2016 Honda Pilot Video

The Honda Pilot has been one of the mainstays of the crossover-SUV world since 2003. But Honda stumbled with the second-generation model it introduced in 2009--it gave it blocky styling and a lackluster interior.

ALSO SEE: 2016 Honda Pilot Preview

For 2016, Honda's ushering in some dramatic change for the Pilot, with a sleek new body and an updated powertrain. The slab-sided exterior has been replaced with a sleeker, softer look that knits it together more closely with the smaller CR-V--and also brings it much closer to the mainstream look you'll see on a Chevy Traverse, a Nissan Pathfinder, or a Hyundai Santa Fe.

Inside the Pilot’s interior has been restyled and upgraded with soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. The Pilot retains its third-row seating with room for up to eight passengers. While a three-person 60/40 split bench seat in the second row is standard, second-row captain’s chairs are available on upper trim models.

Honda’s upping the Pilot’s tech roster with available LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights. Also on the list are five USB ports, an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system, and an available rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen.  

CHECK OUT: Nissan Rogue Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars

Powering the new Pilot is a 3.5-liter direct-injected V-6 engine. Power is sent to the front or all four wheels through either a six-speed automatic transmission or a new nine-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim level. Honda hasn't disclosed power output or gas-mileage ratings yet.

Honda’s making every piece of safety tech it has available on the new Pilot. From its excellent side-camera LaneWatch display, to blind-spot monitors, to a standard rearview camera, the Pilot is gunning for top safety scores.

There's no pricing information available yet, but the new 2016 Honda Pilot will go on sale this summer.

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