Embark on an extraordinary journey with the 2025 Honda Pilot, an SUV that redefines the boundaries of adventure and sophistication. Meticulously crafted to deliver an unparalleled driving experience, the Honda Pilot stands as a testament to engineering excellence and innovation.
As you delve into the realm of the 2025 Honda Pilot, you will discover a symphony of features that cater to your every need. From its spacious cabin adorned with premium materials to its advanced technology that seamlessly integrates with your life, the Honda Pilot promises an unparalleled level of comfort and convenience. Whether traversing urban landscapes or embarking on off-road escapades, this exceptional SUV empowers you to conquer any challenge with confidence and style.
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring and Elite trim levels stand as pinnacles of refinement and capability, offering distinct experiences tailored to your discerning tastes. The Touring trim exudes a harmonious blend of luxury and functionality, featuring a panoramic sunroof that invites natural light to flood the cabin, creating an airy and spacious ambiance. Its perforated leather-trimmed seats cradle you in comfort, while the rear-seat entertainment system keeps your passengers engaged on long journeys. The Elite trim, on the other hand, elevates the Pilot experience to new heights with its opulent appointments and advanced technology. Indulge in the supple embrace of perforated leather seats adorned with diamond-quilted stitching, as the premium audio system immerses you in a symphony of sound. The Elite’s intuitive navigation system and suite of driver-assist technologies further enhance your driving experience, providing confidence and peace of mind behind the wheel.
Embracing Luxury: The Elite’s Upscale Appeal
The Honda Pilot Elite exudes sophistication from every angle, elevating the driving experience to new heights. Its sleek exterior, adorned with exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and chrome accents, commands attention on the road. Inside, the cabin is a sanctuary of comfort and luxury, featuring premium leather-trimmed seats with intricate stitching and heated front and second-row seats for unparalleled warmth and relaxation. The panoramic sunroof invites natural light to flood the interior, creating an airy and expansive atmosphere.
The technological advancements within the Elite are equally impressive. A 10.2-inch touchscreen display serves as the nerve center, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 12-speaker premium audio system delivers crystal-clear sound, transforming every journey into a symphony of your favorite tunes. Wireless charging capabilities and multiple USB ports ensure that all devices stay powered and connected throughout the ride.
The Elite’s upscale amenities extend beyond its interior and exterior. Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features, provides peace of mind with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert enhance visibility and prevent potential hazards. The Elite stands as a testament to Honda’s dedication to delivering an unparalleled driving experience, combining refined luxury and cutting-edge technology.
Performance Comparison: Elite vs. Touring’s Driving Dynamics
Engine and Powertrain
Both the Elite and Touring trims feature a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While both trims provide ample power for daily driving and highway cruising, the Elite trim offers a slightly sportier ride due to its stiffer suspension and upgraded 20-inch alloy wheels.
Handling and Braking
The Elite trim’s stiffer suspension and larger wheels enhance its handling capabilities, providing a more composed ride during cornering and spirited driving. In contrast, the Touring trim’s softer suspension prioritizes comfort, leading to a slightly more relaxed driving experience. Both trims feature a well-tuned braking system with ventilated disc brakes, ensuring confident stopping power.
Fuel Economy
Despite its sportier suspension, the Elite trim maintains comparable fuel economy to the Touring trim. According to EPA estimates, both trims achieve 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This efficiency is achieved through advanced features such as variable valve timing and a stop-start system.
|
Elite |
Touring |
| Engine |
3.5L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower |
280 hp |
280 hp |
| Torque |
262 lb-ft |
262 lb-ft |
| Transmission |
9-speed automatic |
9-speed automatic |
| Suspension |
Stiffer |
Softer |
| Wheels |
20-inch alloy |
18-inch alloy |
| Fuel Economy (EPA) |
20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway |
20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway |
Safety and Advanced Driving Aid Systems: Ensuring Peace of Mind
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring and Elite trim levels come equipped with an impressive suite of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems that ensure the safety of passengers and provide peace of mind on the road.
Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Both trims offer blind spot monitoring, which alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots. Additionally, they include rear cross-traffic alert, which warns of approaching traffic when reversing.
Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Mitigation
The Pilot Touring and Elite feature lane keeping assist, which helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Road departure mitigation intervenes if the vehicle starts to drift off the road, applying steering correction to prevent an accident.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
The advanced adaptive cruise control system adjusts the Pilot’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. It also includes low-speed follow, which assists in stop-and-go traffic.
Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning
The collision mitigation braking system uses forward collision warning to detect potential collisions and applies automatic braking if the driver does not react quickly enough. This system significantly reduces the chances of rear-end accidents.
| Trims |
Touring |
Elite |
| Blind Spot Monitoring |
Yes |
Yes |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert |
Yes |
Yes |
| Lane Keeping Assist |
Yes |
Yes |
| Road Departure Mitigation |
Yes |
Yes |
| Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow |
Yes |
Yes |
| Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning |
Yes |
Yes |
Interior Refinement and Comfort: Cabin Ambiance Comparison
Cabin Ambiance and Materials
The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring boasts a premium cabin adorned with soft-touch materials, contrasting stitching, and ambient lighting. In contrast, the Elite trim elevates the ambiance further with genuine leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light.
Seating Comfort
Both the Touring and Elite offer highly comfortable seating with ample room for all occupants. The Elite, however, takes the edge with its perforated leather seats that provide enhanced breathability and support.
Noise Insulation
Honda has paid meticulous attention to noise insulation in both trims. However, the Elite surpasses the Touring with its upgraded acoustic glass, which effectively minimizes road and wind noise for a quieter and more serene interior.
Climate Control and Ambient Lighting
The Touring and Elite feature advanced climate control systems with multiple zones and air filtration. Additionally, the Elite boasts ambient lighting with customizable colors, allowing occupants to tailor the cabin ambiance to their preferences.
Technological Enhancements
The Elite trim comes standard with a host of premium technological enhancements, including a larger touchscreen display, a wireless charging pad, and a premium sound system. These features elevate the overall driving and entertainment experience.
Cargo Capacity and Versatility: Spaciousness and Flexibility
Spacious Rear Cargo Area
Both the Pilot Touring and Elite offer ample cargo space to accommodate various needs. The Touring and Elite feature a spacious rear cargo area behind the third row of seats, providing 16.5 cubic feet of storage. This space is ideal for smaller items, such as groceries or backpacks.
Foldable Third Row
To maximize cargo capacity, the third row of seats can be folded down to create a flat, open cargo space. This configuration expands the cargo area to 46.6 cubic feet in the Touring and 47.1 cubic feet in the Elite, allowing you to transport larger items, such as luggage, sports equipment, or bulky packages.
Multiple Storage Compartments
In addition to the rear cargo area, both trims offer numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin. These include sizable door pockets, glove boxes, and center console bins, providing convenient storage for smaller items and personal belongings.
Rear-Seat Entertainment System with HDMI Input
For enhanced entertainment, the Elite trim features a rear-seat entertainment system with an HDMI input. This allows you to connect external devices, such as video game consoles or DVD players, to keep passengers entertained during long journeys.
Hands-Free Power Liftgate
Both the Touring and Elite trims come equipped with a hands-free power liftgate. This feature allows you to open and close the rear liftgate with a simple foot gesture, making it easy to access the cargo area even when your hands are full.
Towing Capacity
While not directly related to cargo capacity, it’s worth noting that both the Touring and Elite trims have a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, enabling you to tow trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment with confidence.
Value for Money: Assessing the Price Premiums
The Elite trim commands a significant price premium over the Touring variant, warranting careful consideration of the value proposition. While the Elite offers an array of desirable enhancements, the Touring trim provides a well-rounded package that delivers exceptional value.
Standard Features
Both the Touring and Elite trims offer a comprehensive suite of standard features, including a panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The Elite adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate for enhanced convenience.
Technological Enhancements
The Elite trim boasts a technological edge, featuring a 10.2-inch touchscreen with navigation and a premium 12-speaker audio system. The Touring trim offers an 8-inch touchscreen and an eight-speaker audio system. However, both trims integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
Exterior Styling
The Elite trim distinguishes itself with unique exterior styling cues, including 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, and LED fog lights. The Touring trim features 19-inch alloy wheels and halogen fog lights. Both trims offer a sleek and modern design.
