Driving Experience
Includes acceleration and handling
What Owners Say
"The ONLY issue with the vehicle is a feature called "auto idle stop". If a list of certain conditions are met, when you make a complete stop and fully engage the brake pedal, the engine is supposed to turn off and automatically start back up when you release the brake pedal. With certain settings of the climate control system, the feature works intermitently. Not a huge thing as it does not shut off when it should. It ALWAYS turns back on when it should."
Anonymous, WI (2016 Honda Pilot)"The Pilot has great handling and acceleration. My favorite aspect is the hands free blue tooth and the information system that tracks mileage. The ECO function automatically adjusts acceleration and the A/C system for best gas mileage and light indicators tell me when I'm using a lot of gas vs. less (green). I am nervous about being overly reliant on a computer system that could easily become outdated or get a virus/fail resulting in costly repairs. This is the main reason why I'm considering"
Anonymous, FL (2016 Honda Pilot)"Automatic lane control needs improvement"
PETER S., OR (2016 Honda Pilot)"Very smooth acceleration, passing effortless. Very easy to handle at highway speeds."
Anonymous, ON (2016 Honda Pilot)"All is very good. we've done 19,000 miles in last year, and ave 29-30 on the highway/interstate = Excellent"
LEE L., SC (2016 Honda Pilot)"Clunky changing gears"
GALE W., CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"too many repairs tranlsmission cant find right gear"
LEE C., FL (2016 Honda Pilot)"the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance are outstanding together, especially on a CT to FL drive. Infotainment system works better than most with Iphone and Nav is exceptional compared to others"
JEFFERSON H., CT (2016 Honda Pilot)"Impressed with the power it has for a six cylinder with third row seat size."
TODD J., CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"trying to get used to a 2016 handling vs 2003. Very different."
MELISSA E., NC (2016 Honda Pilot)"9 speed transmission is not smooth, especially at low speeds."
JARED R., GA (2016 Honda Pilot)"With the vehicle's 9 speed transmission, acceleration from a stop is not good at all. The "auto stop" feature of the engine can be disruptive to daily driving, altho I can turn off that feature."
STEVE D., AZ (2016 Honda Pilot)"Very comfortable ride. Low road noise. Good gas mileage.Plenty of engine power."
C R., OH (2016 Honda Pilot)"the driving experience is super excellent. The soft, smooth ride feels like an upscale luxury car although mine is the basic trim. The braking experience is solid, without hesitation and so is like the overall experience."
Anonymous, FL (2016 Honda Pilot)"Bit hesitant on turning from a standing stop."
Anonymous, NC (2016 Honda Pilot)"it accelerates and handles so smooth. i feel like i am in a lexus or bmw"
Anonymous, OH (2016 Honda Pilot)"The nine speed transmission is outstanding on its ability to maintain speed on downgrades without a lot of braking,"
GLENN T., PA (2016 Honda Pilot)"May be the best I have ever had."
LEWIS C., AL (2016 Honda Pilot)"Good fuel economy for size. Recently got 7.8l/100km over 3900km."
Anonymous, ON (2016 Honda Pilot)"Extremely quiet for an SUV. Very good acceleration, mileage with smooth 9-speed transmission."
PAUL E., MO (2016 Honda Pilot)"My previous car was an Infiniti. The Pilot seems to be quieter, smoother riding and much more comfortable than the Infiniti. Other than my Lexus LS400 back in the 90s, this is the best car purchase I've made."
CHARLES R., NC (2016 Honda Pilot)"Honda Auto Sensing is outstanding. pulls 4000lb travel trailer with ease. Fantastic 29mpg on highway whithout trailer, summer, on flat Ohio and Indiana Turnpikes. Very comfortable and quite."
Anonymous, OH (2016 Honda Pilot)"I've never driven a tank before or a house but I think that's what it would feel like when driving new pilot. I've heard others say it drives better then the previous gens. It's hard for me to get use to it since my other car is honda fit. In my small town there are 6 traffic cycles or round a bouts. The fit drives so smoothly, fast, wheel handles curve like a giant bear hug. While the pilot feels awkward, loose, non responsive. If I didn't own fit I may not feel this."
