2023 Honda Pilot: Image Transformation
2023 Honda Pilot Front View
It’s hard to believe that the Honda Pilot is now in its fourth generation, having launched back in 2003, giving Honda a worthy competitor in the large crossover SUV segment. Always a top choice among its competition, this new fourth gen Pilot returns to the original’s roots as a more rugged and truck like vehicle. The previous third generation of the Pilot was also a nice vehicle but was more minivan like in both appearance and drive. In today’s market, consumers crave vehicles that look rugged, tough and have the capability to go off the pavement and onto the trails. Even though most buyers will never take these vehicles off road, almost all car companies are trying to give buyers what they want. So Honda has decided to follow this trend, transforming the image of the Pilot from a comfortable SUV that drives well in suburbia, to an SUV that looks sturdy and ready to conquer the most challenging trails.
This redesigned 2023 Pilot looks a lot more rugged than its more generic minivan like predecessor. The front end of the vehicle is more squared off and features an upright grille within a flatter face. It also has a longer hood that gives it a more truck like profile and appearance. From the front, the design is chunkier and more masculine than the last generation and all minivan like characteristics are gone. The side profile is clean, with straighter lines and more SUV like than before. From the back, the new Pilot features a simple but handsome design with the word PILOT plastered in large letters, letting everyone know exactly what vehicle they are looking at when stuck behind one in traffic. The Pilot is more macho than ever before and I think Honda did a great job with the styling and the more rugged applications in the design are a welcome change.
From the inside the new Pilot feels roomy and airy, thanks to the push button shifter. This shifter frees up space around the center console but also makes the interior feel more car like in my opinion. Feeling more car like from the inside is not a bad thing as it makes the Pilot feel more spacious and family friendly. I drove the Black Edition, which comes with perforated leather seats, heated steering wheel and a comfortable and supportive driver’s seat. All Pilots except the base Sport trim come available with a 9-inch touch screen that sits a top of the dash. The Sport trim level comes with a smaller 7-inch touch screen display. Push button climate controls on the dash are present and easy to use. Meanwhile, the infotainment system seems logical, streamlined and people should have no problem navigating through it after using it a few times. As always, Honda’s fit and finish is superb and the overall interior design is attractive. There is plenty of space for occupants in the second row, with plenty of head room and leg room. The third row should also be more comfortable than before thanks to the Pilot growing in length and height when compared to the previous version. From the inside, the Pilot is a nice place to be when shuttling people around town or to the back country.
All Pilots come equipped with a naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces 285 HP and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10 speed automatic transmission, which is also new in the Pilot. Despite its brawnier looks, the Pilot doesn’t drive very truck like and since its main purpose is to be a people mover, it doesn’t have to drive like a truck. Families want a smooth vehicle that emphasizes comfort and the new Pilot does that in spades. Power is indeed smooth and effortless. From the driver’s seat the Pilot feels big, but once you start moving it drives like a smaller and lighter vehicle. Steering feels light and when you tap the accelerator the Pilot takes off and feels secure. Merging onto the highway is no problem for the Pilot and the vehicle is filled with standard safety features like lane departure warning and forward collision warning among many other safety options. All of these safety features will give buyers a peace of mind knowing that they are well protected in the Pilot. The Pilot’s suspension setup handles bumps on the road well and while I didn’t take it off road, it apparently can hold its own in light duty off road trails (particularly in TrailSport trim).
Honda Pilot’s 3.5 litre V-6 engine
As for pricing, the 2023 Pilot starts at $52,775 for the Sport trim. That price rises to around $56,000 for the EX-L trim and around $59,500 for the off-road oriented TrailSport model. From there the next model is the very well-equipped Touring model, priced from $63,475 and finally the Black Edition goes for just under $65,000.
Honda Pilot’s very roomy 2nd row seats
The new 2023 Pilot is a vehicle that provides families with everything that they could want. It still offers the traits that have made the Pilot so successful in the past, but with a new rugged and contemporary look and image that is so popular in today’s market. It blends this tougher more truck like design with a vehicle that drives more like a car, with an interior that is very well appointed and roomy. The Pilot is smartly packaged and is very practical for 7 or 8 passengers. Honda nailed their most important goal, as the beefier styling will help transform the Pilot’s image from a minivan alternative to an SUV with some descent off-road credentials. The new Pilot may not move up too many mountains but will likely be moving up to the top of the class with this effort.
A Special thanks to the kind staff at Richmond Honda, located in the Richmond Auto Mall for the vehicle.
Honda Pilot rear quarter panel
