Second only to Honda’s top-selling CR-V compact AWD SUV, Honda’s long-time popular Pilot SUV has been upgraded to include a bona fide off-road capable TrailSport AWD SUV model that we were privileged to test. And what an SUV it is.
This 3-row midsize SUV is loaded with the latest in technology, is a great family vehicle and with the TrailSport version, can be taken off the beaten path.
Pilot is offered in Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite and top-shelf Black Edition that has eye-grabbing trim features.
All Pilot’s have a striking, bold, chiseled exterior. But the TrailSport differs in that it has a more off-road appearance features with its raised ride height that provides 8.3-inches of ground clearance for nasty terrain and modest snow depths. Plus, it comes with all terrain 18-inch Goodyear, knobby tread tires for added traction, rear lock for when the going gets extra tough, and skid plates (a Honda first) to protect the vitals when going off the beaten path. Added to this, TrailSport’s TrailWatch camera system offers four views to see any nasty objects along the trail.
Pilot’s interior, with seating for seven or eight with a second-row bench seat, is stylish and ever so accommodating with heated leather front seats that offer just the right amount of lateral support. They’re not confining especially when wearing heavy winter coats. The center console is spacious that is can even hold an iPad. In addition, the vivid 9-inch touchscreen serves the audio, navigation, rearview camera, apps, satellite radio, Honda Link, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and more. Then there’s the nifty push button 10-speed automatic transmission gear selector with paddle shifters that fits unobtrusively on the nicely designed console. There’s also a wireless phone charger in front of the gear selector. All within easy, uncluttered reach.
The vertical stack includes large and easy to view and use HVAC controls that have digital readouts. Kudo’s to Honda for maintaining mostly hard controls instead of having to make HVAC selections on the touchscreen that far too many carmakers are now doing and which momentarily takes the eyes off the road when making changes.
Sharing the console is the Drive Mode rocker switch for Econ, Sport, Normal, Snow, Trail, Sand and Tow modes. Selections are displayed on the digital gauge cluster that also serves a host of features, functions and driver alerts.
With a low 20.5-inch step-in, second row ingress/egress is easy especially with wide opening doors. A tray of sorts sits between the second row that is a pass-through of sorts which kids can actually step on it to access the third row, although the second-row seats slide well forward for third row access.
The second-row captain’s chairs offer spacious leg room, there’s even 32.5 inches in the third row. There’re also separate HVAC controls for the second row that are located at the rear of the front console.
Back in the cargo area, that has a low 33-inch lift-over onto the cargo floor, it offers 22.4 cubic feet with the third row upright that measures 18 inches deep, 45.5 wide and 30 high. Flip the third row and there’s 60.1 cubic feet and 87 cubic feet respectively with the second and third row flipped. This provides a generous 80 inches of cargo loading depth. Pilot also has a nifty Walk Away Close feature on the powered tailgate. Walk Away and it automatically closes and locks. And get this. TrailSport comes with a full-size spare. A rare feature on today’s cars.
Pilot TrailSport is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 that generates 285-hp and 262 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 18 city, 23-highway mpg. Coupled to the quick shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, TrailSport carries a 5,000-pound tow rating. That can handle small boats, utility trailers or campers.
With its beefed-up front/rear suspension, TrailSport rides a tad taut but not bothersome Continental 18-inch tires that have a 9-inch wide tread pattern for added traction. On the highways its stiff body structure is not felt but it maintains the Pilot on track even in high winds. TrailSport parks easily with a tight turning radius and handles admirably for a bona fide SUV.
With HondaLink, a Cloud-based system, it offers remote engine start, remote door lock/unlock, remote find my car, remote stolen vehicle tracking, remote fuel range status, remote tire pressure monitoring, speed alert and Geofencing abilities.
Standard safety features include collision mitigation braking (very helpful), lane keeping assist, road departure warning, traffic jam assist and tire pressure monitoring.
As my test vehicle was a pre-production model, there was no sticker price on it. But Kelly Blue Book lists the average purchase price for the TrailSport at from $47,605 to $50,795 with selected options and delivery. In comparison, a base Sport model can fetch from $39,132 to $41,595. All average market prices for a variety of AWD SUVs.
To its credit, Pilot has earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and received a top 5-star overall score from the governments National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Warranty wise, Pilot is covered for three years or 36,000 miles while the powertrain comes with five-year, 60,000-mile coverage. Added to this, Honda includes free scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles.
Again, Honda’s 2025 Pilot TrailSport doubles as a daily family SUV, and for weekend getaways, a viable off-roader. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too. TrailSport offers both.
