2023 Honda Pilot Elite First Look - The Biggest, Boxiest Pilot Ever!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 พ.ค. 2024
- Honda's family hauling SUV gets a major redesign for 2023. Unlike the Highlander however the Pilot is sticking with a V6 and 8 seats in most trims. In this video I check out the top-end Elite trim which is the only top-end model in this segment that still gets 8 passenger capability. Also on board is a new interior with better seats and more legroom, one of the largest cargo areas in a 3-row SUV and more off-road capability than ever.
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0:00 - Introduction
0:22 - Boxier styling
2:41 - V6 all the way baby!
4:26 - Seats
5:18 - Middle seat magic!
6:51 - Check out the 3rd row
5:59 - Interior design
11:21 - Wrap up. Is it worth it? - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![[Full Episode] Hell's Kitchen Thailand EP.13 | 5 พ.ค. 67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Uhzt_Oprgc4/mqdefault.jpg)
I always felt that the best looking Pilot was the boxy one from two generations ago. I’m glad to see they’re moving back to that style. The last gen did absolutely nothing for me.
I hate the last Gen but I am stuck with two of them....looks like an Odysee van
Same!! I love the one with the silver grill that has the rectangle and 3 lines around the "H" I think 2013 ish
I agree the newer generation of Pilots are a glorified CRV instead of being distinguished like it was with the boxed look. I own a 2011 Pilot and you still see a lot of those old box looking Pilots on the road not so much the glorified CRV ones anymore. I hope the come back to the boxier look then I may buy a Pilot once again!
Agree. We have a 2013 touring. Still going strong and I think looked better than all the latest generations....this one I like though. Might be time for a new pilot.
Agreed.
Alex, would love to see a detailed comparison between this and the mdx
This is a huge refresh. I’m so glad they didn’t skimp and cheap out like they did on the crv. True center console, vented seats, awesome storage, panoramic roof, 360 camera, full digital display
I beg to differ, the interior on this car looks significantly cheaper than the CRV. The CRV's interior looks nice for its price range. The interior on this car is starting to remind me of GM a few model cycles ago. I think continues to benchmark only Toyota, whose interior is now Kmart level.
@@Wised1000 it’s durable and functional. Like Toyota. If you’re referencing Kia and Hyundai for nice interiors they’re good for 15k miles. My current crv looks brand new after 60k.
@@Wised1000 nah. Toyotas are Kmart level. The pilot is way more upscale all around
@@naveenthemachine Toyotas are Kmart level. The pilot is way more upscale = Walmart level. Hyundai and Kia are H&M / Forever 21 level, they look good at first glance but falls apart after a couple of washes.
@@impaul41 now let’s not be delusional the Kia and Hyundai interiors are far better and definitely last longer than 15k miles. This is not Kia and Hyundai from 2002…
This is a win in my book. Roomy interior, strong resale value, nice and functional interior, and most of all, IT HAS A NEW V6!!!
Looking forward to see what this means for the future of the related Ridgeline.
Exactly my thoughts. If they bring this front end design and interior to the Ridgeline I'll upgrade
I'd like to see the new instrument cluster come to the Ridgeline, as well as a center console/armrest instead of the minivan type in the current model. A factory version that included skidplates and an upgraded i-VTM4 would be welcome additions.
Much better styling I'd gather.
I was thinking the same thing. It appears the refreshed Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline will be coming out at the same time. The Toyota will probably lose its V6 for a turbocharged 4 cylinder.
@@Crolis The Ridgeline already has i-VTM4, it's just not tuned as aggressively as the SH-AWD in Acuras but mechanically is the same.
Bravo , you explained so well thank you so much for the video.👍
Looking forward to the test drive. Your review is the best I have seen.
Great Review... as always.
Nice, concise review. I look forward to more from your channel.
Best video I have seen yet! Thank you!
