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Wow, the new Honda Pilot could take things to a brand new level. Someone warn the Toyota Highlander and the Kia Telluride because this improved three-row SUV is on the way. In fact, the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport could dominate them both on the trails. 

2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport: What to expect 

2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport teaser
2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport teaser | Honda

Bust out your magnifying glass to glimpse the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport. Honda released a teaser image of the updated SUV dominating the wild. However, the photo is pretty far away, and the vehicle is covered in camouflage. 

But we can gather a few clues from this image. For example, the Pilot TrailSport is expected to be Honda’s most capable SUV ever, and we believe it. The Pilot is dominating a rugged dirt trail in a way other SUVs in the lineup can’t. 

We know that the Honda Passport TrailSport is primarily an appearance package, but the Pilot TrailSport should have mechanical upgrades to get you further down the beaten path. It should also be able to go off-roading in style with a confident new look. 

How capable is the Pilot TrailSport? 

We’re still waiting to learn more about the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport. However, Car and Driver speculates that it will have a suspension lift and skid plates to protect the undercarriage. The Honda Passport TrailSport only has faux skidplates. 

The Pilot could also ride on a chunky set of large all-terrain tires with alloy wheels. It’s possible that the Pilot will gain better suspension components to improve its ride quality and off-roading performance too. 

Some rumors indicate that the Pilot could gain a new platform with a wider stance for more stability. A longer wheelbase would provide a smoother ride. 

While the Pilot is already offered with all-wheel drive, we think it’d be more enticing as a standard feature with the TrailSport model. Perhaps it will gain new off-roading modes to provide more control in slippery situations. 

We hope that the new Honda Pilot gains an updated 360-degree camera system and a forward-facing view to help navigate around obstacles. A locking differential would be welcomed too. 

The 2022 Honda Pilot has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s on par with rivals. Also, the Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lbs. It could gain the V6 engine from the Acura MDX, which cranks out 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. 

What to expect with the new Honda Pilot 

2023 Honda Pilot spy shot
2023 Honda Pilot spy shot | Motor1

The 2022 Honda Pilot starts at $38,080. The new model could cost a few thousand more due to its new exterior and interior design. Also, the Honda Pilot TrailSport is expected to begin at around $47,000, but official specs haven’t been released. 

Rumors suggest that the Pilot could gain styling cues from the Honda Ridgeline for a more confident look. But it could also share design features with the Acura MDX, which would help it look sportier. 

The interior could include higher quality materials and updated tech, such as a larger infotainment screen. If the Pilot gets wider, then it will better compete with rivals like the Kia Telluride. 

The new Pilot is expected to be released by the end of the year, so we could learn more about it soon. Stay tuned for the latest updates.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.