Manly yes, but I like it, too! The Honda Pilot TrailSport

The mid-size utility vehicle segment is crowded, with more than a dozen contenders from every major manufacturer.

Honda’s player is the Pilot, available in five trim levels spanning the $53K- $65K price range. All come with the same 3.5-litre normally-aspirated V6, 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and seven- or eight-passenger configurations.

The fourth generation (2024) Pilot introduced the TrailSport model, smack in the middle of the trim ladder. There are no changes for the 2025 model reviewed here.

The TrailSport is differentiated by trim designed to make it appear more rugged and off-road capable, and greater ground clearance and all-terrain tires enabling it to do so.

Pilot TrailSport: More rugged and off-road capable and you’ll use 8% more fuel, too

The grill is blacked out and there are TrailSport badges on several locations, including the wheels. The seats are cloaked in unique pseudo leather with orange stitching. It sits 25-cm further from Mother Earth, resulting in greater approach and departure angles should you decide to venture into areas with severe surface changes.

Until you do, you will pay more at the fuel pump.

Natural Resources Canada says the TrailSport version of the Pilot uses 8% more fuel than the rest of the range. That’s due to the aggressive all-terrain tires and poorer aerodynamics (due to the increased height).

Pilot TrailSport: Less room for passengers and cargo

Another downside of this model is the reduction in cargo and passenger space due to the replacement of a temporary spare tire by a full-size one wrapped in the aggressive all-terrain tire.

The four other Pilot trim levels come with seating for eight. The TrailSport cuts that to seven by replacing the three-passenger second row seat with a pair of Captain’s chairs.

In the others, the centre portion of the seat can be removed and stored in the cargo area. But that space is used for the big full-size spare tire in the TrailSport.

Honda’s sophisticated, award-winning all-wheel drive system makes the Pilot TrailSport light on its feet

Whether trying to tackle the boonies or nasty winter conditions, this latest Pilot is blessed with the second generation of Honda’s sophisticated Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4®) all-wheel drive system.

This new version comes with a tougher but lighter differential capable of handling 40% more power. It also responds 30% more quickly improving paying off in slippery conditions.

Using advanced technology, it varies the power (torque) applied to each rear wheel independently. The system can send as much as 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and up to 100% of that to one side.

The benefits are also evident in dry conditions on the road when cornering. The award-winning i-VTM4 drives the outside rear wheel slightly quicker than the average speed of the front wheels, effectively helping push it around the turn.

The result is a fairly big ute that acts much lighter on its feet.

Honda, the engine company, shows under the Pilot’s hood

The 3.5-litre V6 is typically Honda – silky smooth. Honda began in this business as an engine company and it still shows. The 285 horsepower and mid-pack 262 lb. ft. of torque are adequate but challenged by having to move almost 5,000 pounds.

The TrailSport’s taller ride height and all-terrain tires result in more head toss on uneven surfaces than other Pilots.

The Pilot offers three rows of seats but the third is best left for small and/or agile folks on short runs.

The front seats are supportive, heated, cooled and comfy over long sessions. The second row Captain’s chair get equal praise and add access to the third row between them. Folks in that row get separate controls for the tri-zone automatic climate control system.

There is a 23-centimetre touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto connectivity and an actual knob for volume control. The driver can use the CabinTalk system to let those behind know his or her thoughts.

The Honda Pilot TrailSport is designed to appeal to those seeking a more rugged or, dare I say, masculine look. It brings a slight increase in off-road ability but at the cost of reduced fuel economy and ride comfort.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport

PRICE

Base: $59,850

As tested: $63,777, including freight and ‘dealer fees’

SAFETY

LED headlights with auto on/off and high beams, collision and road departure mitigation braking systems, forward collision and lane departure warning and keep assist systems, blind spot info system, hill descent control and start assist, traffic jam assist

INFOTAINMENT

225-watt, nine-speaker audio system with Wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto connectivity, HD and satellite radio, 110-volt outlet, 23-cm TFT display, CabinTalk in-car PA system. Wireless mobile phone interface, HomeLink remote system, wireless charging

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

18-in aluminum alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, front wiper de-icer, power panoramic sunroof, programmable power tailgate, heated mirrors, with memory, reverse auto tilt down and integrated turn signals; integrated Class III trailer hitch, push button start, smart entry with walk-away auto lock, tilt & telescope steering wheel, three-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power driver seat with memory, four-way passenger seat, heated front and second row seats, leatherette seating surfaces with orange stitching, second row sunshades, rear camera washer

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

Sonic grey pearl paint, $491.50

MECHANICAL

3.5-litre V6, 285-horsepower, 262 lb.-ft. of torque, regular fuel, 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 13.2/10.1

DIMENSIONS

Length, 5,085 mm; width, 1090 mm, wheelbase, 2,890 mm; weight, 2,130 kg

COMPETITION

Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Grand Highlander