The 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport & Elite Aren't NEARLY as Similar as You Think...Here's Why!

( www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! The 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport and Elite are the two top-end models of the revamped Pilot lineup - but they aren't quite as close on features as you might think. Kase takes a closer look with more driving impressions on the TrailSport coming soon!
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#honda #pilot #comparison

[@lane5686]

Honda killed it in this segment: 1) Naturally aspirated V6 and not turbocharged 2) Large cargo room even with 3rd row seats up 3) Roomy interior/seats 4) Bulky enough to handle rough weather/terrain 5) Decent fuel economy 6) Again, no turbocharging nonsense and over the top gimmicky interior

[@tovinh9309]

How about the VCM system?

[@davewilson7602]

@@tovinh9309hasn’t been a problem for years since the system is better now, but you could buy a disabling kit for cheap online if you don’t want VCM. We did that in a 2010 pilot

[@JayZJay7]

Hondas will continue to be one of the best in class cars due to reliability and engineering. But I do feel instead of being amazing they just settle for 9/10. In these huge vehicles there is zero need for a 9inch infotainment system! I also wish they would expand their hybrid offerings to the Passport and Pilot.

[@MrMlbfan6]

@@JayZJay7 Idk about reliability since the last 10’yeard the pilots and mdx have a bunch of problems

[@reyperez3424]

@@MrMlbfan6 Sad but true! I own 2 Honda, Ridgeline 9spd and Pilot 6spd but once I started getting into the Forums, there’s a lot of people who had issues that it worries me but only time will tell :/

[@markusmschafer]

would love to see a Pilot Elite with all the rugged stuff from the TrailSport - that would make it a near perfect car ...

[@kartboarder22g17]

Honestly though, couldn't you buy the elite, then add the skid plates, change tires, and put a slight lift on it?

[@mizzoubonedoc]

yep need a Pilot TrailSport Elite

[@L4mTr4n]

@@kartboarder22g17 in a nutshell, yes. I was thinking about going Elite and just add the extras rugged stuff later.

[@DzNutzAnBoltz]

I just bought the touring not the elite due to the better value but still has almost the same options minus the cooled seats. I can't find any after market up grades yet just a kn air filter . I'm going to change my tires to hybrid tires from radar and ad a small led bar in the Front . I absolutely love this ride all the drive modes and paddle shifter in sports the poilet get down

[@moeaziz82]

Honda offers the elite on the hpd package and it give you a more rugged look.

[@TriniB91]

Thank you for this review! There just aren't enough Trailsport reviews out right now. This was refreshing!

[@Ram14250]

Can't hardly wait for TFL to take the Trailsport on the TFL Off Road course! Compare it to the Telluride and see who off roads better!

[@BuRNingFLaN]

The Trailsport will be a great vehicle especially once the car market shifts to favor buyers and gets some discounts off msrp! For 45k new, this will be a lot of car!

[@daebruh2034]

@@BuRNingFLaN unless people just stop buying, that will not be happening with Honda. They are actually producing less cars now

[@BuRNingFLaN]

@@daebruh2034 yes-- will be fascinating to see what will happen these next few months--- have been watching Lucky Lopez videos!

[@mike5981]

Hondas are pretty solid vehicles. My parents have an 07 Ridgeline with 310k miles, a 13 Ridgeline with 140k miles and a 09 Pilot with 200k miles and all have been trouble free. There’s a reason 20 years later they continue to make the same 3.5 engine with just with some minor twicks.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

this is an all new 3.5 the old one was sohc vtec, this is dohc non vtec still timing belt driven though so maintenance is a pain

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

@@ShaiyanHossain agree, they need to be up with the times.

[@clarkkent9080]

@@ShaiyanHossain Why should Honda spend the money to change from belt to chain the cost is on the consumer not Honda.

[@onemoreday1550]

They run forever. I’ve had 4. They are awesome products

[@ShaiyanHossain]

@@clarkkent9080 toyotas 2gr has been chain driven for how long? Also Hondas own K series uses timing chains too

[@BuRNingFLaN]

Yes TFL did it first video of the 23 Trailsport! Very much looking forward to this! Please give us a review of the Pilot's lane centering tech with adaptive cruise! Thanks!

