With Honda on a mission to refresh their entire line-up across the globe, the 2023 Pilot too broke cover recently. Its UAE debut is programmed for March next year
To begin with, the 2023 Honda Pilot is a complete redesign from the ground up. Based on the new global light truck architecture, the Honda Pilot now shares its underpinnings with its premium sibling – The Acura MDX. In terms of the engine, the Pilot gets a new 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that puts out 286 BHP and 360 Nm of torque. Transmission duties are now handled by a 10-speed torque converter automatic which is standard across the range. Gone are the older 6-speed and 9-speed Automatic gearboxes that did duties on the outgoing model.
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Similarity with 2016 Ford Everest aka Endeavour
When it comes to the looks department, the 2023 Honda Pilot gets a front fascia that is similar to the likes of the recently unveiled CR-V and the HR-V. However, it’s the rear end of the Pilot that will ring bells. The rear portion of the Pilot looks uncannily similar to the 2016 Ford Everest (a.k.a Endeavour in the Indian market) and that lends a butch look to the Pilot. On the whole, when compared to the outgoing vehicle, the Pilot finally loses its minivan-type dimensions and has become more SUV-like than before.
As of now, details of only three trim levels of the 2023 Honda Pilot have been shared. There is a trail-sport trim that comes with all-terrain tyres from the factory. In terms of suspension, the trail-sport trim gets a setup that is more in tune for going off the beaten track. Meanwhile, the Touring and Elite trim levels focus more on providing a comfort-oriented experience. The trail-sport trim also gets a proper steel skid plate which is something missing in most of its rivals.
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2023 Honda Pilot Rivals
In terms of rivals, the 2023 Honda Pilot will be offered in a category that has very cut-throat competition. This is true both in terms of body style and pricing. Upon arrival, the Pilot is expected to go up against some rather popular 3-row midsize SUVs like the Ford Explorer and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Both of there are known to be a favourite choice for a majority of Indian expatriates in UAE.
On the pricing front, the outgoing models of the Honda Pilot used to start at AED 130,000 (₹28.6 lakhs approx) for the base variant while the top-end variants would be priced at around AED 180,000 (₹40 lakhs approx). It is expected that the 2023 Honda Pilot will be priced in a similar bandwidth albeit with some increment.
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The previous models of the Honda Pilot have not been raging success stories. However, the nameplate has managed to carve out a name for itself. A major reason for this is Honda’s famed refinement, reliability and VFM proposition. With added capabilities and more features, it would be fair to expect that new model shall fare better.
