For decades, the Honda Pilot has stood in the market as the gold standard for middle-class to higher-income families, but the 2025 Honda Pilot is rewriting that history. No longer just a “minivan in a trench coat,” the updated 2025 model arrives with a more fierce stance, a significantly quieter cabin, and a massive technological leap that puts it at the forefront of the three-row SUV segment. Whether you are navigating the school run in the USA or traversing the desert dunes of the UAE, the 2025 Pilot is engineered to be as tough as it is comfortable.
In this in-depth Autocram review, we explore its features, interior, performance, pricing, and how it still holds its value in 2025!
2025 Honda Pilot: Review, Pricing, and Specs
The Pilot’s 2025 model year is a significant update of the 4th-generation vehicle with a mid-cycle product change. The redesign is part of Honda’s new premium ruggedness theme and includes an all-new front-end appearance (much more aggressive appearance), a larger grille (more prominent) that has a bold, hexagon-shaped mesh pattern, and a collection of features that were previously limited to the top-spec trim levels.
What’s New for The ’26 Model Year?
- Larger Screen: Every trim of the Pilot will have a much larger (37%) standard 12.3″ HD touch screen and a new 10.2″ digital driver display.
- Improved Sound Deadening: The addition of materials designed to reduce road noise inside the vehicle, semi-tempered glass for the doors, and improved hood insulators should lead to a reduction in cabin sound levels of 2 dB to 3 dB.
- Standard Utility: Power tailgates and roof rails (previously optional) will become standard equipment across the entire lineup.
- Improved Steering: The electric power steering (EPS) has been re-tuned to provide more feel and responsiveness, while remaining more “on-center” in terms of weight.
Performance, Horsepower, and Speed
The Heart: 3.5-Liter DOHC V6 Engine
At the heart of the 2025 Honda Pilot is the 3.5L (size) 24-valve DOHC, all-aluminum, V6 engine. Unlike previous generations that featured an SOHC design, this more efficient V6 incorporates a compact cylinder head, a streamlined valvetrain, a decreased total number of parts, and improved overall efficiency.
- Output: 285-hp / 262 lb-ft
- Refinement: One of the most notable features of this new V6 engine is Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM™) technology. Under light-load conditions (e.g., cruising), the VCM system is capable of deactivating one bank of cylinders, effectively converting the V6 into a 3-cylinder engine to provide the best possible fuel economy, while never requiring the driver to “feel” a transition between bank operation.
- Reliability vs. Turbos: By not employing a turbocharged engine, Honda eliminates turbo lag (the amount of time it takes between pressing the accelerator pedal and feeling the vehicle accelerate) and reduces the amount of heat-related wear/rip on the engine, which is typically seen on engines using high-pressure/low-displacement turbos.
10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10AT)
To harness that powerful V6 motor, Honda’s engineering team developed a 10-speed AT, specifically designed for the Pilot to handle the weight and towing capabilities necessary for the 2025 Honda Pilot.
- Shift By Wire: Traditional shifters are gone, replaced with a cutting-edge push button/switch-style system that maximizes available space between the driver and passenger.
- Paddle Shifters: All trims come equipped with paddle shifters, which provide you with manual control over shifting so that you have better engine braking on steep descents or to quickly downshift for passing other vehicles at highway speeds.
- 10-Speed Transmission: The new 10-Speed transmission allows the Honda Pilot to utilize its power band longer, provide better accord when you are racing off the line, and has better fuel economy while cruising at 70 mph because of the tenth gear having a deep overdrive to lower RPMs, thus helping to save money on fuel and lower the chances of cabin noise due to engine drone.
Acceleration and Top Speed
The 2025 Pilot is very fast for a three-row SUV weighing close to 4,700 lbs.
- 0-60 mph: The Pilot has been tested by independent testers and has consistently accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in between 6.9 seconds to 7.2 seconds.
- Top Speed: The Pilot’s electronics have been programmed so that it has a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h). This is designed for handling the weight of this vehicle and keeping tire integrity and making sure the vehicle is safe to drive.
The AWD Advantage
The Intelligent Variable Torque Management i-VTM4® All-Wheel Drive System is a major differentiation between all-wheel-drive systems and the 2025 Honda Pilot’s i-VTM4 because it is proactive vs. reactive.
