There have been insults getting tossed at the Honda Pilot for the last couple of years. Some say it’s overrated. Others say it’s tired and no longer a top-of-the-line affordable full-sized SUV. Then, there are those who simply call it boring, uninspiring, and tediously bland in a segment of the industry that relies on flash and flare.
The 2016 version seems to have many of these problems solved. In fact, it has a chance of turning many of the naysayers completely around to go from haters to lovers.
DRIVEN: 2016 Honda Pilot ideal for family vacation http://t.co/cP90dMYzoK pic.twitter.com/NgTvKNddEa
— Autofile Canada (@Autofile_Canada) August 20, 2015
It helps that it received a strong rating from the IIHS.
2016 @Honda Pilot earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ scorehttp://t.co/tzfwqAnUb5 pic.twitter.com/NoAne2qofB
— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) August 21, 2015
Watch the 2016 @Honda Pilot ace the IIHS small overlap crash test http://t.co/DeJNTeufuJ pic.twitter.com/JeK5gOMG0Z
— IIHS (@IIHS_autosafety) August 21, 2015
Arguably the most appealing aspect is that it’s technologically cool. They even used 3-D printing to aid in its initial development.
Learn how 3-D printing accelerated Honda Pilot development http://t.co/2icanYxvec #autonews #R&D #tech
— Honda (@Honda) August 25, 2015
As they put it over at AutoUpToDate, this might be the turning point back to greatness for Honda’s big sports utility vehicle.
Honda is not about to stop with the Pilot. They have already announced they expect to have at least eleven of their 2016 models with either the Honda or Acura badges on them make this top score from the IIHS. If I were looking for a vehicle full of great safety features to keep my family secure, I would be looking to the Honda and Acura lots to find what I felt would take care of everyone in case of a crash.
Read more on AutoUpToDate.