The Japanese brand claims the 2023 TrailSport is much stiffer than the outgoing model. Honda built the TrailSport from its latest “light-truck platform,” which we first saw in the 2022 Acura MDX and MDX Type S. The 2023 Honda Pilot, with new squared-off shoulders, a larger grille, and a longer hood comes in several trims and is ready to swallow nearly 160 cubic feet of passengers and stuff.
Hence the motivation for the 2023 TrailSport trim to no longer exist merely as an appearance package, but as an actual, legitimate off-road capable utility. Families want to travel farther from coffee shops, cell service, and even pavement.
Trends are also shifting toward more capability to adventure outdoors. The family-sized (you could say minivan-sized) crossover SUV continues to flourish in today’s automotive market.