As a parent of 3 athletic kids with team members and gear to haul to games and practices, the Honda Pilot has always been near the top of our list when we’ve been looking at vehicles. It’s large but not too big, good-looking, and has the Honda reliability DNA. Even before writing this article, I had a good impression and understanding of this 3-row SUV. But enough about me, let’s get into the meat of this review – the available 2023 Honda Pilot configurations and trim levels.
We review the following 2023 Honda Pilot trim levels (in case you want to jump ahead):
We’ll also examine the Pilots:
2023 Honda Pilot Configurations
The Pilot is available in various configurations, primarily determined by the choice of trim level, drivetrain (two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive), and optional features. Here are the key configurations for the 2023 Honda Pilot:
- Trim Levels:
- LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite
- Drivetrain:
- Front-Wheel Drive (2WD): Standard for most trim levels, providing power to the front wheels.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Optional or standard on certain trims, distributing power to all wheels for improved traction and control.
- Optional Features:
- The availability of optional features can vary based on the trim level. Optional features may include advanced safety features, upgraded technology, premium audio systems, and additional comfort or convenience enhancements.
- Seating Configuration:
- Depending on the trim level, the Pilot offers different seating configurations, including variations with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat, and options for seven or eight passengers.
- Performance Features:
- The TrailSport trim is specifically designed for off-road capabilities, featuring an advanced AWD system, off-road suspension, increased ground clearance, and additional off-road-focused features.
2023 Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Let’s dive deeper into the available trim levels for the Honda Pilot. We’ll examine pricing, standard features, options, and the ideal owner.
Honda Pilot LX
The Honda Pilot LX serves as the foundational trim level for the 2023 model, embodying a perfect blend of reliability and essential features. Priced attractively at around $35,950, the LX caters to drivers seeking a practical and efficient three-row SUV without compromising on quality. Standard features include a 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing ample power for daily commuting and family outings.
The LX comes equipped with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies encompassing automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and Smart Entry key fob contribute to its modern and accessible design.
Ideal for families and individuals prioritizing safety and functionality, the Honda Pilot LX offers a spacious interior and Honda’s renowned reliability. With the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive, the LX ensures versatility for various driving conditions, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a well-rounded and budget-friendly SUV experience.
Honda Pilot Sport
The Honda Pilot Sport, priced at around $39,150, stands out as a dynamic and well-equipped trim level designed to enhance the driving experience with sporty features. Offering a robust 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Sport trim provides a spirited performance for those seeking a bit more excitement in their SUV.
The Integrated Drive Mode system, including a Sport setting, is unique to the Sport trim, providing drivers with a tailored driving experience. The exterior boasts 20-inch Shark Gray alloy wheels, LED fog lights, dual chrome exhaust, and gloss black roof rails, accentuating its athletic aesthetic. Inside, the cabin features a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and heating for both front seats.
This trim level appeals to individuals who value a sportier driving feel without compromising practicality. It is ideal for those looking for a well-balanced SUV with a touch of athleticism.
Honda Pilot EX-L
The Honda Pilot EX-L, starting at $41,950, epitomizes a blend of sophistication and comfort, making it an attractive option for discerning SUV enthusiasts. Notable for its upscale features, this trim level offers an optional configuration with captain’s chairs for second-row seating, enhancing passenger comfort and flexibility.
The EX-L includes heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down and memory function, a power liftgate for convenient cargo access, and an acoustic windshield that contributes to a quieter cabin environment. Safety is a priority with the addition of front and rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control. The infotainment system is upgraded to a nine-inch touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and CabinTalk.
The Honda Pilot EX-L caters to individuals or families who appreciate a touch of luxury, advanced safety features, and a spacious, well-appointed interior.
Honda Pilot TrailSport
The Honda Pilot TrailSport, starting at approximately $48,350, is designed for those with a taste for adventure and off-road exploration. This trim level stands out with its enhanced off-road capability, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking rugged versatility.
Equipped with a standard advanced all-wheel-drive system featuring variable torque distribution, the TrailSport can channel up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle and direct 100% to either rear wheel. The off-road suspension increases ground clearance by an inch, and all-terrain tires ensure stability on challenging terrains. The multi-camera TrailWatch system provides live views, complemented by a front camera washer.
With its robust features and capabilities, the Honda Pilot TrailSport caters to those who prioritize adventurous journeys and require a vehicle ready for exploration beyond the beaten path.
Honda Pilot Touring
The Honda Pilot Touring, starting at $46,450, offers a blend of sophistication and practicality, making it an appealing choice for families and individuals seeking a well-appointed three-row SUV.
This trim level introduces several premium features, including a removable second-row center seat that conveniently stows below the cargo bay floor, providing easy access and versatility in seating arrangements. Gloss-black roof rails enhance its exterior aesthetics, while a panoramic glass moonroof adds an airy feel to the cabin. The Touring level also incorporates a hands-free power liftgate for convenient cargo access, Smart Key entry at all four doors, and ambient LED interior lighting for a refined atmosphere.
With its thoughtful design, advanced features, and a focus on comfort and convenience, the Honda Pilot Touring caters to those who desire an elevated driving experience in a family-friendly SUV.
Honda Pilot Elite
The Honda Pilot Elite is the pinnacle of luxury and performance within the 2023 lineup, offering a premium driving experience starting at $52,030. This top-tier trim level comes fully loaded with an array of high-end features to provide unparalleled comfort and convenience.
