You might be surprised to see “Honda Pilot” and “off road” in the same sentence. Many perceive the Honda Pilot as a comfortable family SUV, primarily designed for school runs and grocery trips. However, the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport aims to challenge that perception. Capitalizing on the growing desire for outdoor adventures, Honda has introduced a more rugged variant of their popular crossover, designed to explore beyond the paved roads. I recently had the opportunity to test the Pilot TrailSport in a less-than-ideal scenario – a very muddy rallycross event – and it revealed capabilities that were genuinely unexpected.
Our rallycross events are held on dirt tracks carved into fields at Summit Point Motorsports Park. Typically, these courses are manageable for most vehicles, even regular sedans. The initial plan for the Pilot was simple support duty: moving equipment and personnel, and being available for vehicle recovery if needed.
However, the weather had other plans. Heavy rain transformed the dirt tracks into a muddy playground, forcing us to rethink our event and, unexpectedly, pushing the Honda Pilot TrailSport far beyond its intended support role. What ensued was a muddy, hilarious, and surprisingly capable off-road experience that showcased a truly endearing side of the Pilot.
Honda Pilot TrailSport: More Than Just an Overlanding Cosplay
Honda’s approach with the Pilot TrailSport isn’t just about aesthetics; they’ve genuinely enhanced its off-road prowess. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; the TrailSport boasts functional improvements that make it more capable when the pavement ends.
The Pilot TrailSport sits an inch higher than standard Pilots, thanks to retuned springs and dampers. This lift, combined with optimized approach (19.8°) and breakover (19.6°) angles, allows it to handle more challenging terrain. Honda also mentions unique sway bars that contribute to increased wheel articulation.
Underneath, steel skid plates protect vital components like the oil pan, transmission, and gas tank, robust enough to withstand the vehicle’s full weight impacting them. Functional recovery points are integrated into the front, and the trailer hitch at the rear is also rated for recovery purposes, each capable of handling twice the Pilot’s GVWR of 6,195 pounds. Completing the off-road package are unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in Continental all-terrain tires, providing enhanced grip on loose surfaces.
Standard all-wheel drive is a key feature, and while a low-range gearbox is absent, Honda’s advanced i-VTM4 system is designed to impress. It can direct up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle and further distribute all of that torque to either the left or right rear wheel as needed. The Trail Torque Logic feature further optimizes power delivery, ensuring traction even when wheels are lifted or on slippery surfaces.
Powering every Pilot, including the TrailSport, is a new naturally-aspirated 3.5L DOHC V6 engine – the first new J35 variant from Honda since the original NSX. It delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While it lacks VTEC in the traditional sense, continuously variable cam phasers manage valve timing. Power is delivered through a smooth 10-speed Honda automatic transmission.
The robust skid plates and functional recovery points are particularly noteworthy and demonstrate Honda’s commitment to genuine off-road capability. While some may miss the VTEC engagement, the updated J-series engine provides smooth and strong power delivery with a pleasing engine note.
Street Driving the Pilot TrailSport: Comfortable and Composed
The drive to Summit Point involved a mix of highways and winding back roads, providing a good sense of the Pilot TrailSport’s on-road behavior. The TrailSport proved to be a comfortable cruiser, effectively absorbing bumps and road imperfections, arguably even better than a standard Pilot. This improved ride quality is likely due to the softer suspension and the taller sidewalls of the all-terrain tires, especially compared to models like the Pilot Elite.
While back roads weren’t its natural habitat, the Pilot TrailSport remained composed for its size. The steering is light, and it’s on these twistier roads that you become acutely aware of the Pilot’s substantial dimensions. The spacious third row is a boon for passengers, but maneuvering the Pilot feels akin to driving a vehicle in the same size class as a Chevy Tahoe.
The engine and 10-speed transmission worked seamlessly together, even when tackling some mountainous terrain. Paddle shifters are available, but leaving the Pilot in Drive (or Sport mode for a more responsive feel) proved perfectly adequate, with the transmission intelligently selecting the right gear ratios. The only minor drawback of the 10-speed is its constant shifting, though it remained unobtrusive during everyday driving.
