We suggest the Pilot EX-L as a consequence of its steadiness of worth and options. The EX-L trim provides leather-based seats, the larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wi-fi smartphone charging, and an influence tailgate. Whether or not or not you want all-wheel drive is a matter of non-public desire. For us, we predict the elevated towing capability is well worth the cash.

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

Just like the 2022 Pilot, the all-new 2023 mannequin comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Nonetheless, within the new era SUV, it makes 285 horsepower, a 5-hp enhance over final yr. The 2023 Pilot has ditched the previous nine-speed computerized transmission for a brand new 10-speed unit, though the SUV stays a front-wheel-drive-based mannequin with all-wheel drive accessible as an possibility. Whereas the up to date V-6 engine does not make the Pilot really feel a lot faster than the final era mannequin, its throttle response is improved and the 10-speed computerized’s shifts are good and clean. On-road refinement is improved over the 2022 mannequin as properly, with extra confidence-inspiring steering and braking. The most rugged Trailsport mannequin proved itself able to the moderately-difficult terrain we encountered on real-world off-road trails close to Breckenridge, Colorado, and once more in Sedona, Arizona. However Honda hasn’t created a rock-crawling super-machine that is meant to sort out Moab alongside Broncos, Wranglers, and 4Runners. The Pilot Trailsport has a particular suspension with a 1.0-inch carry, metal skid plates, all-terrain tires, a hill-descent management system, and a specifically tuned all-wheel drive system with a Path driving mode.

Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the Pilot is sweet for as much as 19 mpg metropolis and 27 mpg freeway. We have examined a 2023 Pilot Trailsport, with its beefier all-terrain tires and added off-road armor on our 75-mph freeway gasoline financial system route, and it returned 22 mpg. That is simply shy of different V-6-powered three-row SUVs such because the Kia Telluride and 2023 Volkswagen Atlas that returned 24 mpg. For extra details about the Pilot’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

Being a family-friendly SUV, the 2023 Pilot’s cabin is designed with that use case in thoughts. All fashions are able to sitting as much as eight within the three rows however the EX-L trim might be had with elective second-row captain’s chairs that scale back passenger capability to seven; captain’s chairs are normal on the TrailSport. The Touring and Elite fashions include a second-row seat design the place the center seat portion might be eliminated and saved underneath the ground within the cargo space when not wanted. Honda boasts that eight of the Pilot’s cupholders are able to holding large 32-ounce water bottles and that its cargo space is extra voluminous than ever earlier than. After we get an opportunity, we’ll see for ourselves what number of suitcases can match contained in the Pilot’s cargo space and replace this story with check outcomes.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and an accompanying 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster are normal on the 2023 Pilot. Honda’s newest infotainment interface is simple to make use of and options each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. TrailSport, Touring, and Elite fashions get a bigger 9.0-inch infotainment show with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality; the Elite additionally comes with a ten.2-inch gauge cluster. Honda hasn’t mentioned what the usual stereo might be within the Pilot, however the Touring and Elite fashions include a 12-speaker setup from Bose.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Honda equips all Pilot fashions with a complete suite of driver-assistance options it calls Honda Sensing. The bundle consists of automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise management, computerized high-beam headlamps, and extra. For extra details about the Pilot’s crash check outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:

• Commonplace automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Commonplace lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
• Commonplace adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

Honda’s guarantee is fully common for its class. Hyundai, for instance, affords one which’s considerably longer. All 2023 Pilot fashions include a complimentary upkeep plan that covers common oil modifications and primary providers for 2 years or 24,000 miles.

• Restricted guarantee covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled upkeep is roofed for 2 years or 24,000 miles

Extra Options and Specs