[@James-ol6rw]

Beautiful cars and great video. Thank you.

[@grantssage8395]

One thing that would make sense for the elite is to have removable armrests for the captains chairs when the middle seat is down or removes.

[@wanliyang2380]

Tried the elite with the middle seat down. More or less like a arm rest with cup holders. The removable seat looks fancy, but I don't see much use in reality- just a personal view of course.

[@a22fc]

I dont think the trailsport comes with a removeable middle seat. Or a middle seat at all

[@kartboarder22g17]

@@wanliyang2380 I see the middle seat option a great thing for if I'm going on a long trip I can have all 3 of my kids on the center and put more gear in the rear. Otherwise it's nice for most situations to have the middle seat out, my kids seperated with the oldest in the rear.

[@fishytank1land]

Exactly

[@TacticalStrudel]

@@wanliyang2380 I agree realistically why would you ever remove the seat? With it there you have cupholders / armrest, without it, nothing. Also when 2nd row is folded, w/o the seat there you don't have flat load floor.

[@nix4644]

Young man (I can say that because I'm old), you do an outstanding job on your reviews. Others should take notice of how he rarely uses "um, uh", etc., very well spoken and knowledgeable and a great addition to TFL.

[@lolotus4borderless]

Yes that kid and his cameraman rocks!

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

While he is doing well. It’s at the expense of Nathan. My favorite TFL host. I truly don’t understand why TFL is nearly eliminating his camera time. He’s a legend.

[@clarkkent9080]

My only problem is that it was all advertisement for Honda. Too scared to say anything negative

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

@@clarkkent9080 TFL learned the hard way from Subaru!

[@clarkkent9080]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 It is very difficult to comment on what is not so great without making the manufacturer mad but some like Alex on Auto will compare with like vehicles to make a point. Instead of saying the trailsport could handle most trails he should have said it has 8.3 inches of ground clearance with is at least 0.1 less than most other SUVs like the Rav4 but the skid plates make up for that. That would let the consumer know that the ground clearance is no so good but at least the skid plates are there to protect things. He is being too kind to Honda and that is ok if the viewed is set on a Honda but if you are comparison shopping this video was not helpful. $50,000 for a Honda is also ridiculous. Honda is living on their past but charging today prices

[@timschultes6467]

I like the trail sport more that’s what I’d go for. Also that blue color is exclusive to the trail sport too. I really like that color

[@adamrahman1162]

I would go with the elite, but i would love to see it with the black accents instead of the chrome. Chrome is just not the modern thing. Also cheaper looking. A thing of the past.

[@louisinese]

Agreed

[@merica7050]

Disagreed.

[@bigguy5840]

Yeah chrome was like real big back in the 80s 😂 I like the black.

[@jefferyreaves5552]

Agreed, I can't stand chrome.

[@Explosion5auce]

Agreed! Chrome should be left in the past.

[@toadlywilde]

I'm wondering if the skid plates, longer suspension, sway bars, tow package will be available aftermarket for the sport trim. I want the 8th seat option and the capability of the trailsport but I don't need the extra electronics (power lift gate, bigger screen, extra cameras, heated/vented seats, etc).

[@austinatomTV]

Saw it in person yesterday. These look GREAT!!

[@marthasaavedra8371]

Just purchased my Honda Pilot TrailSport. The only thing I would of loved from the Elite is the heated 2nd row seats. Other than that I am in love. I upgraded from 2009 Honda Pilot. Was desperately waiting on a new trim and body for it.

[@sansinutube]

How much did you get on your 2009 Pilot trade in ?

[@tmgrtl]

Kase’s walkthrough game is strong. Loved the video.

[@TheSiGuy]

Crazy how much the looks of the Pilot improved while the new Accord took a huge step backwards.

[@JoseTorres-st5ic]

Whoever designed that new Accord needs to be fired! What a piece of crap! Looks like a poor man’s DeLorean.