Very good point about the captain chairs Alex. It drove me crazy. I looked for a SUV to replace my 20 year old one and wanted full size SUV from Toyota or Honda or perhaps Subaru without the darn Captain chairs, so I end up with Passport. Too bad this new Pilot was not presented earlier. I love boxy shapes.
You can go trade it with the new pilot.
Another great presentation Alex!
Bravo! For the center LCD 9" (or 7") ipad style display. It says Honda is not trying to distract from the driving experience. The center "popped up" screen is simple and familiar. Many buyers of large 3 row crossovers and "not minivans", may not be thrilled with a giant screen and more stuff to learn. The less is more theme also gives the auto maker an easy target for midcycle upgrade in a few years. The speedometer screen is just odd. Hopefully it has some realistic looking gauges in there somewhere. A more efficient slightly smaller V-6 distinguishes Honda from the bandwagon of Turbo4 engines from Ford and Toyota. It's good that TrailSport is starting to include true suspension mods, skid plates, extra lift and tires.
This will be my dream SUV! Nice job Alex.
Another interesting change is the rear entertainment system doesn't appear to be offered anymore. It is not a big deal as it sounds but it did differentiate the Pilot from some of the competition.
Sometimes. I wish carmakers would keep such things as the RES for backward compatibility. I use to have the first generation Pilot...the very first year...it had a RES which my family loved. One other thing it had was a cassette player which most manufacturers were no longer offering ad at the time..
I just think Honda missed the mark slightly with the new Pilot because the Palisade and Telluride twin were already on the market. Honda with that had the chance to bring a Pilot yo the market that would have either matched or surpassed them both and a value proposition and in terms of also pushing the envelope feature - wise.
Alex, the middle seat built in the second and the third rows comes out of the ceiling. I wonder if the second row EXL has a standard middle seat built in the second row? I like to have the bench seat standard and the third row for emergency use
I like this. Does the elite come with memory seat and digital (camera) review mirror?
I am driving a 2013 Pilot. While 2023 definitely looks way better than 2016-22 'minivan' Pilots, it is still missing a crucial feature. The separate-opening rear glass hatch. The ability to access stuff in the tightly packed cargo area without risking it all spilling out would make 100% sense on an 'off-road trail' model.
Most informative as always! Can you ask Honda why Trailsport doesn’t offer that middle seat in the second row?
Bc it has a full size spare (in case you get a flat while off roading) stored in the rear, which takes the space for the removable center seat in the other trims.
Are there any cup holders for the second row if the middle optional section is taken out?
That's greatly appreciated to have an 8 seater option.
I don't care about the smaller screen. The only odd thing is that Honda has shown interior photos of the new Accord and Prologue EV and they both have much larger touchscreens. Why the new Pilot, which will costs more than both, gets the smaller screen is what's bad.
Obviously they are saving the larger screen for the MMC.
Good rugged look and love the interior space. I'll waiting for the plug-in hybrid
Not until 2025
This looks promising. Very few automakers are making normally aspirated V6s anymore, and paired with torque vectoring AWD, that's a special drivetrain.
But with cylinder activation, it is not reliable.
@@EzMDr Fair point. Cylinder deactivation rarely ends well. Would rather it just got slightly worse fuel economy
@@EzMDr VCM Tuner II. Easiest and cheap fix...
Ok. I'm genuinely impressed with how they were able to fit the center seat underneath the trunk floor, akin to the Pathfinder though it's deeper in the Pilot. Also third row is pretty spacious even for adults (length over 200 inches) and I think cargo volume is also class leading. I'd go with the brown leather though.
Great job Honda!
Honda has some crazy engineering to squeeze out more space every time!
I hope that AWD system makes it to the next Odyssey. Good and long overdue update.
it won't... best chance for the odyssey would be if they did hybrid like sienna
AWD hybrid would be awesome
Isn’t the odyssey going to be gone? Thought that’s what the CEO said. This is the last Odyssey year.
