UPDATE 1: We included the official Press Release from Honda Cars Philippines below (2/2).

Honda is preparing to bring back its premium 7-seater mid-sized crossover, the Pilot back to its Philippine showrooms. Announcing the news via their official Facebook page, Honda Cars Philippines says that the all-new 2016 Pilot will arrive in showrooms this February.

The teaser doesn’t say much in terms of final specifications, but it does indicate that the all-new Pilot will feature more cutting-edge technology such as the driver-assistive HONDA SENSING package. In the US, Pilot models that come equipped with HONDA SENSING have Collision Mitigation Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation, and Lane Keeping Assist.



Apart from HONDA SENSING, the all-new Pilot comes with a sole engine, a 280-horsepower, 355 Nm 3.5-liter V6 engine. This Earth Dreams engine features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) with i-VTEC and Direct Injection as well as idle start/stop. Based on the sole photograph on HCPI’s Facebook page, the Pilot wears 18-inch rims with 245/60R18 tires at each corner. This also means that the highest possible variant would be the EX-L meaning it will be equipped with a 6-speed automatic and not a 9-speed automatic as seen in models equipped with the 20-inch rims.

Nonetheless, the all-new Pilot is some 135 kilograms lighter than the previous generation and features a steering ratio of 16.0:1—better than the Ford Explorer. It should come with features such as LED daytime running lights, halogen headlights, a push-button start/stop and more. It also promises an intuitive interior with a one-touch walk-in second row and third row seating with a low step-in height.



More details on the all-new 2016 Honda Pilot when we get them.

Press Release:
The All-New Pilot Landing Soon in Manila

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) gears up for the launching of the All-New Pilot this month. The much-anticipated luxury SUV makes its way to Philippine shores with sophisticated looks, advanced technology, and top-of the-line safety and utility than ever before. The All-New Pilot is set to elevate the premium SUV market with its debut.

First revealed at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show in North America, the All-New Pilot was re-engineered and redesigned from the ground-up.

As Honda’s premium SUV, the All-New Pilot brings with it a sleek new design. The 2016 model was restyled to sport a modern, yet commanding and muscular form by incorporating new premium exterior features such as the brighter and more efficient Signature LED Lighting for the front and rear.

Honda’s newest offering has a smooth aerodynamic shape with sharp character lines. Increasing personal sophistication for driver and all passengers, Premium styling is carried over to the All-New Pilot’s interior with new soft touch materials, LED ambient lighting and Honda’s Display Audio system, making it the most well appointed Pilot ever.

The All-New Pilot is adorned with awards such as the 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. The All-New Pilot earned good ratings in five crash worthiness tests (small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints) and superior rating for front crash prevention. This was made possible by equipping the All-New Pilot with Honda Sensing, an advanced driver-assistive technology to prevent or effectively respond to dangerous driving situations. Using a monocular camera and radar behind the front grille, several safety functions have been incorporated in the All-New Pilot such as the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).

The All-New Pilot is equipped with a more powerful direct injected 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC Earth Dreams Technology engine. Together with Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology, this allows it to deliver more refined and fuel efficient performance than ever.

Power is sent to the ground using a completely new Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) All Wheel Drive system that delivers more dynamic handling and confident all-weather performance. This system is paired with an all-new selectable Intelligent Traction Management system featuring Normal, Mud, Sand, and Snow modes.

Garnering reviews that befittingly translate the All-New Pilot’s top-of-the-line quality, the All-New Pilot promises to deliver the best experience anyone can get from a premium SUV.  The Pilot was also awarded the Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Buy Award Winner which attests to the overall value of the car.