2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport Review and Off-Road Test

[@Macman608]

I recently watched a review of this vehicle on a different channel and I must say yours is so much more informative. Nothing I didn’t expect but the reason your channel is the best around. You are definitely my go to for complete and precise automotive reviews.

[@navinonlinehere]

Agreed

[@USA__WILL]

TFL probably

[@SuperAndrewWK]

Agreed, I really started to notice recently on electric vehicle reviews (and off-road content) . I've watched some much larger channels reviews and left asking, where the heck is all the details about battery capacity, charger wattage / charge time, etc, etc. Y'all do a great job and I appreciate it

[@sabaar01]

Me too, what GMac said.

[@polarbear4686]

I enjoy TFL, but driving sport has the better review on this pilot.

[@DashnCars]

I always feel like Honda listens to feedback well, this new Pilot TrailSport really proves that! The Trail cam, physical volume button, and passenger tray? Awesome work.

[@darrendeford7937]

Finally someone laid down in the back to show it can be slept in!! Thank you!

[@Deetroiter]

One thing I like (out of many) on Ryan and crews channel is that they don’t abuse the vehicles, but they’re not afraid to drive them. Some situations demand some solid throttle, or some aggressive driving and driving sports TV delivers

[@drivingsports]

Thanks for noticing! Much appreciated.

[@robbergstrom943]

I'm glad to see Honda slowly dialing up their TrailSport line. JonDZ Adventuring here on KZbin, who Honda consulted with on the TrailSport line, shows what these platforms are really capable of off-road with his incredible built up Passport. They are impressive cars, especially if you can create additional lift and give them better skid plates.

[@matthewschiebout7384]

Still no 4Runner:) But developing this model will certainly increase sales!

[@laakeadrumright3010]

I was thinking the same thing while watching this video. A TrailSport Pro to compete with the 4Runner TRD Pro would be amazing 🔥

[@BoiseTDI]

@@matthewschiebout7384 nor are they trying to compete with 4Runners. Apples and oranges. ;)

[@bc4198]

​@@laakeadrumright3010 Its truest competition would be Subaru Wilderness editions, especially if they did one for the Ascent. I'd love it if it had 4Lo and such like the 4Runner, but off-road their capabilities will be very different. Like, impossibly different, unfortunately.

[@bc4198]

JonDZ (IIRC) made an important point, too, about when the Honda vs. Subaru AWD systems overheat. The Honda is much more resilient.

[@ILGlocker]

For a guy living in flatlands of IL the scenery at the ending is spectacular. Researching vehicles for the future and this is #1 right now.

[@themagician7734]

In terms of AWD systems (without a low range) for off road, its up there as one of the best, along with the Bronco Sport. I wish they had provided it with a better location for a front recovery point. If the nose is buried, it's going to be hard to reach. But, it's better than nothing. Thanks for the review.

[@Kanti12311]

Yeah better than not having a recovery point like the new Tundra/Sequoia TRD

[@andoniades]

The spare under the body is something I've never been a fan off (a pain to deal with on the trails). But I run those same tires and they have good enough armor to prevent rock slashes.

[@KPHVAC]

Now we need an upgraded Passport. I'm really interested in the TrailSport Passport and Pilot. The new 4Runner should be super nice but this Honda has all the capability I could need.

[@willb6070]

This gives me hope that they will make the next Passport Trailsport as capable offroad if not a tad more. As long as it stays around that is due to the lower volume. Not all of us want/need 3 rows and want something just a tad smaller but still want the same capability.

[@wardellmercado8370]

What you described would be the Passport, I would think...

[@fredmoss4540]

This was designed more for Ridgeline and Passport. The development and engineering. The Pilot redesign just came 1st. Passport already had more ground clearance than Pilot and Ridgeline. It was developed and reintroduce into Honda lineup after redesign of Pilot Ridgeline.

[@jbandt]

Hope the passport gets this styling update. This looks sooooo much better!!!

