2023 Honda Pilot Has 1 Big Feature the CR-V Doesn’t Offer
Honda revamped its SUV lineup for the 2023 model year, including redesigns for the midsize Pilot and the compact CR-V. Both SUVs are much improved and have many positive attributes. However, the 2023 Honda Pilot has one big feature that the 2023 Honda CR-V doesn’t offer: an off-road model with the TrailSport trim.
Unlike the 2023 Honda CR-V, the 2023 Honda Pilot has an off-road model: TrailSport
SUVs with off-road capabilities are very popular these days. Drivers long to get away from it all and enjoy some wilderness adventures. The 2023 Honda Pilot meets this demand with the new TrailSport trim.
While Honda also offers a TrailSport trim for one of its other SUVs — the midsize Passport, there isn’t one for the 2023 Honda CR-V. The CR-V is great for city driving — but not so much for driving off-road.
The Pilot TrailSport has a rugged look that signals that it’s ready to head off the beaten path. However, the TrailSport trim isn’t all show, for it has features that aid off-road excursions. For enhanced traction, all TrailSport models come standard with the i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. Other off-road features include all-terrain tires, a trail torque logic off-road system, a TrailWatch camera system, and stabilizer bars.
Also, the Pilot TrailSport comes equipped with an off-road-tuned suspension, which has a one-inch lift. The extra lift provides additional ground clearance, which enables effective and safe travel over uneven surfaces. Plus, the distinctive 18-inch wheels for the rugged SUV have inset spokes for protection on rough terrain.
2023 Pilot TrailSport is better than the 2023 CR-V for driving in adverse weather conditions
Even if you never drive off-road, the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport has other benefits over the 2023 CR-V. This includes driving in adverse weather conditions, such as roads with snow and ice. If you live in a climate with harsh winter weather and heavy snow, then the Pilot TrailSport would ease the difficulty of travel during the colder months.
Also, most drivers eventually encounter poor-quality roads, such as ones with cracks, broken concrete, and potholes. An off-road-capable SUV like the Pilot TrailSport aids driving on rough roads.
Other benefits of the Honda Pilot over the CR-V
In addition to the TrailSport off-road model, the 2023 Pilot has some other benefits over the 2023 CR-V. It’s a bigger SUV, resulting in more interior space. It can seat up to eight people, with a total passenger volume of 158.4 cu-ft. In comparison, the CR-V offers seating for only five people and has only 104 cu-ft of passenger space. Also, the Pilot provides more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 113.7 cu-ft, compared to 76.5 cu-ft for the CR-V.
Furthermore, the Pilot has a more powerful engine. All models come standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which doles out 285 horsepower. In comparison, the CR-V offers two powertrains — and they are both weaker: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (190 horsepower) and a hybrid (204 horsepower).
With its TrailSport off-road model, the 2023 Honda Pilot has one big feature that the 2023 Honda CR-V doesn’t offer. If you’re a fan of the Honda brand and desire an off-road-capable SUV, then the Pilot is likely the better choice for you.
