The 2023 Honda Pilot is a completely redesigned model that boasts a larger size, more advanced technology, and increased power compared to its predecessor. Check out our full review of the top-of-the-line Touring trim.
Table of Contents
Like the 2022 Pilot, the all-new 2023 model comes with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. However, in the new generation SUV, it makes 285 horsepower, a 5-hp increase over last year. The 2023 Pilot has ditched the old nine-speed automatic transmission for a new 10-speed unit, although the SUV remains a front-wheel-drive-based model with all-wheel drive available as an option.
While the updated V-6 engine doesn’t make the Pilot feel much quicker than the last generation model, its throttle response is improved and the 10-speed automatic’s shifts are nice and smooth.
Pros
- Roomy first- and second-row seating
- Lots of cargo space and interior storage spots>
- Easy-to-use controls
Cons
- The standard touchscreen interface is too small
- Third-row seating is cramped for adults
- Lacklustre acceleration and braking performance
What’s new
- Fully redesigned for 2023
- More cargo space and rear passenger room
- New TrailSport model adds off-road capability
- The 2023 model kicks off the fourth Pilot generation
How’s the interior?
The Pilot’s interior is roomy and practical for the first two rows, with lots of storage space and slightly above-average visibility for a vehicle of this class. The latest Pilot’s dashboard keeps buttons to a minimum, but we like how Honda managed to make the most commonly used controls accessible rather than burying them in a touchscreen menu, which can be the case on other SUVs.
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Getting in and out is easy, with buttons to release the second-row seats that even children can activate. There’s enough seat travel that third-row access won’t be a squeeze for most adults. Front passengers are spoiled for space in the Pilot, and the second row is wide and accommodating with lots of legroom. Competitors like the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas, however, have better third rows. Adults will start to feel cramped as the high floor and almost nonexistent toe room under the second-row seats will push their knees up.
How’s the Technology
The Pilot offers plenty of usable tech features, but on the whole, it’s a half-step behind the curve. The infotainment, with wireless phone connectivity, works quickly and is easy to navigate, but the 9-inch screen feels dwarfed by the large cabin. It’s unfortunate the new Accord’s 12.3-inch screen isn’t available here. There are plenty of places to charge, including a wireless charging pad. There’s only one USB-C port available, however. The rest are the less powerful USB-A type, which limits options for phones, tablets and laptops that support fast charging.
Honda does equip the Pilot with plenty of standard driver assist features. Lane keeping assistance keeps the car centered nicely even at very low speeds. But while the adaptive cruise control follows smoothly at freeway speeds, it’s less confidence-inspiring in heavier traffic. In our testing, we found it too slow to react to suddenly braking traffic, prompting the driver to intervene. It also requires prompting via a steering wheel button or accelerator pedal to restart after even the briefest stop, so it doesn’t save you much effort.
How’s the storage?
Competitors like the Buick Enclave, Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer more cargo space, but the Pilot has enough flexible cargo features and small-item storage to make it a helpful family haulier. The 50/50-split third-row seats are easy to release (which is good because there’s no power-folding third row available), and they open up a large, if not class-leading space. Loading and unloading is easy with the floor in its highest position so bulky items can slide in and out.
When it comes to small-item storage, the Pilot is one of the best. Front passengers get an extra-large centre console tray and box, along with a few extra cubbies for smaller items. Both the front and rear doors offer a bunch of trays, pockets and even cupholders for every seat that will fit a 40-ounce water bottle.
Our test Pilot TrailSport had the second-row bench seat that comes with a removable centre seat that can be stored under the cargo floor in the trunk. It’s a neat feature that makes it easy to reconfigure the seating based on your day’s needs. Notably, the Pilot is one of the few SUVs to have LATCH anchors for all three second-row seats.
Fuel Economy
Depending on its equipment, the Pilot has an EPA estimate of anywhere from 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway) for the all-wheel-drive TrailSport to 22 mpg combined for a front-wheel-drive model. On Edmunds’ real-world test route, our Pilot TrailSport test vehicle averaged 22 mpg, which means drivers should be able to match EPA estimates. This result is on par with top V6 competitors but still well off the segment’s efficiency leader, the turbo four-cylinder Toyota Highlander — and without offering any quicker acceleration.
After analyzing the data, we suggest going with the Pilot EX-L as it provides a great balance of cost and features. With the EX-L model, you receive leather seats, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, and a power tailgate. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Although the decision between all-wheel drive or two-wheel drive is subjective, we think that the improved towing capacity that comes with AWD is a worthwhile investment.
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