2016 Honda Pilot Touring: A Comprehensive Review

Nov 16, 2025 by Alex Braham 49 views

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring, a mid-size SUV that has been a favorite for families and adventure seekers. This review will cover everything, from its features and performance to the pros and cons. We'll explore why the 2016 Pilot Touring model stood out and whether it's still a smart choice for you today. So, buckle up! We're about to embark on a detailed look at what makes this vehicle tick.

Overview of the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring

Alright, let's kick things off with a general overview. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is part of the third generation of the Pilot, and it brought some significant changes compared to the previous models. Honda revamped the design, making it more modern and stylish. The Touring trim level sits near the top of the Pilot lineup, meaning it's packed with premium features and technology. This model is all about offering a comfortable, spacious, and safe ride. Under the hood, the 2016 Pilot Touring features a 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive (AWD) was an available option, enhancing its capabilities in various road conditions. Inside, the Touring trim boasts leather seats, a premium audio system, a touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced safety features. It's designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. This Pilot model is equipped with a suite of advanced safety features to give you peace of mind on every journey. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera, which is super helpful when parking. Overall, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is a well-rounded SUV that offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and advanced features, making it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market.

Key Features and Specifications

So, what are the specifics? Let's break down the key features and specifications of the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring. The engine is a 3.5-liter V6, generating around 280 horsepower. This engine delivers ample power for everyday driving, including merging onto highways and overtaking other vehicles. The six-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes and contributes to overall fuel efficiency. As mentioned before, the Touring trim comes standard with leather-trimmed seats, which provide a luxurious feel and are designed for long-distance comfort. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, offering access to navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions. The audio experience is enhanced by a premium sound system that creates a rich and immersive listening environment. Regarding safety, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring includes a range of advanced features. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Lane departure warning alerts you if you drift out of your lane, and the rearview camera assists with parking and reversing. Other notable features include a power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area, heated front seats for added comfort, and a sunroof to brighten up the cabin. The vehicle also has a spacious interior with three rows of seating, making it an excellent choice for families. This vehicle also features a good fuel economy, offering a competitive advantage against competitors. With all these features, it's clear the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring was designed to provide a comfortable, safe, and technologically advanced driving experience. It's a great choice for those seeking a practical yet premium SUV.

Interior Comfort and Design

Let's talk about the inside – the heart of the car's comfort. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring really shines when it comes to interior comfort and design. The cabin is spacious and thoughtfully laid out, offering a comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers. The seats are designed to provide excellent support, even on long journeys, with the Touring trim boasting leather upholstery that adds to the overall premium feel. The layout of the dashboard and center console is intuitive, making it easy to access all the controls. The infotainment system is integrated seamlessly, and the touchscreen is user-friendly, offering quick access to navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The interior design emphasizes functionality, and every detail has been carefully considered to enhance the driving experience. There's plenty of storage space throughout the cabin, including a large center console, door pockets, and various compartments for storing personal items. The inclusion of three rows of seats ensures that there's enough room for a whole family. Passengers in the second and third rows will find ample legroom and headroom, making the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring an ideal choice for carrying multiple people. The cabin is also exceptionally quiet, thanks to effective noise insulation, ensuring a serene driving experience. The climate control system is well-designed, keeping everyone comfortable, regardless of the outside temperature. In summary, the interior of the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is designed for comfort, convenience, and functionality, making it a pleasant place to spend time. The materials used, the layout of the controls, and the overall design all contribute to creating a premium and enjoyable driving experience.

Seating and Cargo Space

Alright, let's zoom in on the seating and cargo space of the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring. This is where the Pilot truly stands out. The three rows of seating provide ample space for up to eight passengers. The front seats offer plenty of adjustability and are designed to provide excellent support. The second row provides ample legroom and headroom, and it's easy to access. The third row is surprisingly spacious, providing comfortable seating for adults or older children. The versatility of the seating configuration allows you to accommodate passengers and cargo effortlessly. The second row can slide and recline, while the third row folds down to create a flat cargo area. Speaking of cargo space, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring offers impressive capacity. With all seats in use, there's still a decent amount of cargo space behind the third row. When the third row is folded down, the cargo area expands significantly, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or other gear. Folding down the second and third rows further increases the cargo capacity, making the Pilot ideal for hauling large items. The power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo, adding to the overall convenience. The rear cargo area also has convenient features, such as tie-down points and underfloor storage, to keep your cargo secure and organized. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring excels in providing a flexible and spacious interior. Whether you need to transport passengers, cargo, or a combination of both, this SUV offers the versatility and space you need to get the job done. The combination of comfortable seating and ample cargo space makes it a practical and functional choice for families and anyone needing a versatile vehicle.