Safety Features
Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety technologies, is standard on both trims. It includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Elite trim adds a blind-spot monitoring system for enhanced peace of mind.
Environmental Impact and Fuel Efficiency: Striving for Sustainability
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The 2025 Honda Pilot Elite excels in fuel efficiency, boasting an impressive EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. While the Touring trim offers slightly less fuel economy with its 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway ratings, both trims demonstrate Honda’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Hybrid Technology
The Touring trim features the Honda i-VTEC variable valve timing system, optimizing engine performance and enhancing fuel efficiency. The Elite trim, on the other hand, takes sustainability to the next level with its advanced two-motor hybrid system. This system seamlessly combines electric and gasoline power, resulting in exceptional fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Alternative Fuel Options
While both trims offer impressive fuel efficiency with gasoline, the Elite trim provides drivers with the option to reduce their environmental footprint even further. It features Honda’s exclusive e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) system, allowing for a purely electric driving mode for short distances.
Emissions Control Technology
Both the Touring and Elite trims incorporate advanced emissions control technologies to minimize their environmental impact. They feature catalytic converters that reduce harmful pollutants, ensuring compliance with stringent emission standards.
Eco Assist System
Honda’s Eco Assist system, included in both trims, provides real-time feedback to drivers, encouraging eco-conscious driving habits. This system displays indicators on the dashboard to prompt drivers to accelerate gently and maintain efficient speeds, further reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
The Honda Pilot’s fuel-efficient engines and advanced technologies result in a reduced carbon footprint. By consuming less gasoline and emitting fewer pollutants, both trims contribute towards sustainable mobility.
Hybrid Fuel Consumption and Emissions
|
Touring Hybrid |
Elite |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) |
22/28 mpg |
28/35 mpg |
| Electric Range |
N/A |
Up to 1 mile |
| CO2 Emissions |
Less than 7,200 lbs/year |
Less than 6,000 lbs/year |
Target Audience Profiles: Matching Needs to Features
Families with Young Children
Families with young children prioritize space, comfort, and safety features. The Honda Pilot Touring offers ample seating for up to eight passengers, with second-row captain’s chairs for easy access to the third row. The Elite trim adds luxurious amenities such as heated and cooled front seats, rear-seat entertainment system, and power folding third-row seats for added convenience.
Adventure-Seekers
Adventure-seekers crave a vehicle that can handle off-road terrain and tow heavy loads. The Honda Pilot Elite features all-wheel drive, a powerful V6 engine, and a tow capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. Its rugged exterior styling and ample ground clearance make it ideal for exploring the wilderness.
Tech-Savvy Families
Tech-savvy families demand the latest in connectivity and entertainment features. Both the Touring and Elite trims come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a large touchscreen display, and a premium audio system. The Elite trim further enhances the experience with a built-in navigation system and Wi-Fi hotspot for staying connected on the go.
Families with Teenagers
Families with teenagers value practical features such as cargo space, seating flexibility, and driver-assist technologies. The Honda Pilot Touring provides ample cargo room with its versatile rear seats that can be folded down to create a flat load floor. The Elite trim adds a hands-free power liftgate for effortless loading and unloading.
Luxury-Minded Buyers
Luxury-minded buyers seek comfort, style, and premium amenities. The Honda Pilot Elite offers a sophisticated interior with leather-trimmed seats, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Its bold exterior design and exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels further enhance its luxurious appeal.
Off-Road Enthusiasts
Off-road enthusiasts require a vehicle that can conquer challenging terrain. The Honda Pilot Elite is equipped with an advanced all-wheel drive system that optimizes traction and stability in off-road conditions. Its available TrailWatch camera system provides a clear view of obstacles and surroundings for added safety.
Safety-Conscious Drivers
Safety-conscious drivers prioritize advanced driver-assist technologies. Both the Touring and Elite trims come standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Elite trim adds additional features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for enhanced peace of mind.
Towing and Hauling Capabilities
Towing and hauling capabilities are crucial for those who need to transport heavy loads or tow trailers. The Honda Pilot Elite offers a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds and comes equipped with a heavy-duty transmission and trailer stability assist system for increased control and safety.
