This three-row crossover delivers the perfect blend of roominess, comfort, and technology that's ideal for American highways and everyday life. Here's why it stands out, how it performs in real-world conditions, and why you should book a test drive today.
Design: Bold and Confident
The 2025 Pilot looks like the mature leader of Honda's lineup – substantial yet far from boring. The refreshed styling features a massive grille, slim LED headlights, and squared-off lines that give it real presence. The Black Edition takes it up a notch with glossy black 20-inch wheels and dark accents throughout. And the Diffused Sky Blue Pearl paint on the TrailSport? It's a standout choice for anyone wanting to turn heads.
Measuring 199.9 inches long, 78.5 inches wide, and with 8.3 inches of ground clearance (TrailSport adds about an inch), the Pilot is ready for everything from potholed city streets to snowy mountain passes. It's slightly larger than rivals like the Kia Telluride but remains surprisingly maneuverable in urban traffic. Fun fact: the Pilot earned a 2025 Editors’ Choice award from Car and Driver for its perfect mix of style and practicality.
Interior: Roomy and Family-Friendly
Step inside the 2025 Pilot and you'll find a genuinely spacious cabin that seats up to eight (or seven with second-row captain's chairs). Even adults in the third row have decent legroom and headroom. Cargo space starts at 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row and expands to an impressive 87 cubic feet with the seats folded flat – plenty for family road trips and gear hauls.
The base Sport trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while EX-L and above upgrade to a 9-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With 14 cupholders (eight sized for large bottles) and smart storage throughout, it's built for real family use. Top Elite and Black Edition models add a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, panoramic moonroof, and heated/ventilated seats. One minor critique: the 9-inch screen feels a bit small in a flagship SUV when competitors like the Mazda CX-90 offer larger displays.
Engine and Performance
Power comes from a proven 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system optional and featuring dedicated modes for snow, sand, and trails. 0-60 mph arrives in around 7 seconds – plenty quick for a family hauler. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway for FWD models and 19/25 for AWD (TrailSport slightly lower at 18/23).
The TrailSport is the adventure-ready star: higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, and the TrailWatch camera system that shows what's underneath. Towing capacity reaches up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped – ideal for boats, campers, or trailers.
Trims and Pricing
The 2025 Pilot is offered in six trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. Approximate market pricing in the United States starts at around $41,000 for the Sport and climbs to about $55,000 for the loaded Black Edition (prices include destination charge and may vary by region).
The Sport comes well-equipped with heated seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, and the full Honda Sensing safety suite (adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist). EX-L adds leather, the larger 9-inch screen, and wireless charging. Touring brings navigation and Bose audio, while TrailSport focuses on off-road prowess. Elite and Black Edition deliver luxury touches like a head-up display and exclusive styling. For most buyers, the EX-L with AWD offers the best balance of features and value.
Safety: Family Protection First
The 2025 Pilot earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick+ status from IIHS, making it one of the safest choices in its class. Every model includes the Honda Sensing package with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and more. Up to four LATCH anchors for child seats are rated Good+ by IIHS. These systems provide extra peace of mind in heavy traffic or on busy highways.
Who Is the Pilot For?
The 2025 Honda Pilot is perfect for growing families who need space, reliability, and versatility. It's excellent for long highway cruises, weekend getaways, or daily school runs. All-wheel drive and generous ground clearance handle inclement weather and light off-road trails with ease, while the tech features make city driving less stressful. If you want minivan practicality in an SUV package, the Pilot is hard to beat.
Honda has made it impressively well-rounded without being bland. It may not be as flashy as the Mazda CX-90 or as tech-heavy as the Kia Telluride, but few rivals match its blend of durability, space, and everyday usability. The main drawbacks are the lack of a hybrid option and the relatively modest infotainment screen size in higher trims.
Competitors: How It Stacks Up
The Pilot competes in the hotly contested three-row SUV segment against strong players:
- Kia Telluride – more tech features and longer warranty, but less off-road capability.
- Hyundai Palisade – luxurious interior, though third row is tighter.
- Toyota Grand Highlander – available hybrid powertrain, but styling is more conservative.
- Mazda CX-90 – driver-focused handling, but smaller cargo area.
The Pilot stands out with superior interior space, proven reliability, and genuine off-road talent in TrailSport guise.
Final Verdict: Your Next Family Adventure Partner?
The 2025 Honda Pilot is the family SUV that delivers on every promise – spacious, safe, capable, and ready for whatever the road brings. From daily commutes to cross-country road trips, it handles it all with confidence. Head to your local Honda dealer for a test drive – we're confident it won't disappoint.
Fun fact: The Pilot is Honda's largest SUV and shares its platform roots with the Odyssey minivan, making it a true master of family comfort and utility.
