What Is the 2025 Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV with three rows and space for up to eight people when equipped with a second-row bench seat. Dual second-row captain’s chairs are available, making for a seating capacity of seven. The lone engine is a 285-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The TrailSport trim is aimed at shoppers who like to venture off-road — or at least look the part. It features all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, a full-size spare tire and a retuned suspension that lifts ride height an inch. A complete redesign for the 2023 model year made the Pilot look more like a truck and less like a high-riding minivan. Rivals include the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander and Volkswagen Atlas.
What’s New on the 2025 Honda Pilot?
A Black Edition trim returns to the Pilot lineup for 2025; the original range-topping blackout-trim version went on hiatus with the Pilot’s 2023 redesign. The Black Edition rides on 20-inch black wheels and features numerous black exterior accents, including the grille trim, mirror housings, front-end ducting and window trim. Inside, the Black Edition gets deep-red-tinted perforated leather seats, red accent lighting, and red accent stitching on the steering wheel and door panels.
What Features in the 2025 Honda Pilot Are Most Important?
Standard features include:
- 7-inch touchscreen
- 7-inch digital instrument display
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hot spot
- Four USB ports
- Seven-speaker stereo system
- Cloth upholstery
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Push-button start
- Remote keyless entry
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear-seat reminder
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane departure steering assist
- Lane departure warning
Available features include:
- 9-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10.2-inch digital instrument display
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Satellite radio
- Wireless device charging
- Navigation
- Leather seating
- 20-inch wheels
- Panoramic moonroof
- Power liftgate
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind spot warning
Should I Buy the 2025 Honda Pilot?
After its redesign for 2023, the Honda Pilot is once again a compelling choice among three-row mid-size SUVs. Its blockier styling and the TrailSport version’s all-terrain capability give it more of a rugged appeal, which was lacking in the previous-generation model. The infotainment system is generally easy to use, and it can be upgraded with features like a larger touchscreen, more USB ports and wireless smartphone connectivity. Even its step-up 9-inch touchscreen, though, is small compared with some class rivals. The third row is simple to access, but it’s cramped for anyone but kids. Thankfully, the second row slides fore and aft, so there’s some wiggle room (pun intended) when hauling a full complement of passengers. Towing capacity is competitive if not class-leading, and cargo volume is more than a match for the Pilot’s many competitors. It’s not the best in any one key area, but the 2025 Pilot is a solid pick among three-row SUVs.
