New Honda Pilot Review

This generation of the new Honda Pilot boasts a significant increase in muscle. Under the hood, a refined V6 engine now delivers an impressive 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. However, the real game-changer lies in the new transmission.

While the previous generation featured a 9-speed automatic transmission, the 2025 model sharpens its performance with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This enhancement improves the SUV's acceleration, already notable for its size, and instills family drivers with added confidence. Additionally, the system introduces a new Sport mode and Tow mode, enhancing versatility.

On the highway, the 2025 Pilot achieves improved fuel efficiency through variable cylinder management, reducing fuel consumption when cruising at highway speeds. In the city, the idle-stop system further enhances fuel economy by minimizing wastage during extended red light stops. These advancements contribute to a more fuel-efficient driving experience.

The new Pilot is larger for people and gear, and that’s good news for any family on the go. Storage nooks are ample, including a large center front console and a unique instrument-panel shelf As for cargo space, the new generation offers 22.4 cubic feet. That’s about as good as it gets in the 3 row SUV class. It can expand to 113.7 cubes when all rear seats are folded.

The cargo hold has a large compartment with a removable cover. You can use it for more space or for a hideaway. On top trims, a class-exclusive lightweight and stowable second-row middle seat will be a favorite for those who don’t like having to forgo the 8th seat in order to get a 7-seat layout. When not needed, the extra seat can be easily removed and stowed away under the floor in the cargo hold.

Honda offers Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel drive as an option on the three lower trims and a standard on the upper trims. Best-in-class handling is assured with either the 2WD or AWD drivetrains.

The 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport trim level is a capable off-road SUV, featuring an updated all-wheel drive system. This system can allocate 100 percent of torque to individual wheels for optimal traction. Trail Torque Logic ensures that even a wheel in the air receives torque in time to prepare it for touching down on the ground. A reinforced rear differential improves responsiveness.

The suspension has been finely tuned for adventurous driving, featuring trim-specific stabilizer bars and springs, along with a 1-inch suspension lift for increased ground clearance off-road. Rugged tires were specially designed to reduce the chances of damage when off-roading. Steel skid plates protect the front, rear, and fuel tank, minimizing engine impact from rough terrain.

Trim levels for the 2025 model year include 2WD and AWD editions of the Sport, EX-L, and Touring. The Trailsport, Elite trim level, and Pilot Black Edition are AWD models.

Post-production option packages are designed to further personalize these large 3 row SUVs. For instance, the HPD Package adds unique door trim, special graphics and black- or bronze-colored wheels.

The new Pilot Black Edition adds a red contrast to the steering wheel, side panels, center console, dashboard, and perforated leather upholstery. A special Black Edition logo spices up the seats and floor mats.

This special SUV has a more aggressive look thanks to the many blacked-out treatments on the exterior. Up front, the fascia ducts go dark, the grille adds a special logo. Along the side, the window trim and door accents get the treatment, and in the rear it's the bumper and tailgate that wrap it all up.

Higher trims offer affordable elegance including top technologies, leather seats, and a panoramic roof. Quilted leather seating elevates the elegant Pilot Elite to luxury status. Meanwhile, the exciting TrailSport trim level wears Honda’s sporty orange stitching and special TrailSport logos.

From the remarkable dash tech to incredible driver assistance, the Sport and EX-L models are packed with value. Entry level pricing helps more families find a well-equipped Pilot that meets their needs.

Across the lineup, the 2025 Honda Pilot builds on a range of interior enhancements that set it apart from the previous generation. Class-leading passenger space is rich with an abundance of soft touchpoints, premium materials, and essential dashboard technologies seamlessly integrated into a clean and modern design.

Passenger comfort starts with fatigue-reducing front-row chairs, known as Body Stabilizing seat. Furthermore, the adjustable sliding second-row seats provide flexibility to accommodate car seats or provide additional space for taller passengers.

Since bigger is always better, the second-row seats have been extended by an additional 2.4 inches, and they can recline up to 10 degrees. When the middle seat is folded, it transforms into a spacious center armrest with built-in drink holders for the outboard second-row seats. Moreover, dual USB ports are standard for the second row, and higher trims add third-row ports for convenience.

The generational redesign of the second-row seats allows for increased tilt, providing more room for passengers to enter and exit the third row. There’s more space, too, for teenagers and adults occupying the third row.

Beyond aesthetics, the 2025 Pilot prioritizes comfort and tranquility with extensive insulation and advanced noise-reduction technologies. These improvements transform the interior into a refined and serenely quiet haven, providing an elevated and enjoyable driving experience for passengers and drivers alike.

The driver's cockpit has undergone significant enhancements to offer a more modern and connected experience in the 2024 Honda Pilot . A standout addition is the digital tachometer integrated into the 7-inch driver display.

Complementing this is a contemporary touchscreen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enhancing connectivity options for drivers. Illuminated USB ports and a Qi-compatible charger, spacious enough for two phones side by side, add convenience to the mix. Dual automatic climate controls ensure optimal air conditioning output for passenger comfort.

For those opting for the top trim level, an even more advanced experience awaits. Drivers can enjoy a spacious 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and a vibrant color head-up display, providing essential information conveniently within the line of sight.

The pinnacle of audio quality is delivered through a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, featuring Bose Centerpoint technology and a unique SurroundStage digital processor. This technology ensures that music is evenly distributed to each seating position, creating an immersive and enjoyable audio experience for everyone on board.

New Pilot TrailSport trims includes TrailWatch cameras for slow-speed maneuvers under 15 mph. This provides front and side views to help drivers spot obstacles. With help like this, you know you can make your way safely down the trail.

Introduced in 2024, driver assistance features have been enhanced to provide a broader field of perception. The front camera system offers a significantly wider view, while the front radar covers a broader arc. These improvements carry over to adaptive cruise control which is designed to handle stop-and-go situations.

Even when adaptive cruise control is not in use, the Pilot continues to assist the driver with its expanded view, identifying potential hazards and providing warnings. It can even activate the autobrake if needed. The suite of safety features includes a blind spot monitor, road departure mitigation, and lane keeping assistance, all working together with the driver to avoid unsafe situations.

As part of the new generation's improvements, the Pilot's basic braking system has been upgraded to achieve faster stopping times, and additional airbags have been added and upgraded to bolster safety. The 2024 Pilots earned a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation..

If you need a better ride, the new Honda Pilot is the 3 row SUV you’ve been waiting for. Schedule a test drive at your Earnhardt Honda dealer, a Phoenix car dealership near you.