Honda Pilot Trailsport Will Get Families To The Woods (And Back Again)

Families have trusted the 3-row Honda Pilot to get groceries and shuttle the kids for over 20 years. Now it can take them farther into the wilderness. The Trailsport model gets the gear to tackle tough terrain- the suspension, tires, front stabilizer bar and Trail Torque Logic rear differential are all off-road oriented. Tom Voelk checks the Trailsport out off-road and, just as importantly, on paved roads (since that’s where this rig will spend most of its time).
#automotive #car #honda #pilot
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Honda Pilot Trailsport, New Honda Pilot Trailsport, 2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport, 2024 Honda Pilot Trailsport, Honda Pilot Trailsport Review, Honda Pilot Trailsport Price, Honda Pilot Trailsport Interior, Honda Pilot off road capability, New Honda Pilot review, Tom Voelk, Tom Volk, car reviews, Honda SUVs, Driven Car Reviews, Driven
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos.
00:00 Intro
1:04 Pricing
1:30 Trailsport Enhancements
2:13 Off Roading
5:17 Powertrain
6:05 Performance
8:35 Fuel Efficiency
9:11 Interior
10:51 Row Two And Three
12:28 Design
13:06 Cargo
14:28 Red Light Green Light
14:25 Summary
16:35 Before I Go

[@srr10]

Thanks, Tom! I had a 2003 Pilot. Nineteen years and one day after I drove it out of the showroom I had to replace it, because both subframes had rusted through in the course of 19 Upstate NY winters. If I lived in California, I'd still be driving it, because everything else about the car was fine. I replaced it with a 2022 Honda Passport EX-L, which I love like crazy. We didn't need 3 rows anymore, because our children are grown.

[@gordonbardet7838]

I’ve watched two dozen reviews of the Trailsport and this is the absolute best one because it starts right off focused on the pint of the whole trim and actually takes you through a decent,of short, test track. So many reviews waste time talking endlessly about trivia - the shape of the front grill, the too small screen display - all of which you can see for yourself. What you cannot see for yourself is its off-asphalt capability on rough roads. After 11 years in a Range Rover County LWB followed by these past 7 years with a Toyota 4Runner, I do not expect to be able to go “off road” where I’d know I needed more ground clearance (and hence better approach and departure angles) and 4WD, etc. BUT, now with grandchildren, my wife and I will be able to take the whole crew out on at least pretty rough roads we know in the Sierra Nevada mountains to reach hiking trailheads. And long distance touring rides will be so much more relaxing than driving the 4Runner. Of all the 3-row SUVs I’ve researched, Honda’s version of a vehicle for rough roads is one truly built for them. For example, the Telluride “off road” model does not have any skid plates and I do not believe its suspension has been tuned for rough roads and I don’t think rubber floor mats are standard . . . gee, it sure is pretty inside though. But so what? How does that help to handle challenges on rough roads? Thanks much for such a good review. I’m now subscribing to your channel and am going to buy a 2024 Trailsport!

[@johneason6540]

I agree, it need more ground clearance, I overland and would like to see a 2 inch lift available

[@MIZUNOMP60]

Great review Tom, very informative and to the point. Overall, it's a big improvement on the previous generation. Looks a lot better, more capable, better tech (although 12" info screen would be nice from the Accord). I wish Honda offered an "Elite TrailSport" trim so you could get the best of both trims. The front ventilated seats, HUD, Bose Sound System, full digital instrument cluster, more interior color choices etc. This would look much less drab in the cabin with the gray interior (from Elite trim) with the orange TrailSport embroidery and stitching. Sadly, all you get in these "off-road" trims is a black interior with little contrast, same in NIssan RockCreek. Still, overall, it would be my pick in this segment.

[@JaredOstrander-of7ie]

Hey Tom, I found this review compelling enough for me to pull the trigger on a Trailsport about 2 hours ago. Your review ultimately sealed the deal, thank you! Dena has loved only one vehicle I’ve purchased for her since we got together back in 2006 and that was a 2009 Avalon Limited. I just got off the phone with her an hour ago and told her she’s going to love this vehicle more than her beloved Avalon for hauling the littles and the dog around. Your time with the Honda rep in the advanced midget course made me fall in love with this vehicle and that’s coming from someone who’s owned 4 FJ cruisers and out over 400k trouble free miles on them, even in precarious offroad situations. Hats off to you cuz, never argue with your success and keep doing what you do best. First beer is on me in August. Jared

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That's awesome, glad to hear she got what she wanted (and you as a hubby to seall the deal). It's been too long! I don't get out there very often.

[@theroadworthy]

Thank you for the best reviews in the business

[@d.j.j.g]

Amen!

[@tommihelich2613]

$50K seems completely reasonable for this model. Nice informative review as always Tom.

