Honda Pilot 2016 Interior: A Comfortable Family Ride
A Closer Look at the Honda Pilot 2016 Interior Design and Features
If you're in the market for a spacious and reliable family SUV, chances are you've come across the Honda Pilot 2016. Its interior design makes this vehicle stand out in its class with comfort and practicality front and center. Let's dive deep into the features the design choices and what to expect from the Pilot's interior if you're thinking about making it your next ride.
What You’ll Love About the Honda Pilot 2016 Interior
Spaciousness and Comfort
One of the first things you’ll notice stepping into the Honda Pilot 2016 is its abundant space. This SUV has three rows of seating, comfortably accommodating up to eight passengers. The leather upholstery in higher trims like the EX-L and Touring not only looks premium but also adds to the overall comfort. With ample legroom and adjustable seats everyone—from the driver to the third-row passengers—will find their place. The seats are well-cushioned providing a soft yet supportive ride for both short and long trips.
"A great thing about the Honda Pilot 2016 interior is how comfortable it is, even for the third row," says Alex Collantes, a car enthusiast and family man who’s spent quite a bit of time with this model. "I have three kids and when we go on long trips no one's complaining about being cramped."
Easy Entry and Exit: Walk-In Third Row
The third row can sometimes be a struggle in larger SUVs but the Honda Pilot’s "One-Touch" Walk-In System simplifies things significantly. A push of a button on the second-row seats allows them to slide forward making it easier to access the back seats. This makes the Pilot a family-friendly vehicle whether you're carrying kids sports gear or other bulky items.
Pros of the One-Touch Walk-In System
- Effortless access to third-row seating.
- Perfect for families with children.
- Reduces hassle for passengers needing to frequently enter and exit.
Potential Drawbacks
- The mechanism may wear out with regular use.
- Third-row space might still feel tight for adults on longer trips.
Tech and Entertainment Features
User-Friendly Infotainment System
The 2016 Pilot’s infotainment system has a standard 8-inch touchscreen display which controls most media and navigation functions. The system features HondaLink, allowing for smartphone integration so you can access your apps music and even make phone calls. Plus the Bluetooth connectivity makes streaming your favorite music a breeze.
Features Included in the Infotainment System:
- Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.
- HD radio and satellite radio in higher trims.
- Rear-seat entertainment system available in EX-L trims and above.
However a common gripe among users has been the lack of physical buttons for volume and other controls. While the touchscreen provides a sleek modern look some drivers find it distracting and challenging to use on the go. There’s a learning curve and it can take some time to get used to navigating through the digital menus while driving.
Potential Drawbacks
- The touch-based controls may require more attention than traditional knobs.
- Not as responsive as some drivers would hope making it feel slightly dated.
Premium Audio Experience
For music lovers the Honda Pilot 2016 has an optional 10-speaker premium audio system on the Touring trim and above. With 650 watts of power the system delivers crisp clear sound. Coupled with acoustic glass on the front windows and windshield the Pilot keeps road noise to a minimum enhancing your overall listening experience.
Potential Drawbacks
- Sound quality is excellent but only if you opt for higher trims.
- Lower trims may leave audiophiles wanting more.
Seating Configurations and Cargo Space
Versatile Seating Options
The Honda Pilot 2016 interior is designed to be versatile for your needs. The second-row seats can be configured as either a bench or captain’s chairs depending on the trim. If you go with the Touring or Elite trim you'll benefit from the captain’s chairs which offer more comfort for second-row passengers and easy walk-through access to the third row.
"I love the flexibility in the seating options," says Alex Collantes. "Whether I’m transporting a large group or just need extra cargo space for luggage camping gear or groceries I can easily adjust the seats."
Pros of Versatile Seating Options
- Flexible arrangement for passengers and cargo.
- Ability to create more space when necessary.
- Ideal for long road trips with family or friends.
Potential Drawbacks
- Captain’s chairs reduce seating capacity from 8 to 7.
- Some configurations may make cargo storage less accessible.
Generous Cargo Space
Cargo is a huge factor for most SUV buyers and the Honda Pilot doesn’t disappoint. Behind the third row you’ll find 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space which expands to 46.8 cubic feet when the third-row seats are folded down. Fold both the second and third rows down and you’ll have a whopping 83.9 cubic feet of room for any cargo you need to haul. Plus the floor height is low making it easier to load heavier items.
Pros of Cargo Space
- Ample storage for luggage outdoor gear or weekly groceries.
- Low floor height for easy loading and unloading.
- Versatile for different needs from sports equipment to family road trips.
Potential Drawbacks
- Limited cargo space when all seats are occupied.
- The third-row seatbacks aren’t as flat as some competitors.
