At one time, driving a Honda Pilot meant driving dynamics, family friendliness, and powertrain refinement were more important to you than the macho, trucklike SUV look. The Pilot was a natural next step for Civic and Accord owners with growing families. But something went awry in the late-2000s. Honda changed tack, making the Pilot more trucky and cheap-feeling.
Other manufacturers stole buyers by making a better Honda than Honda. With the 2016 redesign, Honda takes a swing at a softer, more carlike Pilot.
Built properly, an SUV performs the family-hauling duties of a minivan.