All-new 2023 Honda Pilot SUV introduced in the US

KUALA LUMPUR: Honda has introduced the fourth generation of its full-size 8-seater SUV, the Pilot, which is unfortunately not available in the local market. The latest SUV is set to go on sale in the US next month in five variant options - Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite.

The all-new Honda Pilot looks boxier than the version it replaces and is also touted as the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever thanks to several technical upgrades and special off-road features including raised off-road tuned suspension, steel skid plates, all-terrain tyres, and extended all-wheel drive system capabilities. 

"The Honda Pilot has been a family favourite for two decades, and now we've made it even better with more space and refinement inside, cool new rugged styling outside, and substantially increased off-road performance to back it up," said Mamadou Diallo, vice president of Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Topping it off, the new Pilot TrailSport is an authentic, off-road-capable SUV for true weekend adventures, without sacrificing comfort and on-road dynamics for daily driving."

In terms of design, the new Pilot SUV features a rugged design language with a tough new look and powerful stance. Among the key exterior highlights are a large, upright grille, aggressive flared fenders, a long hood, sleeker LED headlamps and new LED tail lights.

Inside the cabin, the upgraded SUV offers a class-leading overall passenger space and increased cargo volume and is loaded with a bucketload of advanced features, including 

• 10.2-inch digital instrument display 
• 9.0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment unit
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity
• First-in-class multi-function removable second-row middle seat with three different seating configurations
• 7 drive modes, including new ones - Sport, Tow, and Trail 
• Honda Sensing ADAS pack with a new wide-view camera and radar
• TrailWatch camera system for better navigation

Under the hood, the fourth-gen Pilot retains the tried and tested 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 engine generating a maximum power of 285 hp and a peak torque of 355 Nm. The engine is hooked with a new 10-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing for the upgraded three-row SUV is yet to be announced by Honda.

Also read: Meet Honda’s new electric vehicle concept, the e:N2