Interior Materials and Build Quality
Quality of Materials
The Pilot’s cabin is built to be both durable and upscale. While the base LX trim has cloth upholstery the EX-L Touring and Elite trims upgrade to leather seats with contrasting stitching. You’ll find soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels creating a welcoming and high-quality feel throughout the cabin. The fit and finish of the interior components feel solid and well put together—typical of Honda’s reputation for quality.
Details That Stand Out
- Heated front seats on the EX-L trim and above for those cold winter mornings.
- Tri-zone automatic climate control ensures all passengers can stay comfortable no matter where they sit.
- Adjustable steering wheel with mounted controls for cruise audio and phone calls to make driving more convenient.
Potential Drawbacks
- The cabin materials although high-quality are not as luxurious as some higher-end SUVs.
- The interior design may feel somewhat conservative to those looking for a flashier cabin.
Driver Comfort and Convenience
Command Center Feel for the Driver
The driver’s seat of the Honda Pilot 2016 is like a command center for your journey. It’s designed to keep everything you need within arm's reach. From the steering wheel-mounted controls to the multi-functional touchscreen everything is aimed at minimizing distractions so you can keep your eyes on the road. The driver's seat is power-adjustable with 10-way adjustments allowing you to find your perfect driving position. Plus the driver memory function makes switching between drivers a breeze.
Pros for Driver Convenience
- Command center layout with easy-to-reach controls.
- Comfortable power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- Driver memory function for multiple users.
Potential Drawbacks
- The touchscreen-based controls may distract from driving.
- Some may find the driver’s seat cushion a little firm on longer journeys.
Safety Features
A Safe Family Ride
The Honda Pilot 2016 takes safety seriously with features like Honda Sensing Suite. Available in the EX trim and above this suite includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
With all these features combined Honda aims to keep both driver and passengers safe on the road.
Potential Drawbacks
- Some safety features can be overly sensitive especially lane-keeping assist.
- Honda Sensing Suite is not standard on all trims so you might need to upgrade.
Interior Colors and Aesthetics
Color Choices and Overall Design
The Honda Pilot 2016 offers a range of interior color options such as Beige Gray and Black. The choice largely depends on the trim and exterior color of the SUV. The overall design is clean and functional leaning towards a more understated elegance than flashy aesthetics. It’s a cabin meant for practical family use and it excels at that purpose.
Pros for Interior Colors
- Neutral shades fit a range of tastes.
- Easy to maintain and doesn’t show dirt easily.
Potential Drawbacks
- Limited color options may not suit all preferences.
- Conservative design may not appeal to those looking for a more luxurious or sportier cabin.
Final Thoughts on the Honda Pilot 2016 Interior
The Honda Pilot 2016 interior is designed with family life in mind. It’s spacious practical and offers a range of features aimed at enhancing comfort and convenience for all passengers. While some elements may not be the flashiest or most luxurious on the market its reliability and family-oriented design make it a worthy choice for those seeking a dependable SUV.
For someone like Alex Collantes who values comfort and family usability the Honda Pilot stands out. "The interior may not be super fancy but it’s comfortable reliable and fits my family's needs perfectly," he says. "I think it's one of the best options out there for someone looking for a functional family SUV."
Honda Pilot 2016 Interior: Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Spacious interior with three rows of seating
- User-friendly infotainment system with large touchscreen
- Multiple seating configurations for flexibility
- Ample cargo space for families on the go
- Well-built cabin with soft-touch materials and leather options
Cons
- Touchscreen controls may be less intuitive for some users
- Limited luxury features compared to higher-end SUVs
- Third-row seating can be tight for adults on longer drives
- Some safety features may be overly sensitive
References
While compiling this review we referred to:
- Honda Pilot 2016 Owner’s Manual
- Alex Collantes (Personal Testimonial)
- Professional Reviews from MotorTrend and Edmunds
FAQs on Honda Pilot 2016 Interior
Q: Can you fold the second and third rows for more cargo space? A: Yes both rows fold flat allowing for substantial cargo room.
Q: Does the Pilot 2016 have an entertainment system for the kids? A: Yes in higher trims there's an available rear-seat entertainment system perfect for long road trips.
Q: What’s the seating capacity for the Honda Pilot 2016? A: The Pilot seats up to 8 passengers but higher trims with captain’s chairs reduce that to 7.
Q: Is the leather upholstery standard on all trims? A: No leather seating is standard on EX-L and above trims while the base LX comes with cloth seats.
The Honda Pilot 2016 is an ideal family SUV with an interior that balances comfort functionality and style making it a reliable choice for any road trip or daily commute. If you’re looking for a vehicle that offers plenty of space and a comfortable interior the Pilot deserves a spot on your list of considerations.