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Is the 2016 Honda Pilot putting the MDX to shame?

39K views 45 replies 26 participants last post by  Phogetaboutit 
#1 ·
I was reading about the 2016 Honda Pilot and it sounds pretty nice. Maybe even nicer then my 2014 MDX with tech package. Kind of wish I had waited.

I like the MDX and all, but for the money it should of came with manymore "upgraded" standard features. Like panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, Remote start, Acura link should be free, 12V plug in rear seat area, or even USB ports, etc..

2016 Honda Pilot | Chicago Auto Show - Consumer Reports
 
#2 ·
Looks like it even comes with fog lights!! There used to be a huge gap between the MDX and Pilot. When we shopped in '12 the Pilot was a turd compared to the MDX. I'll be curious to see how nice this one really is in terms of driving dynamics and interior quality. The big thing it lacks is SH-AWD but I realize that's not important to a lot (most?) buyers.
 
#3 ·
Here's an interesting excerpt from the press release - since infotainment is such a hot topic for discussion on this site. That that I think the current MDX infotainment system is Windows based whereas this one is Android based -

The new Pilot also incorporates Honda's latest thinking for advanced, family-friendly technology, including an upsized 8-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface powered by a new Android-based operating system and more powerful processor, along with an available all-new embedded Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™. The new navigation system features improved graphics and new capabilities, including 3D renderings of terrain, buildings and road signs, improved lane guidance, live search function, 911 emergency services and more.
And here's another reference to the Pilot with various views -
2016 Honda Pilot packs more of everything

I've always felt that the Pilot was one of the ugliest syling designs on the market - a box with an ugly/awkward front end grill design. This new one looks much nicer - although the article hints at a possible 'mini-van-ish' appearance.

Apparently they s/b on dealer lots this summer.

From the description of the Pilot it seems that Acura will need to up the ante on the MDX to position it above the Pilot in order to justify whatever difference in cost/market they're positioning the MDX for. It seems that the Pilot will maybe impinge on more of the MDX market segment than the current Pilot does. But of course it will all depend on the details which will include power, acceleration, handling.
 
#7 ·
I've always felt that the Pilot was one of the ugliest syling designs on the market - a box with an ugly/awkward front end grill design. This new one looks much nicer - although the article hints at a possible 'mini-van-ish' appearance.

.
Nothing to worry, Customers will throw up once they look at the new pilot.I can't believe Honda worked 6 years to come up with that horrible looking abomination.
 
#5 ·
Maybe the 2016 MDX will have all these options and then some.
I think the 2016 MDX is a done deal and the features known since they're already apparently in the process of starting to build them and the press releases have been done. It isn't vastly different from the 2014/2015 other than a new 9 speed transmission and a different SHAWD system along with a few other changes.

It appears to me that the Pilot has leapfrogged the MDX in some areas. This means there may be more MDX changes in store in 2017 or so in order to be appropriately positioned above the Pilot.
 
#10 ·
I think they tried to hold back the design on this new Pilot so that it won't get the sales of the MDX and it really shows. Looks like CRV on steroids, in a bad way. I actually like the exterior of the Ody more than this new Pilot. This one looks like a confused mini-van.

In terms of new safety technology, this new Pilot kicks the 2014 and 2015 MDXs in the butt. A lot of features for less money but the 2016 MDX will have these features and more. Also, if you think the interior of the MDX looks and feels cheap, this will be worse, hard plastics galore. Just by looking at the pics, the interior will be inferior to the MDX and that's the way it should be because the MDX costs more.

So, I don't think this new Pilot put the MDX to shame. Not even close. The 2016 MDX will get those tech and more. I am really not liking the exterior. I don't think this Pilot put any 3 row crossover to shame for that matter.

If I was car shopping right now, I'll wait for the 2016 Odyssey. Chances are, it will have the same tech and it also looks way better than this new Pilot.

I like what they did to the new Fit, Civic, Accord and CRV and eventually they screwed this one up. Poor Pilot.
 
#12 ·
This one looks like a confused mini-van.
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my thought exactly. no matter the features inside, the outside is still poorly styled.
 
#11 ·
Well, it's not even available yet, so I wouldn't rush to judgment just yet.

As for technology, features, and options, let's wait and see how it's equipped. Remember, there are various packages available for the MDX (more in 2016 than ever before) and the same will certainly be true for the Pilot. It wouldn't be surprising if a loaded Pilot had some things that a base MDX doesn't. The same thing is often true, comparing a base model from the luxury brand with the corresponding top-of-the-line from its mass-market sister division.
 
