General Overview
- Model Years: 2016–2022
- Body Style: 5-door, three-row midsize crossover SUV (unibody)
- Seating: Up to 8 passengers
- Drivetrain: Standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), available All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Engine & Powertrain
- Engine: 3.5 L SOHC i‑VTEC V6 (J35Y6)
- Power: 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 262 lb‑ft torque @ 4,700 rpm copilotsearch.com+11vehiclehistory.com+11reddit.com+11cars.usnews.comen.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+5topspeed.com+5copilotsearch.com+5
- Transmission:
- 2016–2018: 6-speed automatic (on LX, EX, EX‑L, Touring)
- 2019–2022: 9-speed automatic added on higher trims (Touring, Elite, Black Edition) topspeed.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3autozonic.com+3
- 2016–2018: 6-speed automatic (on LX, EX, EX‑L, Touring)
Dimensions & Tires
- Length: ~196.5 in
- Width: ~78.6 in
- Height: ~70.6 in
- Wheelbase: ~111.0 in caranddriver.com+1carbuzz.com+1
- Curb Weight: ~4,030–4,327 lb (varies by trim) vehiclehistory.com+12carbuzz.com+12cars.usnews.com+12
- Tire/Wheel Sizes:
- 17″ or 18″ on base/mid trims; 20″ on Touring/Elite/Black hondainfocenter.com+6camperoutdoor.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6
- 17″ or 18″ on base/mid trims; 20″ on Touring/Elite/Black hondainfocenter.com+6camperoutdoor.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6
Trim Levels & Features
Trim lineup (2016–2022), with feature distinctions:
- LX (2016–2019): Cloth seats, basic infotainment, 6-speed automatic, FWD standard, AWD optional; no smartphone integration initially, later added CarPlay/Android Auto
- EX/EX-L: Adds leather seating (EX-L), power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, and integrated CarPlay/Android Auto post-2016 reddit.com+10en.wikipedia.org+10autozonic.com+10
- Touring: Includes navigation, dual-screen rear entertainment, heated seats, 20″ wheels, and available paddle shifters; started offering 9-speed auto on Touring in 2019 en.wikipedia.org
- Elite (introduced 2020): Adds AWD standard, more premium interior, panoramic sunroof, head-up display
- Black Edition (introduced 2019): Blacked-out styling and all Elite features
- TrailSport (introduced 2022): Off-road-focused with 0.6″ suspension lift, off-road tires, unique styling camperoutdoor.com+1autozonic.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1copilotsearch.com+1
Towing & Payload Capacities
- Towing Capacity:
- FWD models: up to 3,500 lb
- AWD (with transmission cooler): up to 5,000 lb copilotsearch.com+1hondainfocenter.com+1topspeed.com+7camperoutdoor.com+7reddit.com+7
- FWD models: up to 3,500 lb
- Payload Capacity:
- Approximately 1,405–1,622 lb depending on trim and equipment vehiclehistory.com
- Approximately 1,405–1,622 lb depending on trim and equipment vehiclehistory.com
- Tongue Weight:
- ~350 lb (FWD), ~500 lb (AWD with cooler)
- ~350 lb (FWD), ~500 lb (AWD with cooler)
Owner Insights:
“The 2016 Honda Pilot has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds … payload capacity … 1,405 to 1,622 pounds” darcarshonda.com+7vehiclehistory.com+7reddit.com+7
“I have a 2019 EX‑L AWD Pilot … for extended towing … definitely get [a transmission cooler]” hondainfocenter.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2
Fuel Economy
- FWD (6-speed or 9-speed): ~19–20 mpg city / 26–27 mpg highway / 22–23 mpg combined en.wikipedia.org+1cars.usnews.com+1
- AWD (6-speed): ~18/26/22 mpg
- AWD (9-speed): ~19/26/22 mpg
Suspension & Handling
- Front: MacPherson struts
- Rear: Independent multi-link with coil springs hondainfocenter.com
- Stabilizer Bars: Front and rear
- Drivetrain Modes: ECON, Normal, Snow; AWD models feature Intelligent Traction Management with Mud/Sand modes
Safety & Technology
- Honda Sensing Suite (standard from 2016 onward): Adaptive Cruise, Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation hondainfocenter.comtopspeed.com
- Entertainment:
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (after 2016, standard on EX and above)
- Rear entertainment screens (Touring/Elite)
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (after 2016, standard on EX and above)
- Comfort: Tri-zone climate, heated/ventilated seating (upper trims), power tailgate (EX-L and above)
Notable Updates by Model Year
- 2016: Added CarPlay/Android Auto to all but base LX
- 2018 (2019 model): Refreshed styling, LED headlights, hands-free liftgate, updated infotainment, started adding 9-speed transmission to Touring en.wikipedia.org
- 2019: Added Black Edition trim
- 2020: 9-speed transmission standard on all trims; introduced Elite
- 2021–2022: Introduced new Sport (replacing EX) and TrailSport trims; enhanced off-road capability with slight lift camperoutdoor.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3autozonic.com+3
Summary
The 2016–2022 Honda Pilot is a versatile three-row crossover SUV available in FWD or AWD. Powered by a 280 hp/262 lb-ft V6, it tows up to 5,000 lb with AWD and cooler, and hauls around 1,400–1,600 lb payload. Trim levels include LX, EX/EX-L, Touring, Elite, Black Edition, and TrailSport—ranging from basic family-use to off-road and luxury-focused configurations. All models benefit from Honda Sensing safety, CarPlay/Android Auto, and modern infotainment features.
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