The completely redesigned 2023 Honda Pilot outperformed its predecessor in a variety of ways, including a nicer interior, more attractive exterior, more off-road capability, and enhanced on-road driving dynamics. It turns out that safety has also improved. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave its top honor, the Top Safety Pick+, to the three-row SUV.
The Pilot has received no level of Top Safety Pick from the IIHS since the 2019 model year, let alone the Pick+ designation. The main improvements were in headlight performance, pedestrian automated emergency braking, and passenger small overlap crash testing.
All the high-scoring automated emergency braking technology, as well as the well-scored headlights, are standard on all Pilots. The Pilot excelled in practically every overlap test, as well as the challenging revised side crash test. Seat belt reminders and the usage of LATCH child seat anchors also received a top Good rating.
Still, it’s a solid showing for the new Pilot, and considering how few three-row SUVs achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating, it’s a significant one for Honda. Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, and Toyota Highlander are among the award’s competitors. The Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-9 are close behind with only the standard Top Safety Pick designation.
