The Car Connection Best Car To Buy 2024 finalist

The redesigned 2023 Pilot three-row crossover SUV arrived too late within the yr to be thought of for our 2023 award, however its retro type, roomy inside, commonplace options, and robust, clean V-6 engine certified it as one of many 9 finalists for The Automotive Connection Finest Automotive To Purchase 2024 award.

An off-road-oriented TrailSport mannequin displays the burlier design of the brand new Pilot, with a body-color C-pillar and built-in roof spoiler that calls to thoughts the outdated Isuzu Rodeo whereas nonetheless being refreshingly trendy. 

Honda revised the three.5-liter V-6 to cut back emissions, whereas it gooses output from 280 hp to 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That mentioned, the heavier, bigger mannequin dips 1 mpg within the EPA scores versus final yr, to 19 mpg metropolis, 25 freeway, and 21 mixed with accessible all-wheel drive. The ten-speed automated helps real-world effectivity, and it flicks so rapidly and easily as to be almost unnoticeable, besides on the occasional downshift. The brand new all-wheel-drive system sends as much as 70% of the torque to the rear axle, and torque vectoring apportions it to the wheels with probably the most grip for extra traction on and off highway. TrailSport fashions add a Path mode that permit the 18-inch all-terrain tires seize maintain and cling in low-speed crawling, and restoration factors constructed into the usual hitch (towing capability if 5,000 kilos) and the entrance skid plate present some reassurance, as does the surround-view digicam system that permits you to see below the Pilot. 

The TrailSport upgrades carry the worth above $50,000, and the loaded Elite almost hits $54,000, however even with commonplace all-wheel drive, that worth prompts us to have a look at cheaper Pilots. We would step over the LX for the Sport or EX-L that has second-row captain’s chairs, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, leather-based upholstery, wi-fi smartphone charging, and an influence tailgate for $42,700. 

2023 Honda Pilot

Each Pilot will get automated emergency braking, energetic lane management, and adaptive cruise management, and intelligent storage areas all through. The middle console is as deep as a truck, a ledge over the glovebox conveniently holds smartphones, and cupholders and USB ports abound. One of many distinctive options of the Pilot in its eight-seat configuration is the center of the 40:20:40 bench seat can fold down into an armrest with cupholders inbuilt. That might be the default place except needing to cram in for carpool obligation. On prime trims, the center seat will be eliminated and simply stowed within the hidden storage flooring within the cargo space; it is solely 25 kilos, so it is a lot simpler than eradicating a seat from a Honda Odyssey, say.

The Pilot nonetheless advantages from one of many extra spacious passenger and cargo areas, and push-button second-row seats make it straightforward to entry the third row. The third row can match two adults with extra headroom and legroom than many midsize crossover SUVs. 

Practicality comes first within the Pilot, and we’re a sensible bunch. The TrailSport provides some angle and may let it cowl extra terrain, however at a price that squiggles our sensible eyebrows. Nonetheless, it is a worthy contender for our prime award that will probably be introduced on Jan. 3, 2024. We’ll then additionally announce our Finest Automotive To Purchase for Motor Authority and Inexperienced Automotive Studies.