JANA R., WI (2016 Honda Pilot)"Overall steering is a bit soft, especially when cornering compared to our previous 2005 Pilot. However, the vehicle tracks well on the freeway and is much quieter."
B J., OH (2016 Honda Pilot)"Acceleration is good. Handling is soft mushy. Doesn't take corners well. Very disappointed with the handling. Dodge Durangoout performs Honda in handling and performance."
STEPHANIE C., PA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Wish it had a little more pick up!"
Anonymous, NC (2016 Honda Pilot)"Lots of power. Will drive itself but don't trust it too. Notify you if you get to close to the fog line . Beeps if car get too close in the other lane.. Slows down automatically if getting too close. Lots of features......"
Anonymous, WA (2016 Honda Pilot)"CR is very critical of the 9-speed transmission. I have found it in real life to work great and give great gas mileage."
GILBERT F., IL (2016 Honda Pilot)"No trailer hitch. Looks smaller than the previous model 2015. No rear window (open). Outside noise can be easily hear when windows closed.... Thanks"
Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot)"This is a 9 speed automatic and sometimes it isn't sure what speed it should be in. I would rather have had the 5 speed."
STEPHEN P., IN (2016 Honda Pilot)"with eco on slight lag when starting up. with engine cutoff on...slight lag when starting up handling has some lean when turning or going around a curve..but...for a sedate driver(one driving speed limit)...handling is good...acceleration is good...plenty of "zip" in engine when needed..."
LANCE M., WI (2016 Honda Pilot)"My only complaint is the quirkiness of the 9 speed automatic transmission."
RODNEY D., CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Underpowered, very slow initial acceleration making it difficult at times to build up speed to get on a. Highway"
ERIC R., CT (2016 Honda Pilot)"A big improvement over previous Pilot. More agile and improved acceleration"
Anonymous, CO (2016 Honda Pilot)"Drives well, acceleration good for this type of vehicle"
Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot)"This is the first 6 cylinder vehicle we've had in many years. It's a delight to be able to feel the power it has when in traffic. It handles very well and corners well."
Anonymous, WV (2016 Honda Pilot)"Excellent driving comfort and gas mileage. I have owned two prior Pilots (2004, 2011). This is by far the quietest one yet. Over 12,000 miles drive so far, I have averaged 25.2 miles/gallon. This is much better than my previous Pilots."
J B., NC (2016 Honda Pilot)"The Pilot is severely underpowered."
Anonymous, MA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Outstanding vehicle, extremely comfortable ride, great handling and acceleration."
J B., NE (2016 Honda Pilot)"9 speed transmission is a disaster. This transmission belongs in an 18 wheel tractor trailer. Shifting is very jerky."
JERRY F., SC (2016 Honda Pilot)"everything except price"
H Z., FL (2016 Honda Pilot)"I have the 9 speed transmission. It does not always accelerate smoothly from a stop."
KEN M., FL (2016 Honda Pilot)"9 speed transmission jerks at low speeds through neighborhood. Bumpy shifting between gears. Unable to permanently shut off Eco system and engine shuts off at every stop unless press button. Extremely frustrating. These two things alone would had I known would have kept me from purchasing the vehicle."
Anonymous, TN (2016 Honda Pilot)"Adaptive cruise control, lane sensing, and all the other safety features have been much better than I expected."
Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot)"I find the handling superior to any car I have owned. The acceleration could be better however, it sufficient enough."
Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot)"like the lane assist and also the ways it handles over my older Honda pilot that I traded in"
Anonymous, OK (2016 Honda Pilot)"Slower acceleration from first to second gear"
Anonymous, CT (2016 Honda Pilot)"This SUV is roomy and very comfortable to drive. Idrove it from NC to CA and back. It was a great vehicle to hold 2 adults, 2 dogs and all the supplies needed. Gas milage was decent at about 23 mpg"
MARION F., NC (2016 Honda Pilot)"acceleration is good. CVT is not as smooth shifting as I would like, especially at lower speeds (below 25 MPH)...it hesitates and is "jerky.""
Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot)"Exceptional handling in town and on highways. Handles curvy roads just great!"
Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot)"Lots of power from the V6, 9 speed transmission very smooth with very little shift searching."
Richard M., ON (2016 Honda Pilot)"Smooth acceleration and shifting. Power diminishes noticeably in "Eco" mode but gas mileage is noticeably better in highway driving."
P M., PA (2016 Honda Pilot)"very good handling and good fuel miles and enough power to pass other on the free ways."
Anonymous, CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"The EXL with the 6-Speed transmission and the 18" inch Wheels is the smoothest driving vehicle I've driven, --- while the Touring Model that we have, with the 9-Speed transmission and the 20" inch Wheels is not as quiet and smooth, mostly because of the smaller profile tires and larger wheels !!! The "idle Stop" System incorporated on the Touring Model is not as appreciated as much as it might have been due to the re-engagements after the stop has been made, and the engine re-starts for your in..."
John C., AZ (2016 Honda Pilot)"Handles & accelerates well for a large car."
R M., WV (2016 Honda Pilot)"Love this car. Complaints re 9-speed transmission are totally inaccurate in my experience. AWD works fabulously."
Allen H., TX (2016 Honda Pilot)"The transmission is jerky, clunky, accelerates inappropriately with down shifting. In my opinion the worst feature of this otherwise very nice SUV."
Anonymous, CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"The Pilot drives, accelerates and handles beautifully. The most impressive point is the gas mileage; we can average 30+ mpg on the highway with this vehicle and that is driving at speeds of 70 mph on the interstate."
Anonymous, AR (2016 Honda Pilot)"Traveling on interstates in snow & rain is good"
Karen A., OH (2016 Honda Pilot)"The 9 speed trans with paddle shifters is great going up the gears. Downshifting a different story: the engine inappropriate races, the car inappropriately speeds up for a few seconds and jerks forward and it takes too long for the engine to brake as its supposed to. Acceleration is great."
Anonymous, CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"good acceleration, handling is nice and crisp"
W H., TX (2016 Honda Pilot)"The transmission is not as smooth as it should be when shifting gears."
Glen K., TN (2016 Honda Pilot)"Acceleration is good for larger vehicle. Handling is good on open road, a little cumbersome on tight, twisty roads."
W T., TN (2016 Honda Pilot)"handles well, acceleration is a little slow with the 10 gears"
Anonymous, MO (2016 Honda Pilot)"See previous box"
Anonymous, ON (2016 Honda Pilot)"Mostly comfortable ride, especially on long trips. Honda Sensing features are very helpful, but don’t like the lane changing feature that causes steering wheel to shake. Also do not like not having sensors front/back for parking. Camera view of right side when turning seems to be a waste. Also would prefer blind spot warning not equipped. Must purchase Touring model to get the above features at a substantial markup."
Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot)"transmission shifting at low speeds"
H Z., FL (2016 Honda Pilot)"Excellent, multi-functional, easy to drive and maintain. This vehicle is very reliable and powerful. I've changed out interior, license plate. And headlight bulbs to LED lights which last longer and much brighter. This vehicle is great for travel and hauling large loads."
Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot)"No problems in traffic, on Interstate, mountain, curving roads. Stable and plenty of power"
Anonymous, GA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Very happy with power and acceleration. Dot not like the transmission downshifting during deceleration- would rather coast in higher gear for improved mileage"
Todd J., CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Honda does need to get the programming right on the ten speed transmission. There is a hesitation when you put down the accelerator."
Gilbert F., IL (2016 Honda Pilot)"9 speed transmission bogs down when cold and shifts erratically."
Rodney D., CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Drives well and engine has more than enough power."
