2016 Honda Pilot leaked prior to 2015 Chicago debut

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The 2016 Honda Pilot, which sits above the CR-V and HR-V, has been revealed ahead of its official unveiling at the 2015 Chicago motor show. These official shots of the third-generation crossover you see here come courtesy of Edmunds and it appears that Honda has decided to opt for a more premium, Acura-esque styling language this time round.

Built in North America, the Acura MDX-based vehicle replaces its predecessor from 2008 but is slated to retain its ancestor’s ability to seat eight occupants in a three-row setup. The interior layout appears to have received its fair share of upgrades as well, further elevating its premium ambience.

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Honda claims that “the new Pilot represents a dramatic shift in design, while showcasing new standout technologies, versatility, and dynamics currently unavailable in the mainstream SUV segment.” Whatever that may be, expect the Pilot to be a significant source of inspiration for the next-gen Honda Ridgeline – a pick-up sibling of the Pilot that was discontinued in 2014 and due to replaced soon.

Under the hood, expect Honda’s latest 3.5 litre, direct-injected V6 to be coupled to either a six-speed automatic from the Accord V6 or the nine-speed auto from the Acura TLX V6. Echoing its predecessor, front-wheel drive is expected to be offered with all-wheel drive being an option.

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Gregory Sze

An "actor" by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

Comments

  • Should bring this here…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
    • fastd on Feb 12, 2015 at 5:11 pm

      Surely Thailand get it 1st!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
      • Three Pedals on Feb 12, 2015 at 10:51 pm

        Nope, Asean’s not gonna get this SUV. This model is for North America only.
        Same like Nissan Titan, Rogue, Pathfinder, Quest, Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, Avalon. I know, the US always get the best model and US is the toughest and strictest market too.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • fast5 on Feb 12, 2015 at 6:42 pm

      Seem to be CR-V and HR-V “Big Brother” or “Father”?!!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
  • tishaban on Feb 12, 2015 at 5:35 pm

    I drove the 2014 Acura MDX which this Honda Pilot is based on for several thousand miles over several weeks last year, it’s a fantastic crossover with great handling, loads of space and good performance. This new Pilot would inherit all of that, minus the luxury features but that’s ok for a slightly lower entry price.

    The Aussies have been clamoring for a RHD version of the Acura MDX/Honda Pilot but Honda has not seen fit to develop one yet. If they had a RHD version in Malaysia under RM300k I’d be lining up to buy one!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • Sam Loo (ori1) on Feb 12, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    Kimchi Santa Fe and Kimchi Sorento owners pissing and crapping in their pants now

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 11
  • sudonano (Member) on Feb 12, 2015 at 6:56 pm

    Looks a bit minivan like though… Not sure if I like it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
    • seancorr (Member) on Feb 12, 2015 at 7:28 pm

      Certainly does not look mini to me lol. Check out the gear stalk..eh wait its a gear button selector!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
      • sudonano (Member) on Feb 12, 2015 at 9:58 pm

        eh sorry, caught on the ‘Murica way of saying MPV lolol.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Feb 12, 2015 at 7:09 pm

    Honda’s answer to the Santa Fe…wait this is an 8 seater so its bigger!

    Doubt this will arrive here no thanks to its V6 setup and if it does the price will be more than the Odyssey I think.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • KarTiN (Member) on Feb 12, 2015 at 8:34 pm

    I had owned one of these previously working abroad. This is an outstanding family vehicle and can sit 8 comfortably. It have a good car like drive feel which is better than Estima and Alphard. Honda would do well to bring this full size family vehicle, except parking will be a challenge.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • shawal on Feb 12, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    alot of engineering know how went into making those A-pillars as thin as possible…

    This car definitely have to score in that new IIHS small overlap test which so many cars have failed

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Mugen on Feb 12, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    Nicely design. But I more prefer a boxy design as a Honda Crossroad, looks like a Hummer. Sadly they didnt produce the Crossroad anymore. Plenty of recond unit we can get here though.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Murica on Feb 12, 2015 at 9:51 pm

    Gangsters and rappers dont like this. They prefer Escalade.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Megane on Feb 12, 2015 at 11:08 pm

    How much are Honda going to price this? Odyssey is already 240k… Lol. Anything above 250k there will not be enough volume for Honda Malaysia to sell this in our country. Heck comfortable full-sized high quality MPV are difficult to afford here. Sigh.Nice option though.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • KarTiN (Member) on Feb 13, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      Just if Honda brings it in around the Alphard prices, it will be the better buy, i would consider.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • aleef on Feb 13, 2015 at 9:05 am

    we need more option for 7 seater SUV here in Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
 

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