The 280 hp engine adds 30 hp (+12%) and 9 lb-ft of torque (+3.6%) over the 2015 Pilot model while receiving an EPA combined fuel-economy rating of 23 mpg (10.2 l/100 km) for the 2WD with nine-speed automatic transmission, up 2 mpg from the 2015 Pilot (+9.5%).

These new powertrains combine with a new, lighter yet more rigid unit-body and aerodynamically efficient body and chassis designs that result in class-leading EPA fuel economy ratings topping out at 20/27/23 mpg (city/highway/combined) for two-wheel-drive models and 19/26/22 mpg for all-wheel-drive models.

The Pilot’s available new Intelligent VTM4 (i-VTM4) progressively distributes optimum torque between the front and rear axles and, for the first time in a Honda vehicle, dynamically distributes engine torque between the left and right rear wheels. Benefits include superior all-weather handling and neutral, accurate steering under power that is more effective than front-drive, rear-drive or conventional all-wheel-drive systems.

This new Pilot features a new button-operated Intelligent Terrain Management System that offers different operating modes, for the AWD: Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand; and for the FWD: Normal and Snow.

Based on the setting selected, the system adjusts the drive-by-wire map, transmission shift map, Vehicle Stability Assist and i-VTM4 torque distribution for AWD-equipped models for optimal performance in a variety of road or surface conditions.

The 2016 Pilot adopts the next generation of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure along with a new “3-bone” underbody frame design and new hot-stamped ultra-high strength steel door rings. Taken together, these engineering features and technologies deliver major gains to the Pilot’s collision avoidance and collision protection capabilities.

The new Pilot is available with the most comprehensive set of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies ever offered on a Honda vehicle. Together these technologies make up Honda Sensing, a suite of technologies designed to expand the driver’s situational awareness while sensing and responding to potential road hazards, including other vehicles, road obstacles and even pedestrians, even to the point of mitigating the possibility or severity of a collision. It includes a standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and an available suite of safety and driver assistive technologies that includes Honda’s LaneWatch display, a blind spot information system, Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control, and two Honda-first technologies: Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor.

Standard safety and driver-assistive features include four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control; an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, driver and front passenger SmartVent side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions; and a new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with real-time display of individual tire pressures.

The 2016 Honda Pilot SUV, with seating up to eight passengers, joins the best-selling Honda CR-V and all-new HR-V as the flagship of an expanded lineup of Honda SUVs. The 2016 Pilot goes on sale June 18 with an MSRP starting at $29,995 for the Pilot LX with 2WD.