Chicago 2015: 2016 Honda Pilot, Acura RDX Debuting

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

Within an hour of each other on February 12, Honda and Acura will debut the 2016 Pilot and RDX at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

Honda says the redesigned three-row, eight-passenger Pilot — which is teased above — is meant to represent “a dramatic shift in design while showcasing new standout technologies, versatility, and dynamics currently unavailable in the mainstream SUV segment.” Like the previous two generations, the upcoming Pilot was designed in Los Angeles and Ohio. The SUV will leave the Lincoln, Ala. facility for showrooms this summer.

Over at Acura, the RDX’s own redesign is expected to blend “numerous fresh exterior and interior design elements to further enrich its sport and luxury qualities, all with a cohesiveness that speaks to its new capabilities.” Said capabilities include new premium and safety features, as well as improvements to performance and comfort. No word on when the premium crossover will arrive in showrooms as of this writing.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Kovakp Kovakp on Jan 22, 2015

    These dramatic chiaroscuro teaser shots can't die soon enough. They're unintentionally absurd because there's always so little to tease about. The corners get rounder, the A-piller gets more slanted and the rear of the roof becomes more downward-sloped. Same incremental changes for every car every time. Big whoop.

  • Slance66 Slance66 on Jan 22, 2015

    With the RDX there is only one question. Will they allow the passenger seat to be adjusted up and down? If not...it's off my radar. Its a huge complaint of many owners.

  • Wmba Wmba on Jan 22, 2015

    Well, Honda gave us the restyle of the CRV front end last year, which actually is reasonably attractive compared to the WW2 truck it used to resemble. With any luck, the Acura RDX might get a slather of the same. The Pilot, which isn't clogging the highways and byways around here at least, always struck me as a modern version of the Isuzu Trooper to gaze at, with a completely pointless grille. That will be easier to make more attractive - anyone with a certificate in design from a community college could accomplish that in one afternoon. Or maybe during their lunch break for a $20 bill.

  • Doublechili Doublechili on Jan 22, 2015

    It's time to replace my wife's 2006 Pilot. It's been really good, and she likes it a lot and would be happy with another one. For the reliability and what you get for the money, for a 3 row SUV there's not much else to think about for her beyond the Pilot and Highlander and ??? (haven't really researched it enough to know if there's anything else).

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    • Dal20402 Dal20402 on Jan 22, 2015

      @doublechili 7 or 8 years shouldn't be a stretch for any of the current domestics either. They tend to have some interesting luxury-ish options not available on Honda or Toyota if you're into that sort of thing. The Explorer is basically a Flex with more conventional CUV styling and, commensurately, a bit less interior room.

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