Stepping into the realm of family SUVs, the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite emerges as a strong contender. After purchasing this vehicle on Black Friday 2024, I’ve had ample time to assess its strengths and weaknesses. This review offers an in-depth look for those considering a Honda Pilot, going beyond a simple overview to explore the nuances of daily driving and ownership.
The High Points of the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite
The Honda Pilot has undergone a significant transformation, and the 2025 model exudes a robust and sporty aesthetic that surpasses competitors like the Telluride and Palisade in my view. This fourth generation Pilot embraces a design philosophy that’s both conservative and distinctive, suggesting it will remain stylish for years to come.
Under the hood lies a naturally aspirated V6 engine, a refreshing choice in a market increasingly dominated by turbos. This engine delivers confident power, especially noticeable when accelerating from a standstill on inclines or making quick maneuvers in traffic. The V6 provides a reassuring and robust driving experience.
The inclusion of both Sports and Econ modes genuinely impacts the driving dynamics. Sport mode sharpens throttle response, providing ample agility for highway overtaking at speeds around 50 mph. While outright speed isn’t the Pilot’s defining trait, the V6 engine offers satisfying performance when pushed.
The ride quality strikes an excellent balance – luxurious and smooth, yet with a subtle reminder of the V6 engine’s character. The engine’s distinctive sound, a departure from four-cylinder engines, initially led me to believe there was a tire issue, highlighting the unique auditory experience this powertrain delivers.
Honda’s implementation of real torque vectoring, unlike Hyundai’s brake-based system, is a tangible advantage. This technology enhances handling, particularly during sharp turns from a stop, imparting a surprising nimbleness to this large SUV.
The exterior lighting is impressive, and the interior LED lighting is exceptional. Six LEDs illuminate the cabin brilliantly, creating a welcoming and functional space. The remote starter is a welcome convenience, a significant upgrade from my previous 2013 Tucson.
For long drives, the combination of Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control is a game-changer. These systems work harmoniously to minimize driver fatigue, making highway cruising remarkably effortless and bordering on semi-autonomous driving.
The leather seats in the Elite trim are truly luxurious. Their full wrapping, extending even to the lower rear sections, is a detail often missed even in some luxury brands, adding to the Pilot’s premium feel.
Areas for Improvement in the Honda Pilot
While largely positive, my experience with the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite has revealed a couple of drawbacks. The brake pedal has developed noticeable noise within the first six weeks of ownership. Initially silent and smooth, it now emits minor thudding and pinging sounds when pressed or released quickly. This development raises questions about long-term durability and deviates from the expected “Honda rock solid quality.”
Examining the undercarriage reveals another area where Honda could improve. Many competitors, such as the Atlas, Palisade, CX90, and Telluride, feature a large, flat undercarriage cover for protection against road debris. The Pilot lacks this, leaving crucial components like three thin cables running along the driveshaft exposed. While the Trailsport trim adds skid plates and fuel tank protection, the absence of a basic undercarriage cover across the range seems like an oversight.
Minor Annoyances with the Honda Pilot
Several minor points, while not deal-breakers, are worth noting for potential buyers. The climate control blower fan, even at its lowest setting, is surprisingly loud, producing a noticeable droning hum. This isn’t an isolated issue; it’s consistent across new Pilots, as confirmed at the dealership. The fan noise is mitigated somewhat at the second-highest speed setting, but it’s louder than fans in previous vehicles I’ve owned.
The Elite trim features a second-row bench seat. While the outer seats slide for increased legroom, the detachable middle seat does not. This creates an uneven protrusion when the outer seats are slid back, requiring a slight recline of the center seat to achieve a flush appearance. While I prefer a bench to captain’s chairs, this design quirk is noticeable.
The wireless charging pad is disappointingly slow, rendering it impractical for quick charging needs. A dedicated rapid charger is essential for efficient phone charging on the go.
The Bose sound system delivers impressive bass that is both powerful and clean. However, the mid-range frequencies are noticeably lacking. Even with adjustments, the mids remain subdued. Bose’s Centerpoint surround mode adds an immersive effect but compromises bass clarity. Overall, the system is decent, particularly for bass-heavy music, but not perfectly balanced.
Finally, the turn signals and backup lights utilize weak halogen bulbs, a surprising choice in a modern vehicle, even seen in “luxury” brands like Audi. Upgrading these to LEDs is a simple aftermarket fix, costing around $40.
Final Verdict on the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite
The 2025