Fuel Efficiency and Value
Fuel efficiency and overall value are important considerations for many buyers. Both the Touring and Elite trims deliver impressive fuel economy for a midsize SUV, with ratings of up to 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The Elite trim offers additional features and amenities, but the Touring trim provides a great balance of value and practicality.
Future-Forward Enhancements: Anticipating Technological Evolution
1. Intelligent Safety: Driving into Security
Pilot Touring and Elite boast a suite of advanced safety features that raise the bar for driving protection. From adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings to automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, these technologies enhance situational awareness, reducing risk and promoting peace of mind.
2. Hands-Free Ingenuity: Embracing Convenience
The Pilot’s available hands-free tailgate allows for seamless access to the cargo area without juggling keys or fumbling with buttons.
3. Trail-Taming Capabilities: Exploring New Horizons
Both Touring and Elite trims boast all-wheel drive capabilities, ensuring confident handling on challenging terrain. The Elite’s exclusive Snow Mode optimizes drivability in wintery conditions, enhancing traction and stability on slippery surfaces.
4. Adaptive Damping: Elevating Ride Comfort
The Pilot Touring and Elite’s sophisticated adaptive damping system continuously adjusts suspension settings based on road conditions, providing optimal comfort and stability whether cruising on highways or navigating rough terrain.
5. Advanced Connectivity: Staying Connected on the Go
The Pilot’s advanced infotainment system seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering intuitive access to navigation, music, and messaging while minimizing distractions.
6. Tri-Zone Climate Control: Personalized Comfort
The Pilot Touring and Elite offer tri-zone climate control, allowing passengers to customize temperatures independently in the front and rear seats, ensuring optimal comfort for all occupants.
7. Spacious and Versatile Interior: Embracing Every Journey
With seating for up to eight, the Pilot’s spacious interior provides ample room for families and cargo. The configurable second and third rows allow for various seating and cargo configurations, accommodating diverse travel needs.
8. Premium Materials: Enhancing Refinement
The Pilot Elite’s premium interior features genuine leather upholstery, wood accents, and subtle ambient lighting, exuding elegance and sophistication.
9. Panoramic Moonroof: Unveiling Scenic Vistas
The available panoramic moonroof in the Pilot Elite floods the cabin with natural light, offering breathtaking views and creating an airy, spacious ambiance.
10. Wireless Device Charging: Power at Your Fingertips
The Pilot Touring and Elite offer wireless device charging for compatible devices, providing seamless charging without the hassle of cables. Conveniently place your smartphone in a designated charging area to keep it powered up and ready for use.
| Feature |
Pilot Touring |
Pilot Elite |
| Intelligent Safety Suite |
Standard |
Standard |
| Hands-Free Tailgate |
Optional |
Standard |
| Snow Mode |
– |
Standard |
| Adaptive Damping |
Standard |
Standard |
| Wireless Device Charging |
Optional |
Standard |
2025 Honda Pilot Touring vs. Elite: Which Trim Level is Right for You?
The 2025 Honda Pilot is a popular choice for families who need a spacious and versatile SUV. It offers three trim levels: LX, EX-L, and Touring. The Touring trim level is the most popular, as it offers a number of features that are not available on the other trims, such as leather seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system. The Elite trim level is the top-of-the-line Pilot, and it adds even more features, such as a premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
So, which trim level is right for you? If you’re looking for a well-equipped SUV with plenty of features, the Touring trim level is a good choice. If you’re looking for the most luxurious Pilot possible, the Elite trim level is the way to go.
People Also Ask
Is the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring worth the extra money?
Yes, the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring is worth the extra money if you’re looking for a well-equipped SUV with plenty of features. It comes with a number of features that are not available on the other trims, such as leather seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system.
What are the key differences between the Pilot Touring and Elite trims?
The key differences between the Pilot Touring and Elite trims are the Elite trim adds a number of features, such as a premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Which Pilot trim level is the best value?
The Pilot Touring trim level is the best value because it offers a number of features that are not available on the other trims, such as leather seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system, while still being affordable.
