Honda has unveiled the all-new 2023 Honda Pilot, marking the fourth generation of its acclaimed SUV. This iteration stands as the most robust and spacious Pilot ever conceived, engineered to deliver an unparalleled blend of off-road prowess and smooth on-road handling. For families seeking adventure without compromising on comfort and practicality, the 2023 Honda Pilot emerges as a top contender in the midsize SUV segment.
The 2023 Pilot lineup introduces five distinct trim levels, each catering to diverse needs and preferences. Notably, the Pilot TrailSport debuts as the most off-road focused Honda SUV to date, equipped with specialized features designed to conquer challenging terrains. From the well-appointed Pilot Sport starting at an MSRP of $39,1501 to the premium Pilot Elite, the 2023 range offers compelling options for every buyer.
“We’ve reengineered the all-new Honda Pilot from the ground up to set a new benchmark in the midsize 3-row SUV class,” stated Lance Woelfer, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “With more space, power and capability, the new Pilot is more rugged than ever and ready for that next great family adventure.”
2023 Honda Pilot Pricing and Fuel Efficiency
| Trim | MSRP1 | MSRP Plus $1,295 Destination Charge2 | EPA Mileage Rating3 City/Hwy/Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport (FWD) | $39,150 | $40,445 | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| Sport (AWD) | $41,250 | $42,545 | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| EX-L (FWD) 8-Occupant | $41,950 | $43,245 | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| EX-L (FWD) 7-Occupant | $42,250 | $43,545 | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| EX-L (AWD) 8-Occupant | $44,050 | $45,345 | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| EX-L (AWD) 7-Occupant | $44,350 | $45,645 | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| Touring (FWD) | $46,450 | $47,745 | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| Touring (AWD) | $48,550 | $49,845 | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| TrailSport (AWD) | $48,350 | $49,645 | 18 / 23 / 20 |
| Elite (AWD) | $52,030 | $53,325 | 19 / 25 / 21 |
Unpacking the Trim Levels of the 2023 Honda Pilot
The 2023 Honda Pilot distinguishes itself with a comprehensive range of trim levels, each meticulously equipped to meet varying consumer demands.
Pilot Sport: The entry-level Sport trim is far from basic, offering a compelling suite of standard features. Powering the Pilot Sport is Honda’s newly engineered 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission fine-tuned for the Pilot. This combination yields a robust 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, ensuring responsive and smooth performance. A new Hill Descent Control system is standard across the range, enhancing off-road capabilities.
For in-cabin technology, the Pilot Sport features a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen audio system with standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Physical volume and tuning knobs and a simplified menu structure enhance ease of use. Partial digital instrumentation, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, LED headlights, and striking Shark Gray 20-inch wheels complete the well-rounded package of the Sport trim.
Pilot EX-L: Stepping up to the EX-L trim introduces premium enhancements. Leather seats elevate interior comfort, while a larger 9-inch touchscreen display becomes standard, retaining wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Convenience features are amplified with a Qi-compatible 15W wireless smartphone charging pad, an upgraded 9-speaker audio system, and a power tailgate. Exterior aesthetics are refined with chrome trim accents, a chrome grille bar, and sophisticated machined 18-inch alloy wheels.
Pilot TrailSport: The TrailSport trim marks a significant departure, emphasizing off-road readiness. It boasts an off-road tuned suspension that increases ground clearance by an inch, fortified steel skid plates for underbody protection, and enhanced all-wheel-drive capabilities. The 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport is also the first Honda SUV to feature all-terrain tires, ensuring superior traction on unpaved surfaces. Unique 18-inch wheels are designed for both rugged aesthetics and durability in off-road conditions.
Adding to its off-road tech suite, the TrailSport incorporates a TrailWatch camera system (shared with the Elite trim). This system utilizes four exterior cameras providing multiple views to aid drivers in navigating obstacles on trails. Exclusive design elements for the TrailSport include an optional Diffused Sky Blue paint, orange contrast stitching within the cabin, TrailSport logo floor mats and head restraints, and a standard panoramic sunroof.
Pilot Touring: The Touring trim prioritizes versatility and passenger comfort. It introduces on-demand 8-occupant seating flexibility and a class-exclusive multi-function removable middle seat in the second row. This seat can be conveniently stowed under the rear cargo floor, offering three distinct seating configurations. The Pilot Touring stands alone in its class by combining 8-passenger seating with a panoramic sunroof.
In-cabin entertainment is elevated with a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, custom-tuned for the Pilot’s interior. Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ and Wi-Fi Hotspot capability are also standard, making the Touring trim ideal for family road trips.
Pilot Elite: As the flagship trim, the Elite encompasses all the premium features and capabilities Honda offers for the 2023 Pilot. Standard all-wheel drive, 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 with a 360-degree perspective are all included. The exterior of the Pilot Elite is further distinguished by gloss black grille mesh and B-pillar accents, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and unique machined-finish 20-inch alloy wheels.
Enhanced Performance, Safety, and Capability
Every 2023 Honda Pilot benefits from significant enhancements across its structure, chassis, powertrain, and safety technologies. A more engaging driving experience is achieved through a completely redesigned chassis and the most rigid body structure ever implemented in a Pilot. This robust platform was specifically engineered to support the TrailSport’s off-road ambitions, while also improving ride quality, handling, and overall refinement for the entire Pilot range.
The 2023 Pilot debuts the second generation of Honda’s i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive system. Available on all trims and standard on TrailSport and Elite, this updated system features a stronger rear differential capable of handling 40% more torque and responding 30% faster. This translates to optimized traction across diverse driving conditions, especially in slippery or off-road situations.
Five standard selectable drive modes – Normal, Econ, Snow, Sport, and Tow – allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to various scenarios. EX-L models and above with all-wheel drive add Sand and Trail modes, further optimizing the Pilot’s off-road capabilities.
Standard across all 2023 Pilots is the expanded Honda Sensing® suite of driver-assistance technologies. This includes Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), along with updated Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) for more natural and intuitive operation. New standard safety features also include a rear seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder.
Personalization with Option Packages
For the first time, the 2023 Honda Pilot offers factory option packages to further personalize the vehicle. The HPD Package, developed in collaboration with Honda Performance Development (HPD), Honda’s U.S.-based racing division, amplifies the Pilot’s rugged styling with fender flares, bronze or black wheel options, and HPD graphics. Additional packages including Protection, Function, and Tow are also available to tailor the Pilot to specific owner needs.
The 2023 Honda Pilot, a testament to Honda’s commitment to innovation and quality, is poised to redefine expectations for the modern family SUV. With its blend of rugged capability, refined comfort, and advanced technology, the new Pilot is ready for any adventure, on or off the road.
For more in-depth information on the all-new 2023 Honda Pilot, visit Hondanews.com.
Pilot Manufacturing
The 2023 Honda Pilot and Pilot TrailSport are exclusively manufactured at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant in Lincoln, Alabama, continuing Honda’s legacy of U.S. production.
About Honda
Honda is a leading automotive manufacturer offering a diverse range of vehicles known for their efficiency, safety, and reliability. Committed to sustainability, Honda boasts the highest fleet average fuel economy and lowest CO2 emissions among major full-line automakers in America.
For more information about Honda, please visit the Honda Digital Fact Book.
1 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excluding tax, license, registration, premium paint, $1,295 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
2 MSRP plus $1,295 destination charge, excluding tax, license, registration, premium paint and options. Dealer prices may vary.
3 Based on 2023 EPA mileage ratings; Use for comparison purposes only; your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
