The Honda Pilot has been a pioneer in the three-row crossover segment for 20 years, revolutionizing the way families travel. With its latest iteration, the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring, this SUV has taken a significant leap forward, blending refined power with unparalleled comfort.
We are excited to dive into the features and capabilities of this model, exploring how it balances family-friendly attributes with rugged capability. The Pilot’s evolution over the years has led to a more agile handling, an upgraded interior, and increased cargo space, making it an ideal choice for various lifestyles.
As we examine the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring, we will cover its exterior styling, interior comfort, performance capabilities, and how it compares to key competitors in the SUV market.
Table of Contents
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring at a Glance
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring has undergone significant updates, making it a compelling choice in the three-row SUV segment. As part of Honda’s efforts to keep the Pilot competitive, several key changes have been implemented.
Key Specifications and Features
The 2025 Honda Pilot now starts at $39,900, with the top trim level, the new Black Edition, costing $54,820. The Pilot’s lineup has been shuffled, with the Sport now serving as the base model, and the Black Edition joining as the flagship trim. Key features include refined driving dynamics and improved noise isolation, particularly in upper trim levels like the Touring.
What’s New for 2025
For 2025, Honda has discontinued the LX base model and introduced the Black Edition. The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring benefits from these changes, offering enhanced performance and premium features. The new Black Edition adds a touch of exclusivity with its blacked-out styling elements.
Bold Exterior Design: Embracing SUV Styling
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring boasts a bold exterior design that perfectly encapsulates the essence of SUV styling. This is evident in its rugged aesthetics and refined proportions, making it a standout on the road.
Rugged Aesthetics and Proportions
The TrailSport model of the 2025 Honda Pilot adds an extra layer of SUV cred with its 18-inch alloy wheels designed to minimize scrapes, wrapped in all-terrain tires. It also features a higher ground clearance and an off-road-tuned suspension, making it capable of handling various terrains. The Black Edition offers a sophisticated look with black exterior trim and red interior accents, creating a unique visual identity.
Exterior Features and Options
The 2025 Honda Pilot comes equipped with advanced exterior features, including LED headlights with auto high-beam functionality, fog lights, and distinctive LED daytime running lights. Additional features include a hands-free access power tailgate, one-touch power panoramic moonroof, and roof rails for extra cargo-carrying capability. For those seeking more rugged capability, the TrailSport model offers enhanced features like 18-inch all-terrain tires and protective skid plates.
With its bold exterior design, the Honda Pilot is sure to make a statement on the road, whether you’re cruising through the city or exploring off-road trails.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Honda Pilot is available in several trim levels, each offering a unique blend of features and pricing. This variety allows buyers to choose the model that best fits their needs and budget.
2025 Honda Pilot Lineup Overview
The 2025 Honda Pilot lineup includes several trims, starting with the EX-L at $43,200, which comes with leather seats, a full complement of safety gear, rear sunshades, a power liftgate, a nine-speaker stereo, and an in-car intercom system. You can upgrade to the Touring ($47,200) for additional features like a sunroof and GPS navigation, or opt for the Elite ($52,780) for even more premium features such as ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.
| Trim Level | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| EX-L | $43,200 | Leather seats, safety gear, rear sunshades, power liftgate, 9-speaker stereo |
| Touring | $47,200 | Sunroof, GPS navigation, premium audio system |
| Elite | $52,780 | Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers |
Touring Trim Position and Value Proposition
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring is positioned as an upper-mid-level trim, priced at $47,200. It offers an excellent balance of luxury features and value, including a premium audio system, GPS navigation, a hands-free power tailgate, and parking sensors. The Touring trim also features a removable second-row middle seat that can be stored under the cargo floor, providing flexible seating configurations.
When comparing value propositions across the lineup, the Touring represents a sweet spot for buyers wanting premium features without the highest price tag of the Elite or Black Edition. It adds several premium amenities without reaching the top-tier pricing, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between luxury and affordability.
Spacious and Versatile Interior
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring boasts an interior that is both spacious and versatile, catering to the needs of families and adventure-seekers alike. This versatility is evident in its seating arrangements and cargo-carrying capabilities.
Seating Comfort and Flexibility
The Pilot Touring offers comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The seats are designed to provide support and comfort, even on long journeys. The flexibility of the seating arrangement allows for various configurations to accommodate both passengers and cargo.
Cargo Space and Storage Solutions
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring has been upgraded to offer more cargo space than its predecessors. It provides 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 48.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 87.0 cubic feet behind the front seats. This increase in cargo space, particularly the additional 2.1 cubic feet behind the third row, makes a significant difference for family trips.