[@adnanisovic1218]

Got mine a week ago . Love it ❤️

[@elliottmanning4116]

Glad you mentioned the fact that wireless CarPlay and Android auto drain the battery quickly. No one seems to mention that. And in my experience, wireless phone charger don’t charge the phone as quickly as I would like. So I keep it 2019, and I use wired CarPlay.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

KZbin says you've been subscribed for 10 years. Crazy! And thanks!

[@MetalsForBrunch]

dont forget the trailsport is 1 inch taller than the other trims with skid plates underneath. Trailsport also have the more advanced software utilizing the AwD system as well. it is worth the extra money for families who are interested in off roading fun. if you compare this car with the Lexus GX overtrail then the pilot is still the winner in value/space and reliability. The new pilot does 75% a 4 runner can do.

[@nicadavelife]

Great review! I love my Pilot TrailSport.

[@Sphien]

Great review, cant wait to pick up a Honda Pilot for the family. I believe this paint color is "Sonic Gray Pearl" and not "Defused Sky Blue Pearl".

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The Monroney said Defused Sky.

[@davewilson7602]

@@DrivenCarReviewsit’s sonic grey, somehow the monroney sticker on this one had an error. The diffused one is a lot brighter

[@louisverduzco851]

Correct. It is Sonic Gray Pearl. I bought one last week.

[@JasonPorter]

​@@DrivenCarReviews the Monroney must have been switched accidentally with another vehicle. We just bought one and Diffuse Sky is a very bright blue.

[@sphaera3809]

Just bought an ‘24 Elite. Great car, better in every way than my previous ’17 Elite. Handling and ride have improved a great deal. In essence, you’re getting a more practical MDX.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Tom, With the Pilot Trailsport, Honda's venture into the off-road, 3 row, unibody CUV space is a success. When are they going to successfully venture into the 35 mpg, 3 row CUV space occupied by the Grand Highlander Hybrid? In prosaic, around town driving any Pilot model is burning almost twice as much gas as its Highlander Hybrid counterpart. 🤨

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Which is why I mentioned it. I asked Honda about a hybrid powertrain and of course got the "we don't comment on future product" response.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@DrivenCarReviews Exactly!!

[@jonfortnitepro6217]

I drive a 2020 MDX Hybrid!!! If Honda offered a hybrid version of the Pilot i would be driving one. I still have a 15 Odyssey, 2010 Element and 98 civic hatchback.

[@giftysambo4238]

I love honda they build solid machinery

[@ItsAlive111]

1:46 someone was plowing with it 😂

[@jonathonhibbard]

Thanks!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thanks Jonathon. Happy Holidays!

[@billthestinker]

excellent review I want the elite version

[@jonathonhibbard]

I am not a Honda fan but I would consider this 🤔

[@CaliSteve169]

This car is one of the best values on the market.

[@BackDoor_Adventurer]

@7:40 the dashboard displays both the AWD and the tachometer combined on the left. I cant find the way for 2023 pilot Trailsport to do the same!! Please help me!! 😖

[@jsfbay1]

What is that huge chunk of dirt (very *large* chunk of dirt from the looks of it)? Wow! See 1:46.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Probably from when it ran in Mudfest. Looks about the right color.

[@marioseoul]

12:35 "put some mojo"... I see what you did there in SODO... go late 90s Mariners! :-)

[@DrivenCarReviews]

A little inside joke there to a friend of mine who works for the M's.

[@SS-wm1wy]

I don't get why barely any reviewer mentions lack of a bench seat. Not just this trim, bench seats are missing from higher trims across most car makers. What if a buyer wants the Trailsport and also put 5 people in 2 rows, occasional 6-8 riders with only cargo in the back.

[@davewilson7602]

These come with a bench with a removable middle seat in the top trims, so it can function as a bench. This is the only one with captains chairs and no bench I believe.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

You are of course not talking about me, right?

[@louisverduzco851]

The reason the TS doesn't have a removable center seat like the other trims is because the TS has a full size spare which does not allow space to store the seat. The trade of is worth it to me.

[@reserva120]

a brilliant car.. The Honda... very smartly done at many levels.. On another Note. being a Stadium District for 20years, I was there in "95??" When Toyota released the all-New Tacoma in Tacoma back then .. If you see the new Ad, of coursed its womaned Up.. with a girl (big part of their market. Tacoma sells more to women than any other truck, even Mavrick".. with some mythical composite of Northwest meets New England...?? But in a Blink and you'll miss it "Homage to its Tacoma Roots ".. they Flicker Fisko Freeze sign... very Clever.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yeah noticed the Frisco Freeze easter egg.

