DecodedCars2023 Honda Pilot
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Sport /EX-L 4dr SUV, Touring / Black Edition 4dr SUV, Trailsport 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 285 hp
- Transmission
- 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7–8
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 200 in
- Curb weight
- 4,522–4,696 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 20% below the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Honda Pilot is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,522 lb (Sport /EX-L 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 20% worse than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 146 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the seat belts.
What changed for 2023
- New body dimensions: 3.5 in longer, wheelbase +2.8 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Pilot →
Trims, performance & features
Engine285 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Transmission10-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7–8 seats · 3 rows
Trims
ELITETRGEX-LTRAILSPORT
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Lincoln, Alabama
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Pilot configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport /EX-L 4dr SUV | 200 in | 78.3 in | 70.9 in | 113.8 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,522 lb | 57/43 |
| Touring / Black Edition 4dr SUV | 200 in | 78.3 in | 70.9 in | 113.8 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,667 lb | 57/43 |
| Trailsport 4dr SUV | 200 in | 78.3 in | 72 in | 113.8 in | 67.3 / 67.3 in | 4,696 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -20% | $3,050 | 402 |
| Pilot AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 415 |
| Pilot AWD Touring/Elite/Black | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 422 |
| Pilot AWD TrailSport | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +6% | $3,350 | 442 |
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.4 MPG2023 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Honda PILOT SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.3% |
| 2023 Honda PILOT SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Honda Pilot (this car) | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2023 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | Not rated | 23 |
| 2023 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2023 GMC Yukon | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (5)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Jun 12, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V391000 · 259,033 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Acura TLX, 2023-2025 Acura MDX, and 2023-2025 Honda Pilot vehicles. The brake pedal pivot pin was not secured properly, which can cause the pedal to shift out of position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- A brake pedal that shifts out of position can prevent the driver from applying the brakes as intended, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pedal assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are FLX and XLY.
Electrical System › Software · Jan 23, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V031000 · 294,612 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type-S, 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, and 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type-S vehicles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power.
- Risk
- An engine stall or loss of power can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are EL1 and AL0.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap · Nov 27, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V900000 · 205,760 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is OKM.
Seats › Critical Fasteners · Nov 14, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V859000 · 121 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Pilot, and 2024 HR-V, Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may not have been tightened properly, which can result in an unsecured seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 207, "Seating Systems."
- Risk
- An unsecured driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the driver's seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Steering › Rack And Pinion › Rack · Nov 2, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V735000 · 519 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Pilot vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the gear box assembly may contain a loose ball bearing, which can result in a loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
- Risk
- A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FFX.
Not every 2023 Honda Pilot is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
146Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
18,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Honda Pilot buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Seat Belts — 34 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 28 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 19 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 18,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Honda Pilot. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Pilot years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Pilot | 22 | 200 in | Not rated | 1 | 27 |
| 2025 Pilot | 22 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 216 |
| 2024 Pilot | 22 | 200 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 116 |
| 2022 Pilot | 23 | 196.5 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 169 |
| 2021 Pilot | 23 | 196.5 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 450 |
| 2020 Pilot | 23 | 196.5 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 492 |
| 2019 Pilot | 23 | 196.5 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 920 |
| 2018 Pilot | 23 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 440 |
| 2017 Pilot | 23 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 936 |
| 2016 Pilot | 23 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 8 | 1,720 |
| 2015 Pilot | 20 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 108 |
| 2014 Pilot | 20 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 105 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →