Price: $49,645
7.3 /10
Rating
Pros
- Spacious, tech-filled cabin
- Smooth drive, off-road capable
- Adventure styling, rugged upgrades
Cons
- Average fuel economy
- Limited vs. true off-roaders
- Trailsport price near premium
Overview: 2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport
Honda’s TrailSport edition aims to blend everyday practicality with off-road-oriented flair, and after a week navigating both suburban streets and a muddy forest trail, I’d say it mostly succeeds. The boxier styling and rugged variant touches—like 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires and a bold grille—give this three-row SUV a confident appearance without veering into truck-like cosplay. Inside, the upscale interior impresses with updated features: the 12-speaker Bose audio system delivers crisp sound, and the panoramic sunroof keeps the cabin airy. But while the 285-hp 3.5-liter V-6 paired with the 10-speed automatic feels smooth on highways, its torque delivery feels hesitant on steep inclines, lagging behind segment leaders like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The all-wheel-drive system adds off-road capability, though it’s no 4Runner—think gravel roads, not rock crawling. Practical wins? Ample space for seven passengers and a functional tailgate that survived my overstuffed camping gear. Yet the TrailSport’s off-road refinement feels half-baked next to its rugged marketing—like wearing hiking boots to a coffee shop. Compared to the Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride, it’s less plush but more adventurous, striking a niche for families who prioritize exploring over post-COVID cabin luxury. Small gripes aside, Honda’s flagship crossover remains endearing for balancing updated features with generation-spanning reliability.
What's New in the 2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport?
Tackling gravel trails feels effortless now, thanks to the two-inch lift, revised suspension, and Trail Torque Logic that optimizes engine torque distribution for grip. Steel skid plates and 18″ Continental all-terrain tires provide a robust sense of security, but the presence of highway drones serves as a reminder that this vehicle is not designed for pavement. Clever upgrades like recovery points and rated trailer hitches suit weekend adventurers, but the approach (19.6°) and breakover (19.8°) angles still trail body-on-frame rivals. Daily comfort stays intact—just don’t expect Wrangler-level articulation.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
Cruising up a rocky Colorado trail, the 3.5L V6 delivers 290 horsepower with reliable grunt, though its 0-60 MPH in seven seconds won’t rival sports cars—consider it to be a sturdy pack mule, not a racehorse. The 10-speed transmission shifts smoothly on pavement, but throttle response lags slightly when crawling over rough terrain, requiring patience in Trail driving mode. Honda’s specially tuned suspension and 1.0-inch lift help absorb bumps, yet sharp ruts still jostle the cabin compared to a Toyota 4Runner’s truck-like composure. On back roads, the steering feels light and precise, though it lacks feedback when pushed hard through muddy corners or tight cornering. The hill-descent control and engine braking shine during steep declines—no white-knuckling here—while rearward axle tuning keeps it stable at higher speeds. For a new generation SUV balancing daily driving comfort with off-road ambition, it’s confidence-inspiring without pretending to be a Wrangler. Just don’t expect rock-crawling prowess; this crossover is more “TrailSport Lite.”
Towing and Payload Capacity
Towing with the TrailSport feels confident up to a point—the 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity (on all-wheel-drive models) handled my camping trailer smoothly, though it’s no match for Dodge Durango’s 8,700-pound brawn. Front-wheel-drive versions drop to 3,500 pounds (1.59 t), which might frustrate those eyeing heavier loads. During a weekend hauling bikes and gear, the 1,500-pound payload felt ample, but I noticed slight sag when pushing limits—something the Kia Telluride masks better with its stiffer suspension. Honda’s strength here is balance: the TrailSport manages daily practicality without sacrificing towing readiness, and the AWD system adds reassurance on slick boat ramps. Still, if you’re regularly pulling near the 5,000-pound mark, rivals like the Durango offer more towing capacity. For most families, though, this Honda’s blend of payload flexibility and competitors-bested refinement makes it a sensible choice—just keep expectations realistic.
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range
Balancing fuel economy with off-road readiness, the Trailsport’s 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (per EPA’s website) lag behind V-6-powered rivals like the Toyota Highlander (27 mpg). During a 75-mph highway route, it returned 22 mpg—respectable for its class but shy of the segment’s efficiency leader, the Kia Telluride. Blame the aggressive tires and off-road armor; swapping its all-terrain tires for the Pilot Elite’s street rubber might inch closer to EPA estimates. Still, it beats the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas’s beefier thirst, making it a practical pick for families needing three-row SUV space without surrendering entirely to gas stations.
Premium Interior and Comfort
Climbing into the cabin, the materials immediately impress—soft-touch surfaces and sturdy buttons contrast with cheaper rivals like the Civic, though the dashboard’s glossy trim picks up fingerprints. Seat travel and legroom shine, especially for front passengers; I drove six hours without stiffness, and second-row captain’s chairs left ample toe room for my lanky teen. The climate system’s airflow is a win, with rear vents keeping the third row tolerable during a summer road trip. But engine noise intrudes on highways, and the sound system struggles to mask road noise compared to the Kia Telluride’s serene cabin. While visibility and controls are intuitive—no digging through a labyrinthine menu—the armrests feel oddly low, and getting in requires a slight hop. For family-friendly space and everyday comfort, it’s a comparison standout, but the Volkswagen Atlas edges ahead with plusher suspension over bumps.
Cargo Space and Practicality
Hauling gear for a weekend camping trip, the 50/50-split third-row seats folded flat easily, leaving a cargo floor long enough for a stroller and suitcases—though the rear doors struggled with my 40-ounce water bottle. The power-folding third row and second-row bench seat slide forward to free up space for bulky items, but it’s still 2 cubic feet (ca. 57 l) shy of the Buick Enclave. Clever touches like LATCH anchors, extra-large center console trays, and small-item storage pockets in the front doors keep essentials organized, while the removable center seat adds flexibility for skis or toolkits. Compared to the Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride, its trunk feels practical but not class-leading; loading groceries required fewer reconfigurations than expected, thanks to the low lift-over height. Just don’t expect flexible cargo features to mask that the test Pilot TrailSport’s boxy shape eats into rear visibility.
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Smart Tech
The 9.0-inch touchscreen sits center stage, responsive and sharp, though the base 7.0-inch display in lower trims feels cramped. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked reliably during my commute, but the interface occasionally lagged when switching menus—annoying during a highway merge. Upgrading to the Touring trim nets a 10.2-inch digital cluster that’s sleek, yet the buttons and system layout prioritize simplicity over flash, unlike the latest Hyundai Palisade. The Bose 12-speaker stereo delivers crisp sound, though bass lacks depth for my playlists. While the front-facing camera aids tight parking spots, its resolution trails rivals like the Kia Telluride. For modern electronics, it’s easy enough for tech-wary drivers, but don’t expect elite-level capability without stepping up trims.
Safety and Driving Support
Driving through a sudden downpour, the Honda Sensing suite’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist kept me centered, though the lane-departure warning chimed too eagerly on winding backroads. Blind-spot monitoring proved reliable merging onto highways, but the parking sensors’ constant beeps in tight garages felt overzealous. While NHTSA and IIHS award top marks for crash safety, rivals like the Toyota Highlander offer more intuitive pedestrian detection.
Key features:
✅ Adaptive cruise control handles traffic smoothly.
✅ Blind-spot alerts lack rear cross-traffic warnings.
✅ Top-tier crash test results from both agencies.
Honda Warranty and Maintenance Plan
Honda’s three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage align with class norms but trail Hyundai’s longer terms. The complimentary maintenance plan covers oil changes and basic services for 24,000 miles (ca. 38,624 km)—helpful for scheduled maintenance without surprise costs. However, rivals like Kia include two more years of bumper-to-bumper protection. During my first 36,000 miles (ca. 57,936 km), routine visits felt straightforward, though the plan’s scope stays average compared to models with tire rotations or brake checks included.
Key features:
✅ Standard powertrain warranty outlasts basic coverage.
✅ Complimentary plan eases early ownership costs.
✅ Hyundai’s longer terms set higher benchmarks.
2023 Honda Pilot Models
Choosing between trim levels hinges on needs: the LX offers standard front-wheel drive and seating for eight passengers, while the EX-L adds leather and optional all-wheel drive. The TrailSport trim leans rugged with all-terrain tires, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (285 horsepower, 262 lb-ft) paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. Touring and Elite trims pamper with ventilated seats and premium tech, though the three-row SUV’s cabin lacks the hush of the Hyundai Palisade. For a sport-inspired vibe without splurging, the EX-L’s optional packages strike a practical balance.
| Trim Level | Features |
|---|---|
| LX |
|
| Sport |
|
| EX-L |
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| TrailSport |
|
| Touring |
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| Elite |
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Gallery:
Images sourced from Honda Newsroom.
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