[@3rdeyeoracle434]

​@@JoseTorres-st5ici notice it looks like an older accord instead of a new one, more or less it was an old design that wasnt choosesn til now

[@mannygonzalez4178]

Y’all stay hating on the new accord. It’s more mature compared to the last one that a young 20 person would have. 🤣

[@TheSiGuy]

@mannygonzalez4178 weird that you say that because my 67 year old mom, who owns the previous gen Accord hates the look of the new one.

[@mannygonzalez4178]

@@TheSiGuy yea. Really weird…

[@michaelfoley1296]

Great Video!! I assume you can get the trailer hitch, some blacked out replacement decals, and skid plates. One question, does it come stand with the transmission cooler?

[@jasonclower7497]

Great job Kase! Trailsport has my vote.

[@ankurshah9027]

really great side by side. two questions as i am looking at purchasing one. for the trail sport, does the hitch stick out of the bumper or is it recessed into the bumper. reason i am asking is i have a bike rack for my family and really do not want to buy another one. it seems the hitch is sticking out from the bumper. is that true (good news for me as I do not have to worry about bumper to rack clearance). last question is related to the cameras on the trailsport. i see the trail cameras give a driver a 360 degree view. is this same view available when going in reverse?

[@rickyloganjr.2362]

Awesome first look video Kase 🙂, Sedona, AZ is beautiful. I wonder what other exterior colors will be offered on the Pilot Trailsport.

[@Asouthernrrose]

Test drove the trail sport. It's ok but not quit what I am wanting. Wanting to drive the elite to decide. Excited about the look and info coming on the mazda cx90

[@dmwi1549]

Just checked out a trail sport on dealer lot. Did not have full skid plates. I’ll need to check if those are optional?

[@griffincui]

Thanks for the video, so, do they drive differently as far as handing and road noise? The TrailSport sets one inch higher and the center gravity is also higher...... Thanks

[@jonathanpeterson1984]

I absolutely LOVE my Ridgeline. Honda really hasn’t ever let me down. Even with my Accords in the 90s

[@DM-fv7hw]

I would have liked the Trailsport to be a package and not a trim. While I don't need a third row, the bench seat would make more sense for every day use, plus the Elite has things like cooled seats and other features that I would like on my Trailsport. Lastly, these "car" companies really don't do their homework when it comes to trailer hitches. I would say about 70+% of vehicles here in CO have a hitch mounted bike rack. I guess the Elite buyers are out of luck with that option.

[@ALMX5DP]

Regarding the hitch, I'm sure Honda dealers will jump at the opportunity to install one for you.

[@CrackBerryAddict]

Hitch is available as an accessory on all trims.

[@SS-wm1wy]

My concern exactly. I would rather seat 3 in 2nd row and have all the space for cargo in the back, rather than have captain seats and put 5th passenger in 3rd row.

[@felicelgato59]

1, 100 too add the hitch on my elite in Oklahoma bdw

[@stig120212]

Great review , kept it interesting and great to see his reviews improving and getting better and better!! why does the Eite look so much larger and higher stance then the trailsport, shouldnt it be reverse? is it just the camara angle?

[@davewilson7602]

Probably camera angle and the color. The Trailsport should be the same size but an inch higher

[@jleroy01]

Wish the trailsport had the optional bench. It’s necessary for putting kids kids across the middle when loading up the trunk with luggage, stroller, etc. I’d lean elite because it can do that but I prefer the look and capability of the trailsport. Both are very nice looking, if not “neutered” in appearance but I don’t expect Honda to be building super aggressive/polarizing looking family vehicles. At least not post element generation Honda.

[@L4mTr4n]

Essentially, you can get the Elite and add the lifts, skid plates, etc. later. Honda sells those parts.

[@jimsomerville3924]

@@L4mTr4n But it wouldn't have the more robust rear differential, full size spare, and perhaps some of the programming of the Transport still.