[@f50koenigg]

Man, the trailsport is the perfect vehicle. If they make the hybrid version of the trailsport, this will become the best off roader.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

My heart is torn between the Honda Passport and Ridgeline vs the Toyota 4Runner and Tacoma. I would love to see direct comparisons between those SUVs and trucks. Because I don’t need the off-road chops quite as much but i value reliability, awd, maintenance cost, and interior comfort. Even Acura RDX vs Honda Passport vs Lexus RX videos or 2023 new V6 Pilot vs Highlander videos would be great.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

What made it nicer, was not knowing the actual trail.. Well Done, Ryan..

[@Uneek637]

Would love to see a comparison between the Honda, Ford explorer timberline, and subaru ascent in off-road conditions.

[@austinw75]

I was on Broken Arrow this weekend. I saw you guys testing on friday, I was genuinely pretty impressed with how they handled the trail. I saw some scrapes and scratches here and there, but really good for an SUV all things considered. You'll have to convince the developers to take them down the staircase in the future 😆.

[@rabd3721]

Looks like an amazing trim for the Pilot, both inside and out. I'm hoping the Ridgeline gets a similar package soon.

[@TermlessHGW]

I have a 2017 RTL-E and although in no hurry to change I am waiting for the 3rd gen Ridgeline based on that Pilot.

[@ProAlchemist]

Same. I hope to see that front end and that dash layout in the next Ridgeline at least. A trailsport trim would be icing on the cake

[@BernonCars]

I was waiting for this one!

[@drivingsports]

We waited until 7am, because nobody on the west coast is awake by 6am (embargo time).

[@Doncan0823]

👌 Proof that when Honda chooses to, they can build amazing vehicles. Definitely want one.

[@James-il3tq]

Congrats on 300,000 subscribers Ryan!! 🎉 Love this channel and been following you for many years. We share a passion for driving and outdoors!

[@ruggedland]

Looks like a very capable off-road worthy crossover. Could use a bit more ground clearance but the built in skids are nice. Wish they offered the same removable center seat in second row though

[@philipchan8110]

I been waiting for this trailsport review, thank you Ryan

[@nightryder21]

By the looks of the Pilot Trailsport, I have high hopes the next gen Passport Trailsport.

[@Marbind]

Cross your fingers. Don't be surprised that gets slashed due to a lack of sales.

[@Dizney82]

I can’t wait until you test the Pilot on your own terms and your course!

[@kaetischmalenberg222]

You included insights and information while driving that others haven’t mentioned before. I appreciate that! Can’t wait until mine comes in!

[@neverhomepnw]

Best looking Honda ive seen in a while

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan. CONGRATULATIONS FOR HITTING 300,000 SUBSCRIBERS !!🤩🤩👏👏👏👏

[@cramias1]

This looks really great. Wish there was a bit more clearance, but the combination of a three row sleeping friendly interior and legit softroad capability is a great mix

[@gordon3988]

Honestly this didn’t look like too tough a test at least for traction issues and can’t wait until you get to take it through your PNW test; typically they look much more difficult, but not hard core of course. Still a huge improvement for the Honda and imagine if they added another inch of ground clearance. I really liked it! Side point; you guys could do a video on how to do car videos. Well done!

[@lanceoa]

99% of Pilot buyers are not going to do much more than this…. And frankly I’d be concerned if they planned to… nice capability, practical, versatile, and super appealing to Dads out there

[@larrysmith6797]

It was a Honda event. Of course the Hondas would get to the end without getting stuck.

[@jh14ch21]

You did a great job of providing sufficient details but kept it interesting the whole time. Thank you for the review. I’m now a subscriber and will follow along on other vehicles.

[@Flash363]

Damn, this was an absolute incredible video with an incredibly capable vehicle! First off, thank you for all the exterior shots showing the vehicle from the outside and how it behaves on different terrains! Spectacular! Also, wow! That pilot trails port is extremely capable! 👌🏼 hope to see more content like this in the future keep it up!

