Testing a 2023 Honda Pilot by towing 2,800 pounds for 826 miles. discovered increased stability compared to my Ram 1500, however, the brakes showed concerning heat during a panic stop.
The 2023 Honda Pilot, a versatile family SUV, has proven its worth in a recent 826-mile test trip, towing a 17' aluminum dual console boat and gear from Green Bay, WI to Voyageur National Park in Minnesota. Noah Washington, an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia, was behind the wheel, and he found the Pilot to be more capable than many give it credit for.
During the journey, the Honda Pilot's tires were inflated to 40psi cold, and 91 octane fuel was used throughout. The interior had space for 340 pounds of passengers and 600 pounds of gear, while the air conditioning, cheek chillers, and charging ports were used liberally to combat the varying temperatures, which ranged from 80F to 85F with rain and light crosswind on the way there, and 75F to 80F on the way back.
The Pilot's handling was praised for its stability, particularly when towing, outperforming a 1500 in terms of trailer stability. However, the Tow Mode, buried deep in the menu, required multiple toggles every ignition cycle, a minor inconvenience for the smooth towing performance.
The Honda Pilot's brakes did get hot during a panic stop, leading the driver to consider adding trailer brakes. The boat, passengers, and gear weighed approximately 2,800 pounds, well within the Pilot's towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The 2023 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5 L direct-injection V6 generating 285 hp, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides stable and reliable towing performance. In comparison, full-size pickup trucks, like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, or Ram 1500, typically have much higher towing capacities, often exceeding 10,000 pounds.
In terms of weight, the 2023 Honda Pilot weighs approximately 4,635 pounds, making it a manageable size for its towing capabilities. The Pilot is suitable for moderate towing needs such as small trailers, boats, or campers. However, it is not designed to tow the heavier loads that full-size pickups routinely handle.
The 2023 Honda Pilot's lane keep assist was also praised for reducing stress during long drives with a trailer. The vehicle earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" designation, adding to its appeal as a reliable family vehicle. The Pilot's acceleration from 0-60 mph is roughly 6.1 seconds (AWD V6).
When it comes to towing, the 2-Wheel-Drive (2WD) trims of the 2023 Honda Pilot have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) trims can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
In summary, the 2023 Honda Pilot is a capable and stable choice for towing needs up to 5,000 pounds. For anything beyond that, a full-size pickup truck would be more appropriate.
- In the finance sector, the 2023 Honda Pilot's versatile towing capabilities make it an appealing option for those with moderate travel needs such as small boats or campers.
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