The Honda Pilot is one of those vehicles that surprises you—in a good way. On paper, it might seem like just another SUV, but the reality is much better. The boxy design gives it a cool, stylish look, and the interior is thoughtfully designed with plenty of storage. If you’re looking for a three-row SUV, this one stands out as a top contender.
The TrailSport version offers a lot of value, though it has a couple of downsides. It’s not the most fuel-efficient, the third-row isn’t super spacious, and you might notice some cabin noise when you’re on the highway, thanks to those all-terrain tires.
That said, this isn’t one of those off-road trims that’s just for show. The Pilot TrailSport delivers where it counts. With more ground clearance, off-road suspension, steel skid plates, and a “trail” mode, it’s built to tackle real-world adventures—not just look good in the driveway. Whether you’re on rough trails or uneven paths, this trim can handle it.
Performance & Handling
All Honda Pilots come with a V6 engine, putting out 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system is in play here, which shuts off three cylinders when you don’t need the extra power to save on fuel. It’s a smart idea, but systems like this haven’t always had the best track record for long-term reliability. While the Pilot itself hasn’t shown any issues, other vehicles with similar setups have had some vibrations at certain speeds. Something to keep in mind when shopping for the Pilot.
The V6 in the Pilot isn’t exactly thrilling, but it gets the job done in most driving situations. The 10-speed automatic transmission is smooth and usually picks and stays in the right gear. Honda’s choice to use button controls for the transmission keeps the center console looking clean, though some people might prefer the simplicity of a regular gear shifter.
The TrailSport version adds some serious off-road capabilities. You get more ground clearance, a suspension built for rough terrain, steel skid plates to protect the underside, and a special “trail” mode. This makes the Pilot TrailSport surprisingly capable for a big, three-row SUV, especially when you’ve got it packed with people.
Despite being a large SUV, the Pilot’s light steering makes it easy to maneuver. You don’t get a lot of road feedback, but for a vehicle this size, that’s not a dealbreaker. It still drives comfortably and handles everyday drives without any problems.
Interior & Comfort
Like other new Hondas, the Pilot’s interior shines when it comes to being practical and spacious. Everything is laid out in a way that just makes sense, and you don’t have to spend time learning the controls. Both the first and second rows offer plenty of room for most adults to sit comfortably. In the TrailSport version, the second-row captain’s chairs open up the space even more, making the cabin feel nice and roomy. But the third row is where things get a bit cramped—most adults won’t love sitting there for long trips.
The seats themselves are super comfortable, perfect for road trips. In the TrailSport version, they come with a TrailSport badge and orange stitching, which also shows on the doors, armrest, and passenger-side dash. It’s a nice, subtle touch that makes the cabin feel unique without going overboard.
The Pilot offers a smooth ride, typical of SUVs in this class. The suspension does a good job of absorbing most road bumps. However, one downside of the TrailSport trim is the road noise at higher speeds, mostly because of the all-terrain tires.
The climate control is straightforward and easy to use, with physical buttons and a dedicated area —not part of the touchscreen, which is common in other SUVs. It cools the cabin quickly, and with vents in all three rows, everyone gets access to airflow.
Technology & Connectivity
All Honda Pilots, except for the base Sport trim, come with a 9-inch infotainment screen that ties the cabin together. The system is easy to use, with a quick response to inputs, and it just feels intuitive. One of the best features is the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which makes connecting your phone easy. That said, it’s a bit surprising that the larger Pilot doesn’t offer the 12-inch screen you get in the smaller Accord. That screen not only looks better but also includes extras like Google Assistant. Hopefully, Honda will upgrade this in the refresh of the Pilot.
If you’re someone who needs to stay plugged in while on the go, the Pilot has you covered. There are plenty of USB ports to keep all your devices charged. Up front, you’ve got a USB-C and a USB-A port on the dash, two more USB-A ports in the second row, and even the third row has a couple of USB-A chargers. So no one’s fighting for a charger on those long road trips. Plus, there’s a wireless charging pad in the front to keep things neat. It sits right in front of the gear shifter and cup holders, making it easy to access.
The TrailSport model comes with a 7-inch digital speedometer that mixes digital and analog elements. It works fine, but the design might not be for everyone. If you’re after a fully digital experience, the Touring and Black Edition trims offer a 9-inch digital speedometer that feels more high-tech and fits the cabin better.
One thing Honda does well is include driver assistance features, even in the lower trims. In the Pilot, these systems generally do a good job, though the lane-keeping assist sometimes had trouble keeping the SUV perfectly centred. You still get a solid lineup of driver assistance systems across the board, though.
1. Blind Spot Information system
2. Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system
3. Traffic sign recognition
4. Traffic Jam Assist
5. Collision Mitigation Braking System
6. Forward Collision Warning
7. Lane Departure Warning
8. Road Departure Mitigation
Cargo Space & Storage
The Honda Pilot might not lead the pack when it comes to cargo space, but it still offers a solid amount. In the TrailSport trim, you get 618L of space behind the third row. When you fold down that third row, you’re looking at a roomy 1,685L—plenty of space for most buyer’s needs.
If you’re heading to IKEA or need to haul longer items, the Pilot comes through. With the third row folded flat, you get 3,219L of space behind the first row. There’s no power-folding option, which is disappointing and you will have to do it manually.
Inside, Honda’s done a nice job with storage options. There’s a big slot in front of the gear shifter and cup holders that’s perfect for your phone, wallet, and keys. Plus, the passenger-side dash has a deep, spacious compartment, so your front passenger has plenty of room to stash their stuff. It’s practical and convenient without overcomplicating things.
Fuel Economy
The Pilot TrailSport uses more fuel compared to other Pilot models. It’s rated at 13.0/10.3/11.8 L/100km (City/Hwy/Combined). In our tests, we averaged 11.6 L/100km with both city and highway driving.
If you want to save at the gas station, you might want to look at the other Pilot trims. While the difference isn’t huge, the other trims do offer a bit better fuel efficiency.
