October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

2025 Honda Pilot: A Family SUV for Drivers Who Prefer the Familiar

The 2025 Honda Pilot offers a familiar V6-and-automatic formula in a three-row SUV. Here’s what its historical pricing, fuel-economy ratings, trims and safety results tell family buyers.
Entry134 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The 2025 Honda Pilot is a conventional three-row SUV: it uses a naturally aspirated V6 and a 10-speed automatic, with 2WD or AWD depending on trim. That familiar formula may suit families who would rather prioritize practical space and a straightforward driving experience than chase a sportier or more screen-focused rival. “Affordable” needs a caveat: Honda’s published prices are January 2025 MSRPs, not current 2026 transaction prices, and they do not establish what fits any particular household’s budget.

What makes the Pilot feel familiar?

Honda lists a 3,471 cc V6 producing 285 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic in the 2025 lineup. The powertrain is a conventional alternative to the increasingly varied approaches found across the midsize-SUV class. It does not, by itself, prove that the Pilot is simpler or better than every competitor; it is a clear fit for buyers who specifically want a V6 and automatic transmission.

The six trims are Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. Drivetrain availability varies by trim. Honda’s 2025 specifications and January 2025 pricing and EPA table list nine trim-and-drivetrain combinations.

What did a 2025 Pilot cost new, and what does “affordable” mean here?

American Honda’s January 3, 2025 price release listed the Sport 2WD at $41,650 and the Black Edition AWD at $56,030, each including a $1,450 destination charge. These are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices from that release—not current asking prices, negotiated prices, or a guarantee that a dealer has a particular vehicle. Honda said the figures excluded taxes, license, registration, and options, and that dealer prices could vary.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
JLQP Center Console Storage Tray for 2023-2026 Honda Pilot & 2026 Passport
  • Applicable Vehicle Models: The center console organizer tray fit for 2023 2024 2025 2026 Pilot ( Including : LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, Black Edition ) and 2026 Passport. (NOTE: NOT FIT 2023-2025 Passport and 2017-2025 Ridgeline!!!)
  • Optimal Use of Space: This sliding drawer can create a hidden storage area, allowing you to separate small items from important ones, such as lighters, keys, lipsticks, and other small objects. This way, you can make full use of the space
  • Perfectly Fitting Panel: Carefully designed, it can perfectly fit into the small storage compartments. You can store your frequently used items in the dedicated drawers, which not only keeps the space tidy but also doesn't distract the driver's attention
  • Convenient Handle Design: Our products are equipped with forward-facing handles. The drawers are easy to open and close, even while driving,you can quickly access your items
  • Installation is Simple: No tools are required. Just slide the drawer into the console; it will be securely fixed in place and is very easy to remove. It is also made of ABS material, which is very easy to clean

Those endpoints show a broad price spread across the lineup, but they cannot answer whether the Pilot is affordable for a particular buyer. For a purchase today, compare a dated, itemized quote with your budget and the actual vehicle’s trim, drivetrain, options, fees, and availability. The cited Honda release is a historical price reference, not a 2026 market survey.

How do drivetrain and trim affect fuel economy?

Honda’s January 2025 EPA figures differ by configuration. The manufacturer cautions that actual mileage varies with driving, maintenance, and conditions, so these estimates should not be treated as a promise of real-world results.

Rank #2
SINGARO Car Cup Holder Coaster, Silicone Cup Holder Insert, Universal Non-Slip Cup Holders, Car Accessories Interior for Women and Man Interior Sets 4 Pack Black
  • High Quality Material: The coaster is made of environmentally friendly silicone, safe, non-toxic and odorless. Soft with toughness, easily embedded in the cup holder. Very durable, wear-resistant, long service life. High temperature resistance, can withstand 100 ℃ high temperature water cups.
  • Wide Compatibility: The coaster has a diameter of 3.15 inches and a height of 1.18 inches, which is widely used in most vehicles, such as SUV, sedan, MPV, etc., as long as the size fits your car cup holder.
  • Protection Function: Our car cup holder coaster has a carry handle design and a stand-up ring edge on its edge to effectively prevent food crumbs, drinks and water from leaking out and preventing the car cup holder from getting dirty.Meanwhile,Thickened design effectively prevents the cup holder from being scratched by the cup when driving on bumpy roads and eliminates the annoying thumping sound, making your journey more enjoyable.
  • Easy to Use and Clean: With embedded installation, you just need to put it flat on the car cupholder. It is also very quick to remove, there is a small bump on the coaster, pinch it and you can easily remove the coaster. It is very easy to clean, rinse with water or wipe with a wet towel (be careful not to clean with sharp tools).
  • 100% Satisfaction: Our products have quality assurance, if you have questions or are not satisfied after receiving the product, don't worry, please contact us as soon as possible, we provide after-sales service.
2025 configuration EPA city EPA highway EPA combined
2WD trims 19 mpg 27 mpg 22 mpg
Non-TrailSport AWD trims 19 mpg 25 mpg 21 mpg
TrailSport AWD 18 mpg 23 mpg 20 mpg

These are the EPA estimates published by American Honda in its January 2025 price and ratings release. The table is useful for comparing listed configurations; it does not predict an individual driver’s fuel use.

Which trim fits occasional off-pavement driving?

