Americans buy more SUVs than cars and trucks combined, so today’s SUVs have to fulfill many roles. There are family-friendly road trip SUVs, hard-working tow vehicle SUVs, reliable commuter SUVs for states with heavy winters, and off-road-capable SUVs for the job site or the campsite.
Honda has long been known for reliable family-friendly SUVs that hold their value exceptionally well. But, for the 2023 model year, the company is trying something new. It’s building an SUV for the trail.
What is a Honda Pilot TrailSport, and what makes it different than the spacious Honda Pilot you already know?
Honda recently invited KBB’s Lyn Woodward to test the upcoming 2023 Pilot TrailSport off-road. The model hasn’t reached dealerships yet, so we don’t know the final pricing. But we’re authorized to reveal a few details about what makes this an entirely different Pilot.
Last Year Was Practice
Honda debuted the TrailSport name on the 2022 Pilot. But the 2022 version was essentially a rugged appearance package. It featured a slight suspension lift for greater ground clearance, black and orange TrailSport badges inside and out, and orange contrast stitching on the upholstery. It was a good look but not a robust off-road Pilot.
The 2023 Pilot TrailSport is something altogether different. It features genuine trail-worthy gear.
All-Terrain Tires
Anyone with off-roading experience will tell you that nothing increases a vehicle’s trail-worthiness like tires designed for the task. The Pilot TrailSport rides on Continental Terrain Contact All-Terrain Tires for added grip on the slippery stuff.
Off-Road Stabilizer Bars for More Articulation
Automakers advertise their off-road vehicles as tough, but a good off-roader actually needs to flex more than a road car. Honda built unique off-road stabilizer bars into the 2023 Pilot TrailSport to allow more flex, helping those all-terrain tires maintain contact with the ground at odd angles.
7 Drive Modes, Hill-Descent Control
The 2023 Pilot Trailsport offers seven drive modes, including a Trail mode that preps the suspension for unpredictable surfaces. Hill-descent control modulates speed between 2 and 12 mph on declines – taking workload off the driver in sometimes-stressful trail situations.
Trail Cameras
Trail mode doesn’t just affect the suspension. It also flips on front-facing cameras with adjustable angles, helping you navigate over rocks and uneven surfaces.
All-Wheel-Drive with Torque Vectoring
The TrailSport ups the Pilot’s all-wheel-drive (AWD) game with a rear-axle torque vectoring system that can send up to 75% of the power to the wheel with the best grip.
Steel Skid Plates
The 2023 Pilot TrailSport is no parking lot princess. It wears armor under the gas tank, engine, and transmission, so you can thump it around with a greater sense of security.
Added Ground Clearance
Honda hasn’t revealed the ground clearance of the 2023 Pilot yet but says the TrailSport sits an inch higher than other models.
Recovery Points
No one wants to get stuck, but good off-road vehicles come equipped for that. The Pilot TrailSport has recovery points built into the front and the tow hitch to make it easier for the vehicles to get each other back on the trail when necessary.
Tight Cupholders
Do you know how to tell someone has real off-road experience? Look at the cupholders in their vehicle. Regular rock crawlers know that a water bottle just gets thrown out of most cup holders once the trail gets bouncy. Honda built grippers that will fix bottles of many sizes in place. That, more than any stabilizer bar or skid plate, tells you they’re serious about taking on Jeep and Land Rover on the trails.
More Honda Pilot
Build and price your own 2023 Honda Pilot to see the current Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Honda Pilot models for sale near you.
