The 2025 Honda Pilot has arrived, with plenty of what we loved from last year and some new things to get excited about. Redesigned for the 2023 model year, the Pilot still feels fresh and new––even if 2025 will mark the third model year of the fourth generation.
Well-known for its blend of versatility, comfort, and reliability, the latest Pilot model is a modern vehicle for the modern family or the adventurer at heart. With significant updates and enhancements in 2023, the 2025 Honda Pilot promises the same exceptional driving experience as before, throwing in some extras that make it stand out further in the competitive SUV market. One such extra is the Black Edition trim, which puts the Pilot in its finest evening wear, but I digress. For now, let’s jump into the thing that connects them all––the engine.
The V6, 10-Speed Combo
The Pilot comes in an impressive range of trim options, but only one engine, and that’s all it needs. Under every single hood of the Honda Pilot sits a 3.5L V6 engine. Pumping out 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Pilot has ample strength for everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures. That equates to up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity for a weekend filled with fun.
Paired with the 3.5L V6 engine is a 10-speed automatic transmission. Considering that Honda is quite skilled at coming up with advanced tech that has industry-changing impacts, you can expect an advanced transmission design. Claiming to offer smooth gear shifting and improved driving experience, the 10-speed transmission seems to be exactly the type of thing that draws people into the Pilot. Featuring Honda’s Shift-By-Wire technology, an example of Honda’s innovative technologies, you will experience quicker and more precise shifts. You will even get the benefit of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which give you the option to manually control gear changes so that you can feel more connected to your Pilot.
To get the most out of the paddle shifter will depend on which trim you have chosen and whether or not you have opted for all-wheel drive versus two-wheel drive. The initial trim, which will be discussed next, offers five drive modes that cover the basics. They include Normal, ECON, Snow, Tow, and Sport. All-wheel drive adds Trail and Sand for your more adventurous excursions. All-wheel drive is only necessary if your lifestyle involves frequenting varying terrain, encountering adverse weather conditions, or needing the highest towing capacities; otherwise, stick with two-wheel drive for improved efficiency.
Honda Pilot Trims for 2025
The Sport
The Sport trim might be entry-level, but it has everything you could need for daily driving, running errands, commuting, and so on. Like all the trim levels, apart from the TrailSport, the Sport seats up to eight, which is more than enough seating for most. This is courtesy of three spacious rows, the second of which includes folding seats and the third of which includes a 60/40 flat-folding bench seat. This makes it highly adaptable for all your cargo needs, and since it also features your traditional 60/40 split in the rear, you can customize how you use your space.
The front seats are heated, which just proves that the Pilot starts things off with a bang. Drivers get to enjoy a 10-Way Power Adjustable seat, while front-seat passengers get the benefits of 4-Way Power Adjustment. If this means little to you, then let’s put it into perspective: easy to adjust comfort for every mile. Although the Sport only has cloth seats, this is probably not a deal breaker for most unless you are wanting a unique interior finish.
For infotainment purposes, the Sport comes equipped with a 7-inch Color Touchscreen, which isn’t the biggest on the market by any means, but it gets the job done. Here is where you can access features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone projection, which allows you to integrate your smart device with your car to make your life oh so easy.
The EX-L
The EX-L builds upon the Sport trim with a few extra features designed to make you feel more at home. The driver gets an upgrade with this trim in the form of a Two-Position Memory for both their seat and the side mirrors. This feature allows for quick recall of your favorite seating position and ideal mirror position so that you can get in and go. Another upgrade to the seats is the addition of leather trim, which adds a bit more refinement to the trim.
A few significant changes have been made to the infotainment features for this trim, including wireless versions of the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto programs. By swapping to wireless, you can minimize clutter and add an extra layer of convenience to your life. Additionally, the EX-L gets a larger display to act as the hub of all things infotainment. A 9-inch Color Touchscreen replaces the 7-inch from the first trim and includes a volume knob, customizable feature settings, and smart shortcuts for ease. Sirius XM, which has been providing many of us with in-car entertainment for some time now, is also added to this package along with HD Radio. When you don’t utilize your phone for music, podcasts, and other media, then this is a great addition to allow for entertainment while on the road.
