The 2016 Honda Pilot 4WD, with its 3.5L V6 and all-wheel drive, gets 22 MPG combined, a practical middle ground. It won’t win any fuel efficiency awards, but it’s generally acceptable for families who need space, reliability, and all-weather confidence. People buy this Pilot for family needs like sports, snowy commutes, and weekend trips, not for maximum MPG.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates are 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. This difference shows the Pilot’s ability to save fuel on the highway, especially helpful for long trips. The 3.5L V6, even with all-wheel drive, cruises efficiently on the highway thanks to the nine-speed automatic transmission (S9), which keeps engine RPMs low. City driving, with stop-and-go traffic, lowers fuel economy. The Pilot’s weight and acceleration needs contribute to the lower city MPG rating.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2016 Honda Pilot 4WD’s annual fuel cost at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and average national gas prices during testing. Your actual costs will vary depending on your driving, fuel type, and gas prices. However, $2,000 provides a useful comparison point for the vehicle’s total cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates offer a standard, real-world mileage varies. Drivers mainly in the city, with frequent passengers and cargo, or those who accelerate quickly can expect around 19 MPG, or even less. Drivers who do mostly highway driving, keep a consistent speed, and drive efficiently can achieve close to or above 26 MPG. Checking your vehicle’s condition and PILOT MPG across all years is a good start. Knowing your driving habits helps predict your fuel consumption.

How it compares

The 2016 Honda Pilot 4WD’s fuel economy is competitive, but alternatives exist. The Toyota Highlander AWD with its 3.5L V6 offers similar fuel economy, around 21 MPG combined. The Ford Explorer with its 2.3L EcoBoost engine, with less passenger space, can get around 22-23 MPG combined with 4WD. The Nissan Pathfinder also gets around 21-22 MPG combined with its V6 and all-wheel drive. These comparisons are relevant for buyers balancing space, weather needs, and fuel costs. Choosing between these similar fuel economies often depends on brand preference, features, and driving experience. If fuel economy is very important, a hybrid SUV, though often pricier, might be better.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep consistent tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially with temperature changes, and inflate to the PSI on the driver’s side doorjamb. This can subtly improve fuel economy.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo adds weight, affecting fuel consumption. Regularly clean out your Pilot, removing unneeded items. While the Pilot carries a lot, minimizing daily weight use will improve MPG, especially in the city.

Anticipate traffic flow. Quick acceleration and braking waste fuel. By looking ahead, anticipating lights, and keeping a consistent speed, you can minimize sudden stops and starts. Smooth driving saves fuel and improves the driving experience. Access to real-time traffic data also can help choose more efficient routes.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, reducing speeding up and slowing down. This helps on long highway drives, where even slight speed changes affect fuel consumption. This is another way the 9-speed automatic contributes to the overall performance of this SUV. You may also want to research all Honda fuel economy data to compare alternative vehicles.