@@seanjamesmacleod241 I believe that was the Odyssey sold in the rest of the world, not the US model, which is different, and built in the US in a plant they aren't converting to EV production (I think that was the reason the global model was killed off). Last I heard, rumors were for a 2024 my redesign. It could use it. As the current model was just lightly redesigned last time around. I have my doubts about AWD, which is a packaging challenge in a minivan, unless it's the Sienna sort, via electric motor as part of a hybrid drivetrain. Not holding my breath.
@@markmiller3279 I would love an awd hybrid odyssey
Reminds me like a nice updated version of the 2006 Pilot my parent's used to have. That was a great car! I'm curious if they finally went away from a timing belt and to a chain. If they did, this would be towards the top of my list for my next vehicle.
Agreed lol I'm not sure when I'll get a new pilot but it's already sold when do my pilot is awesome I've owned it for 15 years with 230,000+ Miles on it and it still looks nice and runs as it should hopefully they are still making good pilots when I eventually need to update
The "magic middle seat" was found on the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander and 2011-2020 Toyota Sienna.
What is the obsession with these gigantic screens on the dashboard….20 some inches from your eyeballs.
You’re SUPPOSED to be driving. A 9” screen is more than sufficient.
These screens blowing up over the dash are stupid.
Great great updates, here. Best the vehicle has ever looked too.
it's laughable they are trying to get people to stop using cellphones while driving, but they allow manufacturers to put giant tablets on the dash; idiotic is putting it too kindly haha.
If i remove the center second roll, do i lose the cup holders too? Where do my passengers put their drinks?
I have a gen 2 AWD touring and this reminds me of an evolution of that body style which I love. I especially like the trail sport but I wish it came with a hybrid V6 for better efficiency
Wish trailsprt was a 8 seater
@@afzalshaikh2128 I prefer the 7 seat captains chair arrangement
I just can’t wait to purchase one.
Thank you for the car seat tip! I find it odd that even with the removable middle seat, there’s no integrated arm rests for the chairs, the odyssey does when the middle seat is removed, no armrest.
Because the oddysey has thinner doors so the cabin is a bit wider
Alex, are you getting one to test drive soon? I'm in the market right now and am really on the fence, Explorer, Palisade or Pilot?
So is it the same power train and chassis as a mdx ?
Hi Alex are you doing a drive review too?
Man, this looks SOOOO nice! I would LOVE to see a hybrid or plug-in hybrid version of this. Look at how high the hood opens too! Is this "new" engine still a J-Series 6 cylinder with SOHC and a timing belt? I hope Toyota is taking notes on how to do a great and spacious interior with a third row for the Highlander. A 10-speed auto is right on the money for this engine. I cannot wait until you fully test this Alex.
DOHC according to Sofyan Bey
Its a DOHC, not sure on timing
@@Rew123 I think Honda is targeting the people who would cross shop this with a Telluride, Palisade, or Pathfinder. None of those rivals currently offer an electrified variant. However, I think every crossover should have at least a hybrid option. I'd much rather prefer a PHEV version though.
@@Rew123 that’s a fat negative. People aren’t as onboard with the electrification as some of you believe. There’s plenty of those on the market, and there’s still plenty of room and value to have models with a nice V6.
@@Matthew-ip6xl Agree. There's Pro's and Con's to everything. I'll stick to gas. I want to avoid the extra weight, higher registration and insurance fees and tires wearing out sooner.
This is how cars reviewers will do!…a well detailed information!…you level up Alex!…❤❤❤😊😊😊…..
Do they not offer the rear entertainment system anymore?
To control the rear climate cobtrols from the front, do you use the buttons and knobs below the screen or do you have to use the screen?
There are 3 buttons for rear climate control, on/off, rear setting, rear lock.
@@blackwhirlwind1245 those are to activate rear settings. But what do you do after pressing one of those buttons? Do you use the knobs directly above, or the screen above that?
@@Blank00 the current Pilot uses the up/down buttons and fan speed buttons to control rear settings after you press the rear setting button, this new Pilot should be the same as the old Pilot, no screen needed to adjust rear climate control.
