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2023 Honda Pilot

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Expert Rating
3.3 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2023 LX 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $36,300
2023 LX 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $38,400
2023 Sport 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $39,500
2023 Sport 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $41,600
2023 EX-L 8 Passenger 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $42,300
2023 EX-L 7 Passenger 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $42,600
2023 EX-L 8 Passenger 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $44,400
2023 EX-L 7 Passenger 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $44,700
2023 Touring 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $46,800
2023 TrailSport 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $48,700
2023 Touring 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $48,900
2023 Elite 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $52,380

Overview

What's New

The 2023 Honda Pilot is entering the new model year as a fully redesigned SUV. The SUV receives an updated exterior design with a boxier look, a revised V6 engine, a new 10-speed automatic transmission, an off-road-ready TrailSport trim, and a refreshed interior design. Overall, the Pilot’s redesign sees it become more competitive in the popular midsize segment.

Choosing Your Honda Pilot

Honda is offering the 2023 Pilot in five trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, and Elite. Prices start at $40,495 (with destination) for the Sport trim and go up to $53,375 for the Elite.

Engine Choices

A 3.5-liter V6 engine is standard on every Pilot. The engine is rated at 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Compared to last year, it’s a 5 hp increase, though engine displacement remains the same. The engine is paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available for $2,000 on most trims. The TrailSport and Elite are only available with AWD.

Official fuel economy figures aren’t available yet, but the SUV isn’t expected to be much more efficient than the outgoing Pilot which was rated at up to 23 mpg combined with FWD.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The midsize Pilot offers seating for up to eight people. Second-row captain’s chairs that reduce seating capacity to seven become available on the EX-L trim and are an extra $300.

The Pilot offers up to 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 48.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. With the two rear rows of seats folded, the Pilot offers up to 87 cubic feet of space.

Honda Pilot

Safety Features

Every Pilot comes with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beam assist, a driver attention monitor, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Moving up to the EX-L adds low-speed braking control and parking sensors. A surround-view camera is standard starting on the TrailSport and Elite.

Connectivity

The base Sport comes with a seven-inch touchscreen, a seven-inch driver information screen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven audio speakers. The EX-L comes with wireless smartphone compatibility, third-row USB ports, nine audio speakers, a nine-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, an HD Radio, and a wireless charging pad. Navigation, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and multi-zone audio are standard starting on the Touring trim.

Honda Pilot

2023 Honda Pilot Sport – MSRP From $40,495

The entry-level Sport trim comes with LED exterior lighting, keyless remote entry, roof rails, push-button start, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats.

2023 Honda Pilot EX-L – MSRP From $43,295

Stepping up to the EX-L trim adds heated exterior mirrors, a power liftgate, an acoustic windshield, rear HVAC controls, a universal garage door opener, second-row sunshades, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a conversation mirror, leather upholstery, and a memory setting for the driver’s seat.

Second-row captain’s chairs are the only main available feature and they cost $300.

2023 Honda Pilot Touring – MSRP From $47,795

The Touring adds a hands-free liftgate, acoustic glass on the front doors, a black grille, a panoramic moonroof, in-trunk storage, and LED interior lighting.

2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport – MSRP From $49,695

The TrailSport turns the Pilot into an off-roader with underbody skid plates, recovery points, a black grille, a panoramic moonroof, a trailer hitch, a heated steering wheel, all-weather floor mats, synthetic leather upholstery with orange stitching, and seven-passenger seating.

2023 Honda Pilot Elite – MSRP From $53,375

The range-topping Elite is the most luxurious Pilot available. It comes with ventilated front seats, perforated leather upholstery, heated second-row seats, a second-row fold-flat center seat, a four-inch head-up display, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Compare Pilot Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The 2023 Honda Pilot has grown substantially in terms of pricing, so we recommend sticking with one of the lower trims. That’s not a bad thing, as the Pilot’s lower trims gain more standard features. The EX-L strikes us as the best value option, bringing leather upholstery, a larger touchscreen, wireless smartphone compatibility, a wireless charging pad, and a power liftgate.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Refined V6 powertrain
  • Off-road ready TrailSport model
  • Family-friendly cabin
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Missing a hybrid powertrain
  • Lackluster base display
  • AWD only standard on two trims
  • Only top trims have removable second-row seat
Expert Rating
3.3 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Time For A Full Redesign. After being on sale for seven years, Honda decided it was time to replace the third-gen Pilot with the fourth-gen model for the 2023 model year. The 2023 Honda Pilot enters the new model year with a full redesign that sees the midsize SUV improve in nearly every way possible.

The thorough redesign includes a new powertrain, new tech features, new trims, a new exterior design, and a new interior design. Consumers that have been patiently waiting to see Honda come out with a new Pilot won’t be disappointed with the redesign, as the 2023 Pilot is far more competitive than before.

Still A Family Vehicle. The Pilot has grown for 2023. The midsize SUV is 3.4 inches longer than before, while the wheelbase has also grown in size by 2.8 inches. The SUV’s track has also increased by 1.2 inches at the front and 1.5 inches at the back. The larger dimensions come from a new platform that sees rigidity increase for the Pilot.

Thanks to a larger body, a longer wheelbase, and a new platform, the Pilot offers more interior space than before. The third row is especially roomy with 32.5 inches of legroom. For consumers that aren’t interested in a minivan, but need an SUV that can seat up to eight, the new Pilot is a good option. It’s also a strong choice for shoppers that need to hold a large amount of cargo. Honda has improved the Pilot’s cargo capacity, as the SUV can hold up to 22.4 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats and a total of 112 cubic feet of cargo.

In addition to having more interior space, the Pilot also comes with redesigned seats. They’re far more comfortable than before and have more cushioning. The Touring and Elite trims come with a second-row middle seat that can be removed and stored under the floor in the cargo area. This nifty seat allows owners to have an eight-passenger SUV when they need it or a seven-passenger SUV with easier access to the third row when they don’t. Plus, being able to store the seat under the cargo area beats putting it away in the garage and forgetting about its existence.

Skip The Base Sport. Most 2023 Pilots come with two screens that include a nine-inch touchscreen and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster. The trims that come with the nine-inch touchscreen also come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, nine audio speakers, a wireless charging pad, and satellite radio. This is a great roster of standard features that makes the 2023 Honda Pilot a more tech-friendly option than last year.

While most Pilot trims come well-equipped the base Sport doesn’t offer the same level of equipment. The base Sport trim’s $40,495 starting price tag is attractive, but its standard seven-inch touchscreen isn’t. The trim also has wired smartphone compatibility, seven audio speakers, fewer USB charging ports, and one less 12-volt power outlet.

In a segment where rivals are available with 12.3-inch displays, we’re surprised to see the largest display in the Pilot be a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, which is only available on the Elite trim. Still, we’re fans of how simple the Pilot’s infotainment system is to use.

Honda Pilot

Rugged Design Matches Performance. Honda continues to offer the Pilot with a standard V6 engine. The motor has been completely redesigned for the new generation. The Pilot continues to come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. All Pilots come with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Without any major horsepower or torque upgrades to the V6 engine, the Pilot’s performance doesn’t change much for 2023. The engine is smoother and throttle response is improved, while the gearbox provides polished shifts. One area where the new powertrain hasn’t improved is when it comes to fuel economy. The 2023 Pilot is rated at up to 22 mpg combined, while the outgoing model could get up to 23 mpg combined.

For 2023, the Pilot is available in a new TrailSport trim. As its name implies, the TrailSport is the rugged option in the lineup that’s meant to get dirty. The SUV has 8.3 inches of ground clearance (an extra inch compared to other trims), all-terrain tires, recovery hooks, heavy-duty skid plates, unique 18-inch wheels, a TrailWatch camera system, and an upgraded all-wheel-drive system. With its rugged features, the TrailSport is capable of tackling light trails.

Say Goodbye To Monotony. The previous Pilot suffered from a lackluster design that didn’t stand out in the segment. That’s not a problem the 2023 Pilot has, though it’s not as upscale or as eye-catching as some rivals. Honda’s designers have penned a conservative, but upscale design for the midsize SUV. The SUV’s larger size is accented by a square grille, a boxy silhouette, slim lights, and an upright liftgate.

The Pilot’s interior is a massive upgrade over the outgoing model and looks far more upscale than before. The dashboard and placement of the central display have a familial look to Honda’s other vehicles that were recently redesigned. Additionally, the simple elements come off as being upscale, while Honda continues to utilize physical controls for the HVAC system.

Final Thoughts. The Honda Pilot was a good midsize SUV, but it didn’t have the features, performance, or design to be competitive with segment leaders. The redesigned 2023 Pilot still trails behind in a few key areas, but it’s a far better SUV than before. Its larger body with a more spacious cabin, upgraded engine, improved tech features, and new TrailSport trim ensure that it continues to be cross-shopped against the best.

In contrast, the Kia Telluride continues to be our favorite midsize SUV. Its upscale design, high-end features, high-tech equipment, and rugged X models ensure that’s something for everyone.

Drivers seeking a more premium experience and more powerful engines will want to explore the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. It’s available with trims and features that rival some luxury SUVs, is available with a wide range of engines, and is highly capable off-road.

Check 2023 Honda Pilot Prices Near You »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 285 HP / 262 ft.lbs.
Transmission
10-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
19 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
8
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 285 HP / 262 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
19 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$71
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
87.0 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
158 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
199.9 "
Exterior Width
78.5 "
Exterior Height
71.0 "
Front Headroom
40.5 "
Rear Headroom
40.2 "
Front Legroom
41.0 "
Rear Legroom
40.8 "
Front Shoulder Room
61.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
61.7 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,030 Lbs.
Wheel Base
114 "
Turning Radius
18.9 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
8
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
40-20-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
7
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Smartvent Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Smartvent Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Mitigation Braking (cmbs) With Cross Traffic Monitor Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist System (lkas) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Traffic Jam Assist Hands-on Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection
Collision Mitigation Braking System (cmbs) Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Driver Attention Monitor Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 24,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2023 Honda Pilot for Sale

4 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Honda
2WD EX-L 8 Passenger
Color: White
Price

$39,991

Mileage

19,919 mi

Map location icon

Trust Palmdale Honda (49 mi)

Phone: (661) 449-9657
Honda
EX-L 7 Passenger
Color: Radiant Red Metallic II
Price

$39,995

Mileage

768 mi

Map location icon

New Century Honda (17 mi)

Phone: (818) 839-9762
Honda
2WD EX-L 7P
Color: Radiant Red Metallic II
Price

$41,555

Mileage

4,237 mi

Map location icon

Culver City Honda (7 mi)

Honda
Touring
Price

$45,995

Mileage

10,908 mi

Map location icon

Honda World-Downey (18 mi)

Phone: (562) 379-9085
See All Used Car Listings

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