Is the Honda Pilot TrailSport lifted?
The Honda Pilot TrailSport is indeed a lifted variant of the standard Pilot, featuring a higher ride height and more rugged tires to improve light off-road capability. It’s designed to broaden the SUV’s adventures without turning it into a dedicated off-roader.
As Honda positions the TrailSport, the goal is to deliver enhanced ground clearance and approach/departure angles while preserving the Pilot’s family-friendly interior and smooth highway manners. The lift is part of a broader package that includes styling cues, protective components, and drivetrain tuning intended for light trail use rather than extreme rock crawling.
Suspension, clearance and tires
What the lift does for ground clearance
Compared with the standard Pilot, the TrailSport features a raised suspension setup and a tire-and-wheel package that together increase overall ground clearance. This increase helps with rough roads, gravel, and light off-road terrain, reducing the risk of underbody contact on uneven surfaces.
Important to note is that the TrailSport remains a unibody crossover. The lift is modest and aimed at practical off-pavement use rather than serious rock crawling or overlanding.
- Raised or re-tuned suspension relative to the base Pilot
- Increased ground clearance for improved obstacle clearance and approach/departure angles
- Lugged or all-terrain-style tires mounted on distinctive TrailSport wheels
- Underbody protection and skid plates to help shield critical components
Together, these elements give the TrailSport a more capable stance without compromising the Pilot’s refined on-road experience.
Design cues and drivetrain refinements
Equipment that supports off-road use
Beyond the lifted suspension, the TrailSport adopts design and drivetrain touches to bolster off-road practicality. These include rugged styling accents, protective hardware, and drivetrain tuning that emphasizes traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. The package typically includes standard all-wheel drive with drive-mode options tailored for varied conditions, enabling safer traversal of dirt, gravel, or snow.
- TrailSport-exclusive styling elements, badges, and protective trim
- Standard all-wheel drive with terrain-oriented software tuning
- Drive modes and traction management designed to assist on loose surfaces
These features work in tandem with the lifted suspension to improve stability, protection, and control when venturing off pavement, while keeping the Pilot’s everyday practicality intact.
Model year and regional variations
Specifications for the Pilot TrailSport can vary by year and market. If you’re evaluating a specific vehicle, verify the precise ground clearance number, wheel/tire size, and whether AWD is standard or optional in that model year. Honda’s official brochures and website are the best sources for exact figures.
Summary
The Honda Pilot TrailSport is indeed lifted relative to the standard Pilot, featuring a raised suspension, larger tires, and protective enhancements that boost its off-road capability for light trails. It preserves the Pilot’s spacious interior and on-road comfort, positioning itself as a versatile option for buyers who want modest off-road ability without moving to a body-on-frame SUV. For exact specifications, check the model-year–specific Honda literature.
Final takeaway
In short, yes—the TrailSport raises the Pilot’s stance for improved ground clearance and off-road readiness, backed by protective gear and terrain-oriented tuning. For buyers curious about true off-road performance, consider the model year’s exact specs and test the vehicle in conditions similar to your expected use.
