That's not the case with the Pilot, where the TrailSport gets some mechanical upgrades that should make it easier to, well, pilot when the paved roads end. It starts with a 1-inch suspension lift that creates more ground clearance — 8.3 inches, compared to the standard 7.3 inches — as well as more wheel travel to better help keep the wheels in contact with the ground. This boost is welcome, though it's still a bit short compared to the approximately 8.7 inches of clearance offered by the Ford Explorer Timberline and Subaru Ascent, two three-row rivals with similar off-roading credentials.
Underneath the Pilot are three skid plates to protect the engine, fuel tank, and the rear of the vehicle. Those plates are strong enough to handle the full weight of the Pilot crashing down on a rock, Honda says. The TrailSport's AWD system also gets its own tuning setup, where it allows a wheel that is in the air or has lost traction to still get some torque so that it will instantly hook up once it regains traction.
There are distinctive 18-inch wheels at each corner with the TrailSport logo molded into the wheel itself and those come wrapped in all-terrain tires, the first time that Honda has done that. Finally, there's also a new TrailWatch camera system that shows a front or side view at speeds under 15 mph, so you can see obstacles that fall under the hood line where you can't see them. This feature gives the driver an added layer of confidence off-road. TrailSport badges adorn the outside and the front seat, and the TrailSport is offered in a striking Diffused Sky Blue paint that's exclusive to the trim.