The 2023 Honda Pilot, a stalwart in the midsize SUV segment, returns with a fresh design and a suite of advanced features. This generation of the Pilot aims to solidify its position as a family-friendly and versatile vehicle, catering to a wide range of needs and preferences.
Whether you’re seeking a capable daily driver, a spacious companion for weekend adventures, or a reliable vehicle for hauling the whole family, the 2023 Pilot presents a compelling case.
From its revamped exterior to its refined interior and enhanced technology, the 2023 Honda Pilot offers a well-rounded package that aims to impress. This review delves into the key aspects of the 2023 Pilot, exploring its design, performance, technology, safety features, and overall value proposition.
Overview of the 2023 Honda Pilot
The 2023 Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV that has been redesigned for the new model year. It offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, a powerful engine, and a host of advanced safety features. The Pilot is aimed at families and individuals who need a reliable and versatile vehicle for daily commutes, weekend getaways, and everything in between.
Key Features and Specifications
The 2023 Honda Pilot is available in six trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. All trims come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
All-wheel drive is available as an option on all trims except the Black Edition, which comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The 2023 Honda Pilot features a new exterior design, a redesigned interior, and a host of new technology features. Some of the key features include:
- A new front grille and headlights
- A new rear bumper and taillights
- A new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- A new digital instrument cluster
- A new suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
Comparison to the 2022 Model
The 2023 Honda Pilot is a significant upgrade over the 2022 model. The new Pilot features a more modern and sophisticated design, a more spacious and comfortable interior, and a more powerful engine. The 2023 Pilot also features a new suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that are designed to enhance safety and driver confidence.
Target Audience
The 2023 Honda Pilot is a great choice for families and individuals who need a reliable and versatile SUV. It offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, a powerful engine, and a host of advanced safety features. The Pilot is also a good choice for those who want a vehicle with a good reputation for quality and reliability.
Exterior Design and Styling
The 2023 Honda Pilot boasts a refreshed exterior design that blends sharp lines with a more rugged and modern aesthetic. The design philosophy behind the 2023 Pilot aims to convey a sense of strength, capability, and sophistication. This is achieved through a combination of design elements, including:
Exterior Design Elements
- A bold new front grille with a horizontal chrome bar and a prominent Honda emblem
- Sleek and angular headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights
- A more sculpted hood with pronounced character lines
- A wider stance and more aggressive wheel arches
- A new rear bumper with integrated taillights and a chrome trim piece
- Available roof rails and side steps for enhanced utility
Available Color Options
The 2023 Honda Pilot is available in a range of colors to suit different tastes and preferences. Some of the available colors include:
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Modern Steel Metallic
- Sonic Gray Pearl
- Platinum White Pearl
- Forest Mist Metallic
- Obsidian Blue Pearl
- Black Forest Pearl
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Tangerine Peel
Design Philosophy
The 2023 Honda Pilot’s exterior design is a testament to Honda’s commitment to creating vehicles that are both stylish and functional. The design philosophy behind the Pilot is to create a vehicle that is both rugged and refined, capable of handling anything from daily commutes to weekend adventures.
The new Pilot’s design is also intended to convey a sense of confidence and sophistication, reflecting the values of the target audience.
Interior Design and Features
The interior of the 2023 Honda Pilot is a testament to Honda’s commitment to creating vehicles that are both stylish and functional. The design philosophy behind the Pilot’s interior is to create a space that is both comfortable and inviting, while also being practical and well-equipped.
Interior Design and Layout
The 2023 Honda Pilot features a spacious and comfortable cabin with a modern and sophisticated design. The dashboard is driver-focused and features a large, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to use. The center console is also well-designed and features a variety of storage compartments and cupholders.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there is plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers in all three rows.
Technology Features
The 2023 Honda Pilot is loaded with technology features, including:
- A new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- A new digital instrument cluster that provides drivers with important information at a glance
- A wireless charging pad for compatible devices
- A premium sound system with multiple speakers
- A panoramic sunroof for a more spacious and airy feel
- A suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
Comfort and Spaciousness
The 2023 Honda Pilot offers a comfortable and spacious cabin that is perfect for families and individuals who need a vehicle that can accommodate passengers and cargo. The Pilot’s third row is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, and the second row can be folded down to create a large cargo area.
Performance and Handling
The 2023 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option on all trims except the Black Edition, which comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Engine Options
The 2023 Honda Pilot is only available with one engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. It also provides enough power for towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Fuel Efficiency and Performance Characteristics
The 2023 Honda Pilot gets an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models get an estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
The Pilot’s fuel efficiency is comparable to other SUVs in its class. The Pilot’s performance is also impressive, with a smooth and responsive engine and a comfortable ride.
Handling and Driving Dynamics
The 2023 Honda Pilot handles well for a mid-size SUV. It offers a comfortable ride and a responsive steering feel. The Pilot’s suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and dips in the road, and the vehicle feels stable and confident on the road.
