The 2016 Honda Pilot remains a top-tier choice for families needing reliable, versatile transportation, and one of its strongest selling points is the surprisingly generous trunk space. While the Pilot’s exterior dimensions classify it as a mid-size SUV, the engineers have maximized the internal cargo capacity, creating a storage area that easily handles weekly grocery hauls, luggage for extended vacations, and bulky items like sports equipment. Understanding the specific dimensions, configurations, and real-world usability of the 2016 Pilot’s trunk is essential for anyone considering this model for their lifestyle.
Measuring the 2016 Honda Pilot Trunk
When evaluating the trunk space of the 2016 Honda Pilot, the numbers provide the first indication of its capability. The manufacturer specifies the cargo area volume behind the rear seat as 87.8 cubic feet. This figure represents the maximum space available when the second row is folded flat, creating a nearly level floor that extends from the rear door to the back of the front seats. For context, this capacity outmatches many direct competitors in the mid-size segment, offering a significant advantage for hauling large items.
Behind the Rear Seat: The Primary Hauling Zone
The area directly behind the third row is the workhorse of the 2016 Pilot’s cargo capacity. With the third row folded down, this zone becomes the primary storage area, perfect for moving furniture, large appliances, or multiple large suitcases. The flat, wide floor minimizes wasted space and allows for easy loading of long items that can extend beyond the rear door opening. The high sides of the trunk walls provide security for valuable items, keeping them out of sight and protected during transit.
Seating Configurations and Their Impact on Space
It is important to note that the trunk space of the 2016 Honda Pilot is dynamic, changing based on how many rows of seats are in use. With all three rows occupied, the 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row is still accessible, though it is reserved for smaller items like backpacks or purses. When the third row is folded, the 41.3 cubic feet behind the first row provides ample room for a full-sized refrigerator or a stack of moving boxes. Folding the second row in addition to the third unlocks the full 87.8 cubic feet, transforming the vehicle into a moving truck equivalent.
Access and Practicality
While cubic feet are a critical metric, the usability of the space is equally important, and the 2016 Pilot excels in this regard. The rear hatchback design swings upward, providing wide opening access to the entire trunk volume. This high-lift gate makes loading heavy items significantly easier than folding down rear seats that open only from the seat bottom. Furthermore, the rear seats themselves offer a substantial pass-through feature, allowing caregivers to access the third row without disturbing a child seated in the middle of the second row.
