2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport vs. Off-Road Test Course

[@KevinLin145]

Love this channel because Ryan does not stop after one initial review. You can usually find 2-3 videos for every car in different scenarios&seasons.

[@paulelledge8977]

Love getting your boy in on it! He did great!

[@_C1tron]

😀

[@KPHVAC]

I see so many 4Runners that rarely touch any dirt. This Pilot would handle more than enough for the vast majority of people. I'm excited for an updated Passport Trail Sport with the 10 speed auto.

[@sammyjammy6647]

You would see a lot more 4Runners touching dirt if they were priced at half what they are now. Taking a $50,000 vehicle through rock and dirt and possibly causing all kinds of exterior damage just for a little thrill really isn’t worth it. I just think people like the idea that their vehicle is capable of doing it.

[@KPHVAC]

@@sammyjammy6647 I totally agree!! The prices are all insane now. I wish I would have bought an SUV about 5 years ago.

[@chuckwalla2967]

@@sammyjammy6647 Yeah, just give me a stripped down, no frills, real SUV for about $28 grand.

[@sammyjammy6647]

@@chuckwalla2967 well there is a rumor of a mini LandCruiser coming out a year from now priced at that 28 grand

[@mikeyc7072]

💯👍

[@brandonsullivan9953]

So I’ve been watching your videos for years and you always start off in normal mode until the system gets stressed. I think it’s much better when you do that

[@drivingsports]

Noted. Thanks for the feedback.

[@brandonsullivan9953]

Of course! Keep making awesome videos, I’ve learned so much from how you explain things about the vehicles you test.

[@amrashraf9559]

​@drivingsports great review If i gonna choose between 2 cars for such dirty roads , which is more capable, this honda pilot trailsport vs the volvo xc90 t6 ? And i have no other choice than those two cars .. Which is more solid and durable for dirty roads , without overheating , with strong suspension Please advice

[@saeidsalari9104]

ماشینی که از اینجا نمیره بالا دیگه به چه دردی میخوری اونم یه ماشین ۶ سیلندر

[@amateurtorque6709]

​@amrashraf9559 I would say the Honda, only Toyota is better for reliability. When Volvo were owned by Ford they were good, but they are owned by Geely now.

[@heavilymeditated2263]

I've been Off-Roading hard-core for over 20 years & I do gotta say this is impressive for a family vehicle. Ryan hit it on the head when he said to throw some Mickey's or Wikdpeaks on the Pilot. I'd make some personal modifications but overall pretty good. Good job Honda

[@rondail5675]

I like that Honda is keeping the V6. There are so many 4cyl-turbo's. Well done, I like the Passport and Pilot.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

It did quite well if Honda could give it a little more ground clearance, they would really have something.

[@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461]

and less plastic on that nose and tail., i.e., less overhangs

[@evoemperor3776]

The chassis is mainly designed for road use so lifting it up would just add degree to the cv axle and also lose down travel in suspension.

[@0HOON0]

@@evoemperor3776 If Subaru found a way to deliver, so could Honda.

[@Ruddline]

What about getting a lift kit? I found one of these for just 47.6K. It might be better with 3K of lift and tires than most Jeeps (Grand Cherokee/Compass) and more luxurious than say a Bronco?

[@0HOON0]

@@Ruddline Manufacturers use lift kits as an excuse to void the warranty.

[@rondail5675]

Ryan, I appreciate your son doing part of the review. Break him in for the future.

[@no-lodesigns]

We love our Trailsport. A small lift and a little more aggressive tire make for an amazing family hauler.

[@luperamos7307]

Did you get the Passport or Pilot? I never understand why the Passport is rated so highly and the Pilot is not

[@no-lodesigns]

@@luperamos7307 we have the 23 pilot trailsport.

[@Omaba_Baba]

Traxda needs to hurry with their next-gen Pilot offerings. Their last gen Pilot and Passport kits, axle relocator, and rock sliders are fantastic - this model Pilot needs the same to complete it.