[@C1in0ndix]

It's so cool seeing this, I was on the Broken Arrow trail when I was younger on a Pink Jeep Tour! It was my first experience off roading and what's funny is on the feature at 27:03 the JK Wrangler we were in actually broke something and we needed to be rescued by a TJ!

[@VtroboguycEDH]

I have a modified passport and it has eaten flagpole and many other trails. Happy to talk through the build - especially if you are not too far from flagpole - I’m a few hours northeast of it

[@farcinue]

Wow, the scenery is incredible! Great review as always.

[@jiamiekori6575]

Finally someone told the truth about the screen size in the dashboard. Big is not always good. Touchscreen size and placement needs to be practical. I love what Honda has done here! Very easy to use UI and Wireless Phone Projection. This is all I need!

[@timmach05]

Great video, I enjoy your detailed and almost real world driving.

[@bradrook3919]

Im a Honda vehicle guy....have been since 1991... I currently am driving a 2015 CR-V...I want a little trailer/rv, under 5000lbs..so am serious in going with this rig next..I like kayaking and like that its trail ready has ground clearance yet is still manageable to reach my kayak roof mounts...Nice Review!

[@Car_conversati0nz]

Congratulations on 300K subscribers!

[@williampulley]

I know there are a lot of car reviews channels, but I'm hoping you get to a million subs. It would be WELL deserved. I'm shocked it hasn't happened yet!

[@PatrickRich]

Broken arrow outside SEDONA arizona (not senora. No biggie) is pretty serious for a crossover. I've done it in a TJ, a GMT400 K2500 Burb and a gen1 RAV4 back in the day. The gearing was awful and there was a lot of clutch but it did it. That genuine center locker and torsen rear on the RAV4 was legit. In seriousness, the Honda Trailsport is easily the best of the mide size family crossovers off-road. That VTM4 system is GOOD.

[@ffsolutions9442]

What a great review! All informative, fun and entertaining! And well done, Honda!

[@kyro18]

Ryan with the price of eggs there are worse things than to be surrounded by chickens at home and on the road!

[@rwest5386]

You and others here have said it, tracking lines, for the front view camera a better location for the front recovery point(s) and another 1" of ground clearance and the next Gen Passport, being shorter than the Pilot would really be something to consider, for my next purchase.

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

I was thinking about the ground clearance too. At 8.1 inches the Trailsport is 0.6 inches lower than a STANDARD Outback, and 1.4 inches lower than the Wilderness version.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, The reason you can fit under Honda's panoramic moonroof 5:28 relates to the fact they start off with 3 inches more headroom than Toyota.

[@caifan444]

Great video Ryan keep it up man

[@UpTownDanny]

Congrats on 300,000 subscribers Ryan.

[@bc4198]

Love that it's not just stickers 🤩! The regular version does, too, but it's worth noting Honda vs. Honda, that the Pilot has much stronger components than the CR-V. If a person wanted a Honda adventure vehicle, even the base Pilot is the better choice. But always buy the off-road version of anything available; they'll have upgrades you could either never make or at least are way more expensive than the package - and the resale value is better, too.

[@wanglee21]

Wow that background looks so unreal when your walking out of the Pilot. Amazing!

[@randycatalano6622]

Review we were waiting for. Nice Vehicle.

[@BradWilson1969]

Coincidence that I had three Pilot Trailsport reviews drop within an hour of each other? 😎 Seriously though, I've been looking forward to your review on this. I have no use for something this size, but the practical dad (granddad) in me still can't help but be drawn towards something that can do almost everything.

[@KangXero]

My thoughts exactly haha

[@ALMX5DP]

The embargo lifted, meaning journalists and KZbinrs can post reviews after that time.

[@7245bcw]

I've seen many car reviewers being invited for Pilot Trailsport within past few weeks, they all talked to stay tuned for embargo lift for full review

[@odawgg_420]

Currently have a 08 Honda pilot nd I already take it on trails, once I heard about this trim and capabilities, I was head on about getting this bad boy. So glad to see you put it to the test enjoyed the vid. Ready to go buy it frfr

[@tywiggins13]

I really hope to see the passport get these features. 3 rows is a big large for some people. Fingers crossed

[@stancoward9394]

I was waiting on this review!

[@larrysmith6797]

Anyone with a modicum of automotive knowledge will appreciate this channel (and get headaches watching TFL).

[@theortegas5502]

Really cool to see Honda take a vehicle to that trail. My family and I have done that trail and it is technical in some areas, good job Honda

[@vincentfournier3294]

Thank you for another excellent review. I always enjoy the quality and authenticity that goes into these reviews. This particular one almost made us choose the Pilot Trailsport as our next vehicle. Almost, because Honda Canada it turns out decided to opt out of the trail camera up here. Fortunately, your other awesome reviews will likely help find something that fits for us.

[@matteugenio]

All it needs is a Traxda 2” lift and it’s golden 👌🏽

[@janhbhugo5085]

Nice review ! I like the Pilot TrailSport

[@dukekelloway5328]

Good to know some manufacturers are listening to the studies and leaving physical knobs for the important controls. Keeping it safe.

[@smithchuck]

You asked for a suggestion for what else to drive when you come back to this trail, and "Escalade" popped into my head. Or maybe one of the other big body-on-frame 3-row SUVs, but the Escalade would be the most fun to see out there.

[@Tom-ej8bb]

Nice. I think for the vast majority of people want to see how it handles on 2 lane ice and snow covered highways and streets. Very few are going to do that stuff. Also the importance of every day drivers and how winter rated tires are more important than the AWD. of course AWD beats the H outta 4wd since 4wd MUST have slippage or damage to Transfer case will happen. I hated having to go back and forth on my silverado where now with my CRV I just drive! Ahhhhh Thanks, love ur reviews!!

[@christopherloffredo9126]

Great review! Hoping Honda gives the passport a good update now.

[@jaytibby]

Excellent review of the TS

[@AlxDv]

Being a big Toyota fan, but also having had some love for 90s/early 2000s Hondas, this makes me happy. Sick vehicle, despite not being body on frame!

[@allenflores6373]

Good enough for me as a family guy. I am a rugged type of dad but do not do offroad. But It's a good thing if it has the capability, not just a sticker. I like it. Thank you for a very informative review.

[@bemoremad]

Kind of interesting seeing a lot of the 10th gen Accord switches/gear transplanted onto this trim haha. Good way to save money. Gauge cluster, infotainment, seat memory, drive selector, and even the HVAC controls all look like they came out of my Accord. They’re all quality, but I hope the infotainment software is updated. Wireless carplay can be glitchy.

[@justinpaul1811]

Not sure if I misunderstood what you mean by tracking lines. But I test drove one yesterday and if you switch camera views to the front camera I had tracking lines that synced with steering movement. Perhaps they have updated the software since your video. Either way, great job on the video. I take delivery of mine in about five weeks

[@columbotee2652]

Looks like really good capabilities, especially just crawling through the different terrain

[@AlaskanSnowLeopard]

Not bad for a unibody platform. Once there's a 3.5 inches lift kits, and taller tires, you'll be in the 12 inches ground clearance territory.

[@JMhmmm1]

Best review so far. Would like to hear more about on-road in differnt situations. Thanks!

[@ashleylitebrite6971]

Thank you for the driving tip about saving your thumbs. Another excellent video!

[@douglasgrillo]

This thing looks awesome, have entered into my top 10 SUV list 😄but I'm more of the Passport buyer type. I hope you can make another review but take it where Honda doesn't have control of the trail. Very informative and professional review.

[@roughjc]

Hope to see some snow driving. This will be a hit but I notice the rear skid plate does not cover real differential. Probably heat issue or cost control?

[@pizzasaurolophus]

24:50 :D in case people don't get why a low range is important, you can crawl over an obstacle like that at 0.5 mph, instead of shooting across it at 2 or 3 mph

[@zogadwoe]

Good job honda. Which one you will go for between 2023 telluride x pro, 2023 subaru ascent, 2023 subaru outback wilderness or this honda? For off reading or family vehicle?

