2016 Honda Pilot Comparison to 2015 Pilot in Performance and Safety
2016 Pilot Incorporates Earth Dreams Technology, New Safety Features
The 2016 Honda Pilot made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show on Feb. 12. The 2016 model marks the third-generation Pilot and is complete with a new exterior, performance enhancements, and interior features. Here’s a 2016 Honda Pilot comparison to the 2015 Pilot in terms of their performance and safety.
Related: 2016 Honda Pilot Features and Utility as Compared to 2015 Pilot
Performance: 2015 Honda Pilot and 2016 Honda Pilot Comparison
The 2015 Honda Pilot has a 3.5-liter, V-6, i-VTEC engine, which is similar to the engine the 2016 Pilot is set to have. The 2016 Pilot is slated to incorporate Honda Earth Dreams Technology. The engine will also be a 3.5-liter, i-VTEC, V-6 engine, however the Earth Dreams Technology Powertrain means there is an increase in torque and fuel efficiency, according to Honda. “Max horsepower and peak torque are now reached at lower rpms. [The added] direct-injection leads to better combustion and a more efficient use of fuel.” The 2015 Pilot gets 250 horsepower and 253 pound-foot torque. The horsepower and torque figures on the 2016 Pilot have yet to be released, but Autoweek predicts the 2016 will get 300 horsepower and 270 to 280 pound-foot torque. Car and Driver see the Pilot mimicking the horsepower and torque specs of the Acura MDX, which is 290 horsepower and 267 pound-foot torque. Either way, the 2016 Pilot will more than likely have more horsepower and torque thanks to the incorporation of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology.
How does the transmission in the 2016 Honda Pilot compare to the 2015 Honda Pilot? In a Honda first, the 2016 Pilot will have a 9-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed automatic transmission will also be available. The 2015 Pilot has a 5-speed automatic transmission, so both variations are a step-up. The shifter on the 2016 Pilot is now push button rather than an actual shifter knob. Like the 2015 Pilot, the 2016 Pilot will be available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
Related: 2016 Honda Pilot makes Global Debut at Chicago Auto Show
Safety: 2015 Honda Pilot and 2016 Honda Pilot Comparison
The 2016 Honda Pilot comparison to the 2015 Pilot includes the addition of Honda Sensing, which is a group of driver-assisted safety technologies. This includes:
- Honda LaneWatch
- Blind Spot Indicators
- Multi-Angle Rear View Camera
- Optional Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Road Departure Mitigation System
All of these systems are new for the 2016 Pilot except the multi-angle rear view camera. Honda anticipates a 5-star overall safety rating by the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The 2015 Honda Pilot has a 4-star overall rating with the NHTSA. In IIHS testing the 2015 Honda Pilot received a “good” rating in four of the five tests. A “poor” rating was given for the small overlap front crash test.
The 2016 Honda Pilot is slated for a summer 2015 release. Call Fisher Honda at 303-245-6417 with your questions and for updates. View our inventory of the 2014 and 2015 Honda Pilot.
3 comment(s) so far on 2016 Honda Pilot Comparison to 2015 Pilot in Performance and Safety
If one visits Lincoln, Al., can they watch a 2016 pilot being born? I would love to see it since my gestation period for my new pilot is just over two years!
I don’t believe they’re doing tours, unfortunately, but if they start doing tours, we’ll keep you updated! Thanks for your comment!
I believe they are doing ride and drives for the 2016 Honda Pilot starting in August 2015. This may only be available at the dealerships however, I am unsure of the public availability.