It’s safe to say that things have changed over the last few years. Surviving two years of lockdowns and restrictions made many Americans stir-crazy. As soon as restrictions were lifted, people took to the open road to feel the wind on their faces. In the process, it became clear we needed a trusted co-pilot at our side to navigate the possibilities ahead. Luckily, the fourth-generation Honda Pilot was announced as one of the new Honda SUVs of 2023, made to keep us pushing boundaries further than ever before.
As the adage goes, “adventure is out there,” and the new Honda Pilot is the perfect ride to get you there. Whether your adventure means driving down to the local beach to soak in the sun or climbing the rugged terrain of a rocky mountain top, memories are made when we get out and explore the world around us. Perhaps that’s why I was drawn to the new 2023 Honda Pilot, a vehicle built to help you experience life to the fullest.
All About That Space
There are so many things to experience when we venture outside our comfort zones. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just beginning your journey, having a vehicle you can depend on is key. One feature that has always been important to me when traveling is cargo space. Even as a kid, I remember my grandparents shoving backpacks and loose shoes into whatever free space they could find. It became like a game of Tetris that had the chance of ending like a game of Jenga.
Luckily, vehicles today come equipped with more storage options than ever before. The 2023 Pilot has truly risen to the occasion by significantly extending its cargo space for overall comfort and functionality. With 158.4 cu.ft. of passenger volume and 111.8 cu.ft. of cargo space, the Pilot is officially the roomiest SUV in Honda history, making packing for any adventure a breeze.
The Pilot’s standard eight-passenger seating capacity can be upgraded with second-row captain’s chairs in the EX-L and TrailSport trims. A functioning panoramic sunroof makes the vehicle feel even roomier and adds a lavish touch to the TrailSport, Touring, and Elite trims. It’s easy to imagine looking up at a gorgeous night sky unobstructed by the confines of your vehicle. No need for a mountain-top cabin with the views you’ll experience in the Pilot.
Into the Unknown
Trekking into the snowy wilderness is probably at the top of most people’s ideal getaways; I know it is for me. There is so much to experience, from sports like snowboarding and ice-fishing, to romantic getaways in rustic winter cabins, to off-roading through the snow-capped mountains. There is just something so magical about the snow. However, extreme weather conditions can become a problem for many people due to the vehicle they drive.
The Honda Pilot does an excellent job of addressing those problems, making sure you can keep the adventure rolling no matter the conditions. One of my favorite features of the Pilot is the seven available drive modes, including a standard Snow Mode. Pair that with some snow tires and Honda’s awesome all-wheel drive system, and there is “snow” place you can’t go.
The Pilot is just as equipped to handle sand and stone as it is snow. Models with all-wheel drive are equipped with an improved Sand mode and the all-new Trail mode. The TrailSport trim supplements these modes with rugged all-terrain tires. Imagine the places you could go feeling more secure than ever that the vehicle you’re in won’t let you down.
One of the most notable features of the Honda Pilot, designed to keep an adventure from turning into a misadventure, is Honda’s all-wheel drive system. The TrailSport and Elite trims come standard with Honda’s trademarked second-generation i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system. This system uses a twin-clutch rear differential for improved traction for all weather and terrain types. Not to mention, Honda’s AWD system is award-winning, further propelling this vehicle to the top of my list as the perfect trip companion.
A Buffet of Bells and Whistles
No matter who you are or what “drive” of life you may come from, having added options make us need things we didn’t even know we wanted. When I was younger, heated seats were not standard. If your seat randomly started warming up, there was a serious problem.
Heated seats are now my favorite underappreciated feature. All trim levels of the Pilot come standard with heated front seats. To top it off, the TrailSport and Elite trims also feature a heated steering wheel. Whether you’re warming up from a beach-side campout or just enjoying a sunrise drive on a crisp morning, features like these make the Pilot a fantastic off-road utility vehicle to make memories in.
Oh, and did I mention the Pilot has 14 cup holders throughout the cabin? 14! Read that again; I’ll wait. It may seem like a minor detail, but I’m sure you can think of a time when you were clenching a steaming hot cup of coffee between your legs because you were short a cup holder. There comes some serious panic when your thigh muscles are the only thing between you and a burnt lap.
Additionally, Honda took some smart measures to produce a vehicle that provides a quiet and enjoyable ride. It’s clear no detail was overlooked on Honda’s path to the perfect SUV. Riding solo or traveling in a group is made more enjoyable with the sound-dampening technology used in the Pilot. Reduced powertrain noise and road noise is accomplished using thicker carpet and acoustic foam insulation.
Of course, we can’t forget the more tech-savvy features, especially in such a technological world. Honda offers enhanced touchscreens, additional charging ports, multi-view cameras, a color head-up display, and a premium audio system. These simple upgrades make a huge impact on the overall feel of the Pilot. Small details make all the difference in the world when it comes to having the trip of a lifetime.
What About the Big Picture?
For those who are more the “meat and potato” type of people, some compelling elements we haven’t explored yet prove the Pilot is one of the best all-terrain vehicles. One such element is Honda’s ground-breaking Hill Descent Control system that comes standard on all trims. The Hill Descent Control system is new for 2023 and provides more control when driving on slippery and unstable inclines.
The Hill Descent Control system is now standard on every Pilot, providing extra peace of mind when you need it the most. The system allows more control when off-roading with added support when descending slippery or steep terrain. The electronic control system uses the Anti-Lock Braking System to control the speed of the vehicle, showing you always have your co-pilot when you need it.
Imagine driving back down a mountain path after a night’s rain, your vehicle slipping and sliding as it struggles to make it to the bottom. Now imagine descending that mountain in a Pilot, with its advanced technology and safety features not only getting you to the bottom easily but safely. With the Pilot, you have the technology to support any type of adventure while keeping you as safe as possible.
Knowing a vehicle has better traction, and smart safety features can add a great sense of calm when trying to enjoy the outdoors. I used to take annual snow trips with my husband, but that all changed when our family grew. An icy adventure felt too dangerous, with our family along for the ride. At least it did in the average car.
In a family vehicle like the Honda Pilot, safety is the most important focus. The Pilot is designed to keep your precious cargo safe with its suite of Honda Sensing technologies. Improved cameras contribute to collision prevention, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and the list goes on. With so many advanced safety features, paired with the many off-roading upgrades, this vehicle will not only go the extra mile, but it will do it safely. As a parent who once enjoyed exploring the outdoors, the Honda Pilot SUV makes it possible once again.
What Adventures Await You
These many features are the reason why the 2023 Honda Pilot is one of my top choices for adventurers and memory-makers alike. With features that enhance off-roading escapades, details that make the ordinary extraordinary, and technology that adds safety and reliability, the Honda Pilot has everything to be the ultimate co-pilot. It doesn’t matter if you are going it alone or taking the whole family; this SUV is exactly what you need to see where the road less traveled leads.