@@blackwhirlwind1245 on the other hand, it could be like the old Pilot like you said. But what I'm worried about is that on the other hand, it could be like the current Odyssey.
Is there a option to disable VCM increase longevity of the engine?
Was on the fence but as I saw that removable center seat I was like Honda take my money!!!!
I prefer the smaller screens for the center of the dashboard as they are less distracting to me. The huge screens I don’t like in the Teslas or Trucks.
Does the LCD instrument cluster offer a moving map by any chance? Or a head-up display? I sure hope it has one or the other (or both would be just fine too.) And I sure hope they give you one to test for a week! Thanks Alex!
When is your test drive coming out?
Dears, up to 10 degrees 2nd Row Recline Angle, means lay to 170degrees nealrly lay flat？ or just only 100(90+10) degrees？
Alex, you said the Elite still has 8 passengers when it never did prior to this. The highest with 8 seats was the Touring trim. Honda needs a hybrid system for sure.
So, does the powered passenger seat go up and down? That is our only complaint about our 2021 Touring.
One thing that would be sick and take it a step further. Have the removable bench seat and then captain chair arms hidden inside it that latch on the sides of the chairs giving full capability and modularity!!
They brought back the full size front armrest!! 🙌
My 2021 Black Edition does not have wireless AA or Apple play...I'm wondering if Honda upgraded the Pilot to wireless???
I own a 2019 Elite. Lots of improvements in this model: looks like an SUV, not a minivan, option of setting for 8, more space, 10 speed auto replacing the 9 speed, electric parking brake.
I prefer the 2019 infotainment screen being integrated into dash, rather than a tablet. Also like the movable armrests of the 2019’s captain’s chairs.
All of the above is minor. What would get me to trade my 2019 for this one is if the driving experience of the2023 is more engaging than the outgoing model.
Agree. Having the infotainment screen integrated into the dash looks better and bigger. Screens look out of place sticking on top.
Finally a good pilot. Missing hybrid options. Needed in this day and age/
I am glad they did not take away the 8 seat in the top trim like other competitors. would be nice to have at least a mild hybrid system
This will do a ton of offroading to the soccer pitch parking lot!
The infotainment system in this particular Pilot is smaller than the Korean competitors. But at least the new Pilot has wireless android auto and apple car play for the 9 inch display.👍🏾
I just put this on my shopping list, but I am completely perplexed/disappointed by Honda's decision not to include rear LED turn signals. Small thing, but please - would adding those really have made that much difference in their cost to build?
I do like the removable center seat in the second row, but you are left with captains chairs without armrests :(. That being said, this looks like a very compelling option overall
Is that same thing that happened to the mdx and pathfinder when you takeout the center seats?
@@curiosityredpill7030 In the MDX yes. In the pathfinder no.
Doesn't the center seat act like an armrest with cupholders when collapsed?
@@chiemekaa Yes. No problem there. when you remove that then, you don't have any cupholders or center armrests. So what's the point of even removing it?
@@brenrob7403 Exactly. Implementing center armrests would mean foregoing the 8 seat configuration or narrower outboard seats (backrest). Can't have it all.
we need a hybrid power train
Excellent side profile. It will definately replace the highlander with that 3.5L
I was hoping the pilot elite would get the removeable middle seat from the MDX. This looks good, smallish screen but it least it doesn't have the stupid touchscreen thing from the MDX. Will probably cross shop this with the palisade, I definitely like it more than the pathfinder.
He covered it - the elite most certainly has the removable middle seat
I have a 2017 pilot elite with 220,000 miles I love it.
Wow! That is a lot of miles. 😳
Good for you.
Do all new cars come pre-tinted from the factory now?
Overall pretty nice. I am not fond of their center screen set up..... wish it was better integrated and less tablet stick on... and a little bigger.
