Introducing the 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot: Embracing Evolution While Preserving Legacy
The Honda Pilot, a cornerstone of the Honda SUV lineup, has consistently captivated drivers with its spacious cabin, versatile performance, and unwavering reliability. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Honda has meticulously refined the Pilot for the 2024 and 2025 model years, striking a harmonious balance between innovation and the cherished attributes that have made the Pilot a beloved choice for families and adventurers alike. While both iterations share the Pilot’s core DNA, subtle distinctions set them apart, providing discerning buyers with tailored options to meet their specific needs.
First and foremost, the 2024 Pilot undergoes a comprehensive refresh, featuring a bold new exterior design that exudes both sophistication and ruggedness. Its chiseled lines and aggressive stance convey a sense of purpose, while the redesigned grille and striking LED headlights lend an air of modernity. Inside, the cabin has been meticulously crafted to provide an upscale and comfortable experience, with premium materials and thoughtfully placed amenities. The 2025 Pilot, on the other hand, takes a more evolutionary approach, retaining the successful formula of its predecessor while incorporating subtle enhancements that elevate its overall appeal. Exterior styling remains largely unchanged, with a few minor tweaks to keep it fresh and competitive in the ever-evolving automotive market. Inside, the focus is on refinement, with the introduction of new color schemes, upgraded upholstery, and an enhanced infotainment system to cater to the evolving needs of tech-savvy drivers.
Evolutionary Design
The 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot share an evolutionary design approach that delicately balances familiarity with modernity. The exterior enhancements center around a bolder grille flanked by sharper and sleeker headlights, giving the Pilot a more assertive stance. The side profile retains its rugged and utilitarian character, with prominent wheel arches and a distinct beltline that adds a touch of sporty elegance. The rear fascia harmonizes with the updated front, featuring revised taillights and a redesigned rear bumper that further accentuates the Pilot’s muscular presence.
Exterior Dimensions
Both model years share similar exterior dimensions, allowing for ample interior space and cargo capacity. The following table summarizes the key measurements:
| Dimension | 2024 Pilot | 2025 Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.4 inches | 199.4 inches |
| Width | 79.0 inches | 79.0 inches |
| Height | 70.6 inches | 70.6 inches |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 inches | 111.4 inches |
Expanded Powertrain Options
The 2025 Honda Pilot offers a broader range of powertrain options compared to the 2024 model. While both vehicles feature a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2025 Pilot adds a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the lineup. This turbocharged engine delivers a more efficient and torquey performance, making it an attractive choice for drivers looking for a balance of power and fuel economy.
The new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 260 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, representing a significant increase in power output compared to the 3.5-liter V6. Additionally, the turbocharged engine boasts improved torque at lower RPMs, providing a more responsive driving experience, especially during acceleration and towing. Despite its increased power, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine achieves better fuel economy than the 3.5-liter V6, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing performance.
The table below summarizes the key differences between the powertrain options available on the 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot:
| 2024 Honda Pilot | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 280 hp (3.5-liter V6), 260 hp (2.0-liter turbocharged) |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft (3.5-liter V6), 280 lb-ft (2.0-liter turbocharged) |
| Fuel Economy | 26 MPG (2WD), 24 MPG (AWD) | 28 MPG (2WD, 2.0-liter turbocharged), 26 MPG (2WD, 3.5-liter V6), 24 MPG (AWD, both engines) |
Enhanced Technology Features
1. Enhanced Display and Controls
The 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot boast upgraded displays and controls. The 2024 Pilot features an 8-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while the 2025 Pilot introduces a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Both models offer a user-friendly interface, voice recognition, and customizable settings.
2. Improved Safety Systems
Safety is a top priority for Honda, and the 2024 and 2025 Pilot come equipped with advanced safety technologies. The Honda Sensing suite of safety features includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The 2025 Pilot adds new safety enhancements such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, providing drivers with increased peace of mind.
