Sorry for arriving late at the party. I finally had a chance to test drive the 2016 pilot. Have driven both the EX-L and Touring (the one with 9 speed paddle shifters). Found that the EX-L V6 with the Six speed auto transmission(without eco) more responsive than the 9 speed one. In fact the 9 speed touring felt like a CVT with the smooth shifting. The gimmicky paddle shifter did not make any impression in the sense that a test drive of the Ford Explorer Paddle shifter felt more responsive.
Would love to hear from owners of 2016 Pilot on their driving impressions of the SUV.