2025 Honda Pilot

The cabin eschews the retro cues, but the simplicity works. While the base version gets a function-over-form 7.0-inch touchscreen, other trims get a 9.0-inch version as a statement piece, flanked by buttons and switches and complemented by a real lever for shifting duties. The high dash complements the expansive look and feel. The Black Edition goes bold with perforated leather upholstery and red accents throughout the cabin.

Honda’s AWD system is somewhat more complicated than rivals’ systems, sending up to 70% of available torque back to the rear axle, where it splits based on the rear wheels’ grip. The Pilot gets this system largely to support the TrailSport model’s off-road-ready claims, and that trim also gets all-terrain tires and hill descent control.

How fast is the Honda Pilot?

The Honda Pilot hasn’t gotten any faster over the years. Its V-6 engine, with 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, plus the 10-speed automatic transmission, is steadfast and steady. However, selectable drive modes, up to seven depending on trim, add interest to the driving dynamics by tweaking traction settings. The overall potency of the powertrain, particularly the 10-speed’s programming, is good enough for a point.

Paddle shifters on a V-6 crossover are generally of limited usefulness, but the Pilot’s drive modes enhance the experience by altering throttle response, steering weight, and shift timing. Sport mode amplifies the engine sounds, which does nothing for us, but Trail mode makes up for it, by feathering inputs at very low speed for smoother crawling. Off-road capability is only moderate, but a standard front skid plate and hitch add confidence.

The paddle shift controls might seem like overkill, but the drive modes make them more useful—while they also tailor the shift timing, throttle response, and steering weight. We could do without the Sport mode’s amplified engine sounds. But the Trail mode isn’t a gimmick: it feathers the controls at very low speeds to enable smoother rock crawling. It’s a moderately capable off-roader, so keep that in mind when trail-sporting—and in case it should need it, the Trail mode’s backed up by a standard hitch and a front skid plate.

Despite minivan-like passenger capacity, the Pilot handles nothing like one. Its firm feedback is useful when taking advantage of its 5,000-pound towing capacity. Yet the cabin remains serene, even on its 20-inch or all-terrain 18-inch tires.

In models equipped with the second-row bench, the middle segment folds to convert to an armrest complete with cupholders. A swap to captain’s chairs is available on the EX-L and standard on higher trims; that cuts passenger capacity by one, but improves overall comfort and spaciousness. The top two trims include a middle seat that weighs only 25 pounds, can be removed in under a minute, and stows away in the cargo area. Regardless of configuration, second-row passengers get legroom of 40.8 inches.

With a pushbutton, the second row slides to give easy access to the third row, which can reasonably accommodate two 6-footers. That row folds to expand the cargo area’s 22.4 cubic feet to 60.1 cubes, or more than 112 cubic feet with the second row also folded.

Despite the Pilot’s fit and finish and good material quality, it still has the wash-and-wear charm of a minivan, which works for us.

The Pilot comes standard with active lane control, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control to a stop, blind-spot monitors, driver attention monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights. Front and rear parking sensors come on the EX-L and up, and present a strong argument for upgrading to that trim because of the Pilot’s obstructed rear view. Consider the optional surround-view camera system for the same reason.

Which Honda Pilot should I buy?

We’re happy with the Pilot Sport, but the volume seller is the EX-L, $44,595. Upgrades include leather upholstery, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and a power-operated tailgate.

How much is a fully loaded Honda Pilot?

You’ll pay $50,495 for the Pilot TrailSport, with standard all-wheel drive, a panoramic sunroof and all-terrain upgrades. The new Black Edition now tops the lineup at $55,675, building on the loaded Elite’s 20-inch wheels, surround-view camera system, 12-speaker Bose stereo system, and other assorted goodies with exclusive exterior and interior styling such as gloss black wheels and red-trimmed perforated leather upholstery.