What is the difference between the 2024 Pilot Touring and TrailSport?

The TrailSport focuses on off-road capability and rugged styling, while the Touring emphasizes luxury and technology.

At a glance: how the trims diverge

The following bullets highlight the main contrasts between the 2024 Pilot’s TrailSport and Touring trims, covering capability, styling, interior feel, and tech. Note that exact equipment can vary by market and option packages.

• Focus and purpose: TrailSport emphasizes off-road capability and rugged exterior styling; Touring centers on luxury, comfort, and advanced tech for everyday driving.


• Exterior design: TrailSport adds protective body cladding, unique grille accents, and rugged cues; Touring offers a more refined, premium appearance with smoother trim touches.


• Wheels and tires: TrailSport uses rugged all-terrain tires paired with specialized wheels; Touring uses larger wheels with street-oriented tires for a smoother ride.


• Interior materials and seating: TrailSport uses durable, trail-oriented materials with sport-inspired accents; Touring features premium leather, refined stitching, and comfort-focused seating.


• Technology and features: Both trims include Honda Sensing, but Touring typically adds more premium infotainment (larger screen/nav options and enhanced audio) and convenience tech; TrailSport emphasizes off-road display controls and practical, rugged interfaces.


• Pricing and positioning: TrailSport is typically positioned as the more affordable, adventure-ready option; Touring commands a higher price tag due to luxury and tech upgrades.

In short, choose TrailSport for capability and outdoor versatility; choose Touring for luxury, comfort, and top-tier tech.

Interior and technology: what you get inside

Inside the cabin, the two trims tailor the experience to different buyers. This section outlines the general differences you can expect for the 2024 Pilot, noting that exact configurations may vary by market and options.

• TrailSport interior: rugged textures, darker accent colors, and durable seating surfaces designed to withstand active use; emphasis on easy-clean materials and practical controls.


• Touring interior: premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, and often a more luxurious ambiance with enhanced comfort features and sound insulation; larger infotainment options and upscale audio are common.


• Infotainment and navigation: Touring typically offers a larger screen with integrated navigation and advanced audio options; TrailSport provides user-friendly multimedia controls with off-road-centric menus and straightforward connectivity.


• Comfort features: Touring prioritizes warmth and climate control comfort (e.g., heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate), while TrailSport focuses on durability with comfort features balanced against rugged use.

As with exterior and performance items, availability of specific interior items can vary by region and individual build. Always check the exact specifications for your market and trim level.

Performance, ride dynamics, and capability

Powertrain and driving dynamics are core points of comparison. Honda generally equips both TrailSport and Touring with the same core V6 powertrain, but the tuning and available driving aids differ to support each trim’s mission.

Powertrain and drive systems

Both trims share the Pilot’s core engine and transmission pairing, with all-wheel-drive configurations commonly offered. The TrailSport version typically includes off-road-oriented drive modes and a suspension setup tuned for tougher terrain, while the Touring emphasizes on-road refinement with a smoother ride and noise dampening.

• Drivetrain: Both trims are commonly available with all-wheel drive, with TrailSport emphasizing enhanced traction for variable surfaces.


• Drive modes and handling: TrailSport often includes terrain-focused modes (e.g., Snow, Mud, Sand) to optimize grip in challenging conditions; Touring centers on comfort-oriented driving with standard stability and traction controls.


• Suspension and ride: TrailSport features suspension tuning and underbody protection aimed at durability and capability off pavement; Touring prioritizes a refined, quieter ride with focus on everyday comfort.

In practice, the TrailSport and Touring deliver a similar total power output, but the driving experience differs based on tuning and the availability of off-road modes. Always verify the exact drive system configuration for your region and model year.

Bottom line and choosing between them

If your priority is capability in rough terrain, towing light loads off the beaten path, and a rugged aesthetic, the TrailSport is the more appropriate choice. If you want a premium interior, advanced technology, and a smoother, more luxurious daily driver, the Touring stands out as the better fit. Both trims share core safety features and the Honda reputation for reliability, but your selection should align with how you plan to use the vehicle most of the time.

Summary

The 2024 Honda Pilot Touring and TrailSport serve distinct purposes: Touring targets luxury and tech-forward comfort, while TrailSport emphasizes rugged, off-road capability and practical durability. Prospective buyers should weigh their driving habits, climate, and desired interior feel to determine which trim best matches their needs; always confirm the exact equipment list with a local dealer, as options can vary by market and year.

What is the best trim for the Honda Pilot 2024?

Which 2024 Pilot trim does Edmunds recommend? We think the EX-L is the right trim level for most buyers. It's not much more expensive than the base Sport trim but nets a lot of useful features that include wireless smartphone integration, a 9-inch touchscreen, leather-trimmed seating and a power liftgate.

