2016 Honda Pilot Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2016 Honda Pilot offered two primary transmission options depending on the trim level: a 6-speed automatic and a 9-speed automatic.

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

9-Speed Automatic Transmission

Available axle ratios

The 2016 Honda Pilot used different final drive ratios depending on the transmission and drivetrain (front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive).

It's important to note that Honda typically integrates the final drive ratio within the transaxle itself, and they are not typically referred to with separate RPO codes in the same manner as traditional rear-wheel-drive truck axles.

How to identify your axle ratio

For the 2016 Honda Pilot, identifying the "axle ratio" isn't as straightforward as with some domestic trucks that use distinct axle codes on door jamb stickers or physical axle tags. Honda integrates the final drive ratio within the transmission assembly (transaxle). The easiest way to determine which final drive ratio your vehicle has is to know which transmission it's equipped with and whether it's front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

• Check your vehicle trim and drivetrain: The 6-speed automatic was generally found on lower trims (LX, EX, EX-L), while the 9-speed automatic was standard on higher trims (Touring, Elite).
• Owner's Manual: Your owner's manual will specify the transmission type and often the final drive ratios for your specific model and drivetrain configuration.
• VIN Decoder: Using an online VIN decoder can sometimes provide detailed specifications, including the transmission type, which will indirectly tell you the final drive ratio.

Unlike body-on-frame trucks with traditional rear diffs, there isn't a separate axle tag or RPO sticker code for the final drive ratio on a Honda Pilot. The transmission type directly correlates to the final drive ratio.

Towing vs MPG impact

The relationship between gear ratios (both transmission and final drive) and a vehicle's performance characteristics like towing capacity and fuel economy is fundamental.

• Numerically Higher Ratio (e.g., 4.143 or 4.330): A numerically higher final drive ratio means the engine will spin at a higher RPM for a given road speed. This provides more torque multiplication to the wheels, which is beneficial for towing heavy loads, accelerating quickly, and driving in hilly terrain. However, this comes at the cost of fuel economy, as the engine works harder (higher RPM) to maintain speed, especially at highway cruising speeds. For the 2016 Pilot, the 6-speed automatic generally had numerically higher final drive ratios, offering slightly better pulling power.

• Numerically Lower Ratio (e.g., 3.750): Conversely, a numerically lower final drive ratio means the engine spins at a lower RPM for the same road speed. This reduces engine workload and generally leads to better fuel economy, particularly during highway driving. The trade-off is reduced torque multiplication, which can diminish towing capacity and acceleration performance. The 9-speed automatic in the 2016 Pilot typically featured a numerically lower final drive ratio, contributing to its improved fuel efficiency.

When choosing a vehicle for specific needs, understanding these trade-offs is crucial. If you frequently tow or live in an area with steep inclines, a higher ratio might be more suitable. For primarily highway driving and maximizing fuel efficiency, a lower ratio would be preferable.

Common issues

For the 2016 Honda Pilot, specifically regarding the transmission and final drive, some common issues have been reported, primarily related to the 9-speed automatic transmission.

• 9-Speed Automatic Shifting Issues: Some owners of 2016 Pilots equipped with the ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic transmission (found in Touring and Elite trims) have reported harsh, delayed, or unpredictable shifts. These issues often manifest as clunky downshifts, hesitation, or difficulty finding the correct gear. While sometimes resolved with software updates, significant mechanical issues have also been cited in some cases, including transmission control module (TCM) failures.

• Torque Converter Shudder: Related to the 9-speed transmission, some owners have experienced a shudder or vibration, particularly under light acceleration or at certain speeds. This can be indicative of a torque converter issue.

• No specific widespread issues are commonly reported for the 6-speed automatic or the final drive units beyond standard wear and tear for well-maintained vehicles. Honda's final drive units are generally robust and integrated into the transaxle and do not typically suffer from the same discrete issues as traditional rear differentials (like ring and pinion whine or carrier bearing failure) unless there's a direct impact or lack of lubrication.

It is always advisable to have any transmission-related concerns diagnosed by a qualified technician promptly to prevent further damage.

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