[@bobby350z]

I like the trailsport version. I wish they put Odyssey kind of seats in 2nd row which slide to make it much easier to get into the 3rd row. I would have liked removal 3rd row seats too.

[@GonzaReformado]

Yes! An 8 seat trailsport would be the undisputable king of amateur off road SUVs

[@cd2290]

Remarkably the 23 Honda Elite Odyssey seats are annoyingly difficult to move and can be done without two hands by an adult. My 10 year old and 5 year old spent significant time in one at the dealership and they couldn’t move the seats and it was challenging for me as well. In comparison, the Pilot has a one finger button to move the 2nd row seats. One on the lower side of the seat and another up on the shoulder of the seat so it was incredibly easy for my 5 year old to operate on her own. It also would be easier for a parent who has one hand holding an infant car seat or toddler’s hand. I was so surprised that the Odyssey wouldn’t have an easy to use mechanism for this.

[@bobby350z]

@@cd2290 Did they change something in 2023 Odyssey? We have removed our middle 2 row seat. You can slide seats to make space in the middle or each side to get into the back. Also helps to keep two kids away from each other, when they are fighting. I don't need 3rd row, that will be for the stuff.

[@stevee.2183]

I’d have to go with the trail sport, a little more suspension travel and a thicker sidewalk = better ride… obviously there’s more that goes into ride quality but those are too big parts of it. I rode in a friend’s Telluride that had the 20” wheels and it was rough riding. I was in the 2nd row too, so in-between the axles, and it was still jarring when we hit even small potholes. I do like not having turbos, although I wonder if there’s cylinder deactivation, that can be just as troublesome long term as turbos. *If I’m buying a new car, I plan to keep it for at least 15 years so some of my concerns may not be an issue for the average car buyer.

[@MsJuvictor]

Trailsport ride quality ??????

[@tomtalker2000]

Put on a pair of all terrain tires on the Touring or Elite models. Even though they don't have the skid plate under body protection. And it basically can go anywhere the Trailsport can in my humble opinion.

[@CHATO629]

I Love everything about the Trail Sport. However, What Happened to the Exhaust on the back Bumper? Also, I wished that it had the removable 2nd row center seat.

[@md2k8]

The all-new Pilot looks and performs better than the previous-generation model.

[@geoff9480]

Looks like sht, ruined its japanese aesthetic to this americanized peice of sht

[@mr.tuckers2848]

Excellent review! That made my Saturday morning. You failed to mention the difference in MPGs between the both. Are they the same?

[@longboat4726]

You can add 2mpg for the standard AWD trims, and add another 2mpg for FWD versions.

[@clarkkent9080]

MPG is poor on both

[@alfredogarcia7822]

Can you make a video showing how to check where it says the temperature of the antifreeze and oil or battery? For pilot Ex l Awd 2023

[@MsKaylakay19]

Works great I so needed this

[@chiefetwful]

Outstanding Review!

[@chadgodfrey4364]

Great job Chase Camera work was all over the place. Acura for me

[@yordan826]

I'll go premium if i would be in the market for a large SUV, but did anyone notice the fully electric Honda Prologue next to the Pilot Elite?, i noticed it for the wheels.

[@cvbzizou]

Great video!

[@treydrier3169]

Great review. I'd take either depending on where I live.

[@Yusnelvis01]

Does the trail sport have the floor connectors for adding a middle seat, or is it removed all together? Just wondering to see if it can be later on upgraded.

[@chefduane3742]

No. I've investigated this extensively. The 2nd row bench seat insert cannot be retro-fitted to the TrailSport. Once removed, there are welded hooks that the center bench insert hooks onto to keep it in place. There are no such hooks on the TrailSport. Also oddly enough, the TrailSport does not get the Honda GPS on-board navigation system. Those two things have made me move to a Touring (once I can find one equipped the way I want it). Lastly, no Pilots come with a Trans Cooler. You can retro-fit one on but it is not factory available.

[@bigdadd09able]

That trailsport blue is 🔥

[@leaddog007007]

The display behind the steering wheel is all digital. The Trail sport has an analog driver display. The Elite also has a HUD.