- Proactive Torque: The i-VTM4 system operates with a proactive approach rather than depending on wheel slip to activate. This means that the system has the ability to direct as much as 70% of the engine’s total torque to the rear end of the vehicle.
- Torque Vectoring: The i-VTM4 system has the ability to send 100% of the available rear torque to either the left or right rear wheel to assist in cornering. This results in the vehicle being “pushed” from its rear end when completing a corner and, in turn, reduces the amount of understeer as well as makes the SUV feel smaller and more nimble than it really is.
- Drive Modes: For AWD vehicles, there are up to 7 drive modes – Normal, ECON, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand. The Sport mode specifically sharpens the vehicle’s throttle response and holds its gears longer, while the Trail mode manages the amount of brake pressure that is applied to the rear tires to simulate a locked differential during off-road crawling conditions.
Towing and Utility
The 2025 Honda Pilot’s ability to perform as a “beast of burden” adds to the overall performance of this vehicle.
- Maximum Towing: As an example, the i-VTM4 AWD equipped Pilot can tow up to a maximum of 5,000 lbs. This is typically enough to safely tow a 20-foot boat or comfortably tow a mid-size RV.
- Tow Mode: Once the operator selects the Tow Mode, the 10-speed automatic transmission and the i-VTM4 system will automatically recalibrate themselves to prevent excessive gear hunting while increasing vehicle stability when towing heavy loads.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine Type | 3.5L 24-Valve DOHC Direct-Injection V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Automatic (10AT) with Paddle Shifters |
| Drive System | FWD (Standard) / i-VTM4® AWD (Available) |
| 0-60 mph (approx.) | 6.9 – 7.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 115 mph (185 km/h) |
2025 Honda Pilot EPA-Estimated MPG
Efficiency remains a priority of the Honda Pilot, utilizing Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to shut down 3 cylinders during cruising to save power.
| Configuration | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
| FWD Models (Sport, EX-L) | 19 | 27 | 22 |
| AWD Models (Non-TrailSport) | 19 | 25 | 21 |
| TrailSport (AWD) | 18 | 23 | 20 |
Interior: Luxury Meets Utility
Versatility
The 2025 Honda Pilot is setting the new standard for seating. Unlike traditional three-row SUVs where you have to choose either an 8-passenger bench seat or 7-passenger captain’s chairs at the point of purchase, the Pilot allows you to have both configurations on the Touring, Elite & Black Edition Trims.
- Removable Center Seat: The center seat in the second row can be removed completely, giving you a usable walkway to the third row.
- Hidden Storage: In contrast to other manufacturers’ SUVs, where you have to put the removed seat in your garage, Honda has designed the 2025 Honda Pilot with a dedicated underfloor storage compartment in the rear cargo area so you can quickly change seating configurations while you’re on a long trip.
- One-Touch Access: Using the one-touch access buttons (one for each side), you can quickly fold and slide the second-row seat forward and create an opening to allow your kids to access the last row of seats.
Technology: The Digital Cockpit Upgrade
In 2025 Honda will have made their new technology accessible to everyone. Features that previously were only available on $50,000-plus trims we now see are available in every model across the lineup.
- The Screens: Across the entire lineup, every model has one 12.3-inch HD touch screen and another 10.2-inch Fully Digital Instrument Panel.
- Google Built-In: The GPS system in the 2025 Honda Pilot is powered by Google Maps, which will not only act as your GPS and navigation system but also let you use your voice to control the climate, media, and navigation systems. You will not even need to plug in your cell phone.
- Connectivity: Connecting devices with Wi-Fi using Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is a standard feature, along with 5G Wi-Fi Hotspot capability and an ultra-fast Qi-compatible wireless charging pad.
Comfort & Quietness
The “Enhanced Serenity” Package is designed to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness to make the 2025 Honda Pilot the quietest Pilot ever produced.
Acoustic Glass: On higher trim levels, an acoustic windshield and an acoustic front side window significantly reduce wind noise.
- Materials:
- TrailSport: The TrailSport trim is covered in an easy-to-clean synthetic leather featuring bright orange contrasting stitching from top to bottom, which makes it easy to clean.
- Elite/Black Edition: Offers are available in either a diamond-quilted Ultrasuede or perforated leather upper with heated outboard second-row seating.
- Tri-Zone Climate Control: in addition to having independent climate controls in three zones, the CabinTalk® can communicate with those in the third row via speakers in the rear of the vehicle.
