2023 Honda Pilot Testing Mule Spied on the Public Road

The bigger and bolder 2023 Honda Pilot is on the way. A testing mule of the Honda’s next-generation model has been spotted on a public road for the first time.

Judging from the first spy shots, the fourth generation Pilot will feature a more rugged design than its predecessor. This model is recognized by its soft lines that are more minivan than SUV. Moreover, the more rugged styling is present, and expect some influences from the updated Honda Ridgeline pickup truck. According to many reports, a new generation will hit the market in late 2022 as a 2023 model.

2023 Honda Pilot

2023 Honda Pilot Redesign

The exterior of the spied 2023 Honda Pilot looks much more rugged than before. Also, like the recently introduced MDX, the Pilot is featuring an extra 2.8 inches of length. Judging from the first spy shots, the redesigned Pilot looks attractive, and it still dominates on the front.

Generally speaking, proportionally, this model is more like a minivan rather than an SUV. Dimensionally it’s similar to the redesigned 2022 Acura MDX, and both models are sharing the same platform. The platform is more sturdy than the one it replaces, and we should expect better dynamics on the new Pilot.

Cabin Is More Roomy

Thanks to its wheelbase that is now 2.8 inches more in length, the new 2023 Honda Pilot should get more space inside and easier access to the third row. Like before, this SUV offers seating for eight and a very roomy cabin with more overall space than we saw in the Toyota Highlander. However, in the same segment, Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas offer even more room.

In terms of equipment, the entry-level model LX includes Honda Sensing, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth phone/audio, USB port, and an infotainment display. However, more features can be found choosing the EX trim like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 8-inch touchscreen, tri-zone automatic climate control, and much more. Finally, the Elite is the most equipped trim, and it hosts a panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

2023 Honda Pilot side

2023 Honda Pilot Powertrain Specs

From the latest news, power should once again come from a 3.5-liter V-6. This engine under the hood of the current Honda Pilot produces 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, and it comes with a new 10-speed automatic transmission.

Overall, the engine is potent, and the same setup features in the redesigned MDX. Like before, we expect front wheels as standard, but count on the all-wheel-drive as well. A plug-in hybrid is also in the works and it will be available at some point. The Honda Pilot is rated to tow 5,000 pounds for the AWD variant and 3,500 for front-wheel drive.

2023 Honda Pilot rear

Release Date, Price

The fourth generation of the Pilot will dealerships in late 2022 as a 2023 model. As we mentioned, the new generation will use some influences from the updated Ridgeline pickup truck. Basically, a more rugged design is present and proportionally is similar to the redesigned Acura MDX. Nevertheless, both models are sharing the same platform as well as the engine.

Although this SUV is nowhere near as popular as its smaller sibling, the CR-V, but is still a very important Honda member. However, we expect price of the new Pilot to be slightly increased over the current one of $33,370.

Source: motorauthority.com

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