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2023 Honda Pilot: official…

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Honda just released a few photos of the all-new 2023 Pilot. And it basically looks like a bigger 2023 CR-V with a funky-looking rear-side window.

The design makes it look a bit shorter than the current model. At least visually, it feels more like the second generation. Although it’s actually over 3 inches longer than the current generation. A panoramic roof is now standard on Elite and Touring models. And the new Trailsport version is obviously the choice for those who what to take the whole family off-road.

All versions are powered by a new 3.5 Liter V6 with 285HP. (Although I’ve heard it’s actually a revised version of the current V6) with a 10-speed automatic. The current engine in the Pilot/Passport is super smooth with plenty of power. I’m not sure it needed any change, except for better MPG.

Like many new Hondas, the base model is now the “Sport”. From there, it moves up to “EX-L” (no EX), “Touring” and “Elite”. And of course the new “Trailsport”. The Sport comes with a small 7-inch touchscreen (Which seems pretty cheap these days) and a 9-inch screen is standard on other models. A 12-speaker Bose system is standard on Touring and Elite models. Which is fine but not better than what’s available in the 2023 CR-V. Or Civic Touring… ( I Guess the high-end stuff has to be kept for Acura)

Here is some of the official stuff:

  • Rugged exterior design
  • All-new 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine is more powerful
  • New available second-generation i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system improves off-road capability
  • More modern and comfortable interior
  • Class-leading overall passenger space
  • First-in-class multi-function removable second-row middle seat provides three discrete seating options (Touring, Elite)
  • Increased cargo volume
  • Standard digital instrumentation
  • 10.2-inch digital instrument display (Elite)
  • 9-inch HD touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility (EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite)
  • Standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility (Sport)
  • 7 available drive modes, including new Sport, Tow, and Trail modes
  • Standard Honda Sensing® system with new wide-view camera and radar
  • Standard Hill Descent Control
  • Next-gen front passenger airbag designed to reduce potential for traumatic brain and neck injuries
  • Standard driver and front-passenger knee airbags
  • Trail torque logic optimizes off-road performance of i-VTM4 torque vectoring all-wheel drive system (TrailSport)
  • TrailWatch camera system to help drivers navigate obstacles (TrailSport, Elite)

Inside, Honda still hasn’t figured out how to integrate the tablet screen. But at least, the lack of a honeycomb mesh accent design across the dash makes it look a little bit different than the Civic, HR-V, or CR-V. Although all controls are still very similar.

I’m sure the new Pilot is a great family SUV. But this will go against the very popular Kia Telluride. Which has been revised and improved for 2023. And has a much more modern and stylish interior. And been getting only excellent reviews. The new Pilot seems to appeal only to Honda faithful who would otherwise not trust another brand like Kia…

Conversation 8 comments

  1. Honda is no longer an affordable brand. At least not in the US. The all-new CR-V can cost as much as $36,000. At that price, a surround-view monitor is not even available. For a few thousand more you can get a German-made 2023 BMW X1 AWD. I’m not going to even look at the cost of the new Pilot.

  2. To be honest, it reminds me of old school Fords from the front. And luckily, it doesn’t, from the interior.

  3. It’s a 2023 model that costs >$50K and yet Honda has decided that a 4-way lumbar is too much to bother with.

  5. From all the press release photos from Honda showing off the Trailsport, you would think the Trailsport is/ would be the top of the line model (kind of like a TRD pro). But it appears to be a mid-trim.

    You would think you should be able to at least option the heads-up display, larger screen, digital gauges, removable second row middle seat, and vented seats on the Trailsport. But I guess not.

    This makes me miss my 2006 MDX all the more. Sure it didn’t have all the gadgets as this (or a new MDX), but I still think the original MDX was and still is a good looking SUV inside and out.

  6. A general side note about modern cars/ SUVs.

    I wish car manufacturers would add a “shiny black plastic delete” package. It looks cheap when new and dirty/ scratched up in matter of months.

    It might be minimal here on the new Pilot, but it’s still there, and I think lessens the interior. Shiny black plastic kept me from buying the new MDX (which is an awesome SUV, but god there is shiny black plastic all over it).

  7. Regardless of what Honda says, that all-black interior looks depressing and cheap. Would it kill honda to add a splash of colour? Seriously. My 17 year old Escalade has a more pleasing interior.

  8. I never thought I was going to say this but I want a Honda Pilot. I think all of the Pilots before this were horrible but I love this one like in this might be my next car. Now, what the heck happened with the screen? 9 inches is small by today’s standard and that is the biggest size they will offer. That makes zero sense in the top trim which will probably be around 52K. Why didn’t they use the same screen they just revealed in the new Accord? Still, I love the design, finally Honda has a good looking Pilot.

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