2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport | Why This is the Best Pilot Yet

Whether it’s Subaru’s Wilderness, Nissan’s Rock Creek, Mazda’s Meridian or Kia’s X-Pro, Asian automakers are desperately trying to satiate Americans’ appetite for more rugged vehicles. These sorts of upgrades are tepid when compared to some of the more hardcore offerings from say Ford and Jeep but they’ve found a niche with the consumer who has no desire to tackle the Rubicon Trail but does want the look with a bit more capability.

MSRP as-tested: $50,150

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2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport

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[senorgato]

Honda/Acura needs to build a true off-roading alternative to the There's clearly a market for it. For Honda, bring back the Element badge for a new off-roader. For Acura, name it the GDX. While I respect what Honda is trying to do with the Trailsport trims, it's missing out on a large swath of potential customers.

[Andrew]

Thanks for a peek at what sounds like a great car. Honda is really dialing in its entire lineup in the past two years.

[justinpaul]

It can send up to 70% of available torque to the rear, and 100% of that 70% to either of the rear tires.

[jjames]

Great review Steve and I applaud that you remembered Land Rover as being the only manufacturer that had factory heated windshields. Those of us like you, in the New England area miss them dearly! I really like the new Pilot. Wish there was a slightly smaller version but this is perfect for what it is

[walcumod]

your video shows a camera view going forward and a button to turn camera on. Is this a Canadian vehicle because my 2023 Transport does not have that function in trail mode or any other mode.

[Slim]

One of the best in its class. Just need to get that 12.3 infotainment

[carmel]

Toyota does not have a TRD edition of the Highlander. Ford does have an off-road like edition of the Explorer, the Timberline.

[MIZUNOMP]

Is this new generation slower in acceleration given it's bigger size and extra weight? I'm assuming the Trailsport is the slowest trim given the off-road tires and extra weight of the skid pads and 1" lift?

[MIZUNOMP]

Is the image quality of the camera system (rear and forward) high enough resolution? I saw some reviews where they stated it's subpar?

[joshharrison]

it's interesting that Honda is using a touch screen but its more premium cousin (Acura) is still using the track pad

[MIZUNOMP]

I'm excited to see the Grand Highlander reviews. Digital gauge cluster and touchscreen look more on par with the competition like the Telluride and it's HP and torque numbers are impressive. Hard to beat a smooth V6 like in the Honda in this category but it will be interesting to hear how the 2.4L Hybrid Max engine performs and feels out on the road in the Grand Highlander.

[strix]

Beautiful truck and I’m trying to pick one up but this market is out of control the dealer quoted me a finance number for a lease.

[physicsguy]

the 10 speed automatic has hiccups like 8 speed transmission in highlander coz of a lot of gears and to better gas mileage they tend to go to higher gear very quick and hence hiccups

[TJC]

Interesting no turbo charging here. Good for longevity! Makes me nervous for other Honda models.

[kencoleman]

Great video Steve!
I'm still curious about some of Honda's choices / compromises. I really like the re-design, though.

[ChopperChad]

That small gas tank is a let down considering I was looking at this a road-trip and camping platform for my wife and I (no kids). Add in the small infotainment and lack of a hybrid option and I’m very disappointed because I thought this would be “it”. The hunt continues.

[jackchn]

Mazda CX-90 is the one to watch. Longitudinal i6, or hybrid 4, it’s going to be the drivers choice of the bunch!

[Pabla]

At 50k rear seats should be heated and front seats vented

[khunopie]

I often wonder if a pilot who pilots a HondaJet also drives a Pilot?
Anyone? Anyone?

[bosse]

Looks so good imo. Imagine this one with a proper gear lever. And a shorter 5 seat version.