The 2016 Honda Pilot uses a six-cylinder 3.5-liter V6 engine.
In 2016, Honda did not offer a four-cylinder engine for the Pilot. All trims—LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring—were powered by the same 3.5-liter V6, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 delivers about 250 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, and it uses Honda's i-VTEC with variable cylinder management to balance power with efficiency. The vehicle could be configured with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on the trim and buyer's preference.
Engine configuration
The following details summarize the engine layout and key specifications for the 2016 Pilot’s powertrain.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC
- Cylinders: 6
- Horsepower: 250 hp (approximately)
- Torque: 253 lb-ft (approximately)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available
This configuration emphasizes a balance of smooth power and utility, supporting family-focused needs such as passenger capacity, towing, and everyday versatility.
What this means for buyers
Because the engine is a 6-cylinder V6 across all 2016 Pilot trims, buyers seeking a four-cylinder option will not find one in that model year. Prospective buyers could choose between FWD or AWD, with higher trims offering additional features and comforts, while performance and towing capabilities remained anchored by the V6 powertrain and the 6-speed automatic transmission.
Summary
In short, the 2016 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, making it a six-cylinder SUV. There is no 4-cylinder option for that year, and buyers selected among drive configurations and trims rather than engine counts.