2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport is Colorado proud

I enjoyed test driving the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport SUV this week. It was sporting a powerful 285 hp 3.5L/V6 engine linked to a tenspeed transmission. No need for a turbo boost, it wasn’t needed.

The all-wheel drive had multiple modes; normal, eco, sport, and off- road selections of tow, trail, and sand. To accommodate the many driving selections the TrailSport had 18” alloy wheels and “rugged” terrain tires.

The appearance was spartan with a gray shaded “Diffusion Sky” paint, similar to the grayish rain cloud that we’ve had this month.

The panoramic roof showed the raindrops falling, but fortunately no large hail stones. A rare feature was a heated windshield and heated outside mirrors with turn indicators.

The interior is spacious, the Pilot is a larger SUV with captain seats in front and second row, with fold down third row seating, capable of extending the large trunk capacity.

School invites young artists to a summer of creative discoveries. Three hour morning and afternoon sessions at 2290 South Clayton St. in the University Park neighborhood. Info: visit www.artcreates. org

VETERANS STAND DOWN

JUNE 30, at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed to help staff the event. Visit arapahoegov.com/ volunteer for details.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIR

JULY 27-30. Be a volunteer! Visit arapahoegov.com/volunteer for details.

DENVER LYRIC OPERA GUILD

DLOG SUMMER PARTY

AUGUST 12. A French-themed Luncheon at Columbine Country Club. Tickets available at the DLOG website in mid-June.

SAVE THE DATE!

TAPS: TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS

WESTERN-THEMED GALA

SEPT. 9 at Wings Over the Rockies. Founders, Lynne and Bo Cottrell, in 2005 will be honored. The Cottrell’s will be stepping down as directors of the event. The event raises funds for military survivors. Featuring country legend Pam Tillis and singer/songwriter Gary Morris. Also a special performance by Frank Moscato, an American Idol Gold Ticket winner. INFO: visit TAPS.org/Colorado

WHAT’S NEW?

Denver Nuggets Center, Nikola Jokic (15) of Cherry Hills Village picks up the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award after a 94-89 win over the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 12, 2023 in Denver.

By H. Throttle

The drive was the best part of the Pilot with the powerful engine, smooth versatile transmission, firm suspension, and comfortable bucket seats.

The Pilot has not been safety rated but is loaded with the latest safety features, including the newer lane keeping assist and lane departure mitigation, both designed to keep the Pilot in the proper lane while fumbling with the center console applications.

Loaded with the latest navigation and communication features, that including smart phone charger, a very flexible 9” color screen, and a selection of camera view selections. I’ve become very fond of the rear cross traffic alerts with people racing out of grocery store parking lots.

The Pilot is loaded with many special features and options with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $48,350 that includes all the options except the “Diffusion Sky” paint adding $455 to the price.

The Pilot has been around for a long time, a best seller and especially practical here in the Rocky Mountains. It is rugged, built for offroad and winter conditions. Fuel economy is overall 20 mpg that falls short of the new hybrid SUVs.

Made in the USA by Honda, with the final assembly in Lincoln, Alabama with both engine and transmission made in the United States.

Honda is making some exciting sedans and SUVs and the Pilot is a very solid, well built, versatile SUV made for Colorado country.