[@Jones45705]

My fingers are crossed that the 2024 Passport Trailsport will be equipped like this and not just a badge.

[@paulm6481]

2025

[@adameblen]

I cannot find a bit of information about a 2024 passport. I’ve looked every week for months. Are they not updating it yet? If they updated the tech and style like this pilot, I would definitely buy!

[@davewilson7602]

@@adameblena lot of sources say there is a future one being developed. I’d guess sometime next year they’ll announce it.

[@adameblen]

@@davewilson7602 oh ok, Thanks. So you think the 2024 model will be the exact same as last year? Same infotainment?

[@ryanleo93]

I am currently driving the passport trailsport. It's a great SUV. Cool, fast, and comfy.

[@RangerRickTV]

Yessssss! The video I've been waiting for. Do 4 runner vs pilot!

[@LionRunner]

like a 50K range Pilot Trail Sport vs 4Runner TRD Pro? That would be awesome to see since both come with dirt friendly tires vs a 40K 4Runner SR5 with street tires.

[@ryanb8736]

Pilot for amazing daily driving and comfort. Plus amazing drivetrain. 4Runner for rock crawling and deep mud. I wish 4Runners were not so lethargic to drive. Engine and trans is so slow and lazy. Lots of body roll too.

[@BowmanOverland]

Im actually very impressed!! Never thought I’d say that but Honda has finally got an AWD that’s worth a damn. Detailed and thorough reviews as always Ryan….. keep it up! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@alsheremeta]

The AWD is definitely better than it used to be, but did you notice when he was getting bogged down in the soft dirt, the system was not transferring power to the rear wheel we could see...

[@BowmanOverland]

@@alsheremeta I did notice that. However, it’s a far cry from the epic failures Hondas have had previously on Ryan’s courses

[@randyperron2171]

The young guy did a great job with the tire and wheel info. Won't be long before he'll be doing the test drives. Eh. From Toronto Canada

[@oneplus2ins]

Just like every everything else, traction. As far as factory setup goes, the Pilot did awesome. More than most people will ever put their vehicle through in its lifetime. 👍

[@WW-wf8tu]

Did I detect an alteration in your start up montage? 🤔 Your "ladder" (I would've called the slip n slide lol) I really like as the addition to the course. I like you pushing these things on it and giving them the hard tests. Cool stuff! And a shout out to your newest camera helper. He did a good job. :)

[@drivingsports]

Regarding naming... all the other routes are Snakes... so...

[@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461]

@@drivingsports once again - get the young man paid! :))))

[@WW-wf8tu]

@@drivingsports It's good the theme. I just thought the ladder was acting more like a slide. lol. Like Wild Waves. :) 🌊

[@sunnyvalentino]

The Pilots have (always) been easy to lift by upto 3 inches. I would recommend the 1.5 - 2 inch lift with zero issues, there are tons of videos out there. This is an easy 10 inch ground clearance car.

[@rodolson5827]

Looking forward to the Ridgeline version

[@LionRunner]

@1:00 - Anything updated to that 3.5V6? Both my friends got the fuel injector issues with their 3Gen Pilots and looks like Honda is covering for 120K miles or something per the letter. Any design change to fix the issue? Wish they have dual injection to avoid the issue. Wish they use Timing chain also, not timing belt. @1:08 - 10 speed auto is a very welcome change as I believe its from Honda vs the ZF9. But electronic shifter is little concerning since food and drinks are near by. @1:17 - I see a Tow mode, does that mean now the Pilot can tow 5000lbs without aftermarket ATF cooler. Till 2022 it needed a aftermarket ATF cooler to tow over 3500lbs per the owners manual. @1:56 - I’m so glad Pilot (atleast the Trail sport) has good ground clearance, 8+ clearance like competitors like regular Highlander, etc.. @2:01 Love the new star in the video. Very clear information. Very WELDONE...!! (Really saying that.) @13:24 I think this is excellent for AWD, maybe even better than Subaru? But $50500 sure is a steep price tag approaching 4Runner TRD Pro territory. BTW, I wonder that removable 8 seat is available on TrailSport? A very nice feature to have imo.

