2016 Honda Pilot Touring: The Refined Family Hauler
Sometimes, being the sensible choice means sacrificing a little bit of excitement for a whole lot of reliability. The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring sits squarely in that category. It isn’t the sports car in your driveway, nor is it the rugged off-road beast you take to the deep woods. Instead, it is the vehicle that quietly, efficiently, and comfortably herds the family, the groceries, and the sports equipment from Point A to Point B without breaking a sweat. If you are looking at the used market right now, the Touring trim represents the sweet spot between base-model bareness and top-tier luxury excess.
Under the Hood: Steady Power, Not Speed
Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately. The 2016 Pilot does not win drag races. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. For modern SUV shoppers accustomed to turbocharged thrill, those numbers might look modest. But in the context of a three-row family hauler, they are perfectly adequate. The engine is smooth, refined, and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts seamlessly. It is designed for highway cruising and merging, not for track days.
Fuel economy is another area where the Pilot plays it safe. You are looking at approximately 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. This was average for its class at the time, and it remains decent today. However, if you are doing a lot of short, city driving, you will find yourself filling the tank more frequently than you might with a smaller crossover. The trade-off is the spacious interior and the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The True Star: Interior Space and Comfort
If there is one reason people coped with the Pilot’s lack of excitement, it is the interior. Honda has always been a master of packaging, and the 2016 model is no exception. The second row is genuinely adult-friendly, offering plenty of legroom and headroom. The third row is equally usable for adults on shorter trips, which is a significant advantage over many competitors where the third row is strictly for children or carry-ons.
The Touring trim elevates the experience with leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control. One standout feature is the heated second-row seatbacks, a small luxury that makes long road trips far more comfortable. The infotainment system, known as Honda’s LCD Audio Screen, was considered advanced for its year. It features an eye-tracking system that keeps the display focused on the driver, a neat tech gimmick that actually works quite well.
Technology and Safety: A Step Above
In 2016, Honda was making a strong push into advanced safety technology, and the Touring trim was the gateway. It comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety assist features. This includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Warning. At the time, this bundle was often an expensive option on rival vehicles, making the Pilot’s value proposition even stronger.
The audio system is another highlight for the Touring model. It does not skimp on sound. The 10-speaker, premium audio system delivers clear, balanced sound that competes with luxury brands. It is a thoughtful touch that enhances the driving experience, especially when combined with the car’s quiet cabin insulation. While the infotainment interface can feel a bit dated by today’s standards, it is logically laid out and easy to use once you get the hang of the steering wheel controls.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort Over Agility
Driving the Pilot feels exactly as you would expect. The steering is light and precise enough for city parking but lacks the feedback enthusiasts crave. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. This makes it an excellent choice for long highway drives, where fatigue is the enemy. However, take a sharp corner at speed, and you will notice some body roll. This is not a sports SUV; it is a family couch on wheels.
The Touring model rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, which strike a nice balance between aesthetics and ride quality. The optional full-time all-wheel-drive system is competent, providing additional traction in rain or light snow. It is not designed for serious off-roading, but it gives drivers peace of mind in adverse weather conditions. Overall, the driving experience is uneventful in the best possible way. It is predictable, stable, and reassuring.
Verdict: The Reliable Choice
The 2016 Honda Pilot Touring is not the most exciting vehicle of its generation, but it is arguably one of the most practical. It offers a compelling mix of space, reliability, and premium features at a reasonable price point on the used market. If your priorities are keeping your family safe, comfortable, and close to each other on long trips, the Pilot is a hard act to beat. It is the kind of car you buy to solve problems, not to create them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring reliable?
Generally, yes. The 2016 Pilot is known for its longevity and low maintenance costs. The 3.5L V6 engine is robust and can easily reach 200,000 miles with proper care.
- Does the Touring trim have a third-row seat?
Yes, all 2016 Honda Pilot trims, including the Touring, come with a third-row seat. The second-row seats feature a slide mechanism to accommodate third-row passengers more easily.
- What is the fuel economy for the 2016 Pilot Touring?
The EPA estimates are 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for all-wheel-drive models. Front-wheel-drive models are slightly more efficient, achieving 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
- Are there any common problems with the 2016 model?
Most owners report few issues. Some complaints include wind noise at highway speeds and occasional software glitches in the infotainment system. These are minor compared to major mechanical failures seen in some competitor vehicles.
