What year did Honda Pilot body style change?
The body style changed with the 2016 model year, when the Honda Pilot entered its third generation.
Context and what sparked the change
The Honda Pilot has progressed through three generations since its 2003 debut. The significant styling leap came with the third generation, which brought a more modern, rounded look and a redesigned interior, signaling Honda's shift in the midsize SUV segment.
Generational timeline
To understand when the body style changed, here's a concise timeline of Pilot generations and their model-year spans.
- First generation: 2003–2008 model years
- Second generation: 2009–2015 model years (a mid-cycle refresh around 2013–2014 updated exterior/interior)
- Third generation: 2016–present (with annual updates; the 2016 model year marked the start of the new styling language)
The 2016 model year is the pivotal point where the Pilot's exterior styling and interior packaging moved away from the 2003–2015 look to a newer design language.
Design changes that accompanied the 2016 redesign
Before listing the major styling and feature shifts, note that the 2016 redesign introduced a set of changes that defined the new generation's appearance and capability.
- Exterior: Sleeker lines, redesigned grille and lighting, a more rounded silhouette, and a longer wheelbase in some trims.
- Interior: A more premium-feeling cabin with revised layout, larger touchscreen options, and improved materials.
- Mechanicals and tech: Updated infotainment, improved ride quality, and new or updated powertrain options (including enhancements to efficiency and all-around capability).
These changes established the third generation’s look and laid the groundwork for subsequent refinements through the late 2010s and early 2020s.
Practical implications for buyers and enthusiasts
For buyers, the 2016 Pilot represented a meaningful upgrade in styling, comfort, and technology, as Honda aimed to better compete with rival midsize SUVs. For enthusiasts tracking design history, the 2016 launch is the most definitive inflection point in the Pilot’s styling trajectory.
Summary
The Honda Pilot’s body style changed with the 2016 model year, marking the start of the third generation and a shift toward a more modern, refined design. Since then, the model has evolved with ongoing updates while retaining the core third-generation framework.
What year did Honda Pilot change body style?
The Honda Pilot has changed its body style in a few key years: 2009, which introduced a redesigned, more rugged look for the second generation, and 2016, which brought the third generation with a more streamlined, minivan-like appearance. The fourth generation, which features a more rugged and boxy style, debuted for the 2023 model year. There were also smaller styling updates for the 2006 model year, according to Wikipedia.
- 2009: The first-generation Pilot was replaced by a completely redesigned second generation, which was more squared-off and rugged in appearance.
- 2016: The third generation was a major redesign, moving away from the sharp angles of the previous generation toward a more curved, rounded, and "mini-van-like" look.
- 2023: The fourth generation launched with a new, more rugged and boxy design, taking cues from other Honda vehicles like the Ridgeline.
- 2006: This was a mid-cycle refresh, with changes to the front fascia, grille, and headlights, as well as new taillights and redesigned wheels for some trims.
Which year of Honda Pilot is the best?
Here is a summary ranking of the most reliable years for the Honda Pilot:
- Third Generation (2016-Present): Best for its modern features, advanced safety technology, and overall refinement.
- Second Generation (2009-2015): Known for its improved interior space, comfort, and reliable performance.
What are the different generations of Honda Pilots?
The Honda Pilot has four generations, starting with the first generation from 2003–2008, the second from 2009–2015, the third from 2016–2022, and the fourth generation, which began in 2023 and continues to the present. Each generation has seen redesigns and updates in style, features, and technology, with the latest generation introducing more rugged, off-road options like the TrailSport trim.
This video shows the evolution of the Honda Pilot from its first generation to the fourth generation: 58sAutomotive RevolutionYouTube · Jul 6, 2023
Generation breakdown
- First Generation: 2003–2008
- Second Generation: 2009–2015
- Third Generation: 2016–2022
- Fourth Generation: 2023–Present
This video explains the differences between the 2022 and 2023 Honda Pilot, which marks the start of the fourth generation: 1mVagabond BuildsYouTube · Mar 15, 2023
When was the last Pilot redesign?
The last complete redesign of the Honda Pilot was for the 2023 model year, which introduced a more rugged, boxy style, a larger interior with more cargo space, and a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Before that, a major redesign occurred for the 2016 model year, which featured a curvier design and updated technology. The 2019 model year included a refresh for that generation.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2023 Honda Pilot redesign: 37sNext-Gen CarYouTube · Nov 10, 2025
2023 redesign (fourth generation)
- Exterior: A completely new, more rugged and boxy design with a larger grille.
- Engine: Continued with a 3.5L V6 engine but included a new 10-speed automatic transmission, a slight increase in horsepower to 285 hp.
- Interior: A significantly larger cabin with increased legroom and best-in-class cargo space.
- TrailSport trim: Reintroduced with off-road enhancements like skid plates, a suspension lift, and all-terrain tires.
2016 redesign (third generation)
- Exterior: Switched to a curvier, more rounded design, resembling a larger CR-V, and increased in overall size.
- Interior: Received an updated dashboard and more upscale features, including available captain's chairs for the second row and an 8-inch touchscreen.
- Powertrain: Introduced a new 3.5L V6 engine and a choice between a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission.
- Technology: Added features like available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technologies.
2019 refresh (part of the third generation)
- Exterior: Received a mild styling update.
- Interior: The in-cabin "conversation mirror" was replaced by an available intercom system.
- Technology: The 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across all trims.
