
The Pilot now has a beautiful body to match its capable, relaxed road manners.
Its rivals are no slouches, either.
The Ford Explorer hits the same crossover-SUV moving target, though its interior and third-row space are inferior.
The Chevrolet Traverse is the big boy in the category here, with a well-appointed interior and good seating position, but the understyled body looks dated, and fuel economy is below average.
The Toyota Highlander is comfortable, but not much fun to drive, especially in Hybrid trim.
The Nissan Pathfinder has good space and seating flexibility, but the CVT and V-6 drone at highway speeds, and it feels as big as it looks.
Finally, the slightly smaller Hyundai Santa Fe has a more compact third-row seat and more anonymous looks, but it's fairly nimble, quick, and has a great touchscreen infotainment interface.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2016 Honda Pilot has axed its hard edges: it's once again a smooth, capable family wagon, one that raises the bar for refinement. |
The 2016 Chevy Traverse is a smooth and comfortable alternative to the minivan or full-size SUV. |
The 2016 Ford Explorer doesn't need to rely on hardcore off-road tools--not with its firm road manners, plush interiors, and choice of turbocharged power. |
The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe is geared toward big families with a strong V-6 and loads of features, but third-row seat space is slim, and safety scores are absent. |
The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder lacks sporty or off-road intentions, instead offering space for seven in a composed, quiet environment. |
The 2016 Toyota Highlander isn't all that exciting to look at or to drive, but it's very versatile and handsome enough to be a great minivan alternative. |
MSRP From | |||||
$30,345 | $28,700 | $31,050 | $24,950 | $29,830 | $30,490 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 22 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded V-6 | Gas V6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Small SUV 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Standard SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD |
Style Name | |||||
2WD 4-Door LX | FWD 4-Door LS w/1SM | FWD 4-Door Base | FWD 4-Door 2.4 | 2WD 4-Door S | FWD 4-Door I4 LE (GS) |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 8 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2016 Honda Pilot vs. 2016 Chevrolet Traverse | 2016 Honda Pilot vs. 2016 Ford Explorer | 2016 Honda Pilot vs. 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe | 2016 Honda Pilot vs. 2016 Nissan Pathfinder | 2016 Honda Pilot vs. 2016 Toyota Highlander |