It’s been a minute for the reason that Honda Pilot’s newest era debuted. Truly, it’s been two years. The restyled SUV confirmed its muscular bod for the primary time in November, 2022. Apart from a quick first-drive occasion in early 2023, we form of forgot in regards to the “new” Pilot. Does that make it a wholly forgettable machine?
Actually not. After every week and roughly 600 miles in a 2025 Pilot Black Version, I discovered the SUV to be an outstanding household truckster with reputable room for seven or eight individuals inside, not a straightforward accomplishment within the mid-size SUV section. However my bottom wasn’t very joyful after three straight hours within the driver’s seat. And my pockets wasn’t proud of the required gasoline stops.
Each SUV section is tremendous aggressive, however the mid-size crew is dwelling to heavy hitters just like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Jeep Grand Cherokee… I may go on. The Pilot is arguably the best-looking of the bunch, balancing its chiseled, upright form with clear traces and satisfying proportions. Discovering that design candy spot isn’t straightforward, and the Black Version provides a bit extra taste with black exterior trim. Set in opposition to the Radiant Pink Metallic paint, this Pilot simply flat-out seems to be sharp.
The Black Version brings extra snazzy trim inside, specifically within the type of purple stitching and purple inside lighting to distinction with the ocean of black leather-based. Like the outside, Honda strikes a snug stability with its design, although some may discover the structure a bit dated regardless of being simply two years outdated. The 9.0-inch tablet-style touchscreen contributes to that—it’s decidedly smaller than most the whole lot else on this section.
Professionals: Easy, Spacious, Third-row seat Truly Matches Adults
A barely bigger display screen could be simpler to see and navigate, however that doesn’t imply it’s not helpful as-is. Honda’s software program suite is splendidly intuitive to make use of, the voice management works moderately effectively, and if you wish to forego that in your Android or iPhone, wi-fi connectivity is trouble-free and close to instantaneous.
In case you can swing the additional value, I like to recommend the optionally available 10.2-inch digital driver show obtainable on increased trim ranges. It dietary supplements data similar to navigation into your discipline of view, and it simply seems to be good. There aren’t an amazing variety of configurations, simply sufficient to carry a little bit of selection to an in any other case humble commute.
The structure is well adjustable by way of steering wheel controls, and whereas I’m speaking about controls, reward be: Honda retains a easy financial institution of knobs and buttons beneath the middle display screen for local weather and seat features. When the windshield fogs up throughout a sudden rainstorm, it’s a godsend to succeed in over and switch a dial with out taking your eyes off the street.
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All of it melds with Pilot’s main mission in life: to move individuals safely and comfortably to their vacation spot. That’s achieved moderately effectively within the first two rows of seats, however think about my shock once I shuffled into the Pilot’s third row and located precise, usable house. Admittedly I’m not a tall man at 5-foot 6-inches, however legroom isn’t the one accolade for the Honda’s rearmost seat. There’s a breadth of shoulder room, 59.5 inches to be precise. It’s sufficient to the place three kids or two adults wouldn’t really feel cramped. In case you repeatedly have a carload of parents on board, you might do worse than the Pilot.
It’s among the many most spacious within the mid-size section, and there’s nonetheless 22.4 cubic ft of house behind the third row for cargo. With the rear seat folded it will increase to 60.1 cubic ft. Pulling the detachable second-row middle part and pivoting the seats ahead opens up 112.1 cubic ft. As for that detachable seat part, it neatly stows in a small storage compartment beneath the ground on the very again. Most significantly, the assorted configurations are tremendous easy to arrange. Pull a strap right here, push a button there, and also you’re carrying dwelling a brand new washer.
Cons: Exhausting Seats On Lengthy Journeys, Has A Consuming Downside
How does it drive? Its 3.5-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower is… simply high quality. Press the gasoline, it goes. And the 10-speed computerized would not complain about altering gears. Certain, you might select Sport mode and faux to clip apexes, however the Pilot isn’t speculated to be a street course rockstar. There’s loads of energy to merge into heavy freeway site visitors, and the suspension soaks up tough pavement with out making anybody automobile sick. The powertrain isn’t obtrusive, or quirky, or attention-grabbing for that matter. It merely is, and albeit, that’s the best way it ought to be for a family-focused SUV.
Regardless of its dimension, the Pilot feels as straightforward to drive as a Civic. Honda Sensing features a plethora of driver assists which can be neither overly intrusive nor cumbersome, and that definitely helps cut back stress on lengthy journeys. You don’t want an optioned-up mannequin to get them both. Honda Sensing is commonplace throughout the road, and identical to the powertrain, it merely does the job for which it was designed, with out undue drama. I’d suggest stepping up for the CabinTalk in-car PA System, particularly when you have noisy children or hearing-impaired grandparents. It initiatives your voice by way of the stereo to the rear rows; belief me once I say it is useful.
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I want the Pilot had the Civic’s gasoline mileage. The official EPA rankings for all-wheel-drive fashions are 19 metropolis, 25 freeway, and 21 mixed. I averaged 22 mpg over roughly 600 miles, however the overwhelming majority of that was on the freeway and rural nation roads the place I ought to be getting one of the best of one of the best. Tooling round at metropolis speeds I usually stayed within the mid-to-high teenagers; at 75 mph I used to be within the low 20s. It’s price noting the Pilot I had was model new with simply 150 miles on the odometer. Issues may enhance a bit because the engine breaks in. However there are comparable SUVs with extra energy doing higher on the pump.
The seats have been additionally a downer, not less than for the driving force. Sure, I already waxed poetic in regards to the Pilot’s inside house and luxury, however I had a sore bottom after an hour behind the wheel. Laterally talking, the entrance seats have been fantastic and the Black Version’s 10-way vented driver seat was wholly supportive. Truly, it was too supportive—the seat backside was exceedingly stiff. It’s not one thing you’d discover on a brief check drive, and just like the gasoline mileage, it might ease up over time. However it’s stiff sufficient for me to query whether or not I may settle for it as a day by day driver.
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Even with a softer seat, I’m undecided the Black Version makes essentially the most sense for SUV buyers. Its beginning worth of $55,675 locations it amongst competitors with extra energy, extra tech, and albeit, a bit extra persona. Nevertheless, An EX-L with all-wheel drive is $10,000 much less and also you get a lot of the identical tools. Extra importantly, you continue to get the whole lot that makes this SUV such an excellent selection for bigger households—the inside house, the driving force assists, the in-car intercom, and the stalwart (albeit thirsty) powertrain.
Whereas I used to be by no means excited to drive the Pilot, I felt relaxed and safe behind the wheel no matter climate or site visitors. When essentially the most treasured issues in your life are sitting only a few ft behind you, I can’t think about feeling any higher. Mission achieved, Honda.
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