Honda has officially announced the arrival of the all-new 2023 Honda Pilot, marking the fourth generation of their flagship SUV. Billed as the largest and most powerful Honda SUV to date, the 2023 Pilot is engineered to deliver a class-leading blend of off-road prowess and smooth on-road driving dynamics. This redesigned Pilot aims to be the ultimate family SUV, boasting a more rugged aesthetic, increased interior space, and advanced technological features. The lineup includes the all-new Pilot TrailSport, specifically designed as the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever produced, catering to adventurous families seeking to explore beyond paved roads.
The 2023 Honda Pilot model range starts with the well-equipped Pilot Sport, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) beginning at $39,150, excluding a $1,295 destination charge.
Lance Woelfer, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales, emphasized the comprehensive redesign of the 2023 Honda Pilot. He stated that it is set to establish a new benchmark in the competitive midsize 3-row SUV segment. With enhanced space, power, and capability, the new Pilot is presented as a more rugged and adventure-ready vehicle for families.
2023 Honda Pilot Trim Levels and Key Features
The 2023 Honda Pilot is available in five distinct trim levels, each offering a unique combination of features and capabilities to suit diverse customer needs.
Honda Pilot Sport: The entry-level Sport trim is surprisingly well-appointed, featuring Honda’s brand-new 3.5-liter V6 engine, specifically tuned for the Pilot, coupled with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, ensuring smooth and capable performance. Standard Hill Descent Control further enhances the Pilot’s capability, especially on varied terrains.
Inside, the Pilot Sport includes a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, complemented by physical knobs for volume and tuning. Practicality and comfort are ensured with tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and LED headlights. The exterior is distinguished by Shark Gray 20-inch 7-spoke wheels.
Honda Pilot EX-L: Stepping up to the EX-L trim adds premium features and enhanced technology. Leather seats elevate interior comfort, while a larger 9-inch touchscreen display becomes standard, retaining wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity and a simplified menu interface. Convenience is further enhanced with a Qi-compatible 15W wireless smartphone charging pad, an upgraded 9-speaker audio system, and a power tailgate. Exterior enhancements for the EX-L include chrome trim accents and machined 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels.
Honda Pilot TrailSport: The all-new TrailSport trim is the standout for off-road enthusiasts, representing the most rugged Honda Pilot ever. It incorporates specialized off-road hardware, including a suspension system tuned for trails that increases ground clearance by an inch. Robust steel skid plates are installed to protect the underbody when venturing off-road. It is also the first Honda SUV to feature all-terrain tires, mounted on unique 18-inch wheels designed to withstand off-road conditions.
To aid in navigating challenging terrain, the TrailSport is equipped with a TrailWatch camera system, utilizing four exterior cameras to provide multiple views of the vehicle’s surroundings. Exclusive design touches for the TrailSport include optional Diffused Sky Blue paint, orange contrast stitching inside the cabin, TrailSport logo floor mats and head restraints, and a standard panoramic sunroof.
Honda Pilot Touring: The Touring trim emphasizes versatility and premium features. It introduces on-demand 8-passenger seating flexibility with a class-first multi-function removable middle seat in the second row. This seat can be conveniently stored under the rear cargo floor, providing adaptable seating configurations. The Pilot Touring is unique in its class, offering both 8-passenger capacity and a panoramic sunroof.
Entertainment is enhanced with a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, custom-tuned for the Pilot’s interior. Integrated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ and Wi-Fi Hotspot capability are also standard.
Honda Pilot Elite: As the top-tier trim, the Elite model comes standard with all-wheel drive and further elevates the interior experience. Features include perforated leather seat inserts, ventilated front seats, a customizable 10.2-inch digital instrument display, a color head-up display, and a multi-view camera system providing a 360-degree perspective.
The Touring and Elite trims share premium exterior finishes, such as a gloss black grille mesh and B-pillar, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and distinctive machined-finish 20-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels.
Enhanced Performance, Safety, and Capability
The 2023 Honda Pilot benefits from significant enhancements across its structure, chassis, powertrain, and safety systems. A more engaging driving experience is achieved through an all-new chassis and the most rigid body structure ever in a Pilot. This robust platform was designed with the TrailSport’s off-road requirements in mind, which also improves the ride quality, handling, and overall refinement across the entire Pilot range.
The 2023 Pilot debuts the second generation of Honda’s i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive system. This advanced system, available on all trims and standard on TrailSport and Elite, features a stronger rear differential capable of handling 40% more torque and responding 30% faster. This results in optimized traction in various driving conditions, especially in slippery situations and off-road environments.
Five standard selectable drive modes—Normal, Econ, Snow, Sport, and Tow—allow drivers to tailor the driving experience to different conditions. EX-L models and above with all-wheel drive also include Sand and a new Trail mode, further enhancing off-road performance.
Every 2023 Pilot comes standard with the expanded Honda Sensing® suite of driver-assistive technologies, including Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) have been refined for more natural responses. New standard safety features include a rear seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder.
Customization with Option Packages
For the first time, the Honda Pilot offers a new HPD Package, developed in collaboration with Honda Performance Development (HPD). This package enhances the Pilot’s rugged styling with fender flares, bronze or black wheel options, and unique HPD graphics. Additional post-production option packages, like Protection, Function, and Tow, are also available to further customize the 2023 Honda Pilot.
The 2023 Honda Pilot represents a significant step forward for the family SUV, combining enhanced ruggedness, refined driving dynamics, and a suite of advanced features. It is poised to be a strong contender for families seeking a versatile and capable vehicle ready for both everyday life and adventurous excursions.
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