[@grizzle273463]

OMG an auto journalist who actually mentions his height so as to give an approximation of how a viewer might envision realistic size and proportions. Now why can't other auto journalists do this? Well done. 3 thumbs up

[@tachsheet]

Great vid! Honda has come a long way and glad to see that they're finally becoming a challenger on the trail. Would like to see it compared to the Subaru Wilderness.

[@Databyter]

I have an Outback Wilderness and I'm happy with it. But I must say this one has an impressive AWD system and a better camera system. The probably should have err'd a bit more towards ground clearance over handling I think and it would have really taken away one of the biggest detracters. It does seem to have good armor tho. My feeling about armor is that it should be seen, not heard. When I start scraping it means my line is wrong or Im on the wrong trail. I don't DEPEND on it over Ground Clearance. So for that reason I think this one is self limiting over what trails it can traverse without an after market lift. I do like the big tall tires only I wish they would have put them on a smaller 17" rim and gave us even more sidewall. That being said, I have upsized my Wilderness tires as much as will fit in the well of my car, and I have the same sidewall height as this Honda has from the factory, so although they could have done better, it is not a low profile offering by a long shot and the taller size will be an advantage on the trail, especially aired down. I don't think anybody serious about softroading will keep those tires, so there is your chance to go even a bit taller and help with clearance as you go. But that clearance, Ugg, that is where they could have done a lot better. if There was an extra inch or preferably a bit more than that it would have shined!. Even if it was via air shocks or something to pump your height up temporarily during particularly deep ruts or whatever. Good review.

[@Snafu2346]

Still looking for Sarah hidden like where's waldo in the background somewhere. Looks they had the event in Sarah's backyard. I remember you making an appearance back on that GR86 video.

[@mustang1191]

Very good review.

[@anthonyb755]

Great work Honda Pilot Team!

[@KyleKick909]

I just bought a 2023 Trailsport dealer demo launch addition! I can't take it home yet due to a contract with the manufacturer but I'm pumped! The contract ends may 8th or 16th but they are letting me take it April 29th.

[@hotsauce-hbg]

Great videography! Nice review. I really like this vehicle.

[@rommelgallego2943]

Awesome review as always Boss! Thanks!

[@xxBlazinBobxx]

Looks nice! Nick did a great job recording the performance of the AWD system on the obstacles. I used to have a minivan and I miss the storage and utility of it. I'm looking for a new AWD vehicle for an occasional road-trip that can also haul cargo and handle adverse conditions when needed. Also thinking about a Lexus GX460, but I don't think I need a body on frame type vehicle.

[@laurarobinson1699]

I’m right there with you. I love Roadtripping with my minivan and how functional the space is especially the sliding doors for large entry to the rear. But I need a vehicle that has clearance and can tow. I loved my little Element that covered most areas on the wishlist.

[@chrisstadler2344]

The trail I use as a litmus test for the type of 4 wheeler I need is the trail that goes to Devils Bridge right where you are testing. It has big rocks at the start of the trail that most crossovers can't negotiate so they fill the parking lot. My 4runner scrapes a little (mostly on the mud flaps) at the barrier rocks but then never touches anything after that.

[@fordrac1ng81]

This is cool. Now they need to do the Ridgeline

[@johnnyboyO311]

If the passport trail sport receives what the pilot trail sport has it may be a contender on my next vehicle!

[@senorgato70]

I find it odd that in the Trailsport, the 2nd row is strictly captain's chairs, leaving that gaping hole in between the two seats when folding the cargo area flat. A Trailsport owner would be the one that would have the most potential to want to sleep in that rear cargo but really couldn't easily with that gap. Or would also carry around tons of gear that might be challenged to store with that gaping hole.

[@ChopperChad]

Looking at this as a camping and road trip vehicle and have the same concern. Was thinking I could build a simple plywood box to level out the space when seats are down. Cover it in carpet and maybe add a door to store items. This should be an Honda solution but think I can build it without too much fuss.