If you intend to use your smartphone while on the road, then you will be happy to know that this trim includes a 15-watt wireless phone charger, which is compatible with many smart devices. This uses advanced tech to charge your compatible smart device without even having to plug it in. This is a fantastic feature for road trips or long commutes so that you can stay connected. Speaking of road trips, the EX-L introduces CabinTalk, which is a neat feature that lets those in the front communicate with those in the back without having to yell over the sound of devices or outside noise. CabinTalk even works through special headphones so that if your rear seat occupants are plugged into their own devices, you can still talk to them.
The EX-L adds a Programmable Power Tailgate, which is excellent for loading and unloading groceries or gear. Heated side-mirrors are also added at this level, which helps de-ice on cold mornings, so you get increased visibility and safety. It is an extra that has more benefits than one might realize until you get to experience them.
The TrailSport
This trim is the only trim that comes standard with seating for seven versus eight, which is due to the second-row Captain’s Chairs, which even fold flat for maximum cargo options. Second-row occupants get to stretch out more and enjoy the comfort of their own plush chairs, which is nice if you don’t need that eighth seat. The seating inside this trim is unique in another way, and that is the durable synthetic leather with orange stitching. The orange stitching sets the interior apart and adds in a sporty vibe which will be appreciated by those who want a more unique look.
All trims feature a leather-wrapped steering wheel, but this trim introduces a heating function as well. If you deal with freezing weather, having this feature will make you grateful you do. For sunny days or midnight drives, this trim benefits from a One-Touch Power Panoramic Moonroof, which invites sun, air, and a spacious feel.
The exterior of the TrailSport is donned with underbody skid plates for both the engine and the fuel tank, which is an added benefit for taking your adventures off-road. This helps to protect the sensitive areas of the vehicle from kickback debris. An integrated trailer-hitch is another feature included, which should indicate how this trim is intended to be used. The TrailSport has a heated wiper zone, which helps dispel pesky ice and snow from your windshield.
The Touring
The Touring builds upon the previous trims with features such as a stowable fold-flat center seat and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. With Wi-Fi on the go, you can stream with ease and entertain your littles. The Touring takes things a step further with a top-notch Bose Premium Sound System with 12 Speakers for you audiophiles and even a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic. That might be a mouthful, but it is also helpful. With built-in navigation, you can seize any adventure with confidence.
For daily use, the Touring incorporates Hands-Free Access with Walk Away Close for the Liftgate, which is both a convenience and a safety feature. This lets you open the rear even when your hands are full and secure your vehicle when unloading. The Touring is the epitome of convenience with a luxury twist.
The Elite
Unique privileges and features come standard in the Elite trim. Perforated leather seats with ventilation are added to the previous trim’s seating options, which helps with airflow on hot and sticky days. The second-row guests also get treated to the sweet life with heated outboard seats added in.
For infotainment, the Elite gets the same 9-inch screen as the Touring trim, but it comes accompanied by a jumbo 10.2-inch driver information interface display. The larger display makes it easier to see and access and lends a more modern feel to the interior. For not too much more than the previous trim, you get some extra perks that round out your on-the-road comfort.
The Black Edition
New for this model year is the Black Edition. This is primarily an appearance package with black-out accents inside and out. Outside, there are black badges, door trim, mirror caps, and so on. Inside, there is Black Edition embossing on the seats to remind you who the new guy is.
The interior also utilizes red accents to set this trim apart. Perforated leather-trimmed seats with red stitching are accompanied by red accents throughout the cabin and even red accent lighting. The stark black with the vibrant red is sporty and modern, making this a great addition to the 2025 Honda Pilot lineup.
The 2025 Pilot Lineup: Refreshed and Ready for the Road
All this to say that the 2025 lineup of the Honda Pilot is edgy and stylish, with many features we have come to know and love as well as others that go the extra mile to make life easier. This three-row SUV has a lot to offer Honda enthusiasts and growing families alike.
