaped to match the taut, athletic look of the new Pilot, the LED DRL array is wider at the side and thinner on top, gradually tapering as it moves toward the inside of the headlight lens. Stylistically, the DRLs strongly and clearly define the front corners of the Pilot.
LED Projector Headlights
Exclusively on the Pilot Elite, LED low-beam projector headlights provide improved nighttime illumination and visibility compared to contemporary high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. Besides improving driver confidence and passive safety, the LED headlights use less energy, helping to enhance fuel efficiency by reducing engine loads. In addition, the LED headlights last up to three times longer than HID headlights and up to six times longer than halogen headlights – contributing to less frequent replacement and the associated cost savings. An auto on/off function is included, and the low-beams are also keyed to the remote key fob operation.
LED Taillights
All 2016 Pilot trims feature LED taillights, whose wing-shaped appearance matches the signature design of the available front LED DRLs. As with the DRLs, the LED taillight array is wider at the side and thinner on top, gradually tapering as it moves across the taillight lens.
See the Interior section for additional information on LED lighting.
Windshield Wipers with Rain Sensing
The 2016 Pilot’s new wiper design uses fewer parts – 11 versus 17 on the previous model – to reduce replacement cost. The wiper arms are also placed lower on the front cowl, completely out of the driver’s view when the wipers are not in operation.
The Pilot Elite includes rain-sensing wipers that automatically activate if water is detected on the windshield. Designed to cover the maximum possible windshield area, the left (driver) and right (front passenger) windshield wipers are 25.6 inches and 23.6 inches long, respectively. The rear wiper is 13.8 inches long.
Exterior Colors
All 2016 Pilot trims are available in eight exterior colors including three metallic and five pearl colors. All colors have a strong character, offering expressive contrasts that complement the Pilot’s body-panel curves and angles, while also exhibiting a smart luxury appearance. The colors are:
* New color for Pilot
The exterior colors are keyed to the 2016 Pilot’s three new available interior colors:
See the Interior section for more information.
Exterior Features
* First for Pilot
^ First for Honda
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