Is Honda Pilot high clearance?
The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV that offers a moderate ground clearance, but it is not considered a high clearance vehicle. The Pilot's ground clearance is suitable for everyday driving on paved roads, but it may not be the best choice for off-road adventures or traversing extremely rough terrain.
Ground Clearance of the Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot has a ground clearance of 7.3 inches (185 mm) for the front-wheel-drive models and 7.5 inches (191 mm) for the all-wheel-drive models. This is a typical ground clearance for a midsize SUV, providing enough clearance for most everyday driving situations, such as navigating speed bumps, parking lot curbs, and light off-road trails.
However, the Pilot's ground clearance is not as high as that of dedicated off-road vehicles or true SUVs designed for more rugged terrain. For comparison, the Jeep Wrangler has a ground clearance of 10.0 inches (254 mm), while the Ford Expedition has a ground clearance of 9.8 inches (249 mm).
Suitability for Off-Road Use
- The Honda Pilot is not primarily designed for off-road use, and its moderate ground clearance may limit its capabilities on rough, uneven, or rocky terrain.
- While the Pilot can handle light off-road conditions, such as well-maintained dirt roads or mild trails, it may struggle with more challenging obstacles, steep inclines, or deep mud and snow.
- Owners who plan to use their Pilot for occasional light off-road use may want to consider adding aftermarket suspension upgrades or larger tires to improve its off-road performance.
Overall, the Honda Pilot is a capable and versatile midsize SUV, but it is not considered a high clearance vehicle. Its ground clearance is suitable for everyday driving and light off-road use, but it may not be the best choice for those who frequently venture into more rugged, off-road environments.
How high is the Honda Pilot off the ground?
The Honda Pilot has a ground clearance of 7.3 inches for standard trims and 8.3 inches for the TrailSport trim. The TrailSport's higher clearance is a key feature for its enhanced off-road capability, which also includes all-wheel drive and underbody skid plates.
- Standard trims: 7.3 inches
- TrailSport trim: 8.3 inches
Is a Honda Pilot a high clearance vehicle?
2024 Subaru Outback vs.
The Honda Pilot rides lower to the ground with a 7.3-inch ground clearance throughout the lineup, except for the TrailSport model, which has an 8.3-inch ground clearance.
What is the weakness of the Honda Pilot?
A: The most common problems across these less reliable Honda Pilot years include transmission failures, excessive oil consumption, peeling paint, recurring fault codes, fuel injector failures, brake issues, and electrical problems.
Is the Honda Pilot off-road capable?
The Honda Pilot, particularly the TrailSport trim, is capable of off-roading, designed to handle light to moderate trails, but it is not a dedicated rock-crawler. The TrailSport model comes with off-road-specific features like all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and skid plates, making it Honda's most capable off-road SUV. Other Pilot trims are less suitable for off-road use and are best on paved roads or easy dirt paths.
This video demonstrates the off-road capabilities of the Honda Pilot TrailSport: 58sSeize The SpeedYouTube · Jan 11, 2025
What makes the Pilot TrailSport good for off-road?
- Off-road-tuned suspension: The suspension is specifically calibrated for rougher terrain.
- All-terrain tires: The standard all-terrain tires improve grip on loose surfaces.
- Skid plates: Steel skid plates protect the vehicle's underbody from damage.
- Increased ground clearance: The TrailSport has more ground clearance than other Pilots, helping it navigate obstacles.
- i-VTM4® all-wheel drive: Honda's torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability on various terrains.
- Multiple drive modes: The Trail mode and others like Snow, Sand, and Tow allow you to customize the vehicle's performance for different conditions.
- Trail camera: A front-facing trail camera helps you see the path ahead.
- Hill descent control: This feature automatically applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady speed on steep descents.
Limitations
- Not a rock-crawler: While capable, it is not designed for extreme off-roading like rock crawling.
- Vulnerable to damage: Without the specific features of the TrailSport, a standard Pilot is more susceptible to damage on trails.
- Fuel economy: Some reviews note that the Pilot TrailSport's fuel economy is not its strong suit due to its size and off-road equipment.
You can also watch this video to see a review of the Honda Pilot TrailSport's off-road capabilities: 1mDriving Sports TVYouTube · Feb 10, 2024
Conclusion
If you need a vehicle for light off-roading, camping, or family adventures that take you to unpaved roads, the Honda Pilot TrailSport is a very good option. For more serious off-roading, you may need a vehicle designed for that specific purpose.
