The Honda Pilot is all-new for 2023, with rugged new looks and an adventure-ready TrailSport trim that takes a beloved family vehicle and makes it into something more capable.
The Pilot has long been a popular choice for those who need a minivan-like interior and a more conventional exterior. But the latest redesign makes it something different.
It’s actually handsome.
Our test driver says the new Pilot is “the best yet,” with more room than the outgoing model and “far more personality with rugged and contemporary styling.” Every Pilot gets a 285-horsepower V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.
But each of the six trim levels will appeal to different buyers.
The most popular, though, is the top-of-the-line Elite edition. Starting at $52,380, it’s so well-equipped that it inches into luxury SUV territory. But it gives buyers that bulletproof Honda reputation and a more affordable price than a luxury vehicle would carry.
Let’s dive into what the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite includes.
Seven driving modes for varying conditions
With the latest redesign, Honda has given drivers the ability to adjust for different surfaces and conditions. Normal, Econ, and Sport modes let you change the throttle response and suspension to save gas or have fun.
But the truly exciting change is Snow, Trail, and Sand modes. Honda developed these for the off-road-oriented TrailSport model but included them in the Pilot Elite as well. They adjust power delivery and suspension settings for different surfaces, so you can get off the paved road safely. A Tow setting optimizes the Pilot for pulling up to 5,000 pounds.
Standard all-wheel drive
Whether you’re taking your Pilot off-road or just live where snow and ice are a factor in your driving, the Pilot Elite’s standard AWD system adds self-assurance to your drive.
Trick 2- or 3-passenger second-row seat
One of the biggest decisions buyers face when considering a 3-row SUV is whether to buy a second-row bench or captain’s chairs. A bench gives you seating for eight. Captain’s chairs reduce the carrying capacity to seven but make second-row passengers more comfortable and make it easier to reach the third row (or pass things to the kids back there).
Pilot Elite buyers don’t face the question. It comes standard with a unique second-row middle seat that pops out and can be stored in the floor. You can have a bench when you want it and captain’s chairs when you prefer them. You can even fold it down to serve as a table with cupholders between the two outboard seats.
Perforated, heated, and ventilated leather seats
Nothing makes a car feel luxurious, quite like highly-adjustable leather seats. The Pilot Elite’s look premium, with accent piping lending an air of sport. They’re also super comfortable – heated in the front row and the second-row outboard positions and ventilated up front.
The driver gets a 10-way power-adjustable seat with 2-way power lumbar support and two memory settings.
Premium infotainment tech
Entry-level Pilot models get a 7-inch color touchscreen, but the Pilot Elite gets a larger 9-inch screen plus a 10.2-inch screen in place of the traditional driver’s instrument panel.
A 12-spear Bose premium sound system with a subwoofer is standard as well. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t just standard; they’re wireless and there’s also a wireless phone charging pad.
More about the 2023 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 CR-V models for sale near you.
