2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport For Sale: A Bold New Chapter In Off-Road Adventure

Are you ready to explore the world with an SUV that's capable reliable and full of modern comforts? The 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport is designed with adventure in mind with features that cater to both on-road luxury and off-road capability. If you're seeking an affordable and well-equipped family SUV that can handle the rugged outdoors look no further. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport its features pros and cons and why it may be the right fit for you.

Overview of the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport

The 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport is Honda's first attempt to cater to off-road enthusiasts with a dedicated off-road trim. The TrailSport is an enhancement over the standard Pilot with a focus on improving its off-road abilities while still retaining the comfort and spaciousness that the Pilot is known for. Honda decided to introduce the TrailSport variant to appeal to customers wanting an SUV that is more capable of venturing beyond paved roads while still keeping the convenience and functionality that comes with the Honda brand.

Key Features of the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport

The TrailSport variant comes with some unique touches that set it apart from the standard Honda Pilot. Below is a detailed breakdown of what makes the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport stand out.

1. Off-Road Oriented Design Elements:

• Rugged Exterior Styling: The TrailSport version features more aggressive styling than the other Pilot trims. It includes gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels TrailSport badging and extra skid plates to protect the vehicle’s underbody.
• All-Terrain Tires: The TrailSport gets all-terrain tires which are more capable of handling a range of terrains including dirt trails and rocky surfaces.

2. Standard All-Wheel Drive:

• The AWD system on the TrailSport comes standard and provides enhanced stability and traction in all types of conditions.

3. Suspension Adjustments:

• The suspension has been slightly tweaked for improved ground clearance of up to 7.9 inches. While it's not as high as some of the more serious off-road vehicles it does provide an improvement over the standard Pilot.

4. Interior Comfort with Trail Elements:

• Inside the TrailSport retains the Honda Pilot’s known interior space with three rows of seats ample legroom and a large cargo area. To emphasize the off-road theme orange stitching is found throughout the seats and the TrailSport logo is embroidered on the headrests.

Performance and Engine Specifications

The 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine which generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission which ensures a smooth driving experience. The V6 is powerful enough to provide ample acceleration whether you're merging onto a highway or tackling steep hills on a dirt trail.

Fuel Efficiency

For a mid-sized three-row SUV the TrailSport’s fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway which is decent for the segment. It should be noted though that adding the all-terrain tires and other off-road elements does slightly affect fuel efficiency compared to other Pilot trims.

Pros of the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport

1. Off-Road Enhancements: The TrailSport’s extra ground clearance all-terrain tires and AWD capability make it better equipped to handle off-road conditions than a standard Pilot.
2. Roomy Interior: With seating for up to eight passengers the TrailSport is spacious and offers plenty of room for family road trips.
3. Comfortable Drive: The suspension and cabin quality make long drives enjoyable even if you're navigating uneven trails.
4. Advanced Safety Features: The 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport comes with Honda Sensing as standard which includes lane departure warning adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.

Potential Drawbacks

While the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport has several great features it’s important to understand some of the areas where it might fall short.

1. Limited Off-Road Capability

• Although the TrailSport adds some off-road features it’s not built to be a true off-roader like the Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler. The TrailSport has limited suspension travel which can be an issue on rockier trails and the absence of a low-range gearbox further limits its off-road prowess.

2. Moderate Fuel Economy

• While the fuel economy of the TrailSport is acceptable it's not as efficient as some of its front-wheel-drive competitors. If fuel efficiency is your top priority you may want to consider other options.

3. Price Point

• With an MSRP starting at around $44,000 the Pilot TrailSport is pricier than some of the other trims in the lineup. Those looking for pure practicality without the off-road enhancements might find better value in lower trims.

Interior Comfort and Cargo Space

The interior of the TrailSport retains everything that’s good about the Honda Pilot with some added touches to match its adventurous theme. Seats are upholstered in leather with contrasting orange stitching and TrailSport badges add some unique character to the cabin.

Passenger Seating and Comfort

The Pilot TrailSport can seat up to 8 passengers comfortably. The second row has a bench seat which can be replaced with captain’s chairs on demand that makes the cabin more luxurious and adds convenience for those accessing the third row.

3rd Row Seat: The third row is spacious enough for adults on short trips and kids on longer drives. It folds flat to create a larger cargo space when needed.

Cargo Area

One of the biggest selling points of the Pilot TrailSport is its versatile cargo space. With all seats in place there's 16.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row which expands to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row down and a massive 83.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2022 Pilot TrailSport comes standard with a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is intuitive and easy to use but it doesn’t offer as many features as some more high-end competitors. There are also USB ports throughout the cabin for easy charging and connectivity.