Performance and Driving Experience

Now, let's get into how this thing actually drives. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring offers a smooth and refined driving experience. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, accelerating effortlessly and providing sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The six-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth gear changes, contributing to the overall driving comfort. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the Pilot in various driving conditions. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, ensuring a smooth ride for the passengers. The AWD system (optional) enhances the Pilot's capabilities, providing better traction and stability on slippery surfaces or in adverse weather conditions. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring handles well for its size, offering good body control and stability. The vehicle feels composed around corners, and the brakes provide ample stopping power. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, allowing minimal road and wind noise, adding to the overall refined driving experience. The Pilot's advanced driver-assistance systems, like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, contribute to a safer and more relaxed driving experience. These features help to reduce driver fatigue and increase awareness of the surroundings. The driving experience is about providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring delivers on that promise. It's a great choice for long road trips and daily commutes.

Engine and Transmission

Let's go deeper into the heart of the performance: the engine and transmission. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering around 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides smooth and responsive power delivery, making it suitable for a wide range of driving conditions. The engine is known for its reliability and efficiency, offering a good balance between power and fuel economy. The six-speed automatic transmission complements the engine, providing smooth and precise gear changes. This transmission contributes to the overall driving comfort and improves fuel efficiency. The transmission also features a sport mode, allowing for more dynamic driving experience when desired. The combination of the V6 engine and the six-speed automatic transmission offers impressive performance. The engine provides ample power for acceleration, while the transmission ensures smooth gear changes and efficient fuel consumption. The engine is also well-insulated, minimizing noise and vibrations, resulting in a quiet and comfortable cabin environment. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is designed to provide a pleasant and easy driving experience. The engine and transmission work together to deliver a smooth, responsive, and efficient ride. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, the Pilot's powertrain is up to the task. The engine and transmission are key factors in making the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring a pleasure to drive, offering a blend of power, efficiency, and refinement that’s hard to beat.

Technology and Features

Time to explore the tech! The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is equipped with a range of advanced technology and features designed to enhance the driving experience. The centerpiece of the interior is the 8-inch touchscreen display, which controls the infotainment system. This system includes navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The touchscreen interface is user-friendly, offering quick access to various functions. The infotainment system also supports smartphone integration, allowing you to connect your phone via Bluetooth for hands-free calling, music streaming, and other features. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring comes standard with a premium audio system, which provides a high-quality listening experience. The audio system delivers clear and crisp sound throughout the cabin. The advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are a key aspect of the technology package. The Touring trim includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and lane departure warning, which alerts you if you drift out of your lane. These features enhance safety and make long-distance driving more relaxed. The Pilot is equipped with a rearview camera, which helps with parking and reversing. Other notable technological features include a power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area, heated front seats for added comfort, and a sunroof to brighten the cabin. The vehicle also has multiple USB ports for charging devices, along with a household-style power outlet. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is designed to provide a connected, safe, and convenient driving experience. The technology and features enhance the overall driving experience. They make the Pilot a comfortable and enjoyable vehicle. The integration of advanced technology is one of the many reasons why the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring remains a popular choice.