[@knightrider316]

I hope you get another chance to test out the system in snow/icy conditions

[@Zack-dm4wc]

Excited to see what they will do for the next gen Ridgeline. I love how uanda has basically taken the top for AWD off-road crossovers. Super practical and almost as capable as (suspension and ruggedness) midsize body on frame.

[@knightrider316]

Thanks for another great review. Just got a 24 TS & I can’t wait to see another review in winter conditions or on the Olympic peninsula property.

[@terminusarms113]

Awesome functional review as always Ryan, and awesome co-host you’ve got with you!

[@amateurtorque6709]

Another great test, nice to see your son helping you out. Could be the future TFL father and son Channel.

[@sizzlacalunji]

Been waiting for sometime wondering when the new Pilot would get a chance on your trail. Now I am curious if letting the air down would have helped on the incline….. Thanks and great real world off-road review.

[@sethmunoz3608]

I can't wait to see your 2024 chevy traverse z71 review. I just want to see if it's worthy of the badge or if it's only made for a dirt roads

[@ericdarmawan9504]

Glad that Honda still keeping legendary long-lasting V6 engine rather than turbo😊😊😊

[@cyberhard]

Thanks Ryan! Been waiting for this review.

[@timberlinecline3667]

Let's see the ford explorer timberline on the test course while it's dry

[@Supertrooper432]

Why did you stop doing the thing where you see if you can lay down in the back? That was always quite interesting to see, as time went on you could really get a good reference for size based on you doing that.

[@drivingsports]

This wasn't a full review. We do it on the main reviews. There's a separate review we did on this one linked in the video.

[@R56Cooper]

Thanks for this new Pilot trailsport review! Looking forward to Honda offering a new Passport/Ridgeline Trailsport! Also would be nice if Honda offered a 2400 watt inverter like the upcoming Tacoma/Landcruiser- would make for a great camping setup!

[@unlogical2188]

the ultimate costco run machine, with all terrains to traverse through the crumbs of chips left over by children in the parking lot.

[@drn13355]

How many times do popes make this stupid joke? Yeah and 99.9% of people use it for that. If you want something different go buy it. Why TF would they make this for Moab when that isn't what the people buy it for? So stupid.

[@unlogical2188]

@@EarthEncountersTravel Toyota grand highlander. But it’d be easier for families to manage in a minivan, so Toyota sienna.

[@designdesign7728]

So I think as far as cross overs go, this is the best stock off roader in the market? Also, people shy away from full-time 4x4 like a forerunner because you don't want to spend 80% more fuel for 10% of the bit of adventurous off roading you'd end up doing and with all the sluggishness that comes with it. That last hurdle is tough and you'd need momentum even with a jeep wrangler but I think if you just deflated the tires like what TFL channel guys did you'd climb right over. From the second test onwards it has already passed "actual off roading scenario" and not just soft roading, if by off roading we mean getting to a difficult spot, as opposed to being the aim. Thanks for the thorough testing already got the car but was waiting for this nonetheless 😂 excellent "everything car"!!

[@rich_svoboda]

So a Pilot with deflated tires will 'climb right over' while a Rubicon with inflated tires need momentum ???? I know low tire pressure is important for off-roading but let's be realistic 😂.

[@designdesign7728]

@@rich_svoboda those two statements can both be true 😉

[@jasonracey9600]

I just drove to Dingford Gate in a Hyundai Tucson today. That was quite a test. Can't wait to finally upgrade to something more capable in the next couple of years.

[@vegetar7886]

Been waiting for this one but you should of lowered the tire pressure down like you did with the 4runner.

[@robertlibby9716]

A set of TA K02s and you'd be fine. I saw a Pilot sunk in the mud get out with KO2s. Theyre actually decent offroaders with the right tires.

[@EZapar]

The Baja Boss AT is still king of those hills. Love the review Ryan!

