By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-17
The Honda Pilot TrailSport is Honda's most off-road-capable SUV — a crossover built specifically for light trail use with Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, terrain management modes, underbody protection, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. It ships with off-road-specific tires from the factory, which is unusual in the crossover segment. This guide covers what Honda chose for the TrailSport, why, and the best replacement and upgrade options.
OEM Tires on the Honda Pilot TrailSport
The Honda Pilot TrailSport ships with Continental TerrainContact A/T in 265/60R18 — a true all-terrain tire rather than the all-season highway tires on standard Pilot trims. This is a deliberate choice: Honda wanted the TrailSport to have genuine light trail capability, not just the visual appearance of an off-road SUV.
The Continental TerrainContact A/T is a well-regarded all-terrain that outperforms standard all-seasons in gravel, dirt, light mud, and wet roots. It is quieter on the highway than aggressive M/T tires and maintains reasonable on-road manners — appropriate for a family crossover that will spend most of its life on pavement.
The 265/60R18 size is a standard crossover fitment with good aftermarket availability. Unlike the unusual performance sizes on sports cars, TrailSport owners have many competitive replacement options.
Best Replacement Tires for the TrailSport
Staying with Continental: the TerrainContact A/T is a strong choice for a like-for-like replacement. If Honda spec'd it from the factory, it is a well-validated fit for the platform. Continental also offers the CrossContact LX25 as a more comfort-oriented option for owners who want less off-road capability but more highway quiet.
BF Goodrich KO2 in 265/60R18: the upgrade for TrailSport owners who want more off-road capability than the OEM TerrainContact A/T. The KO2 has more aggressive tread blocks, better sidewall protection, and 3PMSF winter rating. It is louder on the highway but noticeably more capable on trails.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W in 265/60R18: the value-priced alternative to the KO2 that delivers comparable off-road performance. Strong 3PMSF winter rating, good sidewall protection, and significantly more affordable than the KO2. The Wildpeak AT3W is one of the best overall value all-terrain options available.
For standard highway and light off-road use only: the Michelin CrossClimate 2 in 265/60R18 is an all-weather option (3PMSF rated) that prioritizes all-season grip and rain performance over trail capability. A good choice if most driving is on pavement with only occasional gravel.
Frequently asked
What tires does the Honda Pilot TrailSport come with?
The Pilot TrailSport ships with Continental TerrainContact A/T tires in 265/60R18 — a proper all-terrain compound, not a standard all-season. This differentiates the TrailSport from standard Pilot trims, which use all-season highway tires.
Do Honda Pilot TrailSport tires need to be all-terrain?
Not technically — standard all-season tires in the correct size will fit and work. But the TrailSport suspension and drivetrain was specifically tuned for off-road use, and the all-terrain tires make the most of that capability. Replacing with highway-biased all-season tires removes a meaningful part of what makes the TrailSport different.
What is the best all-terrain tire upgrade for the Pilot TrailSport?
The BF Goodrich KO2 in 265/60R18 is the most popular TrailSport upgrade for owners who want more trail capability than the OEM Continental provides. The Falken Wildpeak AT3W is the value-priced alternative with similar off-road capability and strong 3PMSF winter rating.
Can I rotate Honda Pilot TrailSport tires?
Yes. The TrailSport uses the same size on all four corners (265/60R18), enabling full front-to-rear rotation. Honda recommends rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. With all-terrain tires that have faster wear rates than all-season highway tires, disciplined rotation is especially important for maximizing tread life.
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Last updated 2026-07-17. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.