Intrepid ride!
When it comes to adventure, the all-new Honda Pilot surely delivers! With the capabilities of the TrailSport model, drivers get the total package in that this vehicle is equally family friendly but off-road ready! The three-row SUV has improvements from grille to tailgate, with a roomy, modern interior that gives your passengers equal satisfaction on that next driving experience. Off-road capability and on-road refinement is found here!
Reviews are in!
When it comes to reviewing the Honda Pilot and its offerings, one is hard-pressed to find anything wrong. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
From this automaker, who for 20 years has delivered the top in performance and quality with the Pilot, that same commitment is ever-present in the 2023 model year. In this fourth-generation Pilot, it is longer, wider, taller, more spacious, and the list goes on! And on! It surely outshines its rivals in the midsize SUV segment.
Much is to be said for the interior and exterior redesign, a complete overhaul from the previous year. The towering hood, large grille, sleek headlights and stronger belt line result in the new Pilot bringing forth a much more powerful stance than ever before! It is truly more athletic looking than ever, as well as 3.4 inches longer, over an inch wider and an inch taller.
Long gone is the dated interior of the past. For 2023, Honda, presents a more family-friendly cabin, favored by many. It is larger and features sharper screens to accommodate new tech, as well as fresh lines, more buttons and more features. Speaking of buttons, the new Pilot has an actual volume knob built into its infotainment setup, a welcome addition for sure! Where the new Pilot really shines inside, though, is in the redesigned seating for eight, complete with door cards and floating armrests that allow for more and bigger cupholders — 14 in all! Inside are also easily accessible charging outlets and what has become everyone’s favorite — a removable second-row middle seat. These seats are supple in available leather trim, adding that extra comfort while maneuvering rough terrain.
On the outside, drivers are lauding the redesigned front end, which is home to a hexagon-mesh grille and narrow-eyed LED headlights. The exterior is also marked by bold angles and straight edges, resulting in a truly tough, rugged aesthetic. It sits on 20-inch alloy wheels, adding to its overall striking look. LED taillights in back hold great appeal, making this all-new Pilot the most desirable option at the top of the Honda lineup.
In the area of power, an updated V-6 engine has made for an improved throttle response, according to those who have given it a test drive, with the 10-speed automatic shifts resulting in a smooth ride. Similar to the outgoing model, the new Pilot for 2023 is presented with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, although the new gen boasts 285 horsepower, which is an increase of 5-hp over last year. The SUV remains a front-wheel-drive-based model with all-wheel drive available as an option.
Performance is ranked as solid, with the drive more refined than its predecessor, although not quite to the level of a luxury vehicle. This model is expected to be quieter than before, softer at the wheel and, thanks to the suspension tuning, has the ability to handle big potholes with ease.
What is most fantastic though, according to those who have had the pleasure to test drive, is the steering, complete with an overall sporty feel, moving the three-row SUV easily through a variety of terrain. This vehicle for 2023 keeps its cool composure even on the tightest bends and mud-covered roads.
Drivers also note improved braking performance in this model year, solid in all sorts of road conditions and stable despite cold temps or heavy drizzles.
A TrailSport trim, presented in the all-new Pilot, is much more than meets the eye! It is also exactly what people are asking for when it comes to making those fun weekend excursions! It is perfect for everyone in that regard, whether it’s someone used to off-roading or someone new to the thrill. A 3.5-liter V6 powertrain, 10-speed automatic all-wheel-drive and 285 hp and 262 lb-ft. of torque provides all-out capability on those rugged trails. Most notable in the enhancements to get to this level is a one-inch suspension lift over the stock Pilot, which gives the TrailSport 8.3 inches of ground clearance. That is even more than other models such as the Ford Explorer Timberline and just 0.2 inches shy of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. A revised suspension performance, tech enhancements and a cool light blue hue called Diffused Sky Pearl round out the trim with the reviews being nothing but off-the-charts when it comes to the off-roading capability found here — and the cool color is a fan favorite! The Pilot achieves this off-road ruling moniker with no sacrifice to on-road comfort or its overall likability as the go-to brand.
While the cost has increased in this new version, rising to over $40,000, it is recommended to opt for the Pilot EX-L based on its balance of price and features. This trim adds leather seats, the larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging and a power tailgate.
Key features across the entire Pilot lineup includes:
— Seven-inch touchscreen (nine on the Touring and Elite)
— New-generation front airbags
— New side airbags
— Honda Sensing with wide-view camera and radar
— Hill descent control
— Blind-spot monitoring with increased range (82 feet)
— Traffic jam assist
— Sign recognition
— A rear seat reminder that warns drivers if they are leaving anyone or anything in back
Honda has truly held on to what it does best — with drivers ready for the next adventure — the intrepid ride leading them toward whatever excursion lies ahead! With a new look, new V6 engine and new 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot for 2023 still holds true to some of the staples set by its predecessor. This Pilot more than delivers on the trail, with a faultless system that will stand the test of any road condition. While this off-roading may be just a weekend excursion, experience the Pilot all other days as well. Ride quality is excellent, regardless of trim, with the cabin providing comfort to all within. Not so new new has never looked or felt better! Test drive yours today!