The Honda Pilot has long been a leader in the 3-row midsize SUV segment and a regular presence on our annual list of best family cars.
But, for the 2023 model year, Honda has redesigned it. The new model is handsome, with a more truck-like, rugged look than past Pilot models. It backs up the rugged look with an available TrailSport model that aims to rival Jeep and Land Rover products for off-road adventures.
But it keeps traditional Pilot virtues like a family-friendly interior, a capable V6 engine, and easy-driving road manners. Our test driver says the 2023 Pilot “delivers the same brand of intuitive responsiveness we’ve come to expect from every Honda vehicle.”
It’s available in six trim levels, with prices ranging from $36,300 for a base model to a near-luxury one at $52,380. But that high-end price gets you a high-end vehicle.
The Pilot Elite
The top of the Pilot lineup is the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite. It offers legendary Honda reliability and near-Acura levels of refinement. The Elite starts at $52,380.
You can spend a bit more on a Pilot. Dealers offer two appearance packages – a Honda Performance Division Black Package or Bronze Package – that change the trim and wheels to make your Pilot look more distinctive. An available Towing Package preps it for a trailer, and an available Function Package adds some cargo sorting tools.
Let’s take a closer look at what you get with a 2023 Honda Pilot Elite
Features include:
- 3.5-liter V6 making 285 horsepower
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system
- Hill-descent control
- 7-mode drive system with Normal, Econ, Sand, Snow, Sport, Tow, and Trail settings
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Hands-free access power tailgate
- All-season tires
- Roof rails
- LED headlights and LED fog lights
- Acoustic glass
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Panoramic roof with moonroof
- Heated and ventilated front sets
- Stowable second-row center seat
- Hidden storage well
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Second-row sunshades
- One-touch folding second-row seats
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- 9-inch touchscreen
- Multi-view camera system with TrailWatch
- Wireless phone charger
- Head-up display
- Smart entry w/walk-away auto lock
- Front-, second-, and third-row USB ports
- CabinTalk in-car PA system
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Blind Spot Information w/Cross Traffic Monitor
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Parking Sensors
It’s an impressive list, but a few features stand out enough to require deeper explanation:
Flexible second-row seating for two or three
With most 3-row SUVs, buyers face a choice – buy a second-row bench for three or roomier captain’s chairs that limit you to carrying two in the second row.
Pilot buyers don’t. Honda engineers developed a unique second row with a removable center seat that stows in the floor when not in use. Owners can switch between the added comfort of captain’s chairs (which also make the third row easier to access) or the added carrying capacity of a bench on the fly.
Seven driving modes
Many midsize SUVs available this year let you adjust the car’s performance to the weather and surface conditions. Three or four modes are typical. Honda gives most Pilot models five and the Pilot Elite a truly impressive seven. They adjust power delivery and suspension settings for everything from off-road driving in the sand to on-road driving on snow and ice.
Perforated, heated, and ventilated leather seats
You might read a lot about cornering prowess and ride comfort, but the seats are the real key to how comfortable a car feels.
The Pilot Elite essentially has luxury car seating. Heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats and leather surfaces with accent piping for a sporty look make them seem out of an Acura, Honda’s luxury brand.
The driver gets a 10-way power-adjustable seat with 2-way power lumbar support and two memory settings.
More Honda Pilot
Build and price your own 2023 Honda Pilot to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Honda Pilot models for sale near you.
