Redesigned 2023 Honda Pilot Goes Further Upscale and Off-Road
Plus, it adds interior space and upscale comforts
By Jeff S. Bartlett
Honda is refreshing its model line, with an all-new Pilot joining the recently redesigned CR-V. These models will soon be joined by a next-generation Accord.
The Pilot makes notable, but incremental, gains in exterior dimensions, power, and interior space. Like before, it shares its underlying structure and powertrain with the Acura MDX, which was redesigned for 2022. The highly touted version is a more rugged-looking, adventure-focused TrailSport. This mirrors the pivot made with the Ridgeline, as that polished truck recently took on a tougher appearance with a midlife freshening for 2021.
This three-row Pilot is the largest, most powerful Honda SUV in history, with a 285-hp V6 engine. There is no hybrid version. With these updates, it appears to be better poised to compete against the segment-leading Kia Telluride, an impressive SUV that has likewise expanded its offerings to include more trims, moving upscale and with a token off-road-oriented version.
The Pilot now offers Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite trims, with an available Honda Performance Development (HPD) package.
It continues to be built at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama, auto plant, which has produced more than 2 million Pilots to date.
Here’s what we know so far.
What it competes with: Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas
Powertrains: 285-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine; 10-speed automatic transmission; front- or all-wheel drive
Price: $38,000-$54,000 (estimated)
On sale: December 2022
CR's Take
It appears that the Pilot was redesigned with the Kia Telluride as its benchmark. Like that top-scoring three-row SUV, the Pilot will be offered with a single engine: a strong, conventional V6. The previous iteration of this engine was smooth and powerful. But it is hard to ignore that other key rivals offer turbocharged four-cylinder engines and hybrids. The Pilot’s key concession to fuel economy appears to be a move from a nine- to a 10-speed automatic transmission, along with some engine tuning. However, our test of the related MDX showed that model actually lost 1 mpg in the redesign.
We had few criticisms for the last Pilot, namely dull handling and a slow-responding infotainment system. We also found that its wet braking distances were longer than most competitors; the new Pilot has larger disc brakes, which may help, and which offset the added girth.
Interior materials and details were fine, but not inspiring. The professed attention to improving such elements sounds promising. But as prices increase, so do expectations.
In total, this looks like a welcome, predictable update to a popular family hauler.
Outside
Much like the recent Ridgeline styling refresh, the Pilot has a tougher-looking exterior. Where the outgoing Pilot looked at home in a mall parking lot, Honda is trying to evoke a more rugged appearance that could inspire exploration away from the pavement.
The fourth-generation Pilot measures about 3 inches longer, riding on a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase. This makes for a more imposing presence, while enabling more passenger and cargo space.
The flat hood and vertical, wide grille do the job, and the complex front corner shapes are evocative without being overwrought.
The rear corners, from the C- to D-pillars, look a bit discordant. Most lines in this area do not naturally flow with the shapes that are further forward, like the cut of the door or window sill.
The back end is conventional, with a large liftgate and integrated spoiler.
Exterior details vary by trim level. Interestingly, the base Sport comes with large, 20-inch wheels—something often reserved for pricier variations. The EX-L adds chrome garnishing and steps down to 18-inch wheels, a move that may aid ride quality.
The TrailSport proudly declares “PILOT” in big letters and showcases a brash rear skid plate. Less obvious, the TrailSport has steel plates underneath to protect the engine, transmission, and gas tank when off-roading. It comes with all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels and an off-road tuned suspension. A nice trick feature: It has a TrailWatch camera system that uses four cameras to monitor the exterior at low speeds, making it easier to navigate tight trails without scratching the paint or getting stuck.
A Honda Performance Development (HPD) package will draw more attention with bronze-colored wheels, fender flares, and decals.
Overall, it looks like mission accomplished.
The 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport features an off-road-tuned suspension that gives the SUV a 1-inch lift.
Photo: Honda
Inside
Honda states that a key goal for the interior was to move it upscale. Trim accents, features, and attention to details, like efforts to reduce distracting reflections, aim to fulfill that goal.
Again, the Pilot can hold eight passengers, with a foldaway third row. There is increased legroom for the second row, and the third row gains more seatback adjustment. Adding to its tricks for 2023 is a removable center seat in the second row on Touring and Elite trims. This can space out middle riders and provide access to the third row.
Heated front seats are standard across the board. Walking up the trims, the EX-L and Touring use leather upholstery. TrailSport and Elite add a heated steering wheel. And the top Elite boasts fancy perforated leather and ventilated front seats.
Cargo space throughout has increased, enabled by more clever storage solutions and the expanded length and wheelbase.
Heated front seats are standard on all trims.
Photo: Honda
Adding to a sense of space is a panoramic sunroof (shown below). This is standard on Touring and Elite, and optional on other trims.
The 7-inch instrument panel is half digital screen and half mechanical, with an analog speedometer. The Elite trim has a 10-inch digital instrument panel, along with a head-up display.
The center infotainment screen is 7 inches on the Sport trim, and it has standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. There are charge ports for USB-A and USB-C. A larger 9-inch screen is fitted to EX-L and above, with wireless Qi charging and wireless Auto and CarPlay. We’ve tested versions of both systems in other recent Honda vehicles and found them straightforward and easy to use.
The Touring and Elite trims tout a 12-speaker Bose stereo, with surround sound and a subwoofer.
A panoramic sunroof is standard on Touring and Elite trims.
Photo: Honda
What Drives It
The next-generation Pilot has a revised 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, marking an incremental increase in power over the 2022 version. Likewise, the automatic transmission increases from nine to 10 gears, with paddle shifters to allow the driver to manually direct upshifts and downshifts.
The Pilot also features the automaker’s second-generation, torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Standard on TrailSport and Elite trims, this system was engineered for more rapid response to challenging traction situations. Up to 70 percent of engine torque can be routed to the rear axle, and of that, 100 percent can be put to either the left or right rear wheel. The MDX offers the same specs when equipped with Acura’s SH-AWD system.
There are five standard driver-selectable modes: Normal, Econ, Snow, Sport, and Tow. The all-wheel-drive TrailSport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims add Sand and Trail modes.
Honda has rolled out its first hill-descent control system this year on the HR-V and CR-V. The Pilot also gains this feature, which allows the driver to set the speed when descending steep hills off-road, without having to ride the brakes.
As is common for the class, the Pilot has a maximum 5,000-pound tow capacity, enough to pull a small travel trailer or boat.
Active Safety and Driver Assistance
Honda says the Pilot is engineered to provide improved crash compatibility with smaller vehicles, to better protect in oblique-angle impacts, and to meet the stringent standards dictated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) new side-impact test, which raises both the weight and speed for the simulated crash vehicle.
Beyond eight standard airbags, the Pilot packs an updated Honda Sensing suite of standard active safety features. These systems’ capability is improved with a camera that provides a wider, 90-degree forward view and a 120-degree radar to inform the active systems. Honda claims this improves the ability to react to pedestrians, cyclists, white lines, and road signs.
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist are all standard. Standard rear seatbelt reminder and rear seat reminder, to warn of a child or pet potentially left behind, are also new.
The top Elite trim has all the bells and whistles, including being the only version with a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel.
Photo: Honda
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