[@BuffaloC305]

Thanks for the toilet-roll comparison but I wish car demo's would speak in linear INCHES not in cubic-inches. How many cubic inches are you? Huh? You don't KNOW?!! But you readily knew "I'm 5'9..." Gee...ya think this is the same for the world's population? YES. I'd love to see how distant the rear door's panel is from the back of the most forward position of the leaned-forward passenger front seat. Lay down all the 2nd and 3rd rows, push the passenger seat forward and lean it: "Can I get a 6-foot sheet of plywood in there? Can I get 7-foot oars? If I'm building an arc, an 84-inch oar might be useful." But basicailly, 4ft x 6ft sheets of plywood are a common board-size. Will those fit? Do I hafta tilt the board to get into the rear door and then lay it flat once inside? This also answers questions about hauling off giant TVs, even if I remove them from the box in the store's parking lot. There are real world examples and NONE of them list "cubic inches"... so car demo's are NOT HELPFUL until they state in linear inches.

[@skd0074]

I read on honda site that the trail logic awd is there on elite as well... but the honda guy is saying on trail sport only… :/

[@slngo49]

The wireless charging hasn't been working well with the iPhone 14 pro and pro max for us. We've tried with the case and without and it starts charging and stops after a couple of seconds.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Which is why I was specific. I keep hearing that different phones work differently with these charge pads. Seems like simple tech but...

[@lrobie123]

looks just like a 2017 Dodge Durango from that perspective on the inside. Fortunately, the Trailsport has a better suspension for driving off road than the 2017 Durango.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

Hope there is no VCM reliability issues

[@joethemeatman2405]

That is not difused sky, it is sonic gray pearl

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The Monroney said Defused Sky.

[@joethemeatman2405]

@DrivenCarReviews I understand I'm just telling you. Difused sky is a baby blue color. I have one that's why I know love the car and I sell Hondas cause they are amazing vehicles

[@joethemeatman2405]

Was a great review though seriously as a certified Honda Consultant I applaud you sir

[@Slim1986]

Honda needs to step it up a notch with a better center stack, and a hybrid!!

[@faheemabbas3965]

Apparently rumors say that a hybrid Pilot should be revealed around January-March 2024 for the 2025 model year. I really hope it’s true.

[@sodathief]

Tom why do you remind me of the guy who used to do Bay Area Backroads ?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Uh… I don’t know. I’ve not seen it. I’ve heard of it though, it’s kind of a legendary show.

[@sizzlacalunji]

That could take 19 TPs without trying. 1 more at the top on the first set and one more on its side at the back to make.😉 Trailsport is really only for the few who go offroad on minor trails or camping. As much as I liked it, really wasn’t practical, other models will do just fine.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nope. Close, but doesn’t quite fit the way you figure. The hatch needs to shut and I allow for a gentle push.

[@mikewright2858]

I'm glad they ditched the wanna-be minivan look of the previous generation. iVTM-4 has always IMO been one of the best AWD systems out there. It's not a substitute for a true, two-speed xfer case 4WD system, but for many people it gets it done without being a complete poser. Well done, Honda!

[@firestarter8202]

In the woods? Full-sized spare? Complete front skid plate? Descent control? OK, then just keep it on the street.

[@Doc1855]

It’s still not as good as an Outback. Check out Driving Sports TV on KZbin. He does a comparison on the Honda Passport and the normal Outback. I’m quite sure that the Outback Wilderness would do much better and it’s much cheaper than the Honda, plus the Outback is SAFER in an accident

[@denault3985]

Impressive SUV, but that third window in back...yikes!

[@krisk1547]

It's not about what you need, it's always about what you want. I wish the Canadian version wasn't butchered. Missing trail cam and who knows what else.

[@DanielAcostaAZ]

Nice vehicle though pricey. Too bad Live HondaLink is only offered on Touring and Elite trims. Honda used to be safety for all, but now it's safety for the top two trims only.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Actually, it costs less than Telluride X-Pro. It's reasonably priced for what it is.

[@hershlawfirmpc]

Evil twin?

[@reserva120]

no Martin again, and no twin . Worried???

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Don’t be. All is good.

[@reserva120]

@@DrivenCarReviews Roger that...

[@JaredOstrander-of7ie]

Sorry about the typos, I’ll blame the midget (offroad) comment on my iPhone SE while waiting for my meal at Cracker Barrel in Madison. Still a long ways to go back to Iron River…

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Wait, THE Jared Ostrander?

[@JaredOstrander-of7ie]

@@DrivenCarReviews Yes, the one and only. Once we finalize plans for our Kalaloch return this summer, we'll look you up.

[@paulhenry913]

Fake engine noise is annoying. Steering is to lite. If space isn't a priority I'll take a MDX

[@tomcharbonneau9788]

Not to mention very expensive timing belt replacement that almost no other mfgr requires. I'll go with Toyota.

[@rinceradio]

"Legitimately" not legit in that context. You are not a dumb 12 year old.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

My wife would disagree with you. At least occasionally.

[@imlivinitupniggaz]

Nice but too expensive for the average consumer. At this price point many people will opt for a Tesla or BMW instead.

[@Rocket9944]

Wrong,Many people don't want an electric car and many people will never buy a BMW no matter what the price because they won't reliability without the high price.