Which Honda Pilot to stay away from?

Honda Pilot years to avoid include 2003, 2005, 2016, and 2017 due to major transmission, engine, and electrical issues. Other problematic years include 2004 and 2011, and the 2016-2020 models were also investigated for problems with the engine's stop-start system. It's also wise to be cautious of 2008-2014 models, which may have engine ring problems. 
This video explains which years of Honda Pilot to avoid and which are the best to buy: 52sCar ComfyYouTube · Sep 26, 2025
Specific years to avoid and their common problems:

• 2003, 2005: Primarily plagued by transmission problems, including torque converter failure. 
• 2004, 2011: Both have been cited as problematic years. 
• 2016: Had a high number of complaints and was the first year of a new generation, leading to multiple issues including transmission problems, engine issues, electrical malfunctions, and problems with the stop-start system. 
• 2017: Faced issues such as transmission and electrical problems. 
• 2016-2019: These years, particularly the 2016, had numerous owner complaints and official recalls, including issues with electrical systems, navigation, and the stop-start system. 
• 2008-2014: Certain models from these years can have problems with the V6 engine, specifically with piston rings. 
• 2025: While newer, some 2025 models have been recalled for issues with the third-row seat belt assembly. 
• 2023-2024: Also have a recall for potential fuel leaks from the fuel filler neck tube. 

What to consider before buying

• Used models: If buying used, look for meticulous service records, especially for oil changes and transmission services. 
• Recalls: Always check for open recalls on any model year you are considering. 
• Repairs: Some years had issues that were addressed through recalls, while others may require more extensive or costly repairs if problems have occurred. 
• Warranty: Consider purchasing a used model with a warranty or buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle with an extended Honda warranty. 

What is different about the Honda Pilot TrailSport?

The main difference is that the Honda Pilot Sport is a family-friendly SUV for on-road use, while the TrailSport is the off-road-focused version. The TrailSport has an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance, and features like steel skid plates and the TrailWatch camera system, while the Sport has all-season tires and is designed for daily driving. 
This video explains the differences between the two trims: 59sHawkeye RidesYouTube · Jul 24, 2024
Honda Pilot Sport

• Intended Use: On-road, family-friendly daily driving.
• Engine: Standard 3.5L V6 with 285 horsepower.
• Drivetrain: Standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
• Wheels: 20-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.
• Features: Heated front seats and tri-zone automatic climate control. 

Honda Pilot TrailSport

• Intended Use: Off-road adventures and rugged terrain. 
• Engine: Standard 3.5L V6 with 285 horsepower, tuned for off-road performance. 
• Drivetrain: Standard all-wheel drive with a trail-tuned system. 
• Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. 
• Features: Off-road-tuned suspension, higher ground clearance, steel skid plates, LED fog lights, the TrailWatch multi-view camera system, and a hands-free power tailgate. 

This video shows the TrailSport's off-road capabilities: 59sEdmunds CarsYouTube · Oct 3, 2025

Feature	Honda Pilot Sport	Honda Pilot TrailSport
Suspension	Standard	Off-road-tuned
Tires	All-season	All-terrain
Ground Clearance	Standard	Increased
Camera System	No special off-road cameras	TrailWatch multi-view camera system
Skid Plates	No	Yes
Wheels	20-inch alloys	18-inch alloys

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What is the difference between touring and TrailSport?

The main difference is that TrailSport is an off-road-focused trim with features like all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, and skid plates, while Touring is a luxury-focused trim with premium amenities like a premium sound system, navigation, and advanced comfort features. Both often share a similar powertrain but cater to different driving priorities. 
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between TrailSport and Touring features: 1mGermain Honda of BeavercreekYouTube · Jun 18, 2024
TrailSport (Off-road focused)

• Performance: Features an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates for protection on rough terrain. 
• Technology: Includes the TrailWatch camera system, which provides a live view of the surrounding terrain on the touchscreen. 
• Interior: May feature unique accents like orange stitching on the upholstery and all-weather floor mats. 
• Exterior: Often has distinct styling cues like a unique grille, front and rear bumpers, and orange or black accents. 

Touring (Luxury focused)

• Performance: Typically uses all-season tires on larger wheels, prioritizing a smooth on-road ride. 
• Technology: Features premium amenities such as a built-in navigation system, a premium Bose audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. 
• Comfort: Comes with luxury features like ventilated front seats, a hands-free power tailgate, and advanced ambient lighting. 
• Interior: Includes high-end touches like a leather-trimmed interior and a premium sound system.