Honda has unveiled the largest and most powerful SUV they’ve made: the all-new 2023 Pilot. Dubbed an “ultimately family SUV” it mixes rugged styling with more passenger and cargo room. Plus, a new variant, dubbed TrailSport means it’s is the most off-road capable SUV the brand has come up with.
Designed in California, developed in Ohio, and built in Alabama, the all-new fourth-generation Pilot ditches its CR-V-like crossover aesthetic for a design akin to traditional SUVs and light trucks. The large, upright grille, strong horizontal beltline, aggressively flared fenders, pulled back A-pillars, and long hood all create a sportier profile. It’s longer in both length and wheelbase, with widen tracks to accommodate wheel sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches.
Inside, the clean, uncluttered instrument panel gives the 2023 Pilot class-leading interior space (most notably more rear set legroom in the second and third rows compared to its predecessor). The front seat construction now incorporates a body stabilizing design that reduces fatigue over long drives, while the second-row legroom can recline 10 degrees for increased comfort. It seats eight adults as standard.
The modern cabin incorporates easy-to-use technology with either a 7- or 10.2-inch digital instrument display. At the center is a 7- or 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets both USB Type A and Type C ports, wireless device charging, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
Powering the 2023 Pilot is Honda’s 3.5-liter DOHC V6. The most powerful V6 ever from the brand, it makes 285 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque. It also happens to incorporate Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) for improved fuel efficiency and missions. A 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters is standard.
For all-wheel drive variants, Honda has made improvements to the i-VTM4 system. A strong rear differential can handle 40 percent more torque and provides 30 percent faster response, especially in slick conditions. Up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque can be sent to the rear axle, and 100 percent of that torque can be distributed to either the left or right rear wheel.
Retuned MacPherson struts in front and an all-new rear multilink suspension promise a more confident, agile, and precise handling while also improving ride quality. Front vertical stiffness is increased 8 percent, rear longitudinal stiffness is up 29 percent, and overall roll stiffness climbs 12 percent.
The big news for 2023 though is the new TrailSport variant. This off-road variant adds more ground clearance, unique suspension tuning, added kit (such as a panoramic sunroof), a trail-centric driver selectable mode, and standard 18-inch all-terrain tires. It also gets a more rugged aesthetic as well as a special color: Diffused Sky Blue.
Like previous Honda Pilots, the all-new one will be built in Alabama.
Keyword: 2023 Honda Pilot Is Honda's Most Powerful, Largest SUV Ever