This is the new fourth-generation 2023 Honda Pilot, the automaker’s largest and most powerful SUV ever. Equipped with a new V6 engine, tons of cargo space, a premium hidden second-row seat and a world-first new type of airbag, the new SUV is trying to impress American families.
The 2023 Honda Pilot features an angular design written by the company’s team in California. Overall, the new Pilot is 3.4 inches (86 mm) longer than the previous model. It also gets new lighting elements, a large grille and 18- to 20-inch wheels, depending on trim level.
For the first time ever, Honda will offer the 2023 Pilot with four post-production options, one of which was designed in collaboration with Honda Performance Development (HPD) and features bronze colored wheels, fender flares and HPD decals.
Read: 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport Joins Rebelle Rally Before Its Actually Unveiled
Under the hood
Honda claims that the 2023 Pilot is not only the most powerful ever, but also one of the smoothest in its class, thanks to an all-new 3.5-liter, 24-valve, dual overhead camshaft V6 engine that produces 285 hp (212 kW /289 hp) and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque.
Although that’s just 5 more horses (3.7 kW/5 hp) more than the 2022 Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6, the new engine’s all-aluminum block is unique, while the low-profile heads with high-tumble Ports and a narrow 35 degree valve angle help improve combustion. Overall, the new engine has fewer parts and the 10-speed automatic transmission helps make the package more refined.
Thanks to Honda’s second-generation i-VTM4 torque vectoring all-wheel drive system (available on TrailSport and Elite models), up to 70 percent of engine torque can be directed to the rear wheels and 100 percent can be directed from one side of the vehicle to the other will.
The Pilot 2023 can be switched to five driving modes depending on the driver’s preference: Normal, Econ, Snow, Sport and Tow. The last mode will come in handy as the new model can tow up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs).
The new TrailSport model offers more possibilities
Honda says that this new model had the all-terrain TrailSport model in mind from the start. As a result, the chassis became stiffer, the wheelbase lengthened (113.8 inches) and the track widened for improved stability.
In addition, the new pilot is eight percent stiffer at the height and 29 percent stiffer at the rear in the longitudinal direction. Honda claims this improvement, along with retuned MacPherson struts up front and all-new multi-link rear suspension, makes the Standard Pilot a more challenging vehicle for on-road driving.
Read: 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport Rugged Roads Project dives into unique accessories
With the new TrailSport package, however, it is also more powerful than ever off the road. The model gets a 1-inch lift for more ground clearance, as well as better approach, departure, and roll angles. Unique anti-roll bars have been optimized for articulation and off-road comfort.
With an exclusive spring rate and damper tuning as well as standard Continental TerrainContact AT tires (265/60R18) and a TrailWatch camera, the model is more than just an optics package.
The TrailSport also has some special details in terms of looks. Diffused Sky Blue color is exclusive to the model, which gets orange stitching, badging, and all-season carpeting on the interior to protect the interior from muddy, sandy, or snowy boots.
More cargo and clever tricks
Standard Pilot 2023 drivers and their passengers are greeted with a new cabin that, with a little magic trick, can accommodate up to eight people. The three-row SUV is offered with a second-row bench seat with room for three passengers.
For those who don’t want to maximize seating, the center row center seat folds down to form a large armrest with cup holders. If you prefer a walk-through, the center seat can be removed entirely and stowed under the floor for maximum flexibility.
Whatever owners choose with this seat, the second row offers 2.4 inches (60mm) more legroom over the 2022 Pilot and can recline an additional 4 degrees, for a total of 10. The additional forward lean range, meanwhile, makes it easier to and disembarking for third row passengers.
If you’re looking for a van and not a bus, the new Pilot is also the largest in the history of the model line. With 635 liters of cargo space behind the third row and up to 3,219 liters behind the first row, it offers a total of 132 liters more cargo space than the model it replaces.
Modern technology inside
Honda says it worked to create the “most upscale Honda SUV ever” and added refined materials. Meanwhile, an instrument screen measuring up to 10.2 inches (in the Elite model) and a touchscreen measuring up to nine inches contribute to the technological attractiveness of the SUV.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and Honda says it’s simplified its own navigation system to make it cleaner while requiring fewer menus. A multi-purpose tray in front of the shifter allows two smartphones to be charged side by side. Touring and Elite models, meanwhile, get a Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers and a 15.7-liter subwoofer box.
A world first security innovation
Because the 2023 Honda Passport can carry so much stuff and, importantly, so many people, safety was essential. The new model features eight standard airbags, including front knee airbags, and a new, world-first unit.
The next-generation passenger front airbag uses a three-chamber design with two outer chambers designed to cradle the head and minimize rotation. This is done to reduce the risk of severe brain trauma associated with oblique frontal collisions.
Read: The IIHS introduced a tougher side impact crash test
The Pilot builds on the latest version of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Architecture and now gets a new structure integrated into the front subframe assembly to provide better protection in the same oblique frontal collisions.
A suite of new Honda Sensing technologies is enabled by a new, wider 90-degree field-of-view camera and 120-degree wide-angle radar. These improve accident prevention performance and have a better ability to recognize objects. Blind spot information, low-speed brake control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and more are all offered on the new model.
The new 2023 Honda Pilot will be produced in Alabama. Pricing will be announced shortly before launch.
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