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2023 Honda Pilot: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Honda Pilot is a full redesign and the first model year of its fourth generation. The biggest change is an all-new platform that brings a stronger body, fresh powertrain, tougher design, and a far more capable TrailSport.
About the 2023 Honda Pilot
4th generation, first year of the redesign.
Honda positions the Pilot as a family-friendly three-row SUV that mixes everyday comfort with more rugged capability than many rivals. It is built to haul people, cargo, and trailers without giving up easy road manners, flexible seating, or strong safety tech. Compared with many midsize three-row SUVs, the Pilot leans into usable family details like smart second-row seating, large cargo solutions, and, in TrailSport form, genuine light-trail hardware rather than just off-road-themed styling.
The 2023 Pilot is a three-row family SUV ranging from the straightforward LX to the comfort-focused Elite. TrailSport stands out with standard AWD, extra ground clearance, skid plates, and trail-view cameras, while Touring adds road-trip features such as a panoramic moonroof, Bose audio, navigation, and a stowable second-row center seat. Elite focuses on comfort and display technology with ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Every trim gets a new 285-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The redesigned AWD system is more capable, and TrailSport adds trail-focused power delivery and seven drive modes.
Styling
The Pilot receives a boxier, tougher exterior and a more modern cabin layout as part of the full redesign.
Safety
Honda's driver-assist safety suite and hill descent control are fitted to every trim. Some trims add further aids, including parking sensors, low-speed braking control, and multi-view trail cameras.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included throughout the lineup. Higher trims add upgrades such as a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless phone integration, a wireless charger, built-in navigation, a digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display.
Structural
A new, stronger underlying body structure forms the basis of the fourth-generation Pilot. TrailSport also gains an off-road-tuned suspension, 1 inch of extra ground clearance, and underbody skid plates.
2023 Honda Pilot specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 32.5 in | 32.5 in | 32.5 in | 32.5 in | 32.5 in | 32.5 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Honda Pilot a new generation?
Yes. The 2023 Pilot is the first year of the fourth generation and a complete redesign, with a new platform, tougher styling, a stronger structure, and a new V6 and transmission.
What engine and transmission does the 2023 Honda Pilot have?
Every 2023 Pilot has a 285-hp 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This replaces the prior model's 280-hp V6 and 9-speed automatic.
What changed on the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport?
The 2023 TrailSport became a much more capable light-trail model. It has standard AWD, an off-road-tuned suspension, 1 inch of extra ground clearance, engine and fuel-tank skid plates, trail-view cameras, and an integrated trailer hitch.
Did the 2023 Honda Pilot trim lineup change?
Yes. Honda added the LX trim midway through the 2023 model year, while the Black Edition and Special Edition from 2022 did not continue.
Does every 2023 Honda Pilot have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on every 2023 Pilot. LX uses a 7-inch touchscreen, while EX-L and higher trims feature a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration.
2023 Honda Pilot Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Honda Pilot.
4.3
2023 Honda Pilot
(3,365 reviews)
“I like the design and comfort of the vehicle. Though, I have found the power and gas mileage of the vehicle disappointing.”
“Perfectly adjustable seats for tall and petite people. Comfortable ride. I love the programmable seat setting for 2 people. Great gas mileage!”