Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Honda Pilot Touring

[Autos_Editor]

Honda pulls out all the stops and presents a tech-rich new flagship for their model range that just happens to be a great family-hauling crossover too.
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[ChaosphereIX]

they all look the same...

Thought it was a Nissan....

[DriverJeff]

they all look the same...

Thought it was a Nissan....

Yup...  That's why my neighbour bought a boxier 2015 model, because they felt the same way about the styling. 

Still, a crossover SUV isn't bought for fashion, it's bought for function.

[johnas]

I test drove a Pilot Touring yesterday. The vehicle looks much better in person. It definitely still looks like a Traverse or giant CRV but I was still pleasantly surprised after only seeing it in pictures online. I had similar issues with the driving assist technology as Jeff-however for the past nine years I have been driving a base model XTrail (which I still love but my family has outgrown) so technology beyond ABS is new to me I don't think I will be buying the Pilot, as I liked the other vehicles I drove better.

[dirtyjeffer]

that looks like they took the CRV, and just increased the dimensions...meh...i much prefer the looks of the previous gen.

[Fobroader]

Thats terrible....the old generation was much better looking. It was boxy, yes, but at least it stood out.

[Ex-airbalancer]

that looks like they took the CRV, and just increased the dimensions...meh...i much prefer the looks of the previous gen.

No different then Audi or MB, all their CUV's look the same

[johngenx]

Gotta say I still like the look of the old first gen Pilot - a big box with big glass and purposeful looks.  That said, the CR-V look is popular so this will probably sell well.

[bridgecity]

The looks are growing on me, but at first I was very disappointed.  I took the wife to look at one, she was "meh, it looks like a big CR-V, kinda van-ish." Haven't driven one yet, but we will probably be getting rid of the V within a year so I'm sure it'll be on the drive list.

[greengs]

they all look the same...

Thought it was a Nissan....

Yup...  That's why my neighbour bought a boxier 2015 model, because they felt the same way about the styling. 

Still, a crossover SUV isn't bought for fashion, it's bought for function.

I feel the opposite is true.  These are bought for fashion vs function.  If you need more than 5 seats a minivan is way more functional.  But, most people wouldn't be caught dead in one so a more stylish CUV it is.  If 5 seats will do one can argue most larger wagons do just as well in the function department. 

[johngenx]

I feel the opposite is true.  These are bought for fashion vs function.  If you need more than 5 seats a minivan is way more functional.  But, most people wouldn't be caught dead in one so a more stylish CUV it is.  If 5 seats will do one can argue most larger wagons do just as well in the function department.

Sort of.  I considered a Sienna AWD, but don't need the extra seats and really wanted the extra ground clearance of the Highlander.  Remember than no mini-vans other than the Toyota come with AWD and none have additional ground clearance.

So, I don't really see vans ans SUVs as interchangeable.  But, for most people, I suspect they could be.

[KD]

The looks are growing on me, but at first I was very disappointed.  I took the wife to look at one, she was "meh, it looks like a big CR-V, kinda van-ish." Haven't driven one yet, but we will probably be getting rid of the V within a year so I'm sure it'll be on the drive list.

Any particular reason you'll be replacing the V so soon?  I'm asking because it's on my to-drive list for next year.

[bridgecity]

The looks are growing on me, but at first I was very disappointed.  I took the wife to look at one, she was "meh, it looks like a big CR-V, kinda van-ish." Haven't driven one yet, but we will probably be getting rid of the V within a year so I'm sure it'll be on the drive list.

Any particular reason you'll be replacing the V so soon?  I'm asking because it's on my to-drive list for next year.

Its been a great vehicle for what it is designed.  However, after downsizing to it from our Pilot, we are missing the extra room.  We are a family of four with a large dog and on long trips loaded with hockey gear or traveling for Xmas it gets a bit cramped.  Additionally, even though the V is much newer than our '03 Pilot, its missing something special.  We loved our Pilot, the V is just there.  Hard to explain, maybe its because the Pilot had a beauty of a V6, felt more substantial, I dunno.  We'll probably end up with something a little larger and luxurious next go around.  A used MDX will be on the top of the list me thinks.

[johngenx]

As much as I like the CRV/RAV/Forester size of vehicle, I hear ya on the size.  The extra room of the Highlander has been appreciated on every trip we've taken - usually with four and sometimes five people and all their gear.

I'd have to look carefully at the cargo space on the new Pilot - I like boxy spaces that hold a lot.  One thing I really didn't like about the Lexus RX was the sloping hatch door - we tried loading gear in the back and was disappointed - the Highlander otoh easily fit five expedition packs plus duffles.

[KD]

The looks are growing on me, but at first I was very disappointed.  I took the wife to look at one, she was "meh, it looks like a big CR-V, kinda van-ish." Haven't driven one yet, but we will probably be getting rid of the V within a year so I'm sure it'll be on the drive list.

Any particular reason you'll be replacing the V so soon?  I'm asking because it's on my to-drive list for next year.

Its been a great vehicle for what it is designed.  However, after downsizing to it from our Pilot, we are missing the extra room.  We are a family of four with a large dog and on long trips loaded with hockey gear or traveling for Xmas it gets a bit cramped.  Additionally, even though the V is much newer than our '03 Pilot, its missing something special.  We loved our Pilot, the V is just there.  Hard to explain, maybe its because the Pilot had a beauty of a V6, felt more substantial, I dunno.  We'll probably end up with something a little larger and luxurious next go around.  A used MDX will be on the top of the list me thinks.

Oh I didn't realize you downsized from a Pilot. That would be quite a compromise by comparison. Pilot is probably a little too large for the two of us and just the small dog now.

[dymond]

This review makes me so happy that I bought a 2015 Durango R/T. I sort of get the Pilot, but it's really just like buying a fridge. After the 5 minutes of excitement after you purchase wear off its really a very plain, sensible automobile that does very little to stir the soul.


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[DriverJeff]

This review makes me so happy that I bought a 2015 Durango R/T. I sort of get the Pilot, but it's really just like buying a fridge. After the 5 minutes of excitement after you purchase wear off its really a very plain, sensible automobile that does very little to stir the soul.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I like the looks of the Durango R/T better, and the sound of that V8 definitely makes it feel like a whole other vehicle.  Amazingly, my observed fuel economy in the R/T wasn't much worse than the Pilot's (though the Honda did see a little more city driving).  http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2015-dodge-durango-rt/?all=1

There is a level of luxury and refinement in the Pilot that the Durango doesn't match.  Two very different ways to achieve the same thing. 

[NormT]

This review makes me so happy that I bought a 2015 Durango R/T. I sort of get the Pilot, but it's really just like buying a fridge. After the 5 minutes of excitement after you purchase wear off its really a very plain, sensible automobile that does very little to stir the soul.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I like the looks of the Durango R/T better, and the sound of that V8 definitely makes it feel like a whole other vehicle.  Amazingly, my observed fuel economy in the R/T wasn't much worse than the Pilot's (though the Honda did see a little more city driving).  http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/test-drive-2015-dodge-durango-rt/?all=1

There is a level of luxury and refinement in the Pilot that the Durango doesn't match.  Two very different ways to achieve the same thing.

I see why you like the Durango:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1408_the_big_test_2014_three_row_crossovers/?fullsite=true