What is different about the Pilot TrailSport?

The Pilot TrailSport is the off-road-oriented version of Honda’s three-row SUV, built to handle light trails with tougher styling, higher clearance, and traction-enhancing hardware that you don’t get on the regular trims.

The TrailSport diverges from the standard Pilot with a focus on rugged capability: exterior styling cues, chassis tweaks, an all-wheel-drive setup with multi-terrain traction, and interior touches designed for outdoor use—all while preserving the Pilot’s family-friendly practicality.

Exterior design and rugged styling

Differences begin at the curb. The TrailSport uses distinct styling cues to signal its off-road intent and better protection against scrapes and debris on rough roads.

• Unique TrailSport badging and a rugged exterior palette that emphasizes black body trim and contrast accents.


• Front fascia and protective skid plate elements to guard critical underbody components.


• All-terrain-ready tires mounted on specific wheels that reinforce its rugged stance.


• Increased body cladding and underbody protection around the rocker panels and lower edges.

In short, the TrailSport’s look is purpose-built to imply off-road capability and to help fend off trail hazards, even before you turn the key.

Chassis, suspension and ground clearance

The TrailSport is tuned to handle light off-road use, with tweaks to ride height and suspension that improve approach and departure angles compared with most street-oriented Pilot trims.

• Raised ride height and suspension tuning aimed at better clearance over obstacles and uneven terrain.


• Reinforced underbody protection in key areas to reduce risk on gravel, rocks, and dirt surfaces.


• Modified aerodynamics and chassis tuning to maintain stability at modest off-road speeds.

These adjustments contribute to a more confident feel when leaving paved roads while preserving typical Pilot comfort for daily driving.

Drivetrain, torque management and on/off-road modes

Powertrain and traction technology in the TrailSport are focused on delivering controlled torque to all wheels when needed rather than maximizing on-road performance alone.

• Standard all-wheel drive with Honda’s torque-management system to distribute power between front and rear axles for traction.


• Dedicated multi-terrain drive modes that optimize throttle response and braking at low traction levels (examples commonly cited include Snow, Mud, and Sand; some years include additional modes).


• Enhanced hill-descent or hill-start assist features to help manage steep or slippery grades encountered off-road.

The result is a Pilot that can handle gravel roads and light trails with more certainty than a front-wheel-drive or lower-trim model.

Tires, wheels and overall footprint

To complement the other changes, the TrailSport rolls on tires and wheels chosen to balance on-road manners with off-road grip and durability.

• All-terrain tires paired with a wheel design that emphasizes rugged durability.


• Wheel size and offset chosen to complement increased ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

The tire and wheel package is a core part of the TrailSport’s capability, contributing to both traction and the SUV’s ready-for-adventure stance.

Interior, materials and everyday practicality

Inside, the TrailSport uses design choices and materials aimed at durability and ease of cleaning, while still delivering the Pilot’s family-friendly comfort and space.

• Interior accents and stitching cues that reflect an outdoor-oriented character.


• Water-repellent or easy-to-clean seating surfaces and all-weather floor mats to handle mud or rain gear.


• Flexible seating with generous cargo space when the third row is folded, preserving the Pilot’s family-hauling practicality.

Even with rugged touches, the TrailSport remains a practical family SUV with standard safety and convenience features common to the Pilot lineup.

Technology, safety and convenience

Honda equips TrailSport with the brand’s latest safety and driver-assistance tech, alongside infotainment upgrades seen on newer Pilots.

• Honda Sensing suite included, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation.


• Infotainment and connectivity options updated for easier access to navigation, apps and audio while on outdoor trips.


• Standard or optional upgrades for all-weather capabilities, such as wireless charging or enhanced noise reduction, depending on model year.

While many features align with other Pilots, the TrailSport emphasizes rugged practicality for outdoor use without sacrificing modern safety and connectivity.

Summary

The Pilot TrailSport isn’t a high-end off-roader; it’s a tuned, more capable version of Honda’s three-row SUV designed for light trails, rough weather, and off-p pavement conditions. It achieves this through a combination of styling cues, chassis refinements, a capable AWD system with multi-terrain modes, all-terrain tires, and durable interior details, while preserving the Pilot’s versatility for family duty and everyday driving.

What is the Honda Pilot TrailSport package?

