The 2025 Honda Pilot emerges as a compelling choice in the competitive mid-size SUV segment, especially for families and individuals seeking a versatile, spacious, and reliable three-row SUV. With thoughtful updates, a strong safety suite, and a focus on comfort and practicality, the 2025 Pilot stands out as a top contender among its peers.
For prospective automotive buyers currently navigating the often complex decision-making process within the crowded SUV segment, this blog post serves as an insightful guide.
We aim to provide a thorough analysis of why the 2025 Honda Pilot warrants serious consideration, meticulously highlighting the fundamental strengths that underpin its value proposition, scrutinizing the innovations that contribute to its unique character, and ultimately demonstrating its practical and tangible appeal in everyday driving scenarios.
Why the 2025 Honda Pilot Deserves Your Attention
The 2025 Honda Pilot deserves your attention for several compelling reasons, especially if you are in the market for a mid-size SUV that balances spaciousness, comfort, safety, and reliability. Here’s a detailed look at why this model stands out:
Spacious and Family-Friendly Interior
The 2025 Honda Pilot offers best-in-class passenger space, comfortably seating up to eight people or seven with the available second-row captain’s chairs. This flexibility makes it ideal for families, carpools, or anyone needing to transport multiple passengers regularly.
The second-row seats feature easy-release buttons that even children can operate, facilitating quick access to the third row. While the third row isn’t the most spacious in the segment, it provides reasonable comfort for adults, enhanced by tri-zone climate control and vents for all three rows, ensuring a pleasant environment for every passenger.
The cabin is also well insulated, providing a quiet ride free from excessive road noise. Cargo versatility is another strong suit. With 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 87.0 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down, the 2025 Honda Pilot offers ample room for luggage, groceries, sports gear, or camping equipment.
Additionally, a hidden storage compartment beneath the cargo floor adds security for valuables. The interior includes numerous storage cubbies, large door pockets, and cupholders designed to hold large bottles, enhancing everyday usability for families on the go.
Smooth and Comfortable Ride
Unlike some rivals that emphasize sporty handling, the 2025 Pilot prioritizes a smooth, comfortable ride. Its suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections effectively, making it an excellent choice for long road trips or daily commutes.
The steering is light and responsive, contributing to easy maneuverability in urban environments. On highways, the 2025 Honda Pilot maintains a relaxed, composed ride that minimizes driver fatigue. For those seeking some off-road capability, the TrailSport trim adds extra ground clearance and an advanced all-wheel-drive system with Trail Torque Logic and selectable drive modes tailored for trail and sand conditions.
This makes the 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport a versatile option for adventurous families who want to explore beyond paved roads without sacrificing comfort or passenger space.
Powerful and Efficient Powertrain
The 2025 Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers strong acceleration and refined performance while maintaining competitive fuel efficiency for the class.
Front-wheel-drive models achieve an EPA rating of approximately 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, with all-wheel-drive versions slightly lower but still respectable. The 2025 Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is useful for hauling trailers, boats, or campers, adding to its family-friendly practicality.
Comprehensive Safety Features
Safety is a cornerstone of the 2025 Honda Pilot’s appeal. Every model comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Automatic High Beams
- Rear Seat Passenger Reminder
Additionally, the 2025 Honda Pilot includes Traffic Jam Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to reduce driver fatigue in heavy, stop-and-go traffic. Higher trims add parking sensors and extra airbags for enhanced occupant protection.
The 2023 Pilot, mechanically identical to the 2025 model, earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ award, underscoring its strong safety credentials.
Trim Levels and Features Tailored to Your Needs
The 2025 Honda Pilot offers six trims to suit a variety of preferences and budgets:
- Sport: The new entry-level trim after the LX was discontinued, featuring essential equipment and a sporty appearance.
- EX-L: Recommended for most buyers, it adds leather-trimmed seats, a larger 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and parking sensors.
- Touring: Includes luxury touches like Bose premium audio and ventilated front seats.
- TrailSport: Designed for off-road adventures with rugged styling, extra ground clearance, and advanced AWD features.
- Elite: The top-tier luxury trim with a panoramic moonroof and advanced comfort amenities.
- Black Edition: A new range-topping trim featuring exclusive blacked-out exterior accents, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and red-accented interior lighting for a bold look.
This wide range allows buyers to select a Pilot that fits their lifestyle, whether they prioritize rugged capability, luxury, or value.
Technology and Connectivity
The 2025 Honda Pilot is equipped with a user-friendly 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supporting wireless smartphone integration for seamless access to navigation, music, and calls. Higher trims offer premium audio systems that enhance the in-cabin entertainment experience.