[@ledebuhr1]

Roman, Why is that Pilot undercover that is next to the Elite? Is that a future model?

[@uzi100099]

I just bought the ex-l for 45k same color as elite w captains chairs in rear nice vehicle to toss your bikes without all the bells and whistles

[@davewilson7602]

I’m looking hard at that one. The EX-L has basically anything you’d ever need except a sunroof. If it had even a smaller one I’d buy that one over a more expensive trim level, but that’s probably why they removed the sunroof on if 😂 so you pony up more for a more expensive trim with panoramic sunroof

[@MichaelStanton]

I had a feeling this channel was Colorado based, I never 100% knew. Hope you all do an RWD w/Winter tires video. Though I'm considering something like this as my next car, so not sure which way I'll go. Colorado Native!

[@ShaiyanHossain]

2wd winter tires is fine if you're not driving aggressively on deep snow and know your vehicle's limits enough to account for not having all wheels driven

[@cue03]

Why not get the Elite and then later add the TrailSport skid plates to it? Also you could swap tires to a 265/50/R20 AT or better tire on the Elite. Lastly you can add the tow hitch as a factory order option. So the only thing missing is the trail logic (which supposedly only comes into play when 1 front and 1 rear tire is off the ground at the same time) and the TrailSport off road tuned suspension. I really feel like they could have at least put cooled front seats and automatic wipers on the trailsport. I want the features of the elite but function of trailsport.

[@nickcivic21]

I SWEAR TO god!!!! I thought the same thing but I wonder if it’s tuned different ya know!!! But I really love the sound system in the elit

[@nickcivic21]

I agreee with you so much!!!!

[@neppcity]

The trail sport also has different suspension components, so you’d have to swap those too if you wanted a true “Trail Sport Elite”

[@cue03]

@@nickcivic21 it is tuned a little different to take into account the wheels off the ground. So you get the additional programming of Trail Logic with the Trailsport for use when in Trail drive mode only (that is my understanding) and wheels are lifted. That is when the TrailSport gets rear diff torque is in that tire lifting scenario compared to the elite which doesn’t get trail logic programming. I bet otherwise it is the same programming as the Elite. Now granted the Elite is already like $4K more expensive than the Trailsport. So to turn the Elite into a Trail Elite is probably going to run you another $3-4K. That is getting pretty pricey for the 3-4 times a year it would hit an actual trail where those changes will actually matter. :)

[@sinaraini8473]

I would rather do this.

[@andywicker9865]

You mentioned, oh yeah, different springs, sway bars, etc, like they were nothing. Tell me!! It has real off road differences, ok what are they? Saw some, like the skid plates!! Good video, nice presentation, ah he looks kinda familiar? Ha! Yeah, nice teaser about all the different running gear.

[@MichaelStanton]

I'm sure I can google this, but does the Elite have a spare?

[@elliottlee1050]

That storage space for the middle seat, maybe it could fit you & Alex's Honda mini moped! 😂 be neat right? All it needs is a Honda nameplate Teardrop 😂😅😜😆

[@bcjammer87]

The fact that you can’t get a hitch on the top trim is absolutely hilarious. Nonetheless major applause to Honda for sticking with the naturally aspirated V6.

[@marlycubias222]

You can definitely get a hitch for the Elite, it just doesn’t come included like on the Trailsport.

[@kgindpls]

Can you do a comparison of the 2023 Telluride vs the Trailsport that would be awesome

[@skd0074]

One major let down is that they added a feature called trail logic that auto applies break on the trail sport when wheel looses contact. That is not there on elite.. its shame. We cant for sure get those skid plate and upgrade elite later but the trail logic is a must have even on elite

[@matriximaster]

The only must have is ground clearance. You can go almost anywhere in the world with almost any vehicle.

[@felicelgato59]

I have the elite on same color, love it

[@MyUtubeScott]

How about explaining why Elite is rated for 2 more MPG on Hwy? Is it tires only? Or is AWD is tunes to be more of 4WD on TrailSport?

