2025 Honda Pilot

Safe, refined, roomy, reliable, and capable, the Honda Pilot 3-row SUV makes ideal transport for larger families. This generation debuted for 2023, so everything about it is still fresh, including the technology. This is the kind of vehicle Honda does so well, where it’s a solid performer in virtually every aspect. We have no hesitation recommending the Pilot.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize SUVs, including the Honda Pilot.

The erstwhile base LX trim has been discontinued this year, making Sport the most affordable new Pilot model. At the other end of the range, a new Black Edition version comes in, based on the Elite trim and enhanced with various cosmetic treatments.

The Pilot has a higher base price than many competitors, but its base model — now the Sport, with the discontinuation of the less desirable LX — is better equipped than many. Competitors include the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, and Volkswagen Atlas. Honda’s other 3-row troop transport, the Odyssey minivan, starts close to $40K.

Before buying a new Pilot midsize SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. That extra money paid up front could have advantages down the line — the Pilot has above-average resale values. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

A refined 3.5-liter V6 propels the Honda Pilot with a pleasantly muscular 285 horsepower. Progress is smooth and quiet, with ample punch to attain freeway speeds easily while still transporting a family and their gear. We’ve also found the standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping function to be accurate and responsive — among the best in this class, and great for long drives and stop/go traffic alike.

Around town, we like the compact turning circle (one of the tightest among midsize SUVs). It makes maneuvering easy, especially in tandem with the light-yet-precise steering and the ideal brake feel. The Pilot’s ride quality is also set up to provide comfort over bumpy city streets, while still retaining its composure on the freeway.

The TrailSport can tackle mildly challenging terrain. It has its own special suspension setup for greater axle articulation and wheel travel than a regular tarmac-spec Pilot, while riding an inch higher. This results in a comfortable ride even over rough surfaces.

Fuel Economy

The 2025 Honda Pilot tops out at 22 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, which is right in line with most competitors. The smaller Toyota Highlander Hybrid and larger Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid are the segment’s efficiency experts, each topping out at 36 mpg combined.

This is one of the roomiest interiors in the entire 3-row midsize SUV class. Most versions of the Pilot have seating for eight, although the optional second-row captain’s chairs available in the EX-L and TrailSport models brings that down to seven, while raising comfort levels for two lucky people.

The Pilot has 14 cup holders, eight of which can handle 32-ounce bottles. And the storage space in the center console can take an iPad or other type of tablet. Naturally, the top two trims have fine materials such as perforated leather seating surfaces, as well as plenty of tech. The TrailSport model is also well appointed, however. The new Black Edition adds contrasting red stitching around the cabin.

The front seats feel nicely shaped and supportive, definitely comfortable enough for long trips. Plentiful legroom in the second row measures 40.8 inches, which is a little more than the also-spacious Kia Telluride. We’ve found that kids can be absolute champs at finding reasons to gripe, but they can’t complain about 32.5 inches of legroom in the third row.

From a cargo space perspective, the Pilot has 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with rows two and three folded down. That’s definitely roomy, and similar to rivals.

We’re impressed with Honda’s current design approach. There’s a mixture of boldness and maturity in this generation of Pilot. And naturally, the overall shape makes for a highly practical and roomy midsize SUV. The TrailSport adds a little off-roading attitude with a raised ride height and special all-terrain tires. The new-for-2025 Pilot Black Edition, meanwhile, adds 20-inch alloy wheels and various exterior elements finished in Gloss Black.

Finger rest
The trouble with touchscreens is that you have to touch them. You could drive over a bump and suddenly end up with Beethoven when you wanted Beyoncé (or the other way around). The touchscreens in the Pilot (7-inch in the Sport, 9-inch in the rest of the range) are recessed into the dashboard by almost an inch, giving users a spot to secure their hands while making inputs.

Traffic Jam Assist
Operating at speeds below 45 mph, Traffic Jam Assist adds small steering movements to keep the Pilot in its lane. It’s a standard feature across the Pilot lineup, and we’ve found that it works well.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Only the Sport trim requires a cable; the rest of the Pilot range has wireless integration as standard. We just love the convenience.

Wireless phone charging
Fitted as standard in the upper trims. We think it’s great to see features like this making their way out of expensive vehicles and into more affordable rides.

Removable/storable seat
The Touring and Elite models have a removable center seat in the second row. The resulting gap makes access to the third row easier. The seat can then fit under the cargo space floor, in readiness for when the Pilot needs to be an 8-seater again. We lifted it and it’s not too heavy, about 35 pounds.

Walk Away Close
A powered tailgate is standard throughout, along with an automatic lock function. But the top three trims also have a Walk Away Close feature for their tailgates.

The Pilot 3-row midsize SUV employs a 3.5-liter V6, just like its predecessors. But this one makes more power than any Pilot has enjoyed before, while retaining the smoothness and refinement for which Honda’s V6 engines are renowned. Output is 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

A 10-speed automatic transmission feeds power to the front wheels in basic form — or to an all-wheel-drive system that’s standard in the TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition models, optional in the three lower trims. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds — enough for a trailer with an ATV or a couple of dirt bikes.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Honda’s new-vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These arrangements are usual for the class, although Hyundai and Kia have better terms. Honda also includes free scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

The Pilot has a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning — enhanced by camera and radar systems to detect pedestrians, cyclists, lane markings, curbs, and road signs.