Hill Descent Control system is standard on all Pilot models. Pilot TrailSport is an authentic, off-road-capable SUV for family adventures with exclusive rugged hardware, including rugged all-wheel drive capabilities and robust steel skid plates that protect the underbody from damage on the trail.

What is the difference between the Honda Pilot EXL and the TrailSport?

The main differences are that the Honda Pilot EX-L is a more road-focused trim with standard front-wheel drive, while the TrailSport is the off-road-focused trim with standard all-wheel drive, raised ground clearance, an off-road-tuned suspension, and specialized features like skid plates and a TrailWatch camera system. The TrailSport also includes some extra luxury and tech features like an available power panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel, and orange-stitched synthetic leather seats, while the EX-L has a more traditional interior with leather-trimmed seats and parking sensors. 
You can watch this video to see a comparison of the exterior features of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L and TrailSport trims: 53sVagabond BuildsYouTube · May 22, 2024
Honda Pilot EX-L

• Focus: On-road comfort and value.
• Drivetrain: Standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
• Wheels: Standard 18-inch alloy wheels.
• Interior features: Leather-trimmed seats, parking sensors, and wireless smartphone integration.
• Off-road capability: Limited compared to the TrailSport. 

Honda Pilot TrailSport

• Focus: Off-road capability and adventure. 
• Drivetrain: Standard all-wheel drive with trail torque logic. 
• Wheels: Exclusive 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. 
• Interior features: Synthetic leather seats with orange stitching, a one-touch power moonroof, a heated steering wheel, and second-row captain's chairs. 
• Off-road capability: Enhanced with a raised suspension, increased ground clearance, underbody skid plates, and a TrailWatch multi-view camera system. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the EX-L if your priority is on-road driving, fuel efficiency, and a balance of features and value. 
• Choose the TrailSport if you plan to drive on unpaved roads, trails, or want the added confidence of a more capable off-road vehicle and are willing to pay extra for those capabilities. 

This video explains the differences between the 2025 Honda Pilot Sport and EX-L trims, which can help you understand the features offered at each trim level: 58sTop TrimsYouTube · Jul 10, 2024

What is the difference between the Honda Pilot trims?

The main 2025 Honda Pilot trims are Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition, each adding more features and luxury as you go up the lineup. The base Sport includes essential features like cloth seats and basic technology, while the EX-L upgrades to leather seats, a larger touchscreen, and more convenience items like a power tailgate and wireless charging. The TrailSport is designed for off-road capability with all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and skid plates, while the Touring adds premium technology like a Bose sound system and navigation. The Elite is a luxury-focused trim with standard all-wheel drive and additional features like ventilated front seats, and the Black Edition provides a unique, upscale look with black accents and red ambient lighting. 
This video explains the differences between the Sport and EX-L trims: 59sVagabond BuildsYouTube · May 22, 2024
Sport

• Upholstery: Cloth
• Technology: 7-in color touch-screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, tri-zone automatic climate control
• Wheels: 20-inch alloy wheels 

EX-L

• Upholstery: Leather-trimmed seats
• Technology: 9-in color touch-screen, wireless charging, front and rear parking sensors, and an in-car intercom
• Exterior: Power liftgate, acoustic glass 

TrailSport

• Upholstery: Durable synthetic leather with orange stitching
• Capability: Standard all-wheel drive, off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a 5,000-lb towing capacity
• Technology: TrailWatch™ camera system
• Seating: Second-row captain's chairs 

Touring

• Upholstery: Gray perforated leather-trimmed seats
• Technology: Bose premium audio system, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, and a hands-free power tailgate
• Wheels: 20-inch alloy wheels 

This video discusses the features of each trim level, including the TrailSport: 56sTop TrimsYouTube · Jul 10, 2024
Elite

• Adds to Touring: Standard all-wheel drive, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display
• Technology: 10.2-inch driver information interface
• Seating: Heated second-row captain's chairs 

Black Edition

• Appearance: Unique black exterior trim accents and red ambient LED lighting
• Technology: Head-Up Display and a 10.2-inch driver information interface
• Upholstery: Specialized leather-trimmed seats 

What is the difference between the passport and the TrailSport?

The Trailsport trim enhances the Passport with off-road features like special suspension and all-terrain tires. The Black Edition trim brings on the most interior luxury, boasting a premium sound system and heated and ventilated front seats.