Don H., MT (2016 Honda Pilot)"As far as handling goes I will relate an experience I had recently: I was driving on Texas99 in rainy weather - as it turns out I was going to fast for the conditions. Texas99 was built in a big hurry and rather slap-dash. There are more than a few places were water collects at dangerous depths on the road - mostly in the fast lanes. At this one spot, going approximately 65, I was following a car in the fast lane passing three other vehicles. All of a sudden the car in front of me sent up a high rooster-tail and went off onto the inner median. Fortunately, I was 6-7 car lengths behind and immediately took my foot off the gas and tapped the brakes once. I estimate we hit the 3-5 inches of water at about 55mph. I think through some good handling on my part, the abilities of the 2016 Pilot, and not some small amount of good fortune we went straight thru the man-made hazard unscathed. To me, this is a great testament to the handling for the 2016 Pilot."
Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot)"The Pilot has plenty of power and drives comfortably. It's cost to operate is down right cheap. It took a little while, and took a little tweaking, to get used to the engine management system. It would help if Honda explained the 6 cylinder vs 3 cylinder operation which I didn't even know it had. I thought it had a transmission issue. An update to the engine management program eliminated all concerns."
Judy K., GA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Excellent acceleration. Handling good on normal highway driving"
Anonymous, MO (2016 Honda Pilot)"Driving is a great experience except for the major blind spot on the passenger side. Acceleration is great. But I am always fearful of this blind spot, which is bigger than in the 2013 model."
Paige T., NC (2016 Honda Pilot)"I remember CR's review calling its handling like "an apartment building on wheels." How true. I find the thing very difficult to park in small spaces."
Richard W., MS (2016 Honda Pilot)"Very happy with how our Honda Pilot handles in all kinds of conditions such as rain, snow, ice, and muddy driveway."
Joseph W., NY (2016 Honda Pilot)"Good acceleration even in economy mode. Good handling for the size."
Anonymous, MT (2016 Honda Pilot)"great acceleration. smooth 9 speed transmission"
David A., SC (2016 Honda Pilot)"Great acceleration."
Anonymous, CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"We use the “eco‿ setting which gives us (as reported on the dashboard screen) about 25.4 combined city/hiway mlg. With this setting turned on, power is reduced but that’s expected the pilot handled well in city and open hiway."
Charles L., OR (2016 Honda Pilot)"Smooth acceleration on highway. Easy changing lanes. Appreciate the adaptive cruise control, ability to match speed of the vehicle ahead of me and then change lanes and automatically resume my pre-selected speed"
Anonymous, ON (2016 Honda Pilot)"The Pilot has good acceleration, like the paddle shifter especially driving in the mountains, good visibility."
Anonymous, CO (2016 Honda Pilot)"The vehicle is very responsive and even in the Econ mode the acceleration is strong when entering flowing traffic."
Garland W., NC (2016 Honda Pilot)"The Honda V6 engine is excellent. It's powerful, strong, smooth and is very durable. Honda finally figured out how to match the transmission with the V6 and it's a happy combination. The ride is jittery and busy when driven around town but really smooths out on the freeway."
Mick M., VA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Pleasant to travel in, handles fairly well."
Anonymous, OR (2016 Honda Pilot)"very smooth comfortable ride"
Anonymous, NY (2016 Honda Pilot)"Disconnected feeling to steering with poor feedback. Very strong acceleration though"
M M., NS (2016 Honda Pilot)"The V6 gives good acceleration and the gas mileage is about what I expected. Handling is good with a balanced feeling when making a quick lane change."
John M., VA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Awesome driving experience"
Daniel C., NC (2016 Honda Pilot)"Power and handling are great! Love the way my Pilot drives and I have power when needed!"
Anonymous, TN (2016 Honda Pilot)"Poor initial acceleration. Just doesn't want to go."
Anonymous, FL (2016 Honda Pilot)"Excellent transmission (6-speed) and very good acceleration"
Tom F., NY (2016 Honda Pilot)"Great acceleration, great gas mileage on highway."
Robert L., CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Very quick acceleration for passing on 2 lane roads for a vehicle it’s size."
Paul E., MO (2016 Honda Pilot)"The Engine and Transmission are probably the best I've ever owned. The Transmission has nine gears when in the economy mode and works just fine. I really like it. The Engine works great in the economy mode reducing to three cylinders when in overdrive. The cutting off of the engine although disconcerting at times, seems to work fine and probably has some impact on mileage. All in All, it's a good setup."
