This morning, a major automotive website, and Jalopnik, provided an early showing of the redesigned 2016 Honda Pilot. Where I was instantly in love with the new 2015 Volvo XC90, I am sad to say that this vehicle did not give me the same feeling. At this point I should also say that I have always been a Honda fanboy; I’ve owned about eight different Hondas and I currently own an Acura MDX and an Acura Integra, and so it pains to be critical of their new designs.
First, let’s keep in mind that designing a good family vehicle, which CUV/SUVs have become, is extremely challenging. The market demands that these vehicles must be functional, spacious, comfortable, easy to drive and maneuver, efficient, and safe. In terms of looks, they must appeal equally to men and women, and at the same time have a design edge over the competition. Did Honda get this right?


Let’s start off with the good parts; it looks to be the right size, it will probably be more fuel efficient (no tech specs at this point), safer, and more comfortable. It will be priced well, and undoubtedly it will sell in ridiculously high numbers. Honda has always been the leader in packaging of SUVs and minivans, and I don’t see that changing here, although the Pathfinder does a damn fine job of that, too.

It’s the outside looks that bother me. Honda went from having handsome square design (pictured above), one of few in this market segment, to one with a ton of unnecessary curves and angles. It is strictly a personal preference, but I think that square designs go great on SUVs. Square vehicles speak of strength and function, like a brick that they are trying to imitate.
Over their lives, these vehicles will get banged up all the time, and while they are undoubtedly safe and strong (first hand experience), the more aero look and reduction in bumper size does not seem to project that. Until now the Pilot, even if intentionally indistinguishable from other SUVs by so-called enthusiasts, had that. The new car looks like bits and pieces were taken off other cars in the segment, slapped together, and rearranged to look like a bigger CR-V.

Modern vehicles, especially SUVs, are filled with toys and gadgets. Keeping the nav, ten audio sources, three-zone HVAC, DVD player, phone, and fancy cruise control organized on the dash is a challenge. Some do this great, like the Range Rover for instance, and others do not, such as this GMC Yukon.
Here Honda is implementing a number of things we have seen on their other models. The most apparent thing is that the Pilot does not utilize the somewhat confusing dual screen of the Odyssey minivan and Acura MDX, which is a good thing. On the other hand, the system is completely devoid of any kind of rotary knobs, which is a really bad thing as knobs are the most intuitive to use. Further, the conventional shifter was replaced with a push button selector seen on top-line Acuras, including the new NSX. I don’t understand why they would do this, it isn’t needed and it seems to take up a lot of console space.

The rest of the interior appears to be well-designed, with newly optional individual second row seats, on what looks to be a top-line model. Some people love this kid separation, some want to ability to occasionally place a third person there, but it’s nice to have options. The Honda Odyssey does this brilliantly with its magic seat, but it did not seem to carry over to here. I am also surprised to see that more work has not gone into providing a better access to the large third row seat. Studying other pictures, the interior does seem to have a ton of USB ports, 12v receptacles, cubbies, bins, and cup-holders, which is great.
Functionally, the cargo area appears to be huge and all the seats fold flat. However, the roof rack seems to be completely minimized and standard integrated trailer hitch (most commonly used for bike racks) seems to have disappeared. The pop-up rear window also seems to be gone, much like it disappeared on the Grand Cherokee, which is a damn shame.

Other than that, much like the updated CR-V and the redesigned MDX, do not seem to bring anything new to the table, and that it what bothers me the most. Honda used to be the company that constantly innovated, a company that developed things that send the competition running to the drawing boards, a company was not afraid to do something different. This will be undoubtedly a superior vehicle; well priced, functional, safe, reliable, and efficient. I just don’t think it will be a superior Honda.