3. Connected Features and Convenience
Both the 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot offer impressive connectivity features. The HondaLink system allows drivers to remotely start their vehicle, lock and unlock doors, and locate their car. The 2025 Pilot introduces a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling passengers to stay connected while on the road. Additionally, both models feature a wireless charging pad for compatible devices, enhancing convenience and keeping devices powered up.
| Feature | 2024 Honda Pilot | 2025 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 8 inches | 10.2 inches |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | No | Yes |
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Optional (subscription required) | Standard (subscription required) |
Improved Safety Systems
Honda Sensing Suite Upgrades
The 2025 Pilot receives several enhancements to its Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies. The adaptive cruise control system now operates at all speeds, providing smoother and more responsive control in stop-and-go traffic. The lane-keeping assist system has been recalibrated to offer more precise and less intrusive steering assistance. The automatic emergency braking system now includes pedestrian and cyclist detection, providing improved protection in various traffic scenarios.
Additionally, the 2025 Pilot introduces a new Traffic Jam Assist feature, which works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems to provide semi-autonomous driving capabilities in dense traffic conditions. This feature can automatically accelerate, brake, and steer the vehicle within its lane, reducing driver fatigue and increasing safety in congested situations.
Other Safety Enhancements
In addition to the Honda Sensing upgrades, the 2025 Pilot offers several other safety improvements. The body structure has been reinforced to provide better protection in the event of a crash. The front and rear crumple zones have been redesigned to absorb more energy and reduce occupant impact forces. The vehicle also features a new system that monitors the driver’s alertness and provides audible and visual warnings if drowsiness is detected.
| 2024 Pilot | 2025 Pilot |
|---|---|
| Adaptive cruise control (ACC) | ACC with low-speed follow |
| Lane-keeping assist (LKAS) | LKAS with lane centring |
| Automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection | AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection |
| Traffic Jam Assist | Not available |
New Hybrid Model
The 2025 Honda Pilot introduces a significant addition to the lineup: a new hybrid model. This hybrid variant combines a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The result is an impressive increase in fuel efficiency, with the 2025 Pilot Hybrid boasting an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Unlike the 2024 Pilot, which was solely powered by a gasoline-powered 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2025 Hybrid offers an alternative powertrain system that enhances both efficiency and performance. The hybrid system provides an extra 40 horsepower and 35 lb-ft of torque compared to the standard V6 engine, delivering an improved acceleration response and smoother driving experience.
The 2025 Pilot Hybrid comes standard with a CVT transmission and all-wheel drive, ensuring optimum power delivery and traction in various driving conditions. Additionally, it features regenerative braking technology that captures energy during deceleration, further enhancing fuel savings.
With its advanced hybrid powertrain, the 2025 Honda Pilot Hybrid offers a compelling choice for eco-conscious drivers who demand both efficiency and performance. It complements the existing gasoline-powered variants, providing a wider range of options to cater to diverse customer needs.
| 2024 Honda Pilot | 2025 Honda Pilot Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3.5-liter V6 engine | 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors |
| Fuel Efficiency (EPA-estimated) | 20 city / 27 highway | 36 city / 35 highway |
| Horsepower | 280 | 320 |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | CVT |
| Availability | Current | Summer 2023 |
Revised Interior Design
The 2024 Honda Pilot’s interior has been significantly redesigned to offer a more modern and upscale experience. Key changes include:
Larger Touchscreen Display
The 2024 Pilot now features a larger 9-inch touchscreen display, up from the 8-inch display in the 2025 model. This display is positioned higher on the dashboard for improved visibility and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Updated Instrumentation
The 2024 Pilot’s instrument cluster has been redesigned with a new 10.2-inch digital display. This display provides a customizable layout and offers a variety of information options, including trip data, navigation, and vehicle status.
Improved Material Quality
The 2024 Pilot features higher-quality materials throughout the cabin. The seats are upholstered in more luxurious leather, and the dashboard and door panels have been updated with soft-touch finishes. These materials create a more premium and comfortable interior.
Redesigned Center Console
The center console of the 2024 Pilot has been redesigned to provide more storage space and convenience. The console now includes a larger storage bin with a wireless charging pad, and the cupholders have been repositioned for easier access.