Safety Features and Technology: 2023 Honda Pilot
The 2023 Honda Pilot is packed with safety features, including a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These features are designed to help drivers avoid accidents and keep passengers safe.
Standard and Optional Safety Features
The 2023 Honda Pilot comes standard with a variety of safety features, including:
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Traction control
- Multiple airbags
- A rearview camera
- A tire pressure monitoring system
Optional safety features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- A driver attention monitor
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The 2023 Honda Pilot features a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that are designed to enhance safety and driver confidence. These systems include:
- Honda Sensing: This suite of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and more.
- Blind Spot Information System: This system uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spot and alerts the driver with a warning light.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert: This system uses sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the sides when backing up and alerts the driver with a warning light and sound.
Safety Ratings and Awards, 2023 honda pilot
The 2023 Honda Pilot has received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. The Pilot has also won numerous awards for its safety features, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick award.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2023 Honda Pilot is available in six trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. Each trim level comes with a unique set of features and a different starting MSRP. The table below Artikels the key features and starting MSRP for each trim level:
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | $39,150 | – 3.5-liter V6 engine
|
| EX-L | $43,450 | – All Sport features
|
| Touring | $47,950 | – All EX-L features
|
| TrailSport | $49,950 | – All Touring features
|
| Elite | $53,450 | – All Touring features
|
| Black Edition | $54,950 | – All Elite features
|
Comparison to Competitors
The 2023 Honda Pilot’s pricing is competitive with other mid-size SUVs in its class. For example, the Toyota Highlander has a starting MSRP of $38,770, the Ford Explorer has a starting MSRP of $38,645, and the Chevrolet Traverse has a starting MSRP of $34,895.
The Pilot’s pricing is also competitive when considering its features and equipment levels.
Pros and Cons of the 2023 Honda Pilot
The 2023 Honda Pilot is a great mid-size SUV that offers a lot to families and individuals. However, like any vehicle, it has its pros and cons. Here is a list of the advantages and disadvantages of the 2023 Honda Pilot:
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Powerful and efficient engine
- A wide range of standard and optional safety features
- A good reputation for quality and reliability
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- The third row is a bit cramped for adults
- The infotainment system can be slow at times
- The ride can be a bit rough on rough roads
- The fuel economy is not as good as some of its competitors
Target Audience and Use Cases
The 2023 Honda Pilot is a versatile SUV that can be used for a variety of purposes. The Pilot is a great choice for families who need a vehicle that can accommodate passengers and cargo, as well as for individuals who want a reliable and comfortable SUV for daily commutes and weekend getaways.
Ideal Buyer Profile
The ideal buyer for the 2023 Honda Pilot is someone who is looking for a spacious, comfortable, and reliable mid-size SUV. The Pilot is also a good choice for those who want a vehicle with a good reputation for safety and fuel efficiency.
The Pilot’s target audience includes:
- Families with children
- Individuals who need a vehicle for daily commutes
- People who enjoy weekend getaways and outdoor activities
- Those who value safety and reliability
Use Cases
The 2023 Honda Pilot is a versatile SUV that can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Family transportation: The Pilot’s spacious cabin and comfortable seats make it a great choice for families with children.
- Commuting: The Pilot’s comfortable ride and fuel efficiency make it a good choice for daily commutes.
- Weekend getaways: The Pilot’s spacious cargo area and comfortable seats make it a good choice for weekend getaways.
- Outdoor activities: The Pilot’s available all-wheel drive and rugged suspension make it a good choice for outdoor activities.
Comparison with Competitors
The 2023 Honda Pilot faces stiff competition from other mid-size SUVs in its class. Some of the Pilot’s key competitors include the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse. Each of these SUVs offers its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses.
Comparison to the Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a popular choice for families, and it offers a similar level of comfort, space, and reliability to the Honda Pilot. The Highlander is also known for its fuel efficiency. However, the Pilot offers a more powerful engine and a more stylish design.
Comparison to the Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is another popular choice for families, and it offers a more rugged and capable driving experience than the Honda Pilot. The Explorer also offers a more powerful engine option. However, the Pilot offers a more comfortable ride and a more spacious interior.
Comparison to the Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a good value for the money, and it offers a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. The Traverse also offers a more powerful engine option. However, the Pilot offers a more refined driving experience and a more stylish design.
Final Review
The 2023 Honda Pilot emerges as a solid contender in the competitive midsize SUV market. Its combination of practicality, comfort, and advanced technology makes it an attractive choice for families and individuals seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle. While some aspects might not be as cutting-edge as its competitors, the Pilot delivers a balanced and satisfying driving experience that prioritizes practicality and value.
Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on road trips, the 2023 Pilot provides a comfortable and capable ride, making it a worthy addition to the Honda lineup.