#14 ·
Looks like they kept much of the practical functionality of a minivan, without being a "minivan"......decent restyle, but very conservative/Honda.

I see the 2017 MDX being the big change, taking on some of this new stuff, and also keeping it's own identity.

Hopefully a year with all the infotainment will give the next gen MDX what it needs.......catching up with everyone else 5 years behind!! LOL
 
#16 ·
It is even uglier than the 3rd gen MDX...that my friends ain't easy to do.
 
#21 ·
The thing about Acura and Honda cars is most of their products look really plain and dull in pictures. Honestly, when I look at the 3rd gen MDX pictures in most online review, I see a really plain looking SUV especially when it is beside an X5, RX F Sport, QX60 and etc. I also had the same feeling when they launched the TLX. But when I actually see them in the dealer lots or on the streets, it changes. The pictures don't do justice, except maybe for the new NSX. You have to use certain camera angles on these cars to make it pop.

I remember when I saw the 3rd gen MDX on the street for the first time, I was in awe. It looked really nice, especially those unique LED headlights and tail lights.
I still like the looks of my 3rd gen MDX. And I still gaze at other 3rd gen MDXs when I see one on the street. The way they incorporated the DRL in the LED lamps, without using those ugly LED strips in most cars today, still looks good and unique to me.

Anyway, maybe when I see the new Pilot in person, I would see it differently just like their other products.
 
#23 ·
Sorry to offend, I just cannot warm up to the 3rd gen styling...it went very generic in my opinion.
The appeal of a particular style is indeed subjective and not an area one should feel any offense from anybody.

IMO:

Third Gen MDX > Previous Gen MDX > 2016 Pilot > Previous Pilot

I really like the styling of the 3rd gen MDX - I think it's the nicest looking SUV available. I like the previous gen MDX okay but always thought the D pillar area was somewhat awkward looking and that area was cleaned up on the third gen MDX. I 'like' the front end styling of the MDX, aka the 'beak'. I liked it on the previous gen MDX and like it even better on the third gen. IMO it's vastly superior to the 'gaping mouth' styling of some Audi, Lexus, and other vehicles that seems to be prevalent nowadays.

I've always felt that the Pilot was one of the most hideous SUVs available - just a box with an ugly front end - an obvious attempt to add a bit of style to the previous bland front end but a failed execution. From the pics, this 2016 Pilot appears much nicer than the previous 'box on wheels' design. I think it's a step up. I still prefer the MDX styling over it though although I obviously haven't seen a 2016 Pilot in person yet.

To minimize the 'minivan' type of look on the longer/lower crossover SUVs, put a roof rack on it - it gives the vehicle a taller stance and more of an SUV and less of a minivan look. I think it's a marked difference on the third gen MDX.
 
#24 ·
Do you folks care how it drives? Need to drive it to compare it.

It does appear the new Pilot is moving upscale.

"All of those vehicles are from the same global platform. The Pilot, MDX, Ridgeline and Odyssey start with the same base chassis and there is some engine sharing but all are tuned differently and body panels vary widely for the different body styles.
The Pilot was designed and engineered in the U.S., in Ohio and California. Chief Engineer Marc Ernst said the goal was to improve every aspect of the SUV that is available as a 7-passenger vehicle with captain's chairs in the second row or as an 8-passenger vehicle with a bench seat.
Ernst said taking the Pilot upscale will not infringe on the MDX as they attract different buyers.
Families represent 95% of Pilot buyers and they are younger buyers than the competition, with an average age of 47, said Richard Pham, product planner."
 
#31 ·
while the new Pilot has many features of the MDX, I would guess the smooth ride of the MDX will still be better versus the Pilot. Honda SUVs and the Odyssey minivan have a lot more interior noise versus the MDX and very different road feel.
The smoothness and ride characteristics are primarily determined by the chassis design. Apparently the 2016 Pilot will use the same chassis as the third gen MDX which would mean its ride characteristics should be similar. They may not be exact since a chassis can be tweaked towards firmer and better handling for one application and softer and more sedate handling for another application. This can be done by simply having different springs and shocks for one vehicle vs the other as well as tuning the steering responsiveness, transmission shifting patterns, engine responsiveness. These last few can be done with the MDX IDS settings - something I didn't see mentioned for the 2016 Pilot and possibly at least one of the distinctions.

