2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport Baggage Check: How a lot area behind the third row?

The previous-generation Honda Pilot drastically exceeded expectations in its baggage check. The specs mentioned there was solely 16.5 cubic-feet, which might make it one of many smallest within the phase, however in follow, the final Pilot turned out to be far nearer to class leaders that have 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’s 18.6 cubic-feet with the ground in place, which does imply the brand new one must be even greater, and both 21.8 or 22.4 cubic-feet when the underfloor area is utilized. Most Pilots have the larger quantity, however this is able to be the TrailSport, which signifies that its full-size, all-terrain spare tire chews into that underfloor area. That is sufficient that the Pilot’s novel detachable second-row center seat can’t match inside that underfloor cupboard space. Not coincidentally, that center seat will not be accessible 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 state of affairs for a 2023 Pilot. Seems that is nonetheless a fairly nice state of affairs. Just one three-row household crossover can maintain extra stuff behind its raised third row. 

Here is the area in query with the 2 ground heights. The ground itself neatly slides down into the cupboard space itself. It’s important to take away it utterly from the Telluride and Palisade, or go away 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 vegetation, 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 automobile, I did not trouble testing with the ground at its highest place. That is actually solely to attain a totally flat ground when the third row is lowered, and this check is just about area behind the third row. 

As with each baggage check, I exploit two midsize curler suitcases that might must 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). 

To date, so wonderful. These is the smallest curler bag and one of many medium-sized luggage on their stomach inside the underfloor space. That is nearly like enjoying with home cash in a baggage check.

Whatya know, all the luggage match behind the raised third row apart from the flowery bag. And you already know what?

That may go proper right here if you actually need it.

Now, I’ll say it was a decent match and the tailgate barely match across the them, however it nonetheless did so with out touching the luggage. 

Additionally, above proper you may see what it is like if I eliminated the ground panel utterly. The hole to the window improved by an inch. 

Here is the view out the again, so we’re A-OK right here.

In brief, the Honda Pilot provides 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 could maintain the identical luggage, once more minus the flowery bag, however there is a respectable quantity of additional area left over. As a reminder, although, you’d have to depart the ground at residence 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 when it comes to 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 may maintain greater than the Telluride, however he used completely different luggage and did not make the most of underfloor storage areas. As such, I am unable to embody them right now on the official baggage check chief board. Which I ought to completely have, by the way in which. Magnetic, in my workplace, just like the outdated Prime Gear lap time board. 

Any approach, 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 may simply pop cross bars onto (and subsequently a cargo field) in addition to a correct hitch for bikes or possibly a Yakima EXO cargo system.