[@skd0074]

After you reach the mid spot, you should have switched to trail from sand again. In sand mode, it’s just spinning the front wheel. So it’s on you… it could have made it through for sure. I have elite

[@pacattack81]

Hey Ryan, cool video as always! Do you think a Forester Wilderness could get up the ladder stock? Also, was that your kid? It's nice to see him helping you out.

[@drivingsports]

Yup, that’s one of my kids. I don’t think a forester could get up now that the hillside is churned up.

[@pacattack81]

@@drivingsports Yea probably not. I think you brought the bronco sport heritage up the ladder and if I remember correctly it couldn't do it either. I guess you need a vehicle with at least a two speed transfer case.

[@LatersOnTheMenjay.]

Good showing from the Pilot. I feel like, if anything, they can take punishment and not penalize you. I have a Ford and after trying to tackle a snowy hill the power take-up (transfer?) unit overheated and I had to wait for it to cool down. Failing is one thing, but failing without any sort of mechanical punishment is even harder.

[@Traumatree]

Honestly, that last obstacle in that condition would have stump any 4Runner, Jeep and what not unless they were modified with big dirt tires and a lot of clearance.

[@ryanb8736]

True. Tires make a huge difference.

[@SlowRollaAE82]

Interesting to see that the rear driver stops spinning after a few rotations. I thought sand was supposed to be agressive with wheel spin. Perhaps using trail and just disabling the TC would yield better results as long as the rear 'locks' like its supposed to. On my PP, you can really feel it 'lock' on sand so Im confused that it didnt on the incline.

[@mikem964]

Time for the OBW on new course!

[@timanderson6111]

I'm back! I have my Driving Sports cap on and I am ready to go! OK. As an owner of a Honda CRV I am always interested in reviews of Honda products. With this video I was impressed by the fact that Ryan doesn't take us to the extreme. He takes us to trails and roads that 99% of us would use. Extreme 4x4 is not my style. I am, also, amazed at the trails he has created, on his own property. It is a much better illustration of how I might want to test my ride. I do think, however, he should give his assistant a raise. Just sayin'! We all know that when Ryan says, "No problem," we need to pay close attention to what he is addressing. More times than not it is of benefit to us would be over-the-road adventurers. I would give this video a 9.965, mainly because I don't thing he gives any kudos the his assistant!

[@DanielAcostaAZ]

The outside video shows the front tires spinning with nothing at the rear, suggesting it needs to transfer more power to the rear.

[@MC-qg5nu]

That’s the Sonic Gray Pearl paint for anyone really wondering 😎. The diffused sky is the bright blue color. Also, the parking sensors can be turned off in the safety menu. The nice thing is it stays off until you turn them back on even after restarting.

[@drivingsports]

Yeah, they gave us the wrong window sticker for the vehicle.

[@tomtalker2000]

I wonder how the Touring and Elite models would do with less ground clearance.

[@mauriciolazo]

The Pilot covers all the off-road needs from the vast majority of people. Just a minor percentage of folks do really need a 4Runner, Tacoma or even a Ranger or F-150.

[@JRs-guitars]

Is the IVT4 system a renamed version of Acuras SH-AWD system? But i do agree...real AT or MT tires would've made a difference in that last trail. Thanks for the video!

[@ruggedland]

This looks like the most off-road capable crossover out there. Honda has a winner

[@Supertrooper432]

At 1:46 thats a huge clump of dirt stuck up in the skid plate given the rest looks pretty dang clean still.

[@drivingsports]

That's how it arrived. Note the mud on the spare tire too.

[@senorgato70]

I really wish Honda would bring back the Element badge and make a true competitor to the Wrangler, Bronco, and Land Cruiser. They really need something to add to their lineup, as well as Acura's, now that the Lexus GX is reborn.I do also have to say that the Pilot looks amazing in the wild. It just fits its styling so well.

[@radzer0966]

Would like to see the same with the new 2025 with the new rear end upgrades. Seems the rear diff was the issue in the ladder.

[@davidhillbrand2302]

Very impressive AWD system plus a nice V6 and a real transmission. Great SUV.

