We were so excited to take the 2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport for a trial run. Thank you Honda for giving us the opportunity to test it out. While our original plans were to take it on a family trip to go camping, we enjoyed putting it to the test as a daily commuter vehicle for a family of 6.
Shortly after having begrudgingly returned the Pilot, our youngest daughter kept asking to go in “the nicest car”. We also heard her asking “Where is the nicest car?”. She may be on to something with her nickname for the vehicle. This iteration of the Pilot has continued to be affectionately referred to as the nicest car by our whole family.
WHAT’S DIFFERENT WITH THE TRAILSPORT?
Honda has had the Pilot in its lineup since the early 2000s. This 2023 model is now longer and taller than ever, making it the biggest vehicle available from Honda. This allows for more room in the second and third-row passenger seats.
The Trailsport itself is ready for rougher terrain. The Trailsport has increased ground clearance complete with steel skid plates, and an off-road-tuned suspension system. We noticed the smaller wheels with larger wheel walls immediately and even simply liked how this added to the overall appearance of the vehicle.
HOW’S THE FUEL ECONOMY?
This is a larger vehicle. It does contain a V6 engine. The Honda Pilot Trailsport is also the heaviest trim of the different ones available from Honda. Then you need to add in our family of 6, two car seats, and the odd double stroller loaded into it every couple of days. The fuel per 100 km was up there. Looking into the ratings it’s stated at averaging 13.0L/100 km in the city and 10.3/100 km on the highway. We found that it did average a bit higher during our travels around the city and on the highway. Only about 1 to 1.5L higher.
It did make us wonder though if you were to change out the all-terrain tires, would this improve the fuel economy? Dear Honda… We are still hoping you will put out a hybrid or a 3-row electric SUV. The good news though, this vehicle does not require premium fuel. This is huge for us because it does make a difference in the cost of filling up at the pump every time.
OUR OVERAL THOUGHTS
You couldn’t miss the Honda Pilot Trailsport when we drove past. The Diffused Sky Blue colour was eye-catching. We were asked multiple times about the colour and caught many glances when we drove by. Complete with black ‘TrailSport Leathertte’ and orange contrast stitching on all seating surfaces, everything looked pulled together. The orange stitching really stood out and complimented the overall look of the vehicle.
The 2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport is a 10-speed automatic. Previously the Pilot has been 9-speed. You do notice this when you are driving at slow speeds, or don’t come to a complete stop and then press on the throttle to go faster. The vehicle does not shift smoothly. You will feel it having a harder shift. This drives my husband crazy. For myself, I didn’t notice it as much.
The 2nd-row had captain’s chairs. We weren’t sure how we felt about this at first. We’re used to putting three kids across the 2nd row so that someone is always by the younger two just in case. However, having the option to split up the kids a bit was really nice. The seats were also movable by sliding them forwards or back which allowed for more legroom for those in the 3rd-row.
We didn’t adventure far from the pavement, but because the Trailsport is presented as an offroading model, we did notice it did much better than other vehicles over roads that need updating, potholes and so much more. I would be intrigued to see how it handles through the rain and snow where we live. I feel like I would be much happier traveling around in this than other vehicles we have trialed in the winter season.
2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport
Starting price: $52,775 CAD and $35,950 USD