I said 'apparently the same' due to this article on the 2016 Pilot -
2016 Honda Pilot loses weight to gain more sales

Also note the bit about the 2017 MDX production being added to Ohio -
...
In fact, on Wednesday Honda announced it will add production of the Acura MDX to its East Liberty, Ohio, plant beginning in 2017. The MDX is currently made only in Lincoln, Ala., alongside the Pilot and the Odyssey minivan. And next year Honda will resume production of the next-generation Ridgeline pickup at the Alabama plant.

All of those vehicles are from the same global platform. The Pilot, MDX, Ridgeline and Odyssey start with the same base chassis and there is some engine sharing, but all are tuned differently and body panels vary widely for the different body styles.

The Pilot was designed and engineered in the U.S., in Ohio and California.
...
 
#34 ·
So reviews are coming out today on the 2016 Honda Pilot. On the top trim level there appears to be some potential crossover with the lower trim levels of the MDX certainly in terms of features, similar engine, although less horsepower and the nine speed automatic transmission.

Redline Reviews on YouTube says that the MDX is still sportier and steers better and it appears from the Car & Driver tests, the 2016 MDX is a little quicker but the gap is closing; so hopefully Acura will up its game perhaps on the interior, more HP and other features for the MDX. Hell, the Pilot even has a panoramic skylight of sorts not that it matters to me, but still...
 
#35 ·
S Hell, the Pilot even has a panoramic skylight of sorts not that it matters to me, but still...
This was the one area my wife was borderline on buying the MDX. Our prior two vehicles had panos, the last of which opened for the back rows. Kids loved it and I would bet that as soon as it's an option on the MDX we'll be upgrading. I personally could care less. I realized this week that I've never opened the sunroof in my Yukon since buying it last fall. I should make sure it works before I blow through the warranty soon.
 
#36 ·
I was reading about the 2016 Honda Pilot and it sounds pretty nice. Maybe even nicer then my 2014 MDX with tech package. Kind of wish I had waited.

I like the MDX and all, but for the money it should of came with manymore "upgraded" standard features. Like panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, Remote start, Acura link should be free, 12V plug in rear seat area, or even USB ports, etc..

2016 Honda Pilot | Chicago Auto Show - Consumer Reports
Why does the Pilot get a panoramic roof, more USB ports and 3rd row HVAC vents, when the MDX doesn't????????
 
#40 ·
I personally think the current MDX interior is inferior to the true luxury players. From the low resolution dual screen with washed out colors during sunny days to the design and materials used, it does not feel luxurious. Even the current Lexus RX, which is going on 6 years, is more luxurious on the interior. From the look of the 2016 Pilot the interior it appears to be much nicer, dare I say more luxurious compared to the rather plain MDX interior. Sure the handling is not going to be as good but it's not like the current MDX is a sports sedan. And If the '16 Pilot can suppress imperfect roads, unlike the MDX, then it will most likely steal some sales from the MDX. Unless Acura improves the'17 MDX and make it a true luxury SUV, I know I would pick the '16 Pilot, playing the value option. I truly want Acura to succeed and stop being the value choice with many compromises.
 
#41 ·
True on most points but not all people are willing to pay an extra few thousand $ just to get more luxurious interior and tech. To some the MDX is just perfect for them.

The Pilot's interior sure do look nice and with lots of tech vs the MDX but I doubt the ride and comfort will be the same. Last week, we test drove a CRV touring and the 2015 RDX back to back. My wife, who is anti-luxury, was dead set on getting the cheaper CRV changed her mind after the test drive. Sure, the CRV offers more bang for the buck but the ride and comfort of driving the RDX did it for her. With that said, I don't think Honda would really allow the Pilot to overtake the MDX. The good thing about what they did with the Pilot is, Acura will be forced to update the MDX for the better

We also looked at the Lexus NX, too expensive for that size of a car. Sure the interior looks and feels better but for extra $10k vs the RDX? No way. And then the Audi Q3, drives nice and feels nice but for $38k you don't get a back up camera? And that's not the base model. For those 2 suv, good luck finding a trim that you really want to get the price down.



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#45 ·
Saw my first this weekend too. I thought perhaps it may look better in person than in pictures, but nah it's ugly. Full disclosure though...there are very very few crossovers that I find appealing. MDX isn't one of them either, but it's not as bad as the Pilot.
 
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