Finally, Honda Reveals Long-Awaited Fourth-Generation Pilota model that launches a platform and that takes advantage of its advantages to offer a much more capable model in terms of habitability and performance.
Among all its novelties, the revisions made to the powertrain, the improved technological package of the model and the greater offroad capabilities, which come from the hand of the TrailSport version, stand out.
Honda Pilot 2023: dimensions and design
- Length: 5,077mm (5,085 TrailSport version)
- Width: 1,994mm
- Tall:
- 1,801mm EX-L model
- 1803mm on Sport, Touring and Elite models
- 1,829 mm the TrailSport model
- Between axes: 2,891mm
- Trunk:
- 635 L behind third row (SAE measurement, to roof)
- 3,219 L behind first row (all seats folded, SAE measurement, to roof)
- Trailer: up to 2,268 kilos
Pilot 2023, designed in California, presents a more aggressive, solid and less urban style than the previous model. This is noticeable in several aspects, especially the straighter front and the presence of the C-pillar (it is no longer hidden behind the windows), as well as more pronounced wheel arches and character lines at waist height. Even the rear end was completely restyled with new-style LED lights and a black stripe joining them, where the name “Pilot” can be read.
There are more versions and depending on the version, it is the style pack that we will see. For example, the Sport model gets chrome exhaust tips and a black package for the front grille, roof rails, fog lights and 20-inch gray wheels. The EX-L model offers chrome trim and accents, as well as 18-inch diamond-cut wheels. They are 20″ with a machined finish.
Of course, the big news is the TrailSport version, aimed at families who like adventure. This package is not only aesthetic, but also functional, giving the 2023 Pilot better tools to tackle rough or soft roads, slopes and potholes. Aesthetically it is differentiated by 18″ wheels with All Terrain tires, skid plates for the sump, transmission and fuel tank, tow hooks, special logos and a “fuzzy sky blue” color unique to this variant. It also has black elements. bright as the handles on the doors.\
For the first time, Pilot will be available with a new lineup of four post-production option packages, including a new Honda Performance Development (HPD) package, featuring bronze-colored aluminum wheels, fenders and HPD decals.
Honda Pilot 2023: interior and equipment
The Honda Pilot has always been one of the most comfortable and spacious cars in its segment, and this is no exception. Thanks to the fact that the car is larger between axles and in width, it can seat a maximum of eight occupants with better distance for the legs and, in addition, with a very special trick: the second row has “captain” type seats but in You can put an auxiliary seat in the center, which can be transformed into a small table and if you want, you can even take it out to improve access to the seats in the back.
The front seats now have better supports to prevent fatigue after long hours of driving.
The dashboard is completely new and takes several cues from the interior of the Civic, with a design that may not be the most modern, but it is very functional and more ergonomic. We can not forget the changes in soundproofing with the use of insulating foam, linings for the wheel arches, thicker carpets and other insulating elements, for a quieter drive.
On the equipment side, a 7″ digital instrument panel or a large 10.2″ panel is offered for the Elite version, which also offers a Head-Up Display. The multimedia system screen is 7″ for the Sport model and 9″ for the rest of the versions, of course with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless in the rest of the versions). In the Sport versions there are also four USB ports available, two in the front and two in the central seats, while the rest of the versions offer wireless chargers and two extra USB ports for the third row.
The most equipped models will be able to opt for a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
On the safety side, Pilot has eight standard airbags and the Honda Sensing package of assists, which has been enhanced with larger cameras and new features such as an expanded blind spot monitor, traffic assist, sign recognition, low-speed braking control and a more natural-functioning Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system.
2023 Honda Pilot: Powertrain
Pilot offers a powertrain based on the previous generation but improved. Up front is the same 3.5-liter V6, but mated to a 10-speed automatic. It delivers 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
It has seven driving modes (Normal, Econ, Sport, Trail, Snow, Sand and Tow) which act on the traction system and the engine to obtain the response that best suits your driving style or need. Trail mode and Sand (enhanced) mode are available on models equipped with the AWD system.
Dynamically speaking, we have a new chassis based on the new architecture of the brand destined for its “light” trucks (a future Ridgeline and also a future Passport), which has been reinforced to improve torsional rigidity by 60% towards the front. and 30% in the rear. The suspension was recalibrated (with a multilink rear system) and the steering column was reinforced, which was revised to provide a more agile and linear feel in maneuvers. Larger brakes and a descent control system were also added.
Of course, the TrailSport model offers a longer-travel suspension and stabilizer bars that allow more articulation, which translates into more ground clearance and better angles of approach or departure. In addition, the Trail mode activated in this model presents a higher level of control over the i-VTM4 traction system, which has torque vectoring. With this, the Pilot 2023 goes from being a family SUV to an SUV with much more marked offroad skills thanks to intelligent management that emulates differential locks and distributes force quickly based on the wheels that need it most, but with algorithms and activation thresholds designed for very bad roads and more demanding obstacles. Thanks to the TrailWatch camera you will be able to monitor the gradients and events that you have in front.
The TrailSport model, with all its improvements, was tested in many conditions and routes frequented by overland enthusiasts, including measurements made by the Nevada Automotive Test Center, offroad specialists.
Honda Pilot 2023: commercialization
The Pilot in its most urban Elite version.
Pilot will go on sale during the next month in the United States. It continues to be manufactured exclusively at the Alabama plant. From 2006 to the present, Honda has built more than two million Pilots in the United States.
We’ll see when it arrives but with its renewed style, it will surely be well received in its segment, where we also find the Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Evoltis, Mazda CX-9, Ford Explorer and Exeed VX, to mention.