[@tz444]

@@ChopperChad I need this vehicle with two rows and no gap.

[@JeremyPleso]

Great review. I share the same gripe about the iPad/screen just slapped up on the dashboard. Certainly not a dealbreaker but not esthetically pleasing to the eye. I can't wait to test drive this as well as its competitors (Ascent? 4Runner?).

[@crowntug]

Can't wait until you get to test this on your own property, hopefully in the snow!

[@JRs-guitars]

Cool! I like the proper arm rest in the new Pilot for sure. Needs a little more ground clearance. Price point would make me consider a Subaru Ascent or Forest first though.

[@KenCheng]

I would love to see you guys go back there with the Outback Wilderness 😊

[@ragweedmakesmesneeze]

9.5 inches of ground clearance on the Wilderness, 1.4 inches more than the Pilot...I think that would make a pretty big difference in the confidence and speed that one could tackle that particular trail.

[@gelatinous6915]

I'm very happy to see Honda returning to their roots with the new Pilot. My family's 2011 Pilot is the most indestructible car we've ever seen. It's been rear-ended 4 times without a single dent, it's hauled wagons and trailers, it's gone on serious off-roading, and it's taken 180k miles like a champ. The replacing generation of Pilots were dissapointing- like comapring a minivan to a tank. The '23 seems to be much more tank-like.

[@toolshed7652]

The IVTM4 AWD system is the best in the business as far as Im concerned. Fords would be a close second

[@garrettdraper3609]

Wow pleasantly surprised with Honda here! Great video as always 👍

[@danasampson818]

Great review. I really like the vehicle, but from what I have tried to spec out on the Honda website, the second row bench seat is not an option on the Trailsport. I think that really limits the cargo area for sleeping, and cargo. They build this for soft road overlander types, yet don’t allow for a second row bench seat? I do a lot of hunting, fishing, exploring, and camping, and I always look first at fold flat cargo area, and second row bench seats. The Subaru Ascent offers bench seats in most trim levels. Now if Subaru would just offer an Ascent Wilderness, or Honda would allow bench seats in the Trailsport, or, better yet, give the Passport the same Trailsport equipment as the Pilot, that would be great. I think the Passport would be perfect. I am 5’10”, legs/torso proportionate. ;)

[@TermlessHGW]

I'm mostly interested in the changes to the engine as it's bound to end up in next gen Passport and 3rd gen Ridgeline. Can't find any comparisons with the previous V6 but the supposedly brand new one gets dual overhead camshafts instead of one, 5 more bhp and I'm not sure but it seems there's no more vtev. Again not entirely sure about the last one but maybe someone can confirm. Also it's the same 60° V, cast aluminum block.

[@alvilla701]

37:07 the new 2026 Passport front camera has driving lines, maybe not because of you but thanks for letting him know

[@JoseTorres-st5ic]

Question, I purchased the 2023 Elite a couple of weeks ago. Is it possible to add the skid plates on the Elite through Honda Service? Also, does the skid plates rust? Finally, are we able to lift the car up through aftermarket suspension or bigger wheels? Recommendations for future, Honda needs a better engine that hits way higher than 285 HP and better torque. A vehicle like this should have better performance. Also, interior should be a lot more futuristic, every thing looks dated, touchscreen should be similar to a Mercedes GLE, Trizone climate control would have been HUGE, Hybrid version yielding better fuel economy would have been amazing (at least in the 30’s), better cushion on seats with massage, ambient lighting. Better suspension (another 2”).

[@atmartens]

I know Honda had to do the Pilot first because it's a big seller, and a big market, but this only makes me excited for the Passport. Similar to how you don't like how Subaru Wilderness trims don't have heated steering wheels, I REALLY don't understand why they can't do the options for cooling seats. Come on Honda, why cant I have cooling seats in my off road trim of the Passport or Pilot? Either way, I think they'll do well for this. I'd imagine they'll have a lot of accessories you can add similar to Subaru. Having two labs, it'd be nice to have some protection in the back. Overall, I can't wait to see a review on your trails!