You might be surprised to see the new Honda Pilot TrailSport on the trails, but don’t worry. That’s where it belongs, and it can even traverse areas typically reserved for off-roading SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler. Check out what the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport can do. 

Can the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport go off-roading? 

Yes, the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport is well-equipped for tackling off-roading adventures thanks to some beefy suspension upgrades. As a three-row family SUV, it’s a serious contender against the Ford Expedition Timberline and the Kia Telluride X-Pro. 

Honda promotes confidence in the Pilot TrailSport by sharing that it can traverse easy to moderate off-roading trails that take up 52 percent of public lands in the United States. It might not crawl up rock faces, but it’s perfect for exploring the wilderness. 

Motor Authority was very impressed with its ability to keep up with Jeep Wranglers in mud ad ruts, snow-covered rocky areas, steep inclines, and rough terrain in Sedona, Arizona. Getting behind the wheel proves it exceeds expectations. 

What comes with the 2023 Pilot TrailSport?

The 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in Continental Contact all-terrain tires. Plus, it has a 1.0-inch suspension lift that raises the ground clearance to 8.3 inches. 

The revised spring and strut suspension setup adds durable comfort. It’s 60 percent stiffer with revised Macpherson front struts and a stiffer rear multilink setup. 

It has a sway bar in the front and rear for improved articulation. The all-wheel drive system is tuned to intelligently shift 100 percent of the torque to wheels in need in case one in the front or rear becomes airborne. 

Also, the chassis is protected by steel skid plates with an integrated tow hook in the front. Use the Trailwatch camera system for views of the exterior, outer corners, front, and a bird’s eye view to quickly clear obstacles in tight areas. 

The driving modes include Sport, Normal, Tow, Trail, Snow, and Eco. Plus, it features Hill Descent Control. It’s not short on power with the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine that cranks out 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

The Pilot TrailSport provides precise control over obstacles with confidence and stability with plenty of muscle for climbing over obstacles and powering through deep sections of mud. It features plenty of grip with smooth power delivery for climbing and steep descents. 

How much does the Pilot TrailSport cost? 

The 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport MSRP is $48,350, while the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro starts at $50,085, and the 2023 Ford Expedition Timberline rings in at $71,400. So, the TrailSport is the more affordable adventure SUV that seats up to seven passengers. 

Also, the TrailSport can tow up to 5,000 lbs, providing the ability to haul smaller campers and adventure crafts. The Telluride can tow up to 5,500 lbs, while the Expedition can pull up to 9,300 lbs. So, the Expedition could be more suitable for larger trailers. 

The Honda Pilot TrailSport stands out for having a smooth ride, a quiet interior, and a long list of standard features. It’s a comfortable and surprisingly capable option for taking family trips into the wild.