Love it
I would guess the mpg will be 20/27. So 22 combined. I hope they make a sporty hybrid version with the 10 speed
My wife has a 2014 gen 2. It's got a couple of hundred K miles but she did not want another until I showed her the new one. In love. I'll wait until 2024 for problems to be worked out and buy her one.
Can you keep a golf bag hidden under the center-seat stowage area?
I like the smaller LCD screen. I’m not a fan of large LCD screens. It’s like having a television screen on the dashboard - too distracting.
I can’t wait to buy this one I like it a lot
It looks great!! I know it’s a small thing but that incandescent rear turn signal is killing me. Why couldn’t they just make it a full LED look?!?!
Is there a built in GPS? We love the current gen having a full normal Garmin GPS built in. Way better than maps that require cell connection and Garmin's routing is still far superior as well.
The middle row is a huge advantage for me versus competitors. I really hate that most competitors force you to have captains chairs in top trim levels. As someone with three kids mandatory captains chairs is a huge negative.
Mpg estimate?
How it compare with 2016 Honda Pilot, Pro and con. What are the Major changes and how fixed 2016 problems.
Can you do an update on this when you can drive it? You can build it now on website…
Been waiting for years for this day…only to be disappointed in the 2018 touch screen/software. For over $50K this is what you get? A more comfortable front row seats should be included for this price tange. An improvement for sure. Maybe there will be a refresh of this new model in a year or two 🤷♂️?
it definitely should have a bigger screen when the mid cycle refresh rolls around. The 2023 accord that’s coming in a few weeks is supposed to have a 12.3 inch google interface touch screen. Kinda confused why honda didn’t include that here but i’m betting it’ll be an option w a refresh
Alex, Boxes work so props to Honda for interior packaging that reflects the exterior proportions of the population it is meant to serve. Does the new 3.5 V6 finally come with a timing chain? Will there be a hybrid Pilot to match the 'elite' mpg numbers of the Highlander Hybrid? 🤔
Belt remains…sigh
@@jonathanratliff4780 what’s wrong with a belt? Just the shorter service interval?
@@ALMX5DP changing a belt is an expensive job. Even more expensive if the belt breaks. If you keep a car 5 years 75,000 miles, it is no big deal. If you keep the SUV longer it is. The advantage of a belt is that it doesn't need lubrication so the timing cover area can remain drier. Doing a timing belt is a tedious job, that has to be done right. Out of the scope of most diy guys.
@@MrWelfarehater sure, but timing belt jobs look to be fairly inexpensive for the given interval they need to be changed at. Google says $4-900 versus a timing chain which is near double if it needs to be replaced (or replaced due to other components like tensioners pulleys needing servicing). I’m more on the timing chain side, being sometimes they can go for 250-300k before potential service, but belt is a pretty easy job for an experienced tech so doing that every 1-150k miles isn’t too bad (especially since it allows observation of numerous other components that likely are not looked at by the owner or dealership prior to that job).
@@ALMX5DP I looked up Repairpal. Timing belt is around a grand to 1500. I concede you're right. Usually a timing belt job also replaces water pump and tensioner. You're right again. Personally I would rather change a belt compared to a chain. I have done both. A belt is a much cleaner and easier job.
So no reaerventertainment system? No cabin talk?
What happened to the rear entertainment system
Kids got phones.
What you ere saying is the Odyssey repackaged as an SUV retains most of it's interior volume?
What about the 360/Around View Cameras? I know that the previous model didn't have all of the cameras that the Pathfinder had which was a no go for me....I need allllll of the cameras! I am a terrible parker! :)
In terms of interior room, how does the new Pilot compare to the new MDX? I'm guessing the Pilot has more 3rd row room and maybe a bit more cargo capacity. Is that about right?
I would recommend watching the video.
Captain chairs with no arm rest 😂😂
The design of removable middle seat doesn’t allow for armrests, at least it’s flexible where you can do both captain’s chairs or bench seats, unlike Volvo XC90, which they cheats out on captain’s chairs without armrest.
much better exterior n interior design than the outgoing model !!!
