The 2016 Pilot benefits from a completely reengineered powertrain and drivetrain to match its all-new body and chassis. Highlights of the powertrain include a new more powerful and efficient direct-injected i-VTEC V6 engine; two new, more responsive and refined transmissions, and an available new Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4™) AWD system with dynamic torque vectoring capabilities and a new Intelligent Traction Management system. Taken together, these new features and technologies make this new Pilot the most dynamically capable, confidence-inspiring, fuel efficient, powerful and refined Pilot yet.
Powering the 2016 Pilot is a new 3.5-liter direct injected i-VTEC® 24-valve SOHC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) cylinder deactivation technology. The new engine is mated to one of two new transmissions - a 6-speed automatic (6AT) for LX, EX and EX-L trims, and 9-speed automatic (9AT) for Touring and Elite models. Models equipped with the new 9AT also have a new Idle-Stop capability to further enhance fuel efficiency. The Pilot's new engine - from the Honda EarthDreams® Technology powertrain series - is rated at 280 peak horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. peak torque. Peak engine output is up 30 horsepower and nine pound-feet of torque over the previous model, with increased torque over the engine's entire operating (rpm) range for improved driving dynamics.
The new, more efficient engine and transmissions, along with the lighter and yet more capable all-wheel-drive system, in combination with a nearly 300-pound reduction in vehicle weight (for upper trims) and a major reduction in running resistance, result in substantially enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. Compared to the previous Pilot, EPA fuel economy ratings (city/highway/combined) are up across the board:
+1/2/1 mpg on 2WD models with 6AT
+1/2/1 mpg on AWD models with 6AT
+2/2/2 mpg on 2WD models with 9AT
+2/2/2 mpg on AWD models with 9AT
The Pilot's dynamic handling capabilities and all-weather performance are significantly enhanced by the most advanced all-wheel-drive system in the Pilot's competitive class - the available all-new Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4™) all-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled rear differential and dynamic torque vectoring capabilities that aids both traction and dynamic cornering performance. To further enhance all-weather performance, both the front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) Pilot models include Intelligent Traction Management with push-button control to allow the driver to choose between Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand modes with AWD, and Normal and Snow with FWD for optimal performance and traction in varying road and surface conditions.