[@danielduncan256]

I like it! I have a Passport and l am thinking about upgrading to the Trail Sport. WOuld be interested to see the Explorer Timberline and Pathfinder Rock Creek take on the big hill. Both have better tires.

[@mikeyc7072]

Honda has really nailed it with their latest AWD tech. Regardless - traditional 4WD with 4Lo and Lockers is going to do better. Still - hoping they update the Passport Trailsport with this latest Tech.

[@SSS-mp8th]

Two different classes of vehicle but which would do better the Pilot or an Outback Wilderness in this scenario?

[@jmpersic]

Great video. If Honda were smart, they'd make a version (maybe the only version) of the next Odyssey a trailsport model, with an all rubber floor. I'm not kidding. The adventure minivan.

[@akilghosh]

Looking forward for Father son duo

[@sandeepsandhu4286]

Your cameraman did wondefully:)) ..

[@pablomoreno1999]

Just for the fun of thinking outside the box...what if for the last sand hill. You used sport mode or tow mode and playing with the traction control button? I'm almost surely wrong but i don't see why those two modes can also move torque around (sport mode) or send even more to the back while being more aggressive. I noticed the rear left wasn't spinning and maybe those modes could actually give a small boost in power, just enough to see if that wheel moving could give you just the bump you need.

[@knightryder3757]

Great review as usual! Were it me however, I would grade out all that loose sand and dirt and pack it down with gravel.

[@Zanderthelab]

Ryan, how do you think it would do towing 5k? Would it do ok?

[@rpiian]

We have an Elite and now I just want a Trailsport for myself 😂😂😂

[@PsyhoBelka]

could you please get to this trail A Ford Edge ST with 2.7 engine? it's a very popular crossover and very interesting how capable he is

[@nielzachi]

While everybody else is downsizing their engines, Honda said no and I like that. Only thing is I'm not a fan of that button shifter.

[@Ampedup562]

I'm really considering a Honda Pilot, if l'm honest with myself this is all the SUV need. love the fact that it doesn't have a Turbo and rather has a V6 NA which equals reliability. And also, lI'm not sure if I would be comfortable rock climbing with my brand new 60K off-road truck/SUV so who am kidding. If really want to go off-roading would just buy a Honda SXS or a Polaris and tow it with my super comfortable Honda Pilot

[@jackrandom4893]

I need you to take an Outback Premium and an Outback Wilderness onto the same course so I can see if there is really that much difference. With direct comparison and thoughts. P.S. Great review of the Honda as always!

[@KPHVAC]

That would be nice to see!

[@joshanjoydinta]

I love the trac it should be used on every off-road vehicle u review specially Hyundai palisade pleaseeeeeee

[@pipin447]

I like your off road test , i wanna see the mitsubishi Outlander phev kick off road.

[@kimmbooo]

even an inch more of ground clearance would make it better. pilot is ringing the right bells

[@KYIV0482]

New pilot is great! Are they going to update Passport in nearest future?

[@iana36s]

Can’t believe the Canadian trail sport does not come with the trail camera feature. Honda Canada needs to correct that oversight next year if not sooner.

[@0HOON0]

Better hill descent control and TC (trail mode) than Subaru. Great Job Honda! Now they just need another inch of ground clearance to compete with the Wilderness models. Any chance you could get an Ascent on this course Ryan?

[@grisa12345]

Would love to see an expedition timberline out there. Any vehicle without a two speed transfer case is mostly cladding and badging.

[@mr.turnbull2421]

Can you get your hands on a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe and take it on ur course. Thanks. I like your work

[@Mont.Alhlaly]

Wonderful review ❤

[@UAkovalchuk]

Can u test a Toyota grandhighlander awd system!?? The base one with 2.4 turbo

[@henrykim6086]

That skid plate is open design and very easy to stuck mud or some can caught there. 😂

[@c3ajeff]

The one thing that would make this a true "trailsport" would be the ability to lock the diffs. With locked differentials, it likely would have climbed that hill.

[@ryanb8736]

Needs tires.

