The largest Honda SUV ever, the new Pilot is longer and wider than its predecessor. It’s available in five trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, Elite and TrailSport**. The mid-sized, three-row SUV has a new, stronger and more capable platform that also provides more passenger and cargo space. With a new optional opening panoramic sunroof, the new Pilot is the only vehicle in its class to combine 8-passenger seating and this type of roof.

An all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine made exclusively at AAP is a dual overhead cam (DOHC) 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that is new to Pilot and built at the Honda Transmission Plant (TMP-GA) in Tallapoosa, Georgia.

Manufacturing the 2023 Honda Pilot

As the only global production source for the Honda Pilot, associates at AAP faced what Honda says are a number of significant challenges. With a new platform and engine, as well as major new systems and components, building the Pilot required the most manufacturing change points since the first-generation Pilot was introduced in 2003. New equipment and processes were required throughout the plant, including the engine, weld, injection, paint, assembly and final inspection areas.