TrailSport is the lineup’s off-road-oriented trim. Honda describes it as having standard all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, increased ground clearance, and an off-road-tuned suspension. Its AWD EPA estimate is lower than the other configurations listed above. That equipment makes TrailSport the trim to consider for light off-pavement use, but it is not evidence of a specialized off-road vehicle’s capability.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
PIMCAR 2-Piece Center Console Organizer & Armrest Divider Set for 2023-2026 Honda Pilot, 2024-2026 Honda Passport/Ridgeline, Custom Fit Durable ABS Plastic Storage Tray
  • Perfect Fit: Precisely engineered for 2023-2026 Honda Pilot, 2024-2026 Honda Ridgeline, 2024-2026 Passport. This 2-Piece set (armrest divider + center console tray) seamlessly integrates with the factory interior, creating a clutter-free cabin.
  • Armrest Divider: Divides armrest box into 4 deep compartments at the base designed specifically for bulky essentials (sunglasses, cables), eliminating wasted vertical space while keeping items securely separated and visible at a glance.
  • Center Console Organizer: Adds a top-tier storage layer with multi-size compartments, featuring a quick-access design that keeps daily essentials (phones, wallets, pens) visible and within arm’s reach.
  • Anti-Rattle & Durable ABS Plastic: Made from upgraded matte-finish ABS plastic resistant to scratches and heat, with embedded non-slip rubber pads that prevent sliding and eliminate road noise.
  • Tool-Free Installation: Put the tray and divider directly into the center console. No adhesives or modifications. Fully removable for effortless cleaning or layout changes.

Honda lists maximum towing of 5,000 pounds for AWD trims and 3,500 pounds for 2WD trims, and says towing requires accessory towing equipment. Those are configuration-specific maximums, not a blanket rating for every Pilot. Check the exact vehicle and towing setup, including the equipment and load, before towing; a hitch alone does not establish that a setup is safe. Honda’s 2025 trim announcement and specifications describe these features and limits.

How does the Pilot compare with the 2025 Ford Explorer?

In the specific 2025 Pilot-versus-Explorer comparison published by The Associated Press and provided by Edmunds, the Pilot was credited with a smoother ride over bumps and useful cabin storage. The Explorer was described as more technology-forward, with a larger center screen and digital instrument display. The comparison also said both SUVs’ third rows were best suited for children. These are that comparison’s judgments, not a universal ranking of every trim or use case. Read the AP/Edmunds comparison alongside your own priorities: ride comfort, screen layout, storage, passenger needs, drivetrain, trim price, fuel economy, and whether you expect to leave paved roads.

Rank #4
EcoNour Windshield Sunshade Compatible for Honda Pilot 2016-2024 2025 2026
  • Compatible for Honda Pilot 2016-2026 Windshield Sun Shade: Precisely designed windshield sunshade fit for Honda Pilot - 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 to provide full windshield coverage with 100% light blocker.
  • Maximum Heat & UV Blocking Windshield Sunshade: Reflective windshield sun shade with a 4-layer cover blocks 99.89% of UVA & 99.95% of UVB and offers SPF 100 & UPF 80+ protection, reducing harmful UV rays and extreme heat, keeping the car’s interior cooler while protecting the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel.
  • Premium Insulated Sunshade Material: High-density 280T front windshield sunshade with multi-layer reflective insulation effectively deflects sunlight and reduces interior heat buildup during hot summer days.
  • Quick Install Folding Windshield Sun Shade: Foldable Front Window shade installs in seconds and stores easily in the glove box or door pocket when not in use.
  • Durable Long-Lasting Windshield Sunshade: Reinforced stitched edges prevent warping, bending, or tearing, making the sun shade ideal for daily windshield protection and long-term use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What does the Pilot’s safety rating actually say?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety lists the 2025 Pilot as a Top Safety Pick. Its ratings page reports Good ratings for the small-overlap front test, updated side test, headlights, and standard pedestrian front crash prevention; the updated moderate-overlap front rating is Acceptable, not Good. IIHS notes that some results come from tests of 2023 Pilot vehicles and apply across model years, while the updated moderate-overlap result is based on a 2025 EX-L and applies to 2025–26. The rating therefore should not be simplified to “Good in every test.”

IIHS says blind-spot detection and rear automatic braking are available options, while lane departure warning and prevention are standard. Honda cautions that driver-assistance systems may not detect every hazard and that the driver remains responsible for safe operation; these features are not autonomous driving. See the IIHS 2025 Honda Pilot ratings page for the test details.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Drop Stop – 2 Original Car Seat Gap Fillers (Shark Tank) + Dash Pad + Light
  • DROP STOP: Provides 100% Gap Coverage in front of, surrounding & behind seat belt catch. Drop Stop attaches to the seat belt catch via built in slot. Moves with seat, no need to readjust or reinstall
  • AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK: Drop Stop gap filler for car blocks that annoying yet ever so dangerous crevice between your car/truck seat & center console, protecting valuables & reducing distracted driving
  • ORIGINAL AND PATENTED SEAT GAP FILLER: Drop Stop will never fall apart and lasts a lifetime. High Grade Neoprene casing allows Drop Stop to contract or expand to fill whatever size gap you have
  • CAR SEAT GAP FILLER 2 PACK: Comes with 2 Drop Stops, 1 for the driver side & 1 for the passenger side; universal fit. Also included are two bonus accessories: a Slide-Free Pad & LED Credit Card Light
  • FITS MOST VEHICLES: One size fits most vehicles, from trucks to SUVs. One color blends all. The Gap is a dark shadow so once you install Drop Stop, you won't know it's there until it Stops the Drop

Who should consider the 2025 Pilot?

  • A likely fit: families who want a three-row midsize SUV with a V6, automatic transmission, and a conventional powertrain layout.
  • Check carefully: buyers who regularly need adult space in the third row, since the cited comparison characterized it as best suited for children.
  • Compare alternatives: drivers who put a larger screen and digital instrument display ahead of the Pilot’s ride and storage strengths may prefer to examine the Explorer cited in the comparison.
  • Budget realistically: use a current, itemized dealer quote rather than the January 2025 MSRP when deciding whether a Pilot is affordable for you.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.