The new 2016 Honda Pilot is losing its boxy shape and gaining a sleek design packed with new technology and safety features. The vehicle will go on sale this summer, but those who went to the Chicago Auto Show are getting the first looks at it.

The Pilot was first introduced in 2002. Since then, 1.4 million Pilots have been purchased. The problem lately has been their design, they are just too boxy and outdated, USA Today reported.

Honda caught on and is totally remaking the third generation of the Pilot for the 2016 model year. A new engine, transmission and interior amenities are all changes featured in the new Pilot.

"It's a huge change from the rectangle and from a time when the truck look was cool," said Dave Sullivan, analyst with AutoPacific in Ann Arbor. "Now it looks like the (Honda) CR-V's big brother, which is good because Honda sells more than 300,000 CR-Vs a year. Applying the same formula to the Pilot was a wise choice. I hope they're ready to make a lot of them."

Almost all buyers of the seven to eight passenger Pilot are families (95 percent). The average age of a buyer is 47.

The new Pilot will get a 3.5-liter V6 engine specifically designed for the Pilot. Two separate transmissions will be featured in the Pilots, a six-speed automatic for the lower trim levels and a nine speed for the high trim levels.

Over two-thirds of Pilot buyers opt for the all-wheel-drive system, which also got an update in this new Pilot.

The Pilot got about three inches bigger but was able to lose 300 pounds in weight. This will lead to Honda being a class leader in fuel economy, Chief Engineer Marc Ernst said.

Safety features include a rearview camera, lane watching technology, rear cross-traffic monitoring and front collision warning.

Entertainment options in the new Pilot will be plentiful. In total, there are five USB ports to keep phones charged, and there is a new audio system that will allow for Bluetooth music to be played.

Honda hopes the Pilot will be as successful as the smaller CR-V. According to MotorTrend, Honda sold 335,000 CRVs in 2014.

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