The first Honda Pilot appeared as a 2003 model and at the time it revolutionized the segment in which it participates by being built with a monocoque chassis. and not stairs as traditionally had been done. With a square, almost cubic shape, it has always stood out for its docile but effective handling, as well as for its great space and interior modularity.
Twenty years later, the fourth generation appears, which, although it maintains the values that have given it its identity over the years, reinvents itself to show a face with a sporty flavor, never seen before in this model.
Well, before anyone else, in autocosmos we got behind the wheel of the new Honda Pilot 2023which, believe it or not, has many surprises to offer.
2023 Honda Pilot: Design
The previous Pilot, had a design closer to that of a minivan than to that of an SUV and to be honest it was not exactly the most beautiful vehicle in the segment. In fact, she was already feeling pretty tired. But this fourth generation changes the philosophy slightly, since, although it maintains the characteristic square shapes, it now boasts design solutions that give it a more aggressive and sporty identity.starting with the grill, which adopts the language already seen in models such as Accord and CR-V.
Our test unit corresponds to the top version Black Edition ($1,189,900 pesos), which as its name indicates, is distinguished by having elements in black such as the grill, rear-view mirror housings, skulls, rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels and roof rails. This results in the sportiest Pilot ever.
2023 Honda Pilot: Interior
Behind the scenes, it’s very clear that Pilot’s main market is the US. Holes here, cup holders there, and lots and lots of space. But let’s go in parts. To begin with, we have materials where soft polymers prevail at the top, although further down, we can find harder materials. Black leather with red contrasts can be found on the steering wheel, knob, door, dashboard, armrest and, without a doubt, it gives a good sporty touch. Speaking of which, the perforated seats feature the Black Edition emblem on the headrest.
In terms of technology, attention is captured by a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. For its part, the cluster is digital 10.2 inches. To highlight the 12-speaker audio system signed by Bose.
The interior space is generous and this 5 meter long SUV is approved to carry up to 8 passengers. In the rear row seats there are amenities such as air vents and privacy curtains. It should be noted that the second and third row have USB ports, cup holders and surfaces to store objects.
What about cargo space? Well, with all the rows in place, it announces a volume of 526 litres, while with the second and third rows folded down, it has a gigantic cavern of 3,182 liters! Awesome! By the way, it also has a hole behind the last bench, which is very practical to hide things from the view of foreign lovers. If there is a brand that knows how to make spacious and modular interiors, it is undoubtedly Honda. The spare tire is temporary, one of the few weak points of this SUV.
2023 Honda Pilot: Safety
Regarding the safeguarding of passengers, we have a huge list. After all, it is a vehicle with a family vocation. Thus, it integrates elements such as: airbags for the driver and passenger, side, curtain and knees; 360º monitor; Trailer Stability Assist (TSA); Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control; parking assistance; LATCH Anchorage System in the 2nd and 3rd row; Hill Start Assist (HSA) system; Hill Descent Assistance System (HDC), among others.
However, things do not end here, since we must also add the suite of advanced driving assistance Honda Sensing, which is made up of: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Low speed follow function; Frontal Collision Braking Alert System; Lane Keeping System; Collision Mitigation System with Braking; Highway Departure Mitigation System; Heavy Traffic Assistant; Blind Spot Monitoring System and Rear Collision Prevention System.
2023 Honda Pilot: Handling
Dynamic performance is one of Pilot’s strengths. It is true, on paper we would be facing a completely continuous model and that is that the 3.5-liter V6 is the same as it has always been. To be honest, my expectations weren’t the best, but what a surprise I got.
The technical sheet tells us that under the chest we will find 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Power that is dosed by a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters behind the wheel, while the drive is front. So far everything is an mmm meh!
By accelerating things start to change and while the response was far from insane, it’s snappy, but that’s it. By the way, the engine emits a raspy sound, more typical of an enthusiast vehicle than a sporty SUV. On wide highways, it feels stable and very well planted.
By chance of fate, the production is carried out in Go Karting La Marquesa, what a surprise I got and that is that this 5 meter long mass is capable of tracing the curves with great joy. The set-up between comfort and dynamism is outstanding and allowed us to go at an excellent pace on a circuit designed for tiny vehicles.
The truth is, I had a lot of fun and the best part is that it withstands abuse better than expected. At times I came to believe that I was looking at an AWD or before a smaller and more dynamic vehicle. Already at a limit the understeer is present. The assists work correctly. Again Honda, injected that sporty touch that deserves nothing but praise.
2023 Honda Pilot: Conclusion Is it worth it?
The new Honda Pilot 2023 arrives in Mexico to face models such as Nissan Pathfinder, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Palisade, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, among others. Against them, their main strengths are abundant interior space, as well as truly amazing versatility and modularity. Security is also a priority, and personally, I liked the image quite a bit. The handling has been polished and now has that sporty touch that the brand has injected into its latest products. But without a doubt, the best thing is that the price no longer feels crazy compared to its rivals and, in fact, it is very much in tune with what has been seen in the segment. I would go so far as to say that it went from being a drab vehicle to being a real purchase option. The cons would be the temporary spare tire, the absence of the AWD and probably a more modern engine. A turbo engine, or even this same V6, but with electrified assists, would not hurt at all. I’d even go so far as to say it could handle the 355-hp V6 Twin Turbo from its Acura MDX Type S cousin, no problem.
