2016 Honda Pilot Elite to give Acura MDX a run for the money

The 2016 Honda Pilot Elite could be a bit of a marketing problem for American Honda Motors, specifically the Acura Division. A company that is often criticized for a lack of measurable difference between it’s premium lineup and down-line offerings, just dropped a bombshell.

For 2016, Honda will introduce to market arguably the most advanced Pilot manufactured to date. Featuring several Acura MDX-like design cues, a very similar interior layout to MDX as well as power and torque approaching but not quite meeting MDX specifications, the light truck based Pilot will give Acura MDX a run for the $, while giving those would-be Acura buyers the opportunity to consider the less expensive, yet comparably equipped Honda Pilot.

Granted, we haven't test driven 2016 Pilot, that will happen later this month in Ohio. So, we’re unable to comment on the interior quiet and road manners of Pilot, an SUV that we recently assessed as being “truck-like” in utility, off-road-capability and interior noise level. We’re assuming that Honda has taken Pilot’s ride experience to the next level. In past reviews we found Honda Pilot to be a greater purchase value than Chevy Tahoe.

What we do know

For 2016 Pilot comes to us with greater horsepower, torque,( 280 horsepower/262 ft-lb torque) and greater fuel economy afforded through direct injected V6 1-VTEC technology. While the base model will feature a 6 speed automatic transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive option, a 9 speed transmission as found in Acura MDX will be available in the Elite trim variant.

looking through the specifications list, we find many features and options generally reserved for a premium SUV . Active noise cancellation, multiple view rear, back-up camera, twin-screen dash with touch and voice activated command integration, pull down rear passenger entertainment center and more. You may take a look at the complete list of published features here.

Final thoughts

With 2015 Honda Pilot Touring presently priced at MSRP $41620+, there’s only $3,000 separating this show-boat Honda SUV from Acura Division's bare-bones, yet well equipped 2016 MDX SH-AWD. Yes, you can spend $57,000+ on a fully loaded MDX, but you need not, to experience MDX quiet and superior engineering traits.

Assuming that Honda holds the price on this model year change as recently demonstrated in 2015 CR-V, the all new Honda Pilot Elite will be an SUV purchase bargain by any measure. Honda Pilot is sure to give Acura MDX a run for the money, especially in a true-off-road driving environment.