Throughout the cabin, Honda has incorporated thoughtful storage solutions, including door panel shelves, a spacious center console, and numerous smaller compartments for personal items. The Touring trim also features a hands-free power tailgate, making it easier to load cargo when your hands are full.
| Cargo Configuration | Cargo Space |
|---|---|
| Behind 3rd Row | 18.6 cubic feet |
| With 3rd Row Folded | 48.5 cubic feet |
| Behind Front Seats | 87.0 cubic feet |
User-Friendly Technology and Connectivity
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring boasts an array of user-friendly technology features that enhance the driving experience. At the heart of this tech-savvy vehicle is an advanced infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with your smartphone.
Infotainment System and Smartphone Integration
The Pilot comes equipped with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This allows for effortless navigation, music streaming, and text-messaging support. Upper trims take it a step further with navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a premium Bose sound system.
- Enjoy wireless connectivity for your Apple or Android device.
- Access navigation and HondaLink services for enhanced convenience.
- Experience superior sound quality with the Bose premium sound system.
Digital Displays and Controls
The digital instrument cluster provides clear, customizable information to the driver, while the head-up display keeps critical information like speed and navigation directions at eye level. The CabinTalk in-car PA system allows for easy communication with third-row passengers. Physical controls are thoughtfully placed, offering tactile feedback for safe operation.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring’s driving experience is defined by its balance of power and comfort. At the heart of this SUV is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces robust performance, making it suitable for both daily commutes and long road trips.
3.5-Liter V6 Engine and 10-Speed Transmission
The 3.5-liter V6 engine is paired with a 10-speed transmission, providing smooth gear shifts and optimal power delivery. This combination ensures that the Pilot Touring has the necessary performance for merging onto highways or climbing steep inclines.
The transmission’s responsiveness and the engine’s power output make for a satisfying drive, whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.
Handling, Ride Quality, and Driving Modes
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring prioritizes ride comfort over sporty handling, with a suspension tuned to absorb road imperfections. Despite its size, the Pilot is easy to maneuver thanks to its light and precise steering.
The available driving modes, including Normal, Econ, Snow, and Sport, allow drivers to adjust the vehicle’s mode to suit different conditions, from daily driving to inclement weather.
| Driving Mode | Throttle Response | Transmission Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Standard | Balanced |
| Econ | Conservative | Fuel-efficient |
| Snow | Reduced | Adjusted for traction |
| Sport | Enhanced | Performance-oriented |
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
In the competitive three-row SUV segment, fuel efficiency is key, and the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring holds its own. With a focus on balancing power and economy, Honda has optimized the Pilot’s performance.
EPA Ratings and Real-World Performance
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, reflecting its capability to deliver both power and efficiency. This rating is a result of its 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed transmission, ensuring a smooth driving experience.
Comparison with Segment Competitors
When comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring’s fuel economy to its rivals, it falls mid-pack in the three-row SUV segment with its 21 mpg combined rating. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid leads with 36 mpg combined, but at a higher price point. In contrast, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer similar fuel economy ratings to the Pilot, with the Telluride rated at 21 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.
| Model | EPA Combined MPG | All-Wheel Drive |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Honda Pilot Touring | 21 | Yes |
| Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | 36 | Yes |
| Kia Telluride | 21 | Yes |
While some competitors, like the Mazda CX-90 and Ford Explorer, offer turbocharged options for better acceleration, the Pilot Touring’s V6 engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency for those not prioritizing hybrid technology.
Advanced Safety Features and Driver Assistance
As a testament to its commitment to safety, the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring includes a wide range of innovative safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents.
Honda Sensing Suite Overview
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite, a comprehensive collection of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. This suite includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control, all working together to enhance protection on the road.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System helps prevent or mitigate collisions.
- Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane.
- Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Safety Ratings and Crash Protection
The 2025 Honda Pilot has earned the coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the organization’s highest safety designation. This achievement is a testament to the vehicle’s robust Honda Pilot body structure and comprehensive airbag system, which includes front, side, and curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.
Additional features in the Touring trim include parking sensors and a multi-view camera system, further enhancing safety and convenience.
The TrailSport Option: Off-Road Capabilities
For those who venture off the beaten path, the 2025 Honda Pilot offers a TrailSport trim. This variant is designed to enhance the Pilot’s off-road capabilities, making it more suitable for adventurous drivers.