[@jcollins1305]

Very nice engineering esp. the rear seat storage, but you have to get the elite for rear seat heat? My 2018 grand Cherokee limited came with rear heated seats and it didn’t cost over 50k to get them.

[@ALMX5DP]

Lots happens in 5 years. New GC Limited is over $50k now, and even more if you want 3 rows of seating.

[@davewilson7602]

@@ALMX5DPTruth. So much is expensive now, grand cherokees can run up to 70k now it’s insane. Even Kia Telluride tops out more expensive than these Pilots MSRP wise and they have worse markups. Surprising but these are actually priced pretty well in current market

[@rabd3721]

Yo can I ask what brand your jacket is?

[@jimn4723]

I would really like to hear about the on road difference in handling and ride between the TrailSport and the Elite. Also, would the Elite suffice off road when not testing the skid plates but maybe challenging traction.

[@MsJuvictor]

Just want to check out the on road difference in handling and ride between the TrailSport and the Elite .before I decide which one to......

[@tommyus4]

I have a Sierra. The GMC version of the Silverado z71. You hit a pothole and you don't feel it. But you bounce up and down the road. No big deal as the driver but passengers complain. It's the nature of off road vehicles. Tires are also critical on all cars. Like the old 13 inch civics became a different car with 14 inch summer tires. If you take a Trailsport for a test drive, have an objective person in the passenger seat. I actually bought my version of Truck because of the skid plates. I have a 1000 ft dirt driveway. I was going to switch out the whole front system and rear shocks to the Denalis. So for $1500, I would have the smaller engine I want, the shocks and ride I want, with skid plates. Versus 6K more for worse gas mileage and no skid plates. I also didn't want a sunroof. But I LOVE that potholes mean nothing, so I left it alone. There's just no way you can have both. The shocks travel longer. Has to bounce some if not a lot.

[@steveh545]

Question is, can you add options to the trail sport, like 8 seat capacity. So, are the differences shown based on the model or the equipment optioned out? Would be good for viewer to know (without going to google).

[@artieartya]

Nope cannot add those options. I look at it as if you don’t camp or off-road get the elite. If you do camp or off-road, get a forerunner or wait for the new forerunner to be redesigned.

[@louisverduzco851]

​@artieartya The 4Runner is way too rough on pavement, the Trailsport is great to drive on long road trips, and very capable off road too.

[@JoseTorres-st5ic]

I’d go with the elite. The. All you need to do is have the metal plates and tires installed. You won’t get the trailsport badge, but you can always get decals.

[@Xyz-gf5op]

Kase is probably the best in fluency and to the point at TFL.

[@tyronejones8399]

Both are very unique. But need more features than that for 50,000K. Cold 🥶 air intake maybe super charged turbo since they wont upgrade the engine specs More HP more. ground clearance. The Elite needs a better logo badge plus ➕️ the seats 💺 should have ELITE EDITION everywhere like trailsport has. Some type of wireless Bluetooth portable traveling speaker 🔊 8-10" . Panoramic roof so each row of passengers can enjoy the whole view . Bigger wheels and tires package. Trail sport 20"R. Elite 22"R at lease be optional when it comes to resources . Plus a 3inch lift kit ...

[@tau_tv]

can you take middle seat of elite and put it into middle of trailsport? is there mounting point?

[@louisverduzco851]

No, there are no mounting points in the Trailsport

[@jre617]

Well, most KZbin reviewers don't ever mention torque dist. front to rear; at least you partially did on the TrailSport. But what is the default dist. on the TrailSport? And is it different on the Elite version? Are these just front-drivers until slippage occurs? And you implied the TS version has a rear ELSD, but does it? Or is it the cheaper brake vectoring tech? Does either model have any kind of LSD front or rear? These things can make a difference on slick surfaces. Be nice if you mentioned tire size. Hondas usually have big front overhang, and I assume the Pilot does, but you didn't really stand back and take a straight side-view shot. SiriusXM is important to me, does the Pilot come with it? And, will the slightly smaller Passport model come in a TS version?

