2016 Honda Pilot puts some style into the three-row family SUV

Call them the big box SUVs — those haulers that clog the Costco lots on weekends and school drop-off lanes on weekdays. This year, the boxiest of those sheds its edges for a more refined look, and Honda hopes that in doing so, the 2016 Pilot finds some new driveways.

The Pilot has long been one of the most popular three-row SUVs, although until last month it was outsold by the Honda Odyssey minivan, and it trails the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. Massive by Honda standards, the Pilot grows slightly for 2016, but Honda says it cut some 300 lbs. from the new SUVs frame in the name of efficiency. While the engine choices is limited to an updated version of Honda's 3.5-liter V-6 — the only mill Honda has large enough to move the Pilot — it can now come paired with a 9-speed automatic, along with the standard 6-speed. Honda didn't reveal power or efficiency specs, only promising top grades among competitors in both.