[@REVECRIT]

Almost time for the snow

[@KPHVAC]

They need to update the Passport now!

[@drivingsports]

Agreed!

[@bovver6092]

Do you think it would’ve made it up the hill if tire pressures are in single digit?

[@theminister6941]

Mercedes alltrain vs subaru outback on muddy roads or on snow test.......pls

[@chuckwalla2967]

Your audio volume tends to be too low, especially in this episode.

[@jasonsong86]

Not bad all things considered.

[@shuckan]

Hondas are not designed to go off road. Get a Jeep, Ford or Toyota.

[@jegallucio]

Lol this one is literally designed to go off road

[@dennisjanwolterding384]

I would LOVE to see how a Subaru Forester Wilderness does on the super-steep course. Based on how easily it conquered Sarah-n-Tuned's test hill, I believe the Wilderness would prevail.

[@designdesign7728]

Just saw your Jeep Compass Trailhawk video and that with a supposed 4L and a much lighter car didn't even get to the last test 😅 apples to apples the pilot is only competing with the grand highlander I think.

[@AWDfreak]

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is a single-range vehicle. The so-called "4L" is just the transmission forcing it into 1st gear, as the transmission logic does not usually use 1st gear on the ZF 9HP in "normal" use.

[@chileshemubanga3594]

The rear end looks very similar to the previous gen Ford Everest(based on the Ranger pick-up truck).

[@krisk1547]

There are 3 reasons i didn't but this car 1. Min 6 months wait 2. Dealer sells way over MSRP 3. Canadian version does not have trailcam

[@thecount1001]

do you use stock air pressures for these tests or do you air down somewhat?

[@thecount1001]

ok, i heard you mention 35psi stock pressures.

[@drivingsports]

If/when I air down, it’s always mentioned in the video.

[@calgreco8607]

I hope the Ridgeline gets this and more!

[@DiscosVideos]

I would have liked to see you properly air down your tires to try that last climb. I think this category needs this exact rig but with a hybrid motor. 99% of drivers barely ever take them offroad. I’d totally get one of these with a hybrid, small lift and better tires. It would be the perfect daily driver that’s Baja surf trip capable

[@ryanb8736]

Hybrid means 4cylinder. Everyone will be so mad if they got rid of v6.

[@DiscosVideos]

@@ryanb8736 Im saying have it as an option. Most people buying this rarely go "offroading". More like dirt roads and mellow stuff. I go on adventures with my family all the time in Baja and my 4 banger Subi can go anywhere. I'd just like to get 30 mpg while I'm on the road getting to the dirt. You can get plenty of power out of a hybrid to do what most customers want to do. Oh and they need to make this with more ground clearance and get put some 16" wheels with bead lockers on there so we can actually air down.

[@ryanb8736]

@@DiscosVideos In order for them to do hybrid, especially Honda, it will be a 4 cylinder non turbo one. So less hp, just to get mpg. Honda says to buy a CRV. Still good amount of room, great Mpg, and CVT. That’s why a lot of people buy them. Many people upgrade from a hybrid CRV for more power with V6. Maybe in years when they do a V6 hybrid. They just don’t have that technology yet. Remember this is a boxy vehicle, so being a hybrid won’t make a huge difference. Still close to 25 on highway is great for its size.

[@ryanb8736]

@@DiscosVideos My friend manages a Honda dealer and he says he gets Toyota people who buy the Pilot because of V6. Mainly because the Highlander went to 4 cylinder and they don’t like it.

[@Booster6969]

When will you be doing a Lexus GX 550 review in the trail?

[@spidervadventures8107]

Is it possible to turn off traction control to give full power to the wheels because electronic systems are ruining sand hill climbing ability

[@pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

Very nice review !

[@peterw3782]

Can the touring do some off road?

[@rzaultra165]

still waiting for the sarah n tuned version

[@Yoyomanmanholla]

Test the new ascent?

[@2steaksandwiches665]

Ordered mine on July 24. Not getting it for another six weeks. Ridiculous.