The 2016 Honda Pilot is generally a solid choice for families, thanks to its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and strong safety reputation.
The 2016 Pilot marked a redesign that brought a larger, more modern cabin, a capable V6 engine with a smooth 9-speed automatic, and a family-friendly feature set. It excels in practicality and resale value, but buyers should be aware of a few caveats, including infotainment quirks and some reliability concerns that have been noted by owners and reviewers over time.
What made the 2016 Pilot stand out
These are the factors that commonly drew buyers to the 2016 Pilot and helped it compete in the mid-size SUV segment.
Pros and positive attributes of the 2016 Pilot include:
- Very roomy interior with three rows of seating and flexible cargo space
- Smooth and capable 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic
- Strong overall ride quality that remains comfortable on long trips
- Capable towing and good handling for a family SUV
- Solid resale value and broad dealer/service network
In summary, the Pilot's practicality, powertrain refinement, and family-friendly design were its standout selling points in 2016.
Safety and reliability
Safety ratings
The 2016 Pilot earned favorable safety evaluations in standard crash tests and benefit from Honda’s emphasis on active safety features. Reviewers noted strong performance in overall safety, with good crash-test results contributing to its appeal for family buyers.
Reliability and ownership concerns
As a used purchase, the Pilot has a mix of reliability feedback. Many owners report satisfaction with everyday usability, but there are recurring notes about infotainment system quirks and occasional transmission quirks in some early 9-speed models. Honda also issued recalls common to the era (including Takata airbag campaigns) that buyers should verify have been resolved in any used example. Overall, reliability is solid but not without caveats, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is advisable.
Fuel economy and ride quality
Fuel economy for the 2016 Pilot typically lands in the low 20s MPG combined, with EPA estimates around the high teens in city driving and the mid-to-high 20s on highways depending on drivetrain (2WD vs. AWD) and trim. The ride is generally praised for being comfortable and quiet on the highway, while the smaller-than-average third-row space can be a trade-off for some buyers.
Buying tips for a used 2016 Pilot
If you’re considering a used 2016 Pilot, use these checks to guide your inspection and negotiation.
Before evaluating a 2016 Pilot, keep these considerations in mind:
- Check for smooth transmission shifts during a test drive; some 9-speed units can feel either quick or occasionally hesitant in certain conditions
- Test the infotainment and climate controls for responsiveness and reliability
- Review maintenance history and ensure all recalls (including Takata-related safety campaigns) have been addressed
- Inspect the interior for wear on seats and panels, particularly in the second and third rows
- Evaluate cargo space with and without third-row seats deployed to confirm it meets your needs
- Verify the condition of the AWD system if you plan to drive in varied weather or rough roads
Thorough inspections and complete service records help mitigate potential risk and ensure you’re getting the most value from a 2016 Pilot.
Summary
Overall, the 2016 Honda Pilot remains a strong year for buyers prioritizing space, comfort, and safety in a family SUV. It delivers practical versatility and solid performance, with the caveats that some owners have noted related to infotainment and reliability in a used market. If you’re shopping in this year’s lineup, weigh the breadth of interior usefulness and ride comfort against the potential for tech quirks, and insist on a detailed pre-purchase inspection and up-to-date recall work. When well maintained, a 2016 Pilot can continue to serve as a dependable family vehicle with lasting value.