In the last 11 months we’ve talked a lot about our long-term 2016 Honda Pilot. Everything from car seats and diaper bags to the safety tech and its first service stop have been discussed. Now, as we enter the holiday season it only seems fitting we turn our attention to what kind of presents you can buy your Pilot.
Of course we are talking about accessories. Being a vehicle that is aimed at doing it all–from family hauling duties and soccer practice to hitting the beach with your buddies–it’s only fitting that Honda and its dealerships welcome you with open arms to a plethora of things you can purchase as an add-on for your new Pilot.
Today the question is: which accessories are worth the price?
The must haves
2016 Honda Pilot Touring long-term road test, accessories
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If you ever plan on hauling anything, from a trailer full of mulch or couches to a boat or pair jet skis, you’ll need a hitch. More specifically, you’ll need some form of tow package. This is a dealer-installed option and can be added to your Pilot at any time. For light-duty towing up to 3,500 pounds you can opt for just a trailer hitch and harness which is $585 plus installation, which varies depending on which transmission your Pilot has. If you want to haul a larger boat or load you can increase towing capacity to 5,000 pounds if you have all-wheel drive and add a transmission cooler, which costs $384.62 for the 9-speed and $180 for the 6-speed, plus installation.
2016 Honda Pilot Touring long-term road test, accessories
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If you are one to go camping often the tent option might be a good thing to look into. While we didn’t get a chance to test it, for $382 this set up is 10 feet by 10 feet and sleeps up to 6 people. What’s more, making it even more like a palace is a 6 foot by 6 foot rainfly that extends the usable area and adds protection to the roof of the tent. You have full access to the Pilot while inside the tent as well.
2016 Honda Pilot Touring long-term road test, accessories
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The all-season floor mats are a must if you live anywhere the experiences inclement weather. At $208 they are a value compared to many aftermarket solutions, especially considering you get mats for the front, second- and third-row seats.
2016 Honda Pilot Touring long-term road test, accessories
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While the rear windows on the Pilot do feature privacy glass, for those hauling expensive equipment such as camera gear or other valuable items one might try to break into a vehicle and steal, the cargo cover might be something to look into for $275.
2016 Honda Pilot Touring long-term road test, accessories
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Live in the Snowbelt states? If your Pilot isn’t a top Elite trim you don’t have a heated steering wheel. My friend, you’ll regret that really quick the first day it’s below zero. For $500 you can add a heated steering wheel that’s integrated with the remote start system. We would recommend it.
Might be nice but there are other options
2016 Honda Pilot Touring long-term road test, accessories
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Hate it when the edges of your doors get marred? For $49 you can protect them with door edge film. While it seems like a good idea, and it is, this is something the aftermarket does pretty cheaply, especially if you wrap it into a larger job such as covering the front of your Pilot in clear shield. Shop around before just opting for the dealership route on this one.