Driver assistance technologies are well integrated, although some reviewers note that adaptive cruise control could be more responsive in heavy traffic. Nonetheless, features like lane-keeping assist function reliably, helping reduce driver stress on long journeys.
Value and Reliability
Honda’s longstanding reputation for reliability strongly supports the Pilot’s appeal. The 2025 model continues this tradition with durable materials, a solid build, and strong resale value. While some competitors may offer more features for the price or longer warranties, the 2025 Honda Pilot’s combination of comfort, safety, and proven engineering makes it a smart investment for families and individuals who prioritize practicality and longevity.
In summary, the 2025 Honda Pilot stands out in the mid-size SUV segment by offering a spacious, comfortable, and safe vehicle tailored to family needs and versatile lifestyles. Its smooth ride, powerful yet efficient V6 engine, comprehensive safety suite, and thoughtfully designed interior make it a practical and reliable choice.
The addition of the TrailSport and Black Edition trims further broadens its appeal to adventurous and style-conscious buyers alike. For those seeking a balanced, dependable SUV, the 2025 Pilot is a top contender worth serious consideration.
Real-World Experiences and Expert Opinions
Experts and real-world drivers generally praise the 2025 Honda Pilot for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and strong safety features, making it a well-rounded choice in the mid-size SUV segment.
Edmunds highlights the Pilot’s ease of access to the third row and abundant storage options, awarding it high marks for comfort and interior usability. The second-row seats can be released by buttons that even children can operate, and the cabin offers generous legroom and thoughtful storage cubbies, making it family-friendly.
Autoweb notes the 2025 Honda Pilot’s smooth acceleration and refined 3.5-liter V6 powertrain, emphasizing that it is better suited for family travel than sporty driving.
The suspension delivers a compliant ride, though some reviewers describe it as slightly soft or trucklike, with more body lean in corners than expected. The TrailSport trim adds off-road capability with extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires, appealing to adventurous families.
However, some consumers have reported minor issues with the 2025 Honda Pilot. Common complaints include water leaks in certain Black Edition models, increased tire noise compared to previous generations, and infotainment glitches such as unreliable wireless phone connectivity and occasional blank screens.
Some owners also mention the 10-speed automatic transmission’s slow downshifts at low speeds and the intrusive white noise feature in the cabin, which can be uncomfortable for those sensitive to sound. Despite these drawbacks, the 2025 Honda Pilot earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award, reinforcing its strong safety credentials.
It offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features standard across trims, including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring. These technologies contribute to a safer driving experience and reduce fatigue during long trips.
In summary, expert reviews and owner feedback portray the 2025 Honda Pilot as a sensible, pragmatic family SUV that excels in comfort, space, and safety. While it may lack the flashiness or sporty edge of some rivals, its balanced capabilities and thoughtful design make it a dependable choice for buyers prioritizing practicality and reliability.
Comparison at a Glance: 2025 Honda Pilot vs. Competitors
Here is a concise comparison at a glance of the 2025 Honda Pilot against key competitors in the mid-size three-row SUV segment, based on recent expert reviews and data:
| Feature | 2025 Honda Pilot | Kia Telluride | Mazda CX-90 | Ford Explorer |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Up to 7 | Up to 7 |
| Cargo Space (cu. ft.) | 18.6 (behind 3rd row), 87.0 total | 21.0 (behind 3rd row), 87.0 total | ~12.4 (behind 3rd row), 75 total | 18.2 (behind 3rd row) |
| Engine Power | 285 hp V6 | 291 hp V6 | Up to 355 hp turbocharged | 300 hp V6 |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,600 lbs |
| AWD Availability | Yes (standard on some trims) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Safety Ratings | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
| Starting Price (approx.) | $38,000 | $37,000 | $39,000+ | $37,000 |
| Notable Strength | Spacious interior, smooth ride | Feature-rich, strong warranty | Premium styling, sporty handling | Strong towing, refreshed interior |
Key Insights:
- Passenger and Cargo Space: The Pilot excels in passenger room and cargo versatility, comfortably seating up to eight with flexible second-row configurations. Its cargo capacity rivals the Telluride’s and surpasses the Mazda CX-90 and Explorer, making it highly practical for families and large groups.
- Performance and Towing: The Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 delivers solid 285 hp and 5,000 lbs towing capacity, matching the Telluride and Mazda CX-90, while the Explorer offers slightly higher towing at 5,600 lbs. The Mazda CX-90 stands out with turbocharged engines offering up to 355 hp, appealing to buyers seeking sportier performance.
- Safety and Technology: All four SUVs are rated IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with the Pilot featuring the Honda Sensing suite standard across trims. The Telluride is known for its comprehensive warranty, while the Mazda CX-90 offers more premium technology and upscale interior materials.
