Honda Upping Luxury In 2016 Pilot But Passes On Performance - Isn't That A Cardinal Sin?

Honda Upping Luxury In 2016 Pilot But Passes On Performance - Isn't That A Cardinal Sin?

Following the recent trend by mass-market automakers to offer ever-more luxurious models, Honda says it is introducing a new Elite trim level with the forthcoming ’16 Pilot CUV.

The Elite grade, for which pricing has not been announced, will include a standard panoramic roof, heated front and second-row captain’s seats, heated leather steering wheel, ventilated front seats and LED headlights.

Also standard will be the automaker’s suite of safety technologies, dubbed Honda Sensing, which includes forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, as well as collision-mitigation braking.



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trmckintrmckin - 4/10/2015 5:22:02 PM
+6 Boost
The last pilot I was in wasn't lacking power. If they lighten it up, should be good. Working for the MDX


CarCrazedinCaliCarCrazedinCali - 4/10/2015 6:34:29 PM
+5 Boost
The new transmission should automatically step up the performance, or at least fuel economy...


cidflekkencidflekken - 4/10/2015 7:03:09 PM
+7 Boost
1.) How exactly are they "passing on performance"? New engine is more powerful than outgoing model, with a lighter truck. Nine-speed transmission should help things, in addition to mpg's.
2.) This segment isnt' about performance. I believe the only 7-seat, performance-oriented SUV starting below $40k is the Durango R/T, which Honda does not need to try to go head-to-head with.
3.) Why would Honda want to create a performance model, which would make the Pilot a lower-cost, larger, and equally or better-driving option to the MDX?


quizzquizz - 4/10/2015 7:16:22 PM
+1 Boost
The 2015 Murano interior set a new standard for "affordable" luxury. Seriously, that interior for $38,000 punches far far above its weight. You'd have to get into a Lexus or Audi at $60,000 to get seating that's as comfortable as this. I'm seriously impressed. Not for the badge snobs, but if you care about SUV interior refinement for the money, this car really knocks it out of the ballpark. I've checked out the new Highlander, Edge, etc. (all in the same price range), and I can't say enough about this cars incredible interior. The exterior is very subjective, either you like the design (frankly, I think it's better than the new Lexus RX gaping mouth for 2016) or not, but the interior is universally acclaimed.


trmckintrmckin - 4/11/2015 12:39:23 AM
+3 Boost
The 07 4Runner the wife is clinging to will be replaced with this. The current pilots are comfortable now and this looks awesome. Might cut into MDX sales if they go too nice


ParadoXParadoX - 4/10/2015 8:44:37 PM
+5 Boost
Since when has Honda worried about performance? Honda sells vehicles en mass because they are well packaged, reliable, and all around good cars.


bnilhomebnilhome - 4/10/2015 11:06:20 PM
+5 Boost
This Pilot is going to sell like hotcakes. Honda's designs have come a long way, looking refined and sometimes sporty without looking goofy (like the direction Nissan seems to be going with the Murano and Maxima).

I do have one question...can someone do a side by side comparison of this Pilot that debuted in February with the new Tuscon that just debuted in New York. Those 2 cars look very similar from the front, and I believe used the same exact shade of paint.


trmckintrmckin - 4/11/2015 12:26:37 AM
+1 Boost
Audi Q7, Vollswagen 7 passenger Sub, and I think the Volvo XC90 also used this color. Odd


trmckintrmckin - 4/11/2015 12:40:54 AM
+1 Boost
Volkswagen^


skytopskytop - 4/11/2015 8:36:22 AM
-5 Boost
How much lipstick can Honda put on that pig?
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