The Pilot is Honda’s largest SUV, offering a spacious cabin with three rows of seats. The model has maintained its position at the top of the lineup since it was introduced in 2003. Drivers appreciate the Honda Pilot because it’s a nice and stable vehicle. Not only does it deliver solid performance for a family SUV, but it’s also equipped with features that come in handy in many everyday situations. Luckily, you can find the latest 2023 Honda Pilot for sale here at Klein Honda. Here’s a look at what makes the newest example of this long-running midsize Honda SUV so special.
The 2023 Honda Pilot Delivers Dependable Performance
The Honda Pilot may not be the fastest SUV on the market, but it is an option that provides the type of comfortable ride people want. The 2023 Pilot has a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
All trims of the 2023 Honda Pilot have the same engine and power. Additionally, they all deliver that power through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Because of this, the choice between trims will not have much to do with performance. No matter which one you pick, the Pilot can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. Besides being relatively quick for its size, the Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
The 2023 Honda Pilot Has Quite a Few Trim Levels
There are six trim levels to choose from for the 2023 Honda Pilot. While some may not have many differences, others have much to offer potential buyers. The first trim level for the Pilot is the LX. The Honda Pilot LX comes standard as a front-wheel drive vehicle, but you can opt for all-wheel drive for improved bad-weather performance. The five drive modes for the LX are Normal, Econ, Snow, Tow, and Sport. Additionally, all trims of the vehicle come with hill descent control and hill start assist.
Other features of the Pilot LX include a standard seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, a seven-inch driver information interface screen, and a seven-speaker sound system. The infotainment system provides both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as HondaLink connectivity. Shoppers will also like that it has a good number of both USB-A and USB-C ports. The 2023 Pilot LX has standard driver-assist features such as a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Traffic Jam Assist, a Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow.
Pilot Sport
The Honda Pilot Sport is the next trim up. People generally like this one because it’s more stylish and refined than the base trim. First, it has larger 20-inch wheels instead of the 18-inch wheels on the base trim. The wheels are also Shark Gray with black lug nuts, which stands out on the highway. Other features of the Sport trim include heated front seats, a leather steering wheel, and a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar support. Remote engine start is included to get the cabin to your preferred temperature before you climb on board.
Pilot EX-L
The EX-L trim has much in common with the Sport but has 18-inch wheels like the base model. However, these wheels provide a more comfortable drive than the Sport because they have more sidewall. Added comfort is a theme for the EX-L. This trim also has a programmable power tailgate and more noise reduction efforts, such as its acoustic glass windshield. Of course, the 2023 Pilot is an eight-seater, but this trim allows you to opt for comfortable second-row captain’s seats instead of the standard bench, lowering seating to seven.
For style and comfort, the EX-L trim has leather-trimmed seats with memory settings for the driver seat and integrated sunshades for your second-row passengers. The infotainment screen in the Pilot EX-L is a larger nine-inch unit that includes support for SiriusXM, HD Radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You will also enjoy the upgraded nine-speaker sound system that lets you listen to your music in greater definition and includes the CabinTalk In-Car PA System to communicate with your passengers in the back.
Pilot Touring
The 2023 Honda Pilot Touring is among the most luxurious trims for this SUV. It has 20-inch wheels and dual chrome exhaust outlets like the Sport. Unlike the EX-L, you can’t make this one a seven-seater, but you can store the middle seat in the trunk. The side windows are also made from acoustic glass, which further helps with noise reduction. Many people will also appreciate the power panoramic moonroof.
Regarding interior technology, the Touring has built-in navigation with voice recognition, remote engine start, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system that includes multi-zone audio. Additionally, even the rear doors have keyless entry, and the power tailgate can be opened hands-free. This version of the vehicle is a huge upgrade from the lower trims.
Pilot TrailSport
The TrailSport trim of the 2023 Honda Pilot isn’t nearly as luxurious as the Touring, but it is more adventurous. It has 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires for superior performance on the trail. This trim also comes standard with all-wheel drive and has an extra inch of ground clearance. It’s perfect for off-roading because it has an off-road-tuned suspension and the TrailWatch Camera system. It also has rugged features such as skid plates, an integrated class three trailer hitch, and recovery points. Inside, it includes a 110-volt rear outlet, which is perfect for enhancing any campsite. There are also trim-specific, durable synthetic leather seats with orange stitching and TrailSport badging.
Pilot Elite
As the name suggests, the Honda Pilot Elite is the top trim for the vehicle. It comes decked out with exclusive equipment and adds many creature comforts. Though similar to the Touring, this one offers a much more comfortable and quiet ride. It has exclusive features such as heated second-row seats and ventilated front-row seats. This is also the only Pilot trim with upper seatback pockets for the front seats. The Elite trim has additional tech features such as a head-up display, LED door trim lighting, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster instead of the seven-inch cluster found on the lower trims.
Reliability and Safety
The 2023 Honda Pilot offers solid reliability. J.D. Power gave this SUV an 81 out of 100 Quality and Reliability rating, which means you can trust the vehicle to last for quite some time. Of course, there are outliers, but a Honda Pilot is expected to last for well over 100,000 miles without significant repairs. J.D. Power also rated the vehicle high for ride and build quality. Overall, this is a vehicle that won’t cost a ton to maintain, which is a huge factor for many shoppers. Additionally, the 2023 Honda Pilot was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, which means you can trust this vehicle in the unfortunate event of a crash.
There Is a Pilot for Everyone!
For many reasons, the 2023 Honda Pilot is a solid midsize SUV for a wide range of drivers. It offers ample trim options, and each brings something different to the table. This SUV has formidable performance, excellent interior technology, and is both safe and reliable. Essentially, there’s something for everyone here. Fortunately, you can easily find a Honda Pilot for sale here at Klein Honda. We can’t wait to show it to you in person!