- Pricing and Value: The Pilot’s starting price is competitive, slightly above the Telluride but generally lower than the Mazda CX-90’s premium pricing. The Pilot’s interior is functional and durable, though less luxurious than the Telluride or CX-90. The Explorer’s recent refresh improves its materials and tech, but it still trails in third-row space.
The 2025 Honda Pilot is a balanced, family-oriented SUV that shines with spacious seating, a smooth and comfortable ride, and strong safety features. While the Kia Telluride offers a more upscale interior and longer warranty, and the Mazda CX-90 delivers premium styling and performance, the Pilot’s practicality and reliability make it a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing space, comfort, and value.
The Ford Explorer remains a solid option with strong towing capacity but lags somewhat in passenger space and interior refinement compared to the Pilot and Telluride.
FAQs
What makes the 2025 Honda Pilot a good choice for families?
The 2025 Honda Pilot is designed with families in mind, offering spacious seating for up to eight passengers across three rows. It features tri-zone climate control to keep everyone comfortable, a large cargo area with up to 87 cubic feet of storage when seats are folded, and a suite of advanced safety technologies standard on all trims.
These include collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, providing peace of mind on every trip. The 2025 Honda Pilot’s smooth ride and user-friendly infotainment system also enhance the overall family driving experience.
How does the Pilot perform in terms of fuel economy?
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the 2025 Pilot delivers competitive fuel efficiency for its class. Front-wheel-drive models achieve an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while all-wheel-drive versions have slightly lower ratings but remain respectable. This balance of power and efficiency makes the Pilot suitable for both city driving and longer highway journeys.
Is the 2025 Honda Pilot suitable for off-road adventures?
Especially the TrailSport trim, which is specifically engineered for light off-road use. It features extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and an advanced Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4™) all-wheel-drive system with Trail Torque Logic.
The 2025 Honda Pilot also offers selectable drive modes, including trail and sand modes, that optimize traction and stability on challenging surfaces. These capabilities make the Pilot TrailSport a versatile SUV for families who enjoy outdoor adventures beyond paved roads.
What safety features come standard on the 2025 Pilot?
All 2025 Honda Pilot models come equipped with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. Key features include:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Monitor
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Automatic High Beams
- Rear Seat Reminder
Additionally, the Pilot offers Traffic Jam Assist to reduce driver fatigue during stop-and-go traffic. Higher trims add parking sensors and additional airbags, contributing to the Pilot’s Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.
How does the 2025 Pilot compare in price and features to competitors?
The 2025 Honda Pilot starts at approximately $38,000 to $40,000 for the Sport trim, with higher trims like the Black Edition reaching over $54,000. This pricing places it competitively against rivals like the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, and Mazda CX-90.
While some competitors may offer more luxury features or longer warranties, the Pilot excels in passenger space, safety, and reliability, making it a strong value proposition for buyers prioritizing practicality and comfort. Its well-rounded feature set, including advanced safety technology and off-road capable trims, offers versatility that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
In Conclusion
The 2025 Honda Pilot firmly establishes itself as a standout choice in the mid-size SUV segment, particularly for families and individuals seeking a spacious, comfortable, and safe vehicle with versatile passenger and cargo capacity.
Powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a refined 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot delivers smooth acceleration and confident highway cruising, outperforming many rivals in towing capacity and power.
Its interior is thoughtfully designed to accommodate up to eight passengers with flexible seating configurations, generous legroom, and an abundance of storage solutions, making it ideal for daily school runs, road trips, and hauling gear.
The Pilot’s smooth ride quality and quiet cabin enhance comfort on long journeys, while the TrailSport trim adds off-road capability with increased ground clearance and rugged features, broadening its appeal to adventurous buyers.
Safety is a cornerstone of the Pilot’s value proposition. The comprehensive Honda Sensing® suite comes standard on all trims, including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
These features contribute to the Pilot’s Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ rating, underscoring its commitment to occupant protection and driver assistance. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade, the Pilot offers a competitive starting price and excels in passenger space, cargo versatility, and ride comfort.
While the Highlander may offer better fuel economy, especially with its hybrid variants, and the Telluride boasts a more upscale interior, the Pilot’s balanced blend of power, safety, and practicality makes it a compelling option for buyers who prioritize reliability and everyday usability.
In summary, the 2025 Honda Pilot is a dependable, well-rounded SUV that meets the diverse needs of modern families and active lifestyles. Its combination of spaciousness, safety, refined performance, and thoughtful features makes it a smart choice for those seeking a versatile and trustworthy mid-size SUV.
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