New Ambient Lighting
The 2024 Pilot introduces ambient lighting to the interior. This lighting system can be customized to create a variety of atmospheres, from soothing to energizing. It enhances the overall ambiance and comfort of the cabin.
Improved Sound System
The 2024 Pilot’s sound system has been upgraded with a new 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. This system delivers a more immersive and dynamic sound experience, enhancing the enjoyment of music, podcasts, and other audio content.
| 2024 Honda Pilot | 2025 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|
| 9-inch touchscreen display | 8-inch touchscreen display |
| 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster | Analog instrument cluster |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Urethane-wrapped steering wheel |
| Heated front seats | Manual front seats |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration | No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration |
| 12-speaker Bose premium audio system | No premium audio system |
Increased Cargo Capacity
The 2025 Honda Pilot boasts impressive cargo capacity upgrades compared to its 2024 counterpart. The most significant enhancement lies in the expanded third-row space, offering a notable difference in legroom and headroom for rear-most passengers. This translates to a more comfortable experience, especially for taller individuals or those requiring extra space for child seats or equipment.
Moreover, the 2025 Pilot features a redesigned cargo area that optimizes storage versatility. The adjustable rear cargo floor allows for various configurations, enabling users to customize the space according to their specific needs. Whether it’s accommodating bulky items, maximizing storage capacity, or creating a level surface for loading and unloading, the enhanced cargo management system proves highly beneficial.
To quantify the improvements, the 2025 Pilot offers:
| Cargo Capacity | 2024 Honda Pilot | 2025 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Behind 3rd Row | 16.5 cubic feet | 19.2 cubic feet |
| Behind 2nd Row | 46.6 cubic feet | 52.5 cubic feet |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 83.9 cubic feet | 96 cubic feet |
These increased cargo capacity figures represent a significant upgrade and add to the overall practicality and versatility of the 2025 Honda Pilot, making it an even more compelling choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Upgraded Suspension and Handling
Revised Suspension Components
The 2023 Honda Pilot features redesigned front and rear suspension systems aimed at improving ride comfort and handling. The front suspension now employs MacPherson struts with revised geometry, while the rear suspension uses a new multi-link setup. These changes enhance the Pilot’s stability and cornering abilities.
Adaptive Dampers
The top-of-the-line Elite and Touring trims now come standard with adaptive dampers. These electronically controlled dampers adjust their firmness automatically based on driving conditions, providing a more refined and comfortable ride on rough surfaces.
Improved Ride Quality
The combination of the revised suspension and adaptive dampers significantly improves the Pilot’s ride quality. The vehicle absorbs bumps and road imperfections more effectively, reducing vibrations and ensuring a smoother passenger experience.
Enhanced Handling
The upgraded suspension system also enhances the Pilot’s handling. The MacPherson struts provide more precise steering response, while the multi-link rear suspension improves cornering stability and reduces body roll. This results in a more agile and confident driving experience.
Upgraded Stabilizer Bars
The Pilot now features thicker stabilizer bars on both the front and rear axles. These bars help to reduce body sway during cornering, improving overall vehicle stability.
All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Terrain Management
The TrailSport trim offers an enhanced all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Terrain Management. This system allows the driver to select different modes for different off-road conditions, such as sand, snow, and mud.
Honda Sensing Technology
All Pilot models come equipped with the Honda Sensing Suite of advanced safety features. This includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and more.
Honda Pilot Suspension Comparison Table
| 2024 Honda Pilot | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension | MacPherson struts with revised geometry | MacPherson struts with revised geometry |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Adaptive Dampers | Standard on Elite and Touring trims | Standard on Elite and Touring trims |
| Stabilizer Bars | Thicker on both front and rear axles | Thicker on both front and rear axles |
| All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Terrain Management | Available on TrailSport trim | Available on TrailSport trim |
| Honda Sensing Technology | Standard on all trims | Standard on all trims |
Enhanced Connectivity and Smart Functions
Honda Sensing Suite
Both the 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot offer Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems that include features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration
Both models come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, navigation, and music while driving.
Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability
Both the 2024 and 2025 Pilot offer Wi-Fi hotspot capability, allowing you to connect multiple devices to the internet while on the go.
Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Integration
The 2025 Honda Pilot adds integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, enabling you to control smart home devices, get information, and perform tasks using voice commands.
Honda Connect App
Both models feature the Honda Connect app, which allows you to remotely lock/unlock your vehicle, start the engine, and monitor its status.
Wireless Device Charging
Both the 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot offer wireless device charging, allowing you to conveniently charge your compatible devices without the need for cables.
Rear Seat Entertainment System
The 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot both offer rear-seat entertainment systems with DVD players and HDMI inputs for connecting external devices.
CabinTalk Feature
The 2025 Honda Pilot introduces the CabinTalk feature, which allows you to communicate with passengers in the back seat through the vehicle’s speakers.
Sound System Options
| Model | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Honda Pilot | 7-speaker audio system | 10-speaker premium audio system |
| 2025 Honda Pilot | 7-speaker audio system | 12-speaker premium audio system |
Increased Customization Options
The 2024 Honda Pilot introduces a wider range of personalization options, allowing you to tailor your SUV to your specific needs and preferences. While the 2025 model retains the standard features, it offers additional enhancements and packages to further enhance your driving experience.
Exterior Personalization
In the 2024 Pilot, you can customize the exterior with a variety of options, including:
- Chrome accents
- Body side moldings
- Roof rails
- Wheels in various designs and sizes
The 2025 Pilot expands on these options with additional choices, such as:
- Two-tone paint schemes
- Advanced LED lighting systems
- Removable crossbars for the roof rails
Interior Customization
The 2024 Pilot offers customizable interior features, including:
- Leather upholstery
- Heated seats
- Ventilated seats
- Woodgrain trim
The 2025 Pilot elevates the interior customization options with additions like:
- Premium leather seating surfaces
- Advanced noise cancellation technology
- Heated steering wheel
- Rear-seat entertainment system
Technology Enhancements
Both the 2024 and 2025 Pilot feature advanced technology options, but the 2025 model takes it a step further with exclusive enhancements:
| Feature | 2024 Pilot | 2025 Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Sensing Suite | Standard | Standard with enhanced features |
| Infotainment System | 10.2-inch touchscreen | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| Navigation System | Optional | Standard on higher trims |
| Wireless Charging | Standard on higher trims | Standard on all trims |
Difference Between 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot
The 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot are both highly capable midsize SUVs, but there are a few key differences between the two model years. Here’s a breakdown of the major changes:
Exterior design
The 2025 Pilot features a redesigned front grille, new headlights, and taillights, giving it a more modern and aggressive look. The overall body shape and dimensions remain largely unchanged.
Interior design
The 2025 Pilot’s interior has been updated with a new dashboard, center console, and steering wheel. The infotainment system has also been upgraded with a larger touchscreen and improved software.
Powertrain
Both the 2024 and 2025 Pilot are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but the 2025 model gets a slight boost in power, from 280 to 290 horsepower. The 2025 Pilot also gets a new 10-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the 9-speed unit in the 2024 model.
Features
The 2025 Pilot comes with a number of new features, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of safety features called Honda Sensing.
People Also Ask
What are the key differences between the 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot?
The 2025 Pilot features a redesigned exterior, an updated interior, a more powerful engine, a new 10-speed automatic transmission, and a number of new features.
Which model year Honda Pilot is better?
The 2025 Honda Pilot is the better choice, as it offers a more modern design, a more advanced interior, and a more powerful engine. It also comes with a number of new features that are not available on the 2024 model.
Is the 2025 Honda Pilot worth the extra cost?
Whether or not the 2025 Honda Pilot is worth the extra cost depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date SUV with the latest features, then the 2025 Pilot is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the latest and greatest features, the 2024 Pilot is still a great option.