Cargo Space: Best-in-Class Practicality
The 2025 Honda Pilot is not all about the comfort of passengers; it also has the ability to carry large loads.
- Behind the Third Row: The cargo has an overall volume of 22.4 cubic feet of space; this should be ample room for several bags of groceries or a small stroller, even if the vehicle is fully loaded.
- Maximum Volume: The cargo with all seats folded down will be approximately 113.7 cubic feet.
- Smart Storage: There is the “hidden” seat cubby, but also lots of other smart cubbies in the cabin. You also get a very large center console bin and 14 cup holders that can fit a 32oz bottle.
Model Breakdown & Unique Features
Honda Pilot Sport
Value entry now feels premium with the inclusion of standard roof rails and the 12.3″ tech package
- Wheel Size: 20″ Shark Gray Alloy
- Estimated MSRP (USA): ~$42,195
2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport
The off-road king of the lineup, this model will have better heated second-row seats plus Brown Leather seats for 2025.
- Specialty: 1″ lift, steel skid plates, all-terrain tires
- Wheel Option: 18″ Shark Gray with TrailSport Logo
Honda Pilot Touring
The ultimate family hauler. The new 2025 Touring will now come with 360-degree Surround View Camera as standard
- Wheel Size: New 20″ Machine-Finished Shark Gray
- MSRP Estimate (USA): ~$51,095
2025 Honda Pilot Elite & Black Edition
This is where you find luxury. The Elite model features diamond-quilted Ultrasuede seat accents plus a 4″ Heads Up Display (HUD). The Black Edition is the same except it will have a more “blacked out” look with Berlina Black wheels.
- Wheel Size: 20″ Gloss Black (Black Edition)
- Estimated MSRP (USA): ~$53,495-$54,995
| Trim Level | Starting MSRP* | Key Distinctive Features |
| Sport | $40,200 | 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. |
| EX-L | $43,500 | Leather seats, wireless charging, a 9-inch touchscreen, and a power tailgate. |
| Touring | $47,500 | Panoramic moonroof, Bose 12-speaker audio, stowable 2nd-row seat. |
| TrailSport | $49,400 | All-terrain tires, off-road suspension, steel skid plates, AWD. |
| Elite | $53,080 | Ventilated front seats, Head-Up Display, 10.2 second-row heated seats. |
| Black Edition | $54,580 | Blacked-out exterior, red ambient lighting, Black Edition leather. |
Pricing: USA vs UAE
USA Price Range (MSRP)
- Sport: $42,195
- EX-L: $44,495
- TrailSport: $50,395
- Touring: $51,095
- Elite: $53,495
- Black Edition: $54,995 (Excludes $1,495 destination charge)
UAE Price Range (Estimated)
In the UAE, the 2025 Honda Pilot is a staple for large families.
- EX 2WD: AED 175,900 – 178,000
- Sport AWD: AED 199,900 – 200,000
- EX-L AWD: AED 212,900 – 215,000
Conclusion
The new 2025 Honda Pilot epitomizes evolution, as you will see in the photo above; Honda has taken care of the small flaws of the previous model (i.e. cabin noise, screen size) and created a premium SUV. The rugged TrailSport or the themed Elite, the new 2025 Pilot is undoubtedly the best all-around three-row SUV available today.
Looking for an SUV that can handle your daily commute and weekend adventures equally well? Choose the new Honda Pilot.
FAQs
Q. What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Honda Pilot?
A. The gas mileage for the Honda Pilot is 19 miles per gallon in the city (19 city miles) and 27 miles per gallon on the highway (27 highway miles) for front-wheel drive models. All-wheel drive models will have a slightly lower rating due to their higher weight.
Q. Is there a hybrid version of the Honda Pilot 2025?
A. Currently, there is no hybrid version of the Honda Pilot planned for 2025; however, one may be added to their lineup in the future.
Q. What is the starting price of the Honda Pilot?
A. You should expect to pay approximately $38,000 in the US and AED 140,000 in the UAE for a base model Honda Pilot.
Q. How many passengers can the Honda Pilot seat?
A. The Honda Pilot can hold between 7 and 8 passengers, depending on the seating arrangement.
Q. Which Honda Pilot trim is the best?
A. The Elite is the best Honda Pilot trim for luxury and features, while the EX-L provides the best balance of pricing and features.
