carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $38,324–$44,334 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2023 Honda Pilot Base at 8.0/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.8/10, while Performance at 7.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.4/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.8/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.4/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $38,324–$44,334, 22 MPG, seating 7, the Honda Pilot Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.9/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Honda Pilot Base is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Honda Pilot Base ranks #180 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 93% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $38,324 starting price is about 6% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Honda Pilot Base scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 8.0 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.2/10 | $40,695 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $39,510 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $38,324 | |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $37,139 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $35,954 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.8/10 | $34,768 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.9/10 | $33,583 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.8/10 | $32,398 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.8/10 | $31,212 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.7/10 | $30,027 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.7/10 | $28,842 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.