[@ShaiyanHossain]

the current passport is going to be phased out soon enough and the trailsport for that will mimic the trailsport for this also the ivtm-4 system in the pilots have always been a slightly detuned version of SH-AWD from the acura products, so yes, its a mechanical twin clutch rear differential system also sirius xm kinda sucks in the current year unless you NEED the djs, just use car play/android auto lmao

[@jre617]

@@ShaiyanHossain So, it is FWD until slippage occurs, right? Too bad. And what do you mean Sirius sucks? Does it come with it or not? I really dislike relying on my phone for everything.

[@MJ-zo5gb]

I’m still rocking a 2011 Pilot. Runs great!

[@derrickbrown4416]

I’m comparing these trims. I just like the look inside and out of trailspport but think elite or touring better buy I’ll have to compare in person

[@wanliyang2380]

Love everything on the trailsport. All options are so practical and the price is set right compared with other trims. However, the deal killer for me is the 7 seat setup. Even with the enlarged size of 23 pilot, sitting 3 in the 3rd row is still not for mid-long trips. Having no option of 3 seats in the 2nd row means one of the 5 most practical seats is removed. Why trailspot is the only trim among ALL 2023 trims with only 7 seats, even the lower Sport/EXL trims have 8 seats options. Dealer told me there is no option to have a 8 seat (5 practical seats) version of trailspot. What a pity! A nice car though but would have to give up the desired trailsport and go with Touring/Elite. Hopefully Honda will bring the 8 seat option to Trailsport sometime.

[@cue03]

I hear ya in that being able to sit 3 across on the 2nd row. We can’t do it because of Hondas design approach. They wanted the TrailSport to have a full size spare tire and that tire underneath cuts into the space where you would be able to store the 8th seat. All the other trims have lightweight donut spare which gives them the maximum space necessary to store the 8th seat.

[@markweaver1012]

@@cue03 So don't provide a storage area for the extra seat in the Trailsport. My wife has a Toyota that *has* a storage area for the jump seat, but it's still in the basement when we're not using it because we prefer to have the seat storage area available for other stuff.

[@cue03]

@@markweaver1012 100% agree. I wish they would have provided the seat as well to make the TrailSport 8 seats.

[@wanliyang2380]

@@cue03 Thank you for the explanation. The 3rd seat storage space issue makes sense. Still hope Honda could have at least an option of 8 seat version for trailspot, like Sport/EXL, even if that means the 3rd seat in the 2nd row cannot be removed.

[@Whodunnit4eva]

For comparison my Model Y has 7 inches of ground clearance and I have to be really careful with it. 8 inches on an “off road” version is weak

[@AbzAden]

Nice to see N/A V6’s are still an option…it’s just Kia, hayundi and Honda cause Toyota is no longer offering V6 in the Highlander or future Tacoma

[@jeffmaynard6110]

Waiting to see the 2024 trailsport Ridgeline 😍

[@danielmbanks]

Why not add two minutes with a detailed chart on the differences including interior items such as, among other things: all digital dash, HUD, Bose on Elite; synthetic leather in Trailsport.

[@dave11178]

Can you guys do a slip test of the trailsport?

[@rpiian]

We bought an elite for my wife but I would love to also have a Trailsport for myself 😁

[@rehanshah1982]

Is apple carplay and android auto wireless on the new Pilot trail sport or via a wire

[@GarlandTexasSpotter2024]

All trims except LX and Sport. EX-L Gets wireless along with Trailsport, touring, elite, black Editon

[@adspie]

I love the trailsport if only they can put optional set in the center of 2nd row similar to Elite.

[@rjadragel]

I like empty sit in the middle if the 2nd row. But im sure in 2 or 3 yrs it will have a modification available.

[@amanti113]

Telluride 🥰 I pick.

[@ConfirmedPatriot]

Do the rows lay flat enough for an air mattress?

[@volcalstone]

Yes

[@redcapote4760]

But then on the one you want to take camping (the Trailsport), you're missing the middle seat to have a completely flat floor. I tell you, sometimes I wonder what Honda is thinking.