Front-ventilated seating ensures a pleasant ride by circulating air through the plush leather upholstery, while the head-up display projects essential vehicle and navigation information directly onto the windshield for added driver convenience. Rain-sensing wipers automatically activate at the first sign of precipitation, enhancing safety and visibility. The Elite trim also boasts all-wheel drive for optimal traction and stability, along with auto-dimming side mirrors.
Tailored for customers prioritizing luxury, advanced technology, and top-notch performance, the Honda Pilot Elite represents the epitome of refinement. It is ideal for those seeking a sophisticated three-row SUV experience.
Overall Impressions of the 2023 Honda Pilot
Performance
The 2023 Honda Pilot, a stalwart in the midsize SUV segment, introduces a refreshed performance that straddles the line between family practicality and a hint of driving engagement. Behind the wheel, the Pilot exudes comfort with a refined chassis and a smooth ride that effortlessly absorbs road imperfections.
The V6 engine, while not a powerhouse, maintains a respectable 285 horsepower, providing adequate acceleration for daily commuting and highway maneuvers. The 10-speed automatic transmission complements the engine’s capabilities, delivering smooth shifts and responsive downshifts when needed. However, enthusiasts may find the Pilot’s weight gain noticeable, impacting acceleration and stopping distances compared to its predecessors. The steering, though soft, caters well to the Pilot’s intended audience, offering a minivan-like nimbleness for comfortable cruising.
The TrailSport variant injects a dose of off-road prowess, featuring an all-wheel-drive system, increased ground clearance, and a TrailWatch system, appealing to those seeking a more adventurous driving experience. While not a performance beast, the 2023 Honda Pilot strikes a balance, ensuring a pleasant journey for families with a touch of rugged versatility.
Exterior
The 2023 Honda Pilot, with its refreshed exterior, has a certain charm that walks the tightrope between modernity and rugged allure. The Japanese automaker has made a valiant attempt to capture attention in a crowded SUV arena, and it shows in the Pilot’s newly ruggedized aesthetics. The bold, boxy silhouette asserts itself confidently, aspiring to stand out amidst the sea of family crossovers.
The TrailSport trim level adds a dash of off-road flair, boasting features like all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and a robust overall demeanor. The LED headlights and 20-inch wheels on the Sport trim contribute to the Pilot’s visual appeal, creating an impression of sophistication and capability.
While it might not be the boldest statement in its class, the 2023 Honda Pilot manages to strike a balance, offering a handsome, somewhat reserved exterior that subtly hints at its readiness for suburban streets and off-road trails.
Interior
Step inside the 2023 Honda Pilot, and you’ll find an interior that prioritizes function over flamboyance, embracing a sensible and family-friendly approach. The spacious cabin, particularly in the first two rows, offers roomy accommodations for passengers. The design is functional, with abundant storage spots, cupholders everywhere you look, and a clever push-button shifter that maintains an airy center console.
However, the aesthetics might not steal the show compared to some rivals in the segment. The 9.0-inch touchscreen feels a tad undersized by contemporary standards, and while the infotainment system provides the essentials, it lacks the cutting-edge finesse found in competitors. The material quality, especially up front in the Elite model, earns praise for its premium feel, although the plastics become less impressive as you move rearward.
Despite some ergonomic quirks, such as the challenging removal of the middle seat in the second row, the Pilot’s interior remains a functional and comfortable space, striking a sensible balance between form and family-focused utility.
As spacious as the Pilot’s interior is, sometimes it may not be enough. The Honda Odyssey provides even more room and family-friendly features such as CabinWatch and CabinTalk.
Infotainment
The infotainment system in the 2023 Honda Pilot is a curious blend of functionality and a touch of bewilderment. With its 9.0-inch touchscreen, Honda endeavors to balance accessibility with modernity, but it leaves one yearning for a bit more finesse. The interface, while clear, lacks the avant-garde charm found in some rivals.
Aesthetic appeal aside, it’s a practical companion on the road, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. Yet, it’s with its quirks; wireless connectivity can sometimes play hard to get, and common functions can feel like a treasure hunt buried in digital menus. A peculiar juxtaposition unfolds when comparing this to the digital instrument cluster, reminiscent of a luxury sedan.
The 9.0-inch screen, while functional, feels petite in a world increasingly enamored with larger displays. The infotainment system embodies Honda’s pragmatic approach, providing the essentials with a dash of idiosyncrasy.
2023 Honda Pilot Trim Color Options
- Honda Pilot LX:
- Modern Steel Metallic
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Honda Pilot Sport:
- Modern Steel Metallic
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Honda Pilot EX-L:
- Modern Steel Metallic
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Obsidian Blue Pearl
- Honda Pilot TrailSport:
- Modern Steel Metallic
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Deep Scarlet Pearl
- Honda Pilot Touring:
- Modern Steel Metallic
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Obsidian Blue Pearl
- Honda Pilot Elite:
- Modern Steel Metallic
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Obsidian Blue Pearl
- Deep Scarlet Pearl
- Platinum White Pearl
Final Thoughts
The Honda Pilot has always been a heavyweight in the medium to large, 3-row SUV market. This tradition continues in the 2023 model. The diverse trim levels, reliable powertrain, and rugged practicality keep this SUV at the top of its class. This is no small feat with classmates like the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent. Honda continues to develop and build world-class products. The 2023 Honda Pilot is a testament to this.
Thanks for taking the time to read this review. I hope it helps you in your search for a great SUV. Please feel free to share this review on your social. And we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! If you’re looking for an SUV that’s similar in size to the Pilot, but doesn’t have the third row of seating, check out our comparison article of the Honda Pilot vs Passport. If the Pilot is too large for your preferences and you’re looking for a smaller SUV, we posted a review of the 2023 Honda CRV. Cheers!
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