@alexonautos this is not the only car in the class with a middle seat on the top trim in this class. The Ford Explorer can also be specified with a middle seat in the 2nd row in all trims…though, it’s 7 seat max, not 8. Also that middle seat storage in the trunk is genius!! Well done Honda! Wondering, with this be the car that finally dethrones the Telluride/Palisade?
I believe Alex was specifically saying that the new Honda Pilot is the only SUV in its class that can be specified with the 2nd-row bench seat AND can seat up to 8 people in the highest trim level. Like you said, the Ford Explorer can be specified with the 2nd-row bench seat in its highest trim level, but it can only seat up to 7 people. I will also add that the removable 2nd-row center seat is a really neat feature Honda is offering.
Is it VTEC?
I'm doing a happy dance right now because you reported that the top trim of this SUV will actually seat 8 people!!! Y E S ! ! And, they didn't put a turbo 4 cylinder in it like Toyota (bad Toyota!) Sounds like they took a page out of Acura's book with the removable center 2nd row seat, which is a great idea. And I guess if you have to have more LCD space, you could get an MDX...
Did Honda explain the new V6? I assume it has better emissions than the previous one? What about VTEC? It's down about 10 hp, but torque seems ok.
I'm pretty sure it'll have i-VTEC as this is Honda's signature technology in its engines.
Wish Honda would do more. Perhaps an Elite Plus package for $3500? Wish list in this package are: Massage seats. Multi-adustable colored LED interior lighting. LED lights in the center console and glove box, make them felt lined. LED rear turn signals. Height adjustable passenger seat. Thigh seat extender. 12 inch center and instrument cluster. Allow Navigation to be transferred to the instrument screen.
We nixed the new Sequioa due to trunk space. This Pilot looks like a winner for us tho!
Totally different segments non comparable. One is a body on frame true off road truck. Literally the tundra in SUZ form. solid axle in rear is reason for reduced cargo space and wonky third row.
The proportions are so much better than the outgoing which looked overweight and mushy
This is a really nice car. The only miscalculation I can see is that cars like this are becoming gas guzzlers. We had a Telluride and around town (I live where there are lots of hills) we got about 16-17 mpg driving mostly locally. Our new hybrid Sportage doubled that mileage. A hybrid of this car would probably pay for itself in a year with gas having gotten so expensive.
The Highlander is available in a hybrid but it's so popular it's nearly impossible to actually buy. Ford offers a hybrid Explorer but it gains so little economy that it makes no sense. Of course nearly all people who buy these things would be better serviced by a minivan to begin with.
@@plmn93 Exactly... and that Honda didn't make this a hybrid-only seems a bit... dumb. Since 3 row mom-UV's have gotten to be such gas hogs, it seems like the first one to get 30mpg overall will sell the fastest. We don't need the 3rd row so it was an easy choice given how much our Telluride was still worth.
Correction you can get 8 Seats in the EX Telluride trim as well.
Does this new engine have start/stop?
Yes and also still has a button to disable it. You can see the button at 10:45 in the bottom center of the video.
Really interested in the engine. Since it’s all new
What's the point in larger screens? I think 9 -10 inch is the sweet spot
No everyone like onion and pickles, right??
Can have more on the screen simultaneously, like a big map and audio info. Big maps are always better.
@@markmiller3279 when you have a configurable instrument panel that wouldn't be a big deal
Like your videos, but let's be honest - nobody is going to put 3 people in that back row! Glad they kept the V6. This may be a good alternative to the Odyssey for a soccer mom car.
I wish the crv moved on from those tail light design to something like this or the new accord. At least it got a lot better. This and the crv looking a lot better. Looking forward to the new accord.
Does this engine use a timing belt like previous generation?
It is my understanding that it does.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide ugh…really? I got the ‘21 Platinum Highlander but I like the Honda as they make great engines but a timing belt in a modern car is B.S. Good review!
Will it not have the DVD player anymore?? 😢😢😢