Honda Pilot gets less boxy

Don't let the Pilot's new, sleek look fool you. Honda's largest sport-utility vehicle is bigger than ever on the inside, particularly in its third-row seats.

Revamped from roof to tires, the 2016 Pilot shed its boxy exterior and upgraded its interior while adding features and power and is now capable of generating 280 horsepower from its reengineered and noticeably refined V-6 engine.

It also shed weight, putting this more powerful Pilot at the top in fuel mileage among large, three-row, gasoline-powered 2016 SUVs. The front-wheel drive 2016 Pilot with a new nine-speed automatic transmission is rated by the federal government at 20 m.p.g. in city driving and 27 m.p.g. on the highway.

There's even a new top-of-the-line Pilot Elite that comes standard with 20-inch wheels, leather seats, and spacious second-row captain's chairs, as well as the latest safety equipment and luxury-car features, like a heated steering wheel.

The starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, for the 2016 Pilot is $30,875 for a base LX model with front-wheel drive. The lowest starting retail price, including destination charge, for an all-wheel drive Pilot LX is $32,675.

The new Elite model, which has standard all-wheel drive, is priced at $47,300.

The Pilot's 3.5-liter V-6 engine adds direct injection to help boost horsepower by 30 over last year's model. Torque is increased by nine, to 262 foot-pounds at 4,700 r.p.m., and the test-driven model zoomed forward and merged into traffic with surprising ease.

With the nine-speed transmission, available only on the Touring and Elite models, the engine is surprisingly quiet and vibration-free. Lower trim levels get the carryover six-speed automatic, which reduces fuel mileage numbers by one m.p.g.

It's easy for a driver to forget just how large the new Pilot is because at more than 16 feet long, it feels remarkably light. The lighter weight - now starting at just over 4,000 pounds - and stiffer structure make the 2016 Pilot feel solid and stable but not ponderous.

The test-driven model was quiet inside, and its supple leather seats and steering wheel wrap, soft-touch interior plastics, side-door sunscreens, and eight-inch touchscreen display added to its luxurious feel. The big screen crisply displayed the view from the Pilot's backup camera.

The Elite also comes standard with a panoramic roof and four USB ports, and passengers marveled that a Honda SUV could come with so many luxury features.

The ride was comfortable, with the large SUV maintaining a smooth ride as it drove over bumps in the road. And its large, 20-inch wheels didn't transmit any heaviness to occupants.

A new one-touch feature helps passengers get into the third-row seat. Just push a button and a second-row seat automatically tilts and slides to its forwardmost position.

The second-row seat then can return to its midpoint setting.

The 2016 Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Every model comes with six airbags, antilock brakes, brake-assist, and electronic stability control. Top trim levels of Touring and Elite add the latest forward-collision and lane-departure warning and collision-mitigation system, among other things.

In July, 1,358 new Pilots were recalled because third-row seatbelts might be trapped between the seat and sideliner, making them difficult to use.