Honda has kicked off volume production for its redesigned Pilot crossover.
Unveiled earlier this year in Chicago, the third-generation Pilot brings a completely redesigned exterior. The boxy form has been dropped in favor of a more streamlined profile, adding an extra 3.5 inches overall length.
The interior has also been reimagined, with a modernized dashboard and a new eight-inch infotainment system. Materials have been upgraded and seating has been revamped for improved comfort.
The company notes that all three generations of the Pilot were designed in America at its Los Angeles design studio, developed at its Raymond, Ohio, R&D center and manufactured in Alabama.
“Our U.S.-based development team lives with the midsize family SUV everyday and we have applied our deep understanding into the development of this best ever, third-generation Pilot,” said Pilot development leader Marc Ernst. “We advanced Pilot’s dual-purpose character by increasing both family utility and personal sophistication to meet the needs of the driver and passengers in every dimension of their life.”
The new Pilot joins the CR-V and the recently launched HR-V crossover, which serves as a “gateway model” for the company’s SUV/CUV lineup. It will be built alongside the Odyssey minivan and eventually the all-new Ridgeline pickup, due to arrive early next year.
Prices for the 2016 Pilot start at $30,875 (including $880 freight). The first units will begin arriving in US showrooms next month.
Image by Brian Williams.
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