The Best Honda Pilot 2023 for Sale: A Perfect Family SUV with A Few Flaws
Looking for a reliable and spacious family SUV? The Honda Pilot 2023 might just be the vehicle you've been searching for. With its impressive blend of comfort, performance, and versatility, the Pilot has cemented its reputation as a top contender in the crowded midsize SUV market. However, even with its standout features, there are a few areas where this model could be improved.
Let's dive into the key highlights of the Honda Pilot 2023, along with some of its potential drawbacks. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear idea of whether this SUV is the right fit for you.
Honda Pilot 2023 Overview
When it comes to midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot has been a staple in the segment for years. The 2023 model is no exception. It offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a solid array of tech and safety features. Whether you're looking for a vehicle to haul your family around or take on weekend adventures, the Pilot has something to offer.
Aesthetic and Exterior Design
The 2023 Honda Pilot comes with a refreshed design that's modern but still retains the familiar Honda look. The front grille is bolder, and the headlights have a more angular shape, giving the Pilot a more aggressive and sophisticated appearance on the road.
Color Options Available
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Obsidian Blue Pearl
- Sonic Gray Pearl
- Modern Steel Metallic
If you're looking to make a statement, Sonic Gray Pearl is an excellent option. It stands out without being too flashy. The 20-inch alloy wheels on higher trims also add a bit of flair.
Interior Comfort and Space
One of the biggest selling points of the Honda Pilot 2023 is its interior space. The cabin is roomy enough for up to eight passengers, depending on the seating configuration. If you opt for the second-row captain's chairs, you'll reduce seating to seven, but increase comfort for passengers in the second row.
Key Features Inside:
- Leather seats in higher trims for added luxury
- Tri-zone climate control for personalized comfort
- A large infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Heated seats in the front and rear (Elite trim)
- Panoramic sunroof (available on higher trims)
The Pilot excels in cargo space as well. With the third-row seats up, you get about 18.5 cubic feet of storage. Fold down the third row, and that number jumps to 55.9 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows down, you get an impressive 109.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
However, there is one downside: the third-row seats might feel a bit cramped for taller adults. While they're perfect for kids or shorter trips, longer rides could feel uncomfortable for anyone over six feet.
Performance and Engine Options
Under the hood, the 2023 Honda Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth shifts and helps the Pilot achieve 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
Driving Experience
The Pilot offers a balanced ride, with responsive steering and a suspension that's tuned for comfort. Whether you're navigating city streets or hitting the highway for a road trip, the Pilot's ride is composed and smooth.
However, the steering might feel a bit too light for some drivers. It lacks the feedback that sportier SUVs provide. Additionally, while the V6 engine is powerful enough for daily driving and light towing (up to 5000 lbs with AWD), it might struggle when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.
Trims and Pricing
The 2023 Honda Pilot is available in five main trims, each offering a different set of features and price points:
- Sport: Starting at around $39,000
- EX-L: Around $41,500
- Touring: Priced near $46,500
- Elite: Approximately $52,000
- Black Edition: Roughly $54,000
Notable Features by Trim:
- Sport: Basic but functional with a 7-inch touchscreen and cloth seating
- EX-L: Adds leather seating, a larger 9-inch touchscreen, and power-adjustable seats
- Touring: Includes a hands-free power tailgate and rear entertainment system
- Elite: Offers all-wheel drive as standard, along with ventilated front seats
- Black Edition: The top-tier trim with exclusive styling features like black exterior accents and red ambient lighting inside
While the Black Edition adds some visual flair, the EX-L trim often provides the best balance between price and features for most families.
Safety and Technology
Honda has packed the 2023 Pilot with Honda Sensing, its suite of advanced safety features. Whether you're driving on the highway or maneuvering through city traffic, these systems help keep you safe.
Key Safety Features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance
- Collision Mitigation Braking System: Helps prevent or reduce the severity of a collision
- Lane Keeping Assist: Steers the vehicle to stay within its lane if it detects you're drifting
- Blind Spot Information System: Alerts you when a vehicle is in your blind spot
While these features are incredibly helpful, some drivers have mentioned that the lane-keeping assist can be a bit too intrusive. It might occasionally attempt to correct steering when it isn't necessary which can be frustrating for those who prefer a more hands-on driving style.
Technology in the Pilot
When it comes to infotainment, the 2023 Pilot offers a decent system, though it could be better. The base trims come with a 7-inch screen, while higher trims feature a 9-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is a must for many drivers nowadays.
However, the infotainment interface can be a bit clunky at times. While it's functional, it's not as intuitive as some of the systems you'll find in competitors like the Toyota Highlander or the Kia Telluride. Response times can be slow, and navigating through menus isn't as smooth as it could be.
Fuel Economy: What You Need to Know
For a vehicle of its size, the Honda Pilot 2023 offers decent fuel efficiency. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) model gets an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Opting for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version will lower those numbers slightly, but not by much.
If you're looking for something more fuel-efficient, the Pilot's rivals like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid might be worth considering. The Highlander Hybrid offers better fuel economy, especially for city driving.
Honda Pilot vs. Competitors
The 2023 Honda Pilot competes with a number of other midsize SUVs. Let's see how it stacks up against some of its main rivals:
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is another popular midsize SUV, known for its reliability and available hybrid option. While the Highlander offers better fuel economy with the hybrid model, it falls short in terms of interior space compared to the Pilot. The third-row seats in the Highlander are even more cramped, making it less suitable for families with older kids or adults who need to sit in the back.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has made waves since its debut and is often compared to the Honda Pilot. The Telluride offers a more upscale interior and a slightly more refined driving experience. However, the Pilot's cargo space and overall practicality make it a better option for families who prioritize function over form.
Alex Collantes' Take on the 2023 Honda Pilot
To get a better perspective, we reached out to Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast who's driven numerous SUVs over the years.
"The 2023 Honda Pilot is a solid choice if you're looking for a family SUV that checks most of the boxes. It's spacious, comfortable, and reliable. That said, I did find the steering to be a little too light for my taste. I prefer a bit more feedback when I'm driving, especially on twisty roads."
Alex's take on the infotainment system was also worth noting:
"The tech is good but not great. It's functional, but there are times when it feels slow or outdated compared to other SUVs in this class."
The Verdict: Should You Buy the Honda Pilot 2023?
At the end of the day, the Honda Pilot 2023 is an excellent choice for families who need a spacious, comfortable, and reliable SUV. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the third-row seating and infotainment system, its strengths far outweigh these issues.
Pros of the 2023 Honda Pilot:
- Spacious interior with plenty of cargo room
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Solid array of standard safety features
- Powerful V6 engine with good towing capacity
Cons of the 2023 Honda Pilot:
- Cramped third-row seats for taller passengers
- Infotainment system can be slow and unintuitive
- Steering feel is on the lighter side
If you can live with these minor issues, the Honda Pilot 2023 is a top-tier family SUV that's well worth considering.
How to Find the Best Deals on a Honda Pilot 2023 for Sale
If you're ready to start shopping for a Honda Pilot 2023, here's how you can find the best deals:
- Check local dealerships for promotions or incentives
- Look for certified pre-owned options if you're open to a slightly used model
- Compare prices on different websites like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book
- Negotiate the price—don't be afraid to haggle, especially if you're looking at higher trims like the Black Edition
Make sure to schedule a test drive before making your final decision. The Pilot might be the perfect fit for your family, but it's always best to get behind the wheel and see for yourself.
In conclusion, the 2023 Honda Pilot offers a great blend of comfort, space, and performance, making it an excellent option for those looking for a versatile family SUV.