2023 Honda Pilot: What We Know So Far – Three Rows of Family SUV Pleasure
The Honda Pilot can easily be the ideal three-row midsize SUV for your family to enjoy some time on the road together. The Pilot isn’t too big, but it’s not cramped, making it just the right size for six or seven people. With a new outward appearance that departs from the minivan world it’s often compared to; this Honda enters the new model year in style.
What’s new for the 2023 Pilot?
A few items are new for this next-generation SUV, but details are still scarce. However, the family SUV is slated to debut in Fall 2022, reports Automotive News. Until then, below is what we know so far:
- Fully redesigned body
- Increased passenger room and cargo space
- Bolder styling, more streamlined interior
- Upright dash-mounted infotainment display
- New platform shared with the recently redesigned Acura MDX
When will the 2023 Honda Pilot be available for purchase?

Currently, Honda hasn’t offered an official release date. However, according to Automotive News, the SUV will make its debut this Fall and is expected to arrive in dealerships by the end of the year. The Pilot is the largest SUV in the Honda lineup. The 2023 model year marks the beginning of its fourth generation in the market and 20th year in production.
How much will the 2023 Honda Pilot cost?
The expected starting price for the new Pilot is $38,000 for the base model, reports Kelley Blue Book. Moving up to the Touring or Elite trims could bring prices to $44,000 and $50,000, respectively. Adding options and packages will also increase the price of this Honda SUV.
2023 Honda Pilot potential specs: Engine options, towing

This Pilot should continue to have the 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower under the hood. This engine serves Honda as part of nearly every vehicle larger than the CR-V in the lineup. If the powertrain remains the same for 2023 as it was for 2022, this SUV brings up to 5,000 pounds of towing capability to the market.
How does the new platform improve performance?
We’ve already seen the revamped MDX and admired the performance features of the platform. These qualities allow the MDX to carve the roads like a smaller SUV. The 2023 Honda Pilot probably won’t receive the same performance-oriented qualities, but it could feel more energetic than the previous version.
Expected pros and cons for the new Pilot SUV
Pros
- Versatile and roomy interior
- Smooth and compliant ride under most conditions
- Better fuel mileage than most competitors
Cons
- Narrow third-row access
- Collision warning and adaptive cruise control settings are overly sensitive
- Higher starting price than rival models
What trims could the 2023 Honda Pilot offer?

While Honda hasn’t announced official trims just yet, we expect to see five trims for the next generation of the Pilot. These trims could include:
- EX-L
- SE (Special Edition)
- Touring
- Elite
- Black Edition
The sweet spot could be the EX-L, even though it’s the base trim. This model could give this SUV some of the most useful and desirable features, including:
- Power-adjustable heated seats
- Leather upholstery
- Tri-zone climate control
We’ll provide updates as we learn more specifics about the 2023 Honda Pilot.
Next, find out why Toyota is almost out of Federal EV Tax Credits, or watch the Honda Pilot video below:
This article was updated on 7/29/2022.