What year did Honda Pilot change style?
The major styling change for the Honda Pilot occurred with the 2016 model year, when it entered its third generation. A subsequent mid-cycle refresh appeared for the 2022 model year, updating exterior styling and adding new trim options such as TrailSport.
This article traces how the Pilot’s design evolved over time, highlighting the 2016 redesign that gave the SUV a contemporary look and the 2022 refresh that refreshed its front end, interior tech, and overall character to stay competitive in the mid-size SUV market.
Major styling milestones
Below are the most significant styling shifts in the Pilot’s modern history, focusing on when Honda reset its look and feel.
- 2016 model year — Third-generation redesign: The Pilot received a comprehensive styling overhaul, introducing sharper lines, a more sculpted front fascia, a larger grille, and a refreshed interior layout that emphasized space, comfort, and a more modern cabin experience.
- 2016 model year — Interior and tech upgrade: Alongside the exterior changes, the interior gained updated materials, improved infotainment options, and revised ergonomics aimed at family-friendly practicality.
- 2016 model year — Platform and packaging refinements: The redesign aligned the Pilot with newer Honda family vehicles, improving on-road manners, cargo versatility, and overall perceived quality.
The 2016 redesign redefined the Pilot’s image, shifting it toward a more contemporary, family-focused SUV with a bolder street presence and upgraded interior amenities.
2016 redesign: What changed
The 2016 Pilot introduced a distinctly new face and silhouette: a more assertive front grille, redesigned headlights, and a refreshed bumper treatment, combined with a cabin that offered more space, new materials, and updated controls. The overall effect was a more modern, road-focused look that differentiated it from the previous generation.
Mid-cycle refresh and later styling updates
Before the next list, note that Honda pursued a mid-cycle refresh to keep the Pilot current in a crowded market. The 2022 model year brought notable aesthetic and tech updates, along with new trim options designed to broaden the model’s appeal.
- 2022 model year — Mid-cycle refresh: Exterior updates included a revised front fascia with updated headlights and grille, plus refreshed rear styling to modernize the Pilot’s profile.
- 2022 model year — New TrailSport trim: A rugged-oriented variant that emphasized off-road capability with unique styling cues and available all-wheel drive enhancements.
- 2022 model year — Interior and tech updates: A larger touchscreen and updated infotainment/driver-assist tech were introduced across more trims, boosting usability and connectivity.
The 2022 refresh kept the Pilot competitive by pairing refreshed styling with improved technology and a rugged-oriented trim that broadened its appeal in diverse driving contexts.
2022 refresh: What changed
In 2022, Honda updated the Pilot’s front end with a more contemporary grille and headlight design, delivering a cleaner, more modern face. The interior saw a larger touchscreen and upgraded connected features, while the TrailSport variant introduced exterior accents and suspension tuning aimed at better off-road capability. These changes collectively refreshed the Pilot’s look and feel without a full redesign.
Summary
The Honda Pilot’s most pronounced styling shift occurred in 2016 with the move to its third generation, delivering a bold, modern exterior and improved interior. A mid-cycle refresh in 2022 added fresh exterior details, new trims like TrailSport, and updated technology to keep the model competitive in the evolving SUV landscape. Taken together, these changes map the Pilot’s evolution from a conventional family SUV to a more contemporary, tech-forward, and capable mid-size crossover.