TrailSport-Specific Enhancements
The TrailSport trim comes with several enhancements that improve its off-road prowess. It features 8.3 inches of ground clearance and a selectable Trail mode that optimizes the all-wheel-drive system, traction control, and transmission shift points for better performance on loose surfaces. Additionally, hill descent control allows for controlled downhill travel on steep grades.
Off-Road Performance Assessment
In our testing, the TrailSport handled dirt roads, light mud, and snow conditions with confidence. While it’s not designed for serious rock crawling, it’s well-suited for moderate trail use. The TrailSport provides sufficient capability for families who occasionally venture onto forest roads or snow-covered mountain passes without compromising on-road comfort.
| Feature | TrailSport Capability |
|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 inches |
| Trail Mode | Optimizes AWD, traction control, and transmission |
| Hill Descent Control | Allows controlled downhill travel |
Comfort and Refinement in the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring offers a haven of comfort and refinement, making it an ideal choice for both daily commutes and long road trips. One of the standout features of this vehicle is its ability to provide a comfortable ride, thanks in part to its advanced suspension system.
Noise Isolation and Ride Comfort
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring excels in noise isolation, creating a quiet cabin that enhances the overall driving experience. The vehicle’s ride comfort is also noteworthy, with a suspension system that effectively absorbs bumps and irregularities in the road.
Heated and power-adjustable front seats are standard on all models, contributing to the comfort of the occupants. While ventilation and second-row heating are reserved for higher trims, the Touring’s heated front seats provide a cozy environment for drivers and passengers.
Premium Features and Amenities
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring is equipped with numerous premium features that enhance comfort and convenience. These include a one-touch power panoramic moonroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and ambient lighting.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Front Seats | Standard on all trims | Enhanced comfort for drivers and passengers |
| Power Panoramic Moonroof | One-touch operation | Floods the cabin with natural light |
| Tri-zone Automatic Climate Control | Independent temperature control for front and rear | Personalized comfort for all occupants |
Additional amenities, such as a wireless phone charger and second-row window sunshades, further enhance the vehicle’s appeal, particularly for families with young children.
How the Pilot Compares to Key Rivals
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring is a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment, but how does it stack up against its competitors? In a crowded field, the Honda Pilot stands out among its peers like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Ford Explorer.
Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade Comparison
The Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are known for their luxurious interiors and advanced features. While they offer strong competition, the Honda Pilot counters with its more intuitive infotainment system and better build quality. The Pilot also boasts a more affordable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Feature | Honda Pilot | Kia Telluride | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $43,000 | $45,000 | $44,000 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers | 8 passengers | 8 passengers |
| Fuel Economy (mpg) | 22 combined | 23 combined | 24 combined |
Toyota Grand Highlander and Ford Explorer Matchup
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers more interior space and a highly efficient hybrid powertrain achieving up to 36 mpg combined. The Ford Explorer provides more engaging driving dynamics and stronger engine options. However, the Honda Pilot’s quieter ride and more intuitive infotainment system give it an edge in comfort and usability.
Pros and Cons of the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring
Evaluating the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring involves examining both its positive attributes and areas for improvement. This balanced assessment will help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Standout Strengths
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring offers several notable advantages. Its spacious interior and versatile seating arrangements make it an ideal choice for families. The vehicle’s advanced safety features, including the Honda Sensing suite, provide peace of mind on the road. Additionally, the infotainment system is user-friendly, with features like Apple CarPlay connectivity enhancing the driving experience.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring has some drawbacks. The 10-speed automatic transmission can be indecisive in city driving, sometimes hunting for the proper gear. Furthermore, the observed fuel economy of 18 mpg falls short of expectations and EPA estimates. The 9-inch infotainment screen appears relatively small compared to competitors, and occasional glitches with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity can be frustrating.
| Feature | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment System | 8/10 | User-friendly but relatively small screen |
| Transmission | 7/10 | Indecisive in city driving |
| Fuel Economy | 6/10 | Observed 18 mpg, below expectations |
Conclusion: Is the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring Right for You?
With its blend of comfort, practicality, and style, the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring stands out in its class. This SUV is an excellent choice for families seeking a reliable, spacious, and comfortable three-row vehicle. It offers premium features without the highest price tag, delivering exceptional value. While it may not lead in technology or fuel economy, it focuses on doing the essentials exceptionally well. For those prioritizing practical design and Honda’s reputation for reliability, the 2025 Honda Pilot is a refined, capable family vehicle that hits a sweet spot in the lineup.