Although automakers would deny it, most midsize three-row SUVs are transitioned from minivans. Thankfully, the 2023 Honda Pilot brings stuff we don’t often see.
For generations, the Pilot has been a trustworthy three-row midsize SUV that makes several top-of-class lists. When looking for a useful family hauler, the Pilot is an excellent alternative to minivans. That said, the 2023 version gives us something new that we don’t find in many competitors. This new generation of the Pilot brings a real off-road trim, giving you the adventurous capabilities desired.
What makes the TrailSport trim special?
This new off-road version of the Pilot brings the features necessary to climb rugged trails, handle rocks and boulders, and wade through a muddy bog. Some of the trim-specific elements of this Pilot trim are:
- Standard AWD
- All-terrain tires
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- One additional inch of ground clearance
- Roof rails
- Skid plates
- Class III trailer hitch
- Front and rear recovery points
- Trail and Sand driving modes
- TrailWatch off-road camera
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Synthetic leather upholstery with orange stitching
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Panoramic roof with moonroof
- 9-speaker audio system
- 9-inch touchscreen
- USB ports in all three rows
The off-road features make it easy to take this three-row midsize SUV out for some fun on the trails.
More power from the same-sized engine
Every model of the new Honda Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine attached to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. This sounds pretty similar to the previous generation, but the transmission has one more gear, and the engine is more powerful. For this generation, the V6 is tuned to 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy reaches 22 mpg combined in FWD models, 21 mpg combined in AWD models, and 20 mpg combined in the TrailSport trim. The max towing capacity of the Pilot is 5,000 pounds.
How much does this new Honda SUV cost?
The Pilot comes in six trims, giving you a wide range of equipment and pricing to make sure you have the desired package. Pricing for this impressive SUV is:
- LX – $35,950
- Sport – $39,150
- EX-L – $41,950
- Touring – $46,450
- TrailSport – $48,350
- Elite – $52,030
What does the base Pilot include?
The new Honda Pilot LX brings a wonderful package of standard features to give you an amazing drive and plenty of comfort features for your family. This trim includes:
- Honda Sensing Suite
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Driver attention monitor
- Traffic sign recognition
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Rearview monitor
- Tire pressure monitor
- Rear seat reminder
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- Keyless Smart Entry
- Push-button starting
- 60/40 folding third-row seats and one-touch fold-flat second-row seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate controls
- LED interior lights
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- 240-watt/7-speaker audio system
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Four USB charging ports
- Drive modes: Normal, Econ, Snow, Tow
As you can see, this long list provides you with a complete package of excellent features to make your family comfortable and give you what you want during your drive.
What does the Elite trim bring to the table?
On the other end of the spectrum, if you drive the Pilot Elite, you’ll have every comfort and convenience this Honda SUV offers. This version builds off the lower trims to give you:
- Standard AWD
- TrailWatch camera system
- Auto-dimming side mirrors
- Heated and rain-sensing wipers
- Perforated leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- LED door trim lighting
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row outboard seats
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- 110-volt outlet
Certainly, you could make use of all of these added comfort features in your Honda SUV.
Adults can use the third row in the Pilot
Many three-row midsize SUVs only offer the third row as an afterthought. That’s become less popular with the inclusion of the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Of course, the Honda Pilot has ensured the third-row seat has been adult-friendly for many years. This continues in a new Pilot, which is bigger, bolder, and boxier than the outgoing model. This new size and shape mean even more space for your entire family to enjoy this SUV as they grow.
Will you choose the new 2023 Honda Pilot? If you’ve got a growing, active, and adventurous family, this could be the right three-row midsize SUV for you to drive.
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