The previous-generation Honda Pilot vastly exceeded expectations in its baggage check. The specs stated there was solely 16.5 cubic-feet, which might make it one of many smallest within the phase, however in apply, the final Pilot turned out to be far nearer to class leaders that had been within the 18-21 cubic-foot vary. How? The massive motive was the usable underfloor storage space that I now strongly suspect Honda was not together with in its official measurement.
That is as a result of Honda is now indicating measurements with and with out that further cupboard space for the all-new 2023 Honda Pilot. There may be 18.6 cubic-feet with the ground in place, which does imply the brand new one must be even larger, and both 21.8 or 22.4 cubic-feet when the underfloor house is utilized. Most Pilots have the larger quantity, however this could be the TrailSport, which signifies that its full-size, all-terrain spare tire chews into that underfloor house. That is sufficient that the Pilot’s novel detachable second-row center seat can not match inside that underfloor cupboard space. Not coincidentally, that center seat just isn’t out there on the TrailSport, which is seven-passenger solely.
I’ll solely be testing the TrailSport right this moment, which implies that is the worst-possible situation for a 2023 Pilot. Seems that is nonetheless a reasonably nice situation. Just one three-row household crossover can maintain extra stuff behind its raised third row.
This is the house in query with the 2 flooring heights. The ground itself neatly slides down into the cupboard space itself. It’s a must to take away it utterly from the Telluride and Palisade, or depart it flipped up within the Subaru Ascent (baggage check coming quickly).
There’s additionally Choice C, which is flip the ground over to disclose a textured plastic end properly suited to carrying soiled objects. You possibly can drop this down into the underfloor, too, which makes it well-suited for hauling potted crops, for instance. You possibly can hold them in place, then simply wash the ground piece afterward. Intelligent.
This isn’t the potted plant check, although.
As a result of the underfloor space is so simply accessed and you may hold the ground within the automotive, I did not trouble testing with the ground at its highest place. That is actually solely to attain a completely flat flooring when the third row is lowered, and this check is barely about house behind the third row.
As with each baggage check, I exploit two midsize curler suitcases that may have to be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 extensive, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
Up to now, so wonderful. These is the smallest curler bag and one of many medium-sized baggage on their stomach inside the underfloor space. That is nearly like enjoying with home cash in a baggage check.
Whatya know, all the baggage match behind the raised third row except for the flowery bag. And you understand what?
That may go proper right here if you really want it.
Now, I’ll say it was a good match and the tailgate barely match across the them, but it surely nonetheless did so with out touching the baggage.
Additionally, above proper you’ll be able to see what it is like if I eliminated the ground panel utterly. The hole to the window improved by an inch.
This is the view out the again, so we’re A-OK right here.
In brief, the Honda Pilot gives the second-most helpful cargo space behind its third-row amongst crossovers I’ve examined. Solely the Kia Telluride was higher (pictured beneath), however solely simply. It will possibly maintain the identical baggage, once more minus the flowery bag, however there is a first rate quantity of additional house left over. As a reminder, although, you’d have to depart the ground at house to attain that within the Telluride.
Now, is there something higher than the Telluride behind the third row? Sure. There’s the regular-length Jeep Wagoneer, plus each extended-length full-size SUV and each minivan.
That is it by way of my testing, however there’s one thing(s) notable I’ve by no means examined: the Chevy Traverse/Buick Enclave twins. Zac Palmer did and located it might maintain greater than the Telluride, however he used totally different baggage and did not reap the benefits of underfloor storage areas. As such, I can not embody them at the moment on the official baggage check chief board. Which I ought to completely have, by the best way. Magnetic, in my workplace, just like the outdated High Gear lap time board.
Any means, again to the Pilot. Good on Honda. Not solely does the 2023 Pilot have seats for seven or eight folks, it ought to have room for all their stuff so long as they do not go loopy. And in the event that they do …
… The TrailSport has actual roof rails you’ll be able to simply pop cross bars onto (and due to this fact a cargo field) in addition to a correct hitch for bikes or perhaps a Yakima EXO cargo system.