[@The333Wanderer]

Does the trail sport have a GPS?

[@clydecox327]

Need more color options for interior. Black is the only color for the majority of the exterior colors.

[@wilsonreyes7258]

Elite for me🔥

[@leebuck180]

I'm curious as to what size tires and wheels on each Pilot. Props on the full size spare tire, but under the Pilot not good.

[@GonzaReformado]

Honda, we need an 8 passenger trailsport !!!

[@jaimegranero9027]

Exactly

[@LeftIsFascist]

No. Honda needs a 300 horsepower Ridgeline.

[@alexanderlee6509]

Need the bench seat for my dog in the second row.

[@brandonnappier1907]

I work at honda we build these pilots they are nice hope everyone enjoy it if yall get one

[@jackmehoff9595]

That AWD and 10 speed tranny are both directly descended from the NSX, an incredibly capable sports car.

[@SethOwens0907]

i’d love it if they came out with a “trailsport elite” trim

[@ronniesummers1833]

Saw the new pilot at the car show and just wasn’t impressed. However, the elite looks great in this review. I agree with some of the other reviews..black out the chrome and it would look awesome.

[@AHungryHunky]

Only 8 inches of clearance on the Trails sport? That's a yikes. My Renegade has 8 or so inches and a much, much shorter wheelbase and yet ruts still get sketchy despite the significantly better break over. Advice to anyone buying the Trail Sport is to be as gentle as possible on rough terrain, 4 wheel independent suspension means 2 wheels on the same axle can compress equally given a load, so it's very easy to bottom out and screw up your underbody if you don't handle ditches/bumps right. Ask the patch of black paint on the bottom of my Rene how I learned that lesson.

[@billredding2000]

Yes, WTH was Honda thinking with the "Trail" Sport with only 8" of ground clearance? My Subaru Crosstrek XV had more that that. Seems Honda is clueless if it's trying to get into the "off-road" scene. Really don't see any significant difference compared to the larger Pilot...especially since each has Honda's excellent iVTM4 (Accura SH-AWD) AWD system. -- BR

[@VG22.]

Honda Pilot remains the best everyday people hauler for the money. Yes, Hyundai and Kia have great vehicles in this class as well However a Honda is a Honda. Sad that hey have removed the VTEC from this new V6. But hey at least its naturally aspirated still.

[@Fastball115]

Has Honda figured out the problems with VCM on their V6 engines? I assume VCM is still in use.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

VCM ....and Timing belt

[@longboat4726]

They figured that out back in 2014-15. No issues with the third-gen VCM.

[@JacknifePaul]

I bet the Motocompo would fit nicely in the back of the Elite.

[@csjames69]

Looks like a Ford Everest from the back, especially the tai light shape and location.

[@Chloe.zyxwvu]

Just started watching. Is positioning the Elite to be backward facing a foreshadowing of your final thoughts lol

[@jackdaniels2905]

Engine before technology on these reviews please.

[@stevenemartin]

I wish you had mentioned I-VTM

[@Delta922]

What if that center seat storage bin is already being used to store stuff? Where are you going to put it then 😠

[@Donjuliooropeza]

I want to see the covered car!

[@robervin9107]

Kase yay he’s amazing

[@KawaTony1964]

I'm not sure which of the "premium" features that have become common in the last 15 years I care the least about: heated seats; motorized lift gate; pushbutton start ... I think I would trade all of those features to simply get a mechanical door lock on every door including the hatch. I speak from experience here as a person who owns a Pontiac Torrent on which all the remote door locks except the hatch have stopped working, will cost a fortune to fix, and only the driver's door can be opened with the key. I think I will urinate most heavily on the motorized lift gate. Seriously - we have become so lazy we need an electric motor to lift up the hatch? C'mon man!! At what mileage can we expect that to stop working and cost $1000 to fix? So you all can ooh and aah all day about these "premium" features, and I'll be asking "can I open every door with the key - do I even have a key?".

[@nickcivic21]

Anywho!!!! Thanks TFL