The 2023 Honda Pilot Elite is the final model of the 2023 Honda Pilot midsize SUV. It starts at over $52,000. Is the Honda Pilot Elite worth it or is there a better alternative on the market?
The 2023 Honda Pilot Elite is quite expensive
The Honda Pilot Elite starts at $52,030. That’s $12,880 more than the base model’s Pilot Sport trim level. The question is, does the Pilot Elite offer adequate value for that high price? Let’s take a look at the specifications and standard features.
The Honda Pilot Elite comes standard with the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as the lower Pilot trim levels. It makes 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The midsize SUV gets 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
The 2023 Honda Pilot Elite includes standard leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic roof with moonroof. It also comes with second-row heated captain’s chairs, a wireless phone charger, and smart entry with independent auto-lock. The Honda Pilot Elite features parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and hill descent control.
Honda’s fully equipped midsize SUV offers many great standard features that enhance the overall ownership experience. It’s comfortable and packed with great technology. That said, there are better midsize SUVs for the money.
What are the best midsize SUVs on the market?
The 2023 Kia Telluride is currently considered the best midsize SUV on the market by most major automotive publications. Consumers may disagree, but experts have given the Telluride rave marks after testing several other popular midsize SUVs.
The Telluride’s final trim is the Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro (that’s a mouthful). The 2023 Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro comes standard with dual 12.3-inch widescreen displays with navigation, all-wheel drive, and a blind-spot view monitor. It also includes a head-up display, digital key and Nappa leather seat upholstery.
The 2023 Kia Telluride SX Prestige X-Pro starts at $52,785, making it in the same price range as the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite. It uses a 3.8-liter V6 engine to make 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The final version of the Kia Telluride with all-wheel drive gets around 21 mpg combined. The final Telluride trim level is a better buy than the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite because it offers more luxurious amenities and standard features.
Should You Get a 2023 Kia Telluride?
The 2023 Kia Telluride is praised for its luxurious design, comfortable cabin and great value proposition. edmunds He claims the Telluride is roomy, comes with great safety and driver-assist features, and has a smooth ride.
If you’re looking for a great new midsize SUV, the Telluride is worth considering. Other honorable mentions include Telluride’s cousin, the Hyundai Palisade, the Chevrolet Traverse and the Honda Passport.
Car and Driver calls the 2023 Pilot EX-L the best new Honda Pilot for the money. So while the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite comes with some desirable standard features, it’s not worth its price for most drivers.