Overall, the Pilot’s interior feels akin to a larger Honda Accord, which is a positive attribute. The seats are comfortable, the sound system is satisfactory, and all controls are easily accessible while driving. The inclusion of physical buttons for frequently used functions is appreciated, minimizing distraction compared to vehicles relying heavily on touch-sensitive controls.
Trail Mode Tested: Muddy Rallycross and Off-Road Surprises
Prior to our event, rain had soaked the ground, prompting some initial reconnaissance laps of the dirt circuits. Engaging Trail mode, my friend Jon and I set out to explore the conditions. At slower speeds, navigating through dirt and patches of mud, the Pilot TrailSport felt surprisingly at home. The Continental tires provided ample grip, and Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system effectively distributed power, even in slippery conditions.
However, some limitations became apparent. Despite the improved approach and breakover angles, the TrailSport’s long front overhang still posed a challenge on steeper inclines. Breakover clearance was less of an issue, though occasional scraping sounds from the skid plates indicated they were doing their job.
Our initial exploration led to the decision to move Saturday’s rallycross to the paved autocross course. The dirt tracks were simply impassable, transformed into deep, rutted clay mud, too challenging for most of our attendees. We hoped for better weather to allow Sunday’s runs to proceed on dirt as planned.
Predictably, more rain arrived. Saturday’s downpour intensified the flooding, further saturating the courses. Undeterred, I ventured out again in the Pilot for another reconnaissance run. Knowing the courses were free of large rocks or debris, I decided to see what the TrailSport could really do in the mud. And it was surprisingly fun.
My thought process was simple: “It’s already dirty, a carwash visit is inevitable, let’s push it further.” Trail mode allows for more wheelspin, and I utilized it liberally. The more throttle I applied, the more rear-biased the all-wheel drive felt, enabling controlled tail-out slides while maintaining composure. Mud sprayed against the fender liners and onto the hood as I steered and applied throttle to keep the Pilot pointed straight.
Ahead, a small mud pit had grown into a medium-sized one. More throttle. Go. Splash. Brake. Grateful for closed windows.
The Pilot TrailSport’s amusement factor in the mud was completely unexpected. I had actually anticipated needing Jon’s Tundra to pull me out, fearing I’d get stuck. Despite the all-terrain tires quickly becoming clogged with mud (effectively turning into racing slicks), the Pilot kept clawing forward, offering some genuinely enjoyable tail-out moments in the process. And all of this occurred at speeds of around 7 to 10 mph.
Final Verdict: The Honda Pilot TrailSport’s Unexpected Off-Road Charm
As the weekend concluded, a stop at a self-service carwash was necessary to clean the Pilot. Rest assured, Honda, I avoided the brush full of grit and opted for the pressure washer. While cleaning every nook and cranny of the dirt-encrusted TrailSport, I reflected on its surprising muddy adventure.
Nothing I did in the TrailSport was extreme; likely, many similar overland-oriented crossovers could have handled the same challenges to some extent. However, the Pilot TrailSport’s endearing quality lay in its handling. The all-wheel-drive system’s ability to send significant power to the rear, and its seamless torque distribution, made it genuinely fun, whether crawling through drainage ditches or powering out of muddy corners.
While hoping to avoid using them, the robust skid plates provided a reassuring “just in case” feeling. The same applied to the recovery hooks. Although we didn’t need to use the Pilot for recoveries that weekend, I felt confident in its ability to handle such tasks if required.
Ground clearance proved adequate, and the approach angles were acceptable. The Pilot’s boxy shape was appreciated, making it easier to judge its corners on tighter trails, although the long nose occasionally necessitated using the front-facing camera.
Driving home, it was clear the Pilot TrailSport had won me over. It’s not conventionally sporty, but it excels at its intended mission: offering more capability than a standard Pilot. The upgrades are functional, not just for show, and the entire package comes together effectively. For those seeking a family SUV with genuine off-road credentials, the Honda Pilot TrailSport is definitely worth considering, especially if you anticipate encountering mud.