Infotainment System and Safety Features

Let’s zoom in on the infotainment system and the safety features. The infotainment system in the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is built around an 8-inch touchscreen display. It's the command center for various vehicle functions. The system is easy to navigate, with clear menus and intuitive controls. It includes navigation, which provides real-time traffic updates and detailed mapping. The system also supports smartphone integration, allowing you to connect your phone via Bluetooth or USB. This enables hands-free calling, music streaming, and access to other apps. The premium audio system delivers high-quality sound throughout the cabin. The safety features are a major selling point. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is equipped with an array of advanced safety technologies. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The lane departure warning system alerts you if you drift out of your lane, while the lane keeping assist system helps to steer the vehicle back into its lane. The forward collision warning system alerts you of an impending collision. The multi-angle rearview camera makes parking and reversing easier. These safety features contribute to a safer driving experience. They also give drivers peace of mind. The integration of the infotainment system and safety features makes the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring a well-equipped and modern SUV. The blend of technology and safety features makes the Pilot a top choice for families. It provides a comfortable, convenient, and secure driving experience.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Okay, let's talk about trim levels and pricing. The 2016 Honda Pilot was offered in several trim levels, each with its own set of features and price points. The base trim was the LX, which offered a solid set of standard features, including the V6 engine and a comfortable interior. Moving up the line, you'd find the EX, which added features like a touchscreen infotainment system and more advanced safety tech. Then there's the EX-L, which included leather seats and additional luxury amenities. The Touring trim level, which we are reviewing, was one of the top-of-the-line models, including a premium audio system, advanced safety features, and a host of other upgrades. There was also the Elite trim, which had even more luxurious features. Regarding pricing, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring was positioned at the higher end of the range. The exact price varied depending on the options and packages included, but it was generally priced to reflect its premium features and capabilities. Used car prices will vary based on condition, mileage, and location, so it's best to check with local dealerships or online resources. The trim levels and pricing of the 2016 Honda Pilot offered a range of options to suit different budgets and needs. The Touring trim level was designed for those seeking a premium SUV experience. It's packed with features and offers excellent value for the money. The availability of multiple trim levels allowed buyers to choose a Pilot that perfectly matched their needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons

Let's weigh the good and the bad. Like any vehicle, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

Spacious Interior: The Pilot offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, with three rows of seating and plenty of legroom. Great for families and carrying passengers.
Advanced Safety Features: The Touring trim comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Smooth Ride: The Pilot provides a smooth and comfortable ride, making it suitable for long journeys.
Reliable Engine: The V6 engine is known for its reliability and efficiency.
User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use and integrates well with smartphones.

Cons:

Price: The Touring trim is at the higher end of the price range.
Fuel Economy: The fuel economy, though decent, isn't the best in its class.
Infotainment System: Some users may find the infotainment system to be less responsive than some competitors.

Reliability and Maintenance

Okay, let's talk about the long-term stuff. The 2016 Honda Pilot generally has a good reputation for reliability. Honda is known for producing dependable vehicles, and the Pilot is no exception. However, like any car, regular maintenance is essential to ensure that it runs smoothly and lasts for years to come. Routine maintenance includes oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and fluid checks. Honda vehicles typically have reasonable maintenance costs compared to other brands. Owners should follow the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in the owner's manual to keep the vehicle in optimal condition. You can find service information online. The availability of parts and the ease of maintenance contribute to the overall ownership experience. Regular maintenance will help to keep the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring running reliably. It will also maximize its lifespan. Addressing any issues promptly will prevent them from becoming more significant problems down the line. Overall, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is a reliable SUV, especially if proper maintenance is followed. This is important when considering buying a used vehicle, as a well-maintained Pilot will be a more dependable choice.

Is the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring a Good Buy Today?

So, is it still a good buy today? The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring remains a strong contender in the used SUV market. It offers a combination of features, performance, and reliability that make it appealing to many buyers. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and comfortable ride are significant advantages. The reliability of the Honda brand is another attractive factor. However, the price, fuel economy, and infotainment system should be considered. Prices of used 2016 Honda Pilot Touring models vary depending on condition, mileage, and location. It's a good idea to research the market and compare prices before making a decision. When evaluating a used Pilot, check for maintenance records and a vehicle history report. This information will help assess its overall condition and history. If you're looking for a reliable, spacious, and well-equipped SUV, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is worth considering. If you find one that's been well-maintained and fits your budget, it can still provide many years of service. It’s a solid choice for families and anyone needing a versatile and practical vehicle. Just make sure to do your research, inspect the vehicle thoroughly, and take it for a test drive before making a final decision. Considering all the factors, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is still a good buy today. It's a practical, reliable, and well-equipped SUV that offers excellent value for the money.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is a well-rounded SUV that offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and advanced features. It has a spacious and comfortable interior, a reliable engine, and a suite of advanced safety features. It's an excellent choice for families and anyone needing a versatile and dependable vehicle. While it may not be perfect, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring delivers a lot of value. Its blend of features, reliability, and comfortable ride make it a great option. If you're looking for a used SUV, the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is definitely worth considering. Thanks for hanging out, and happy driving!