Some of Our Favorite Highlights of the 2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport

Since its introduction for the 2003 model year, the Honda Pilot has claimed its place among the leading three-row midsize SUVs. This is because Honda took its knowledge in building spacious and dependable vehicles and applied it to a larger-sized SUV with room for up to eight passengers. In doing so, Honda filled a niche for many drivers with large families who wanted one of their vehicles. Where other Honda models couldn’t accommodate large family or friend groups, the Pilot offers this capability while retaining all the things drivers have come to love about the brand, including roomy interiors, advanced safety features, solid fuel economy, and affordable prices. Nevertheless, one need remained unfulfilled until recently, which is off-road capability.

In recent years, an increasing number of drivers have fallen in love with off-roading. These motorists want a vehicle that can serve as a daily driver but also have the capability of providing adventure. This is why the 2024 Honda Pilot features a dedicated off-road trim level called the TrailSport. At Classic Honda of Midland, we understand drivers like you who want more out of their Pilot, which is why we are proud to offer the TrailSport model. When you come to our dealership, our sales team will be happy to show you why the Pilot TrailSport makes a great choice for drivers who want all of the benefits of a Pilot with off-road capability.

The Origins of the TrailSport

The folks at Honda saw many of their competitors coming out with models designed for off-roading or special editions with a dedicated off-road trim. These vehicles provide greater ground clearance, different tires and suspension systems, and other features that make hitting the trail possible. This is because off-roading subjects your vehicle to added risks from underneath, like rocks and branches and uneven terrain. Where most vehicles are built to optimize performance on the road, boosting speed and fuel economy, off-road models have to take into account other factors.

With this in mind, Honda introduced the TrailSport trim to the 2022 Pilot, the last year of the third generation. This equipped the Pilot with special features not found on other models, giving drivers the ability to handle the trail with peace of mind that they wouldn’t damage their vehicle. Honda continued the TrailSport for the fourth generation, which was introduced in 2023.

Aside from a larger interior than the prior generation, the Pilot also got a boost in its standard 3.5-liter V6 gas engine. Honda equips this with a 10-speed automatic transmission instead of the 9-speed automatic from the third generation. This results in a slight increase in horsepower from 280 hp to 285 hp. The engine continues to deliver 262 lb-ft of torque. The fourth generation also provides more trunk space, 21.8 cu.ft. compared to 18.5 cu.ft. in the prior model. This is easy to access with the Programmable Power Tailgate that comes on the TrailSport model.

Built for Adventure

In designing the TrailSport, Honda knew it needed to go with a rugged exterior featuring many items that differentiate it from other Pilot trims. For example, where every other Pilot rides on all-season tires, the TrailSport features all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch shark gray alloy wheels. All-terrain tires have stronger sidewalls and deeper treads, which assist with improved traction and are more puncture-resistant. The alloy wheels feature the TrailSport logo and have black lug nuts to offset the wheel color. In addition, Honda gives the Pilot TrailSport a full-size spare tire since a smaller tire might be problematic if you get a flat when out on the trail.

The TrailSport has been given a 0.6-inch factory lift to its off-road tuned suspension. That translates into the TrailSport having more ground clearance than the other models of the 2024 Pilot. In fact, you get 8.3 inches of ground clearance, which will help you get over more obstacles than other trims.

The factory lift also helps with the Pilot TrailSport’s angles, something you will need to get up and over obstacles when off-roading. The TrailSport has a 19.8-degree approach angle, a 19.6-degree breakover angle, and a 19.0-degree departure angle. This model of the Pilot also gets a tighter steering ratio of 14.8:1, giving it an improved turning diameter. This is another feature that will come in handy when you are out on the trail.

As you would expect from an off-road model, the Pilot TrailSport has a standard all-wheel drivetrain with a Trail & Sand mode for improved performance when you are out trail running. Underbody skid plates shield the engine and fuel tank, providing peace of mind when traversing an obstacle. These will protect the critical underbody of your Pilot and are a class exclusive to the TrailSport. In addition, you have front and rear recovery points, which will come in handy if your Pilot gets stuck on the trail. Simply tow or winch yourself to firmer ground without damaging your vehicle’s front bumper. Finally, the TrailSport is the only model of the 2024 Pilot that comes with a standard integrated class III trailer hitch. This allows you to tow up to 5,000 lbs.

A Comfortable and Welcoming Cabin With Ample Passenger and Cargo Space

Honda has built its reputation on featuring vehicles with roomy and convenient passenger cabins. The 2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport continues this tradition. The model can seat up to seven passengers, with a second-row set of captain’s chairs and a 60/40-split bench in the third row. One of the biggest improvements for the fourth-generation Pilot is the increase in interior space. The TrailSport model provides 154.9 cu.ft. of passenger space, including a very generous 32.5 inches of legroom in the third row. This will allow your third-row passengers to stretch out and enjoy a day on the trails.

The seats on the Pilot TrailSport feature durable synthetic leather that has been given attractive orange stitching. These will stand up to whatever your passengers track in from outside, as they are easy to clean, while still providing the look and feel of actual leather. The front seats are heated, which will come in handy on cold winter mornings. The steering wheel is also heated and leather-wrapped for improved grip.

One thing that has set Honda apart from many of its competitors is its ability to maximize space. This is shown by the fact that the Pilot TrailSport offers 14 beverage holders and six USB charging ports strategically placed throughout the three rows of seats. This will help your passengers stay hydrated while keeping their devices charged. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on the Pilot TrailSport, so you can make hands-free calls and texts, even if you accidentally leave your charging cables at home.

The TrailSport has a One-Touch Power Moonroof, which allows you to bring the outdoors inside your Pilot’s cabin. This is a nice feature to have when riding around some of the more scenic trails here in Texas. Honda has equipped the TrailSport with the full lineup of Honda Sensing driver-assistive technology features. One of the most unique is its Multi-View Camera System, which is only available on the TrailSport and Elite models.

This includes cameras in the front and rear bumpers and the driver and passenger side view mirrors. These provide front, front wide angle, rear, rear wide angle, left and right side, and ground views. There is even a Front Camera Washer to help clean off any dirt that may accumulate after a day spent off-roading. One of the best features is the TrailWatch. This comes on automatically when you shift into Trail mode. The 9-inch standard infotainment screen will help you view the terrain in front of your Pilot TrailSport as you crest a hill or cross over a narrow ridge.

Adventure Awaits Behind the Wheel of the 2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport

The TrailSport stands apart from the other trims on the 2024 Honda Pilot, giving drivers who want a little more adventure the ability to take their SUV off-roading. Still, with its roomy and comfortable interior, the Pilot TrailSport can also serve as a great daily driver, with space for up to seven passengers and plenty of cargo room. The standard comfort and convenience features on the TrailSport help each passenger enjoy the ride, whether you are going for a quiet drive around Midland or pushing the limits on a nearby trail. Come in today and see why you should make the 2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport your next SUV!

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