A blue 2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport is shown driving on a muddy trail.

Get To Know the All-New 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport

It seems as though automakers have gotten back on track since the pandemic halted everything a few years ago. We’re starting to see new models and even more redesigns than we have in recent years, and Honda is at the center of it all. The respected automaker has recently unveiled its newest three-row Pilot SUV, which is the largest and most powerful SUV it has ever produced.

When it comes to hitting the trails, its TrailSport model is creating quite a buzz in the industry. From its bold appearance to its ready-for-anything capabilities, the Honda Pilot TrailSport is enjoying its time in the spotlight. The next time you pass by your local Honda dealer, you may just catch a glimpse of one in person, and here’s why drivers are excited about Honda’s most off-road capable SUV ever designed.

Performance Enhancements

Armed with a 3.5L V6 that elevates the excitement factor, the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport, blasts forward with 285 hp, which is a boost from its predecessors. A new i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is available, which improves control and agility, no matter where it’s traveling next. Whether it’s navigating rainy roads or bumpy terrain, this advanced all-wheel drive system can handle it. Seven available drive modes allow the Pilot TrailSport to tackle any journey confidently, and with Tow and Trail modes, pulling a camper out for a weekend in the wilderness is no sweat for this rugged midsize SUV.

Residing on a light truck chassis, the 2023 Honda Pilot is able to amplify its capabilities and performance while also showcasing a refined and responsive ride. Specialized valve tuning is poised to deliver the performance needed on the trails, while an enhanced suspension system allows for maximum stability on any surface. Hill descent control comes to the rescue while traveling in steep environments, effortlessly controlling the Pilot for maximum safety and stability on all those rolling hills.

With its 10-speed automatic transmission, any drive will feel smooth and refined, whether the Pilot is traveling on the trails or picking up the kids from school. Pair this system with paddle shifters for even more fun on the road, making the Pilot TrailSport one of the most exciting family SUVs in the business. Being one of the most powerful SUVs in its class, with a 5,000-lb towing capacity, the Pilot is able to add a thrill to the everyday drive while easily holding its own in challenging environments. More responsive steering and enhanced front struts for better handling make the Pilot TrailSport a top contender in its segment.

A silver 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport is shown off-roading on a dusty trail.

A New Rugged Design

The new Honda Pilot showcases its stiffest body design, allowing it to pursue off-road destinations with superior handling while providing a safe ride for all on board. Its expanded size, longer wheelbase, and wider stance amplify this appeal to adventurous drivers. With 18-inch alloy wheels, durable skid plates, all-terrain tires, and roof rails, this rugged machine is ready for anything on the trails and beyond. This bold exterior design sets the tone of the drive, from its commanding front grille to dazzling LED lighting elements and everything in between. A power tailgate makes loading and unloading gear a breeze, while an integrated class III trailer hitch is at-the-ready to tow campers, trailers, and anything else accompanying it on the road without hesitation.

From a one-inch suspension lift to specialized stabilizer bars, the TrailSport showcases undeniable articulation in some of the most treacherous driving environments around. This athletic appearance allows this Honda favorite to appeal to a new segment of drivers, those who desire an adventurer who can effortlessly shift from highway driving to trail hopping. Inside, the 2023 Pilot TrailSport features durable yet comfortable elements designed to heighten the feel of the drive. From synthetic leather seats with bright orange stitching to second-row captain’s chairs and a panoramic moonroof, the cabin of the Pilot is designed to perfection. You’ll even find all-season floor mats to help protect its interior from the elements, plus exclusive TrailSport badging to create a one-of-a-kind ambiance inside.

Not only is this well-rounded traveler ready to provide a cozy ride, but it’s also ready to handle more gear, with under-floor storage and more cargo volume than ever before, showcasing up to 113.7 cu.ft. behind the first row. One-touch second-row seats make it easy to access the rear of the vehicle, perfect for picking up the kids from school and hitting the road for an adventure. With the ability to seat up to eight, the Pilot can handle more during the drive, especially when it takes on a few more passengers. Designed to be upscale on the inside and rugged on the outside, the Honda Pilot TrailSport is an ideal blend of form and function. Class-leading passenger and cargo space make it easy to accommodate more, while outside, its bold new persona makes this model instantly recognizable, no matter where it’s heading.

An Array of Adventure-Ready Tech

Technology elevates any adventure, and the trail-ready tech available in the all-new TrailSport was designed to impress. With an advanced TrailWatch camera system, the Pilot can provide unobstructed views around itself, all displayed on a large 9-inch color touchscreen. This makes it easy to traverse unfamiliar environments precisely and even avoid collisions in packed parking lots. This high-definition touchscreen also provides access to helpful features during the journey, like wireless smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth, and more. Qi wireless charging, plus multiple USB ports sprinkled throughout, make it easy to keep all devices charged up and ready for the drive, showing how the Pilot is the optimal on-the-go vehicle ready for anything.

Safety is a main concern for any driver, especially those traveling with their family or those frequently tackling challenging terrain. Fortunately, the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport is equipped with even more enhanced safety tech this year to improve any drive. The Honda Sensing safety suite comes standard, in addition to a new wide-view rear camera to enhance the views behind it, especially when it’s maneuvering through obstacles in the wilderness. Enjoying the drive to the fullest means being safe, no matter where you’re traveling, and the all-new Pilot TrailSport provides the perfect amount of tech features to make the experience on the road or the trails unforgettable.

The black interior of a 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport shows rows of seating near a Honda dealer.

Say Hello to the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport

It’s always interesting to learn about all of the different, new, and improved models out there that are revolutionizing the way we travel, and the Honda Pilot TrailSport is a shining example. Marked by more power, enhanced ruggedness, and state-of-the-art trail-ready tech, the Pilot TrailSport is Honda’s most off-road capable SUV ever designed. Not only is it able to offer a comfortable and convenient cabin experience, but it’s also able to handle the heat on the trails, with revamped performance elements and a strong engine that’s ready to roll, no matter what lies ahead.

Perhaps what’s most impressive about the Pilot TrailSport is its ability to easily transform itself from a rough-and-tumble explorer into a dedicated family hauler. This is probably why so many drivers choose the Honda Pilot when searching for a vehicle that can deliver the total experience behind the wheel. From off-road durability to adventurous capabilities, groundbreaking innovation to its bold new design, the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport is unlike anything we’ve seen from the brand before.