Anonymous, GA (2016 Honda Pilot)"The idle shut off is a nice feature, but it started getting rough and wouldn’t re-engage the engine as it should. Instead it would shut off the entire car for a split second and then engage. This got progressively more frequent over 2 months and the dealership service couldn’t get Honda Techline to take it seriously. The dealer persisted and escalated it so that an obscure problem with a DC converter was identified. Honda replaced it per warranty, but the service dept deserves the credit. Was surprised by the stubbornness of Honda’s Tech-line engineers not acknowledging that there was a problem."
Anonymous, CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"The steering is very precise, it feels like your driving a smaller vehicle. The braking is effortless. The acceleration is very adequate."
Anonymous, FL (2016 Honda Pilot)"Very comfortable with good acceleration and driving experience."
Stephen K., KY (2016 Honda Pilot)"We use it for all long distance trip because it handles perfectly in traffic and the safety and blind spot alerts make it a pleasure to drive."
Edward S., IL (2016 Honda Pilot)"Acceleration is very good, but handles like a truck. Small bumps are accentuated, even though it tends to smooth over larger potholes. Honda quality throughout, but with a xxxxxxx ride."
Donald W., IL (2016 Honda Pilot)"Always a split second pause from a standstill. Makes you nervous. Not a smooth shift. And downshift from 5 to 4 is terrible. Speeds up before it downshifts. But mileage is great on the 9 speed."
D A., CO (2016 Honda Pilot)"I love the smooth ride for all 3 rows, and the large capacity for carrying my musical instruments. I love the sleek design I hate that the transmission sticks, revs but gears don't shift up/down hills. I hate that the air conditioner runs warm when fuel economy is engaged. I live in AZ and It was 117 last week. I hate that whenever I need to use the phone the A/C turns so low that it feels like an oven in the car. I hate that it occasionally won't start when my foot is on the break and I press the start button I hate that I can't open/close windows unless the car is running"
Anonymous, AZ (2016 Honda Pilot)"Love that it has a V6 engine and can accelerate on the highways as needed. Wonderful handling."
Meriel R., CO (2016 Honda Pilot)"Handles very well for its size."
R M., WV (2016 Honda Pilot)"BAD HANDLING"
Mega C., FL (2016 Honda Pilot)"drives very smooth. handles well"
Anonymous, NJ (2016 Honda Pilot)"Handling is easy. The Pilot is a pleasure to drive. My daughter is learning how to drive using the Pilot and she also loves driving it. It is a safe car."
Anonymous, FL (2016 Honda Pilot)"The acceleration of the vehicle is strong and it does not seem to be lacking power. The handling is sub par, very numb and light steering and it seems to wallow in corners. I do not expect it to be a sports car but it seems to drive like a larger vehicle than it is and I don't feel its a good trait. The brakes are terrible both in perceived stopping power and how they feel."
Anonymous, MN (2016 Honda Pilot)"Great multi speed transmission. Very good acceleration. Handles very well."
Hendricks D., NC (2016 Honda Pilot)"Very smooth acceleration, very stable and smooth"
R M., IL (2016 Honda Pilot)"Very peppy, goes good through the snow."
Fred K., MI (2016 Honda Pilot)"while in ECO mode it is kid of in slow mode and still moves out but the ECO mode resets the gas peddle and the A/C but turn off the ECO mode and the Pilot Moves out and shifts fast I can feel all the power it has and I would say it is as good as any Upper end SUV types. the handing is exellent with the new Michelin tireson it."
Anonymous, CA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Good pickup. Moves well in traffic. Easy handling"
Anonymous, PA (2016 Honda Pilot)"Handling not as smooth and comfortable as prior owned Mini Van. Pilot drives and handles like a small truck or less expensive SUV."
Anonymous, TX (2016 Honda Pilot)"looks, capacity for hauling, trailering"
Lee Z., PA (2016 Honda Pilot)
"With Econo on the car is sluggish and slow to respond unless I really press the accelerator"
SANDRA B., GA (2016 Honda Pilot)