Honda Pilot enters new generation with redesign, TrailSport version

Besides the rugged exterior styling, the Pilot also is roomier for people and cargo, and has an upscale cabin with premium materials that give it a luxury-vehicle feel.
The TrailSport is differentiated by standard all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, higher ground clearance, an off-road-tuned suspension and more.
Other new Pilot features include a large upright grille, a powerful stance with flared fenders, a wider track, and larger tires. 
Under the hood on all models is Honda’s new dual-overhead-cam, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, rated at 285 horsepower and 262 foot-pounds of torque – the most-powerful Honda V-6 ever.

The engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission that has paddle shifters for manual control.
We had more than enough power from the engine with only three adults in the Pilot, but we did not have any cargo. 
Inside, the Pilot can seat up to eight people, with two up front, three in the middle row, and three in the third row. An available removable second-row middle seat can be stowed under the rear cargo floor if not needed.

The available dual second-row captain’s chairs reduce passenger capacity to seven. They came standard on our TrailSport test vehicle, and with the middle section open, there was an easy passenger pass-through to the third row.
Honda says the third-row seat has been made more comfortable, and the front row has the new “Body Stabilizing seats,” designed to reduce fatigue on long drives.
Safety features abound in the new Pilot. They include the new or improved Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies, a next-generation front passenger air bag, improved front side air bags and new driver and front-passenger knee air bags.
The extra interior space results from an increase of 3.4 inches in the new Pilot’s overall length. There is also a longer wheelbase and wider front and tracks.

A new body-color roof spoiler and LED taillights make the Pilot instantly recognizable from the rear, Honda says.
Sport models come with gloss black trim and grille bar, a chrome exhaust garnish, standard black roof rails, front fog lights and Shark Gray seven-spoke, 20-inch wheels.
EX-L versions add chrome trim and grille bar, and machined five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels.
Touring and Elite versions come with an even more upscale design with premium exterior finishes, including a gloss black grille mesh and rear side pillars, dual chrome exhaust garnishes, and distinct seven-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish.

Also available are four post-production options packages, including a new HPD Package in collaboration with Honda Performance Development, Honda’s U.S.-based racing company. It includes bronze-colored aluminum wheels, fender flares and HPD decals.
Honda says the Pilot is also the only vehicle in its class with eight-person seating and an opening panoramic sunroof, which was included on our TrailSport. 
Heated seats are standard across the line, while our TrailSport and the Elite also get a heated steering wheel.
Our TrailSport came with a black leather interior with black dash and trim, and red contrast stitching on the seats and dash.
The new Pilot has the most cargo room in the model’s history, with up to 113.7 cubic feet behind the first row, and 22.42 cubic feet behind the third row. 
Cabin storage includes a large console bin that can hold a full-size tablet; the return of Pilot’s passenger-side instrument panel shelf; 14 large-volume cupholders throughout the cabin, including eight that will fit wide 32-ounce water bottles.

Middle-row passengers get two USB ports, along with a 110-volt power outlet on the back of the front center console.
There is a seven-inch digital instrument panel with digital tachometer and speedometer, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard. The display also has user-selectable functions such as Honda Sensing settings, vehicle information and more.
Elite models get a configurable 10.2-inch digital instrument display with multi-view camera system paired with a color head-up display. 
Our TrailSport had a stand-out nine-inch navigation and infotainment touch screen at the top center of the dash. The audio system came with nine speakers.

The large tray in front of the electronic shifter buttons can accommodate two smartphones side by side, and includes two standard illuminated USB ports. EX-L, TrailSport, Touring and Elite feature Qi-compatible wireless charging, and add two USB-A charging ports in the third row.
Pilot’s navigation system also has been simplified with new graphics and fewer menus, Honda says. The screen is recessed slightly from the edge of the dash, resulting in a finger rest that allows the user to steady the hand while making selections.
The Honda’ torque vectoring all-wheel drive system has a stronger rear differential that can handle 40% more torque and provide 30% faster response, optimizing available traction in all driving scenarios. Up to 70% of the engine’s torque can be sent to the rear axle, and 100% of that torque can be distributed to either the left or right rear wheel.

Five standard driver-selectable drive modes include Normal, Econ, Snow, Sport, and Tow modes. But our TrailSport also came with Sand and Trail modes to optimize off-road performance.
The Pilot can tow trailers weighing up to 3,500 pounds with two-wheel drive, or 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive.
Honda’s first Hill Descent Control system is standard on every Pilot. The system increases off-road capability with more control on steep, slippery declines.
Our Pilot came with the Sonic Gray Pearl exterior paint, which cost $455 extra. That was the only extra-cost option on our tester, which had a total delivered price of $50,150, including freight.
The Pilot is assembled at the Honda plant in Lincoln, Alabama.
The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at chambers@auto-writer.com or on Twitter @gchambers3. His driving partner Emma Jayne Williams contributed to this report.

2023 Honda Pilot

The package: Large, three-row, front- or all-wheel-drive, five-door, seven- or eight-passenger, V-6 powered, crossover utility vehicle.
Highlights: Honda’s biggest SUV enters its fourth generation for 2023, larger and roomier than before, and with a new off-road oriented TrailSport model with standard all-wheel drive. It is roomy and comfortable, has plenty of power, and has loads of standard and optional features. 
Negatives: Limited middle-passenger space in the third row.
Overall length: 199.9 inches.
Curb weight range: 4,030-4,660 pounds.
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6.
Transmission: 10-speed automatic.
Power/torque: 285 HP./262 foot-pounds.
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Cargo volume: 21.8 cubic feet (behind rear seat).
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds (2WD); 5,000 pounds (AWD).
Electronic stability control: Standard.
Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; roof-mounted side-curtain both rows.
EPA fuel economy: 19 mpg city/25 highway/21 combined (2WD); 18/23/20 (AWD).
Fuel capacity/type: 18.5 gallons/unleaded regular.
Main competitors: Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Mazda CX-5/CX-50, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder.
Base price range: $36,300-$52,380, plus $1,345 freight.
Price as tested: $50,150, including freight (TrailSport model, includes all-wheel drive, premium paint).
On the Road rating: 9.2 (of a possible 10).