Sound System

A 7-speaker audio system with a subwoofer comes standard which provides decent sound quality but if you’re an audiophile you might find it lacking compared to the premium systems offered by competitors.

Driver Assistance and Safety Features

Honda places a heavy emphasis on safety and the TrailSport is no exception. The Honda Sensing Suite includes several standard features like collision mitigation braking road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control. All of these work together to provide a safer driving experience.

Honda Sensing Suite Features:

1. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
2. Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
3. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
4. Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

Real-World Test Drive: Alex Collantes' Opinion

"I recently took the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport out for a weekend trip with my family" says Alex Collantes a local automotive enthusiast. "What stood out to me was the combination of comfort and light off-road capability. We went camping in an area that required driving over some rocky paths and the TrailSport handled it without a hitch. The cabin stayed quiet and the suspension absorbed the bumps well".

However Alex also pointed out some limitations. "It’s good for the type of off-roading most people do which means trails gravel and some mud but if you're expecting it to perform like a Jeep Wrangler you’re going to be disappointed. It lacks a true low range and the suspension isn’t up for serious rock crawling".

Should You Buy the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport?

The 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport is aimed at those who want an SUV that can handle light off-road adventures while still delivering the comfort and practicality needed for everyday life. It’s a solid choice for families that enjoy outdoor activities like camping or skiing and need a vehicle that can easily carry gear while providing a comfortable and safe ride.

Prospective Buyers Should Consider:

1. Families who love the outdoors: If you often take trips to areas with dirt roads or unpaved trails the TrailSport’s extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires will come in handy.
2. Space is a priority: If you need plenty of passenger and cargo space for a growing family the Pilot TrailSport offers ample room for both.
3. Comfort is Key: It provides a smoother and more comfortable ride than traditional off-road vehicles making it great for long trips.

Drawbacks:

• Price Sensitivity: If you’re not going to use the off-road enhancements you may find more value in the EX-L or Touring trims which provide similar features minus the rugged add-ons.
• Off-Road Expectations: While it’s improved compared to the standard Pilot the TrailSport still has limits on what kind of off-roading it can handle. Competitors like the Subaru Outback Wilderness or the Toyota 4Runner might offer more true off-road capability for the same price.

How Does the TrailSport Compare to Competitors?

The Honda Pilot TrailSport faces strong competition from several vehicles in the same category. Here’s a brief look at how it stacks up.

Toyota 4Runner

• The Toyota 4Runner has a more rugged suspension and off-road focus. However its on-road comfort is not as refined as the Pilot TrailSport and its technology is more dated.

Subaru Outback Wilderness

• The Subaru Outback Wilderness offers a similar mix of off-road capability with on-road comfort. It also comes at a lower starting price but has less cargo capacity compared to the Pilot.

Ford Explorer Timberline

• The Ford Explorer Timberline is a direct competitor with similar off-road features. It offers a more powerful turbocharged engine option but the Pilot offers better space and user-friendly features.

Conclusion: A Balanced SUV for Adventure Seekers

The 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport is an intriguing choice for those seeking a comfortable family SUV with a bit more off-road credibility than a standard midsize crossover. While it’s not the ultimate off-roader it strikes a balance that many families are looking for. It provides an elevated level of capability for outdoor adventures while keeping the practicality reliability and comfort that Honda is known for.

If your idea of adventure involves light off-roading on weekends but you still need a vehicle that fits your family during the week the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport is definitely worth considering.

Key Takeaways:

• Comfort meets Adventure: Ideal for those wanting to explore light trails without compromising on family comfort.
• Great Space Utility: With ample space for passengers and cargo it’s practical for both long trips and everyday use.
• Some Trade-Offs: It might not be the best choice if you’re looking for serious off-road capability or the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

FAQs About the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport

Q: What is unique about the Honda Pilot TrailSport trim?

• The TrailSport trim features more aggressive styling standard AWD all-terrain tires and extra skid plates.

Q: Can the Pilot TrailSport handle off-road trails?

• Yes it can handle light off-road trails but it’s not suitable for very rugged off-road conditions like serious rock crawling.

Q: How much does the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport cost?

• The starting MSRP is approximately $44,000 which places it in the mid-range of three-row midsize SUVs with off-road enhancements.

Q: What is the fuel economy of the Pilot TrailSport?

• The Pilot TrailSport gets 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway which is typical for its class and drivetrain.

Sources

• Honda Official Website: honda.com
• "2022 Honda Pilot: Full Review and Test Drive" - Car and Driver Magazine
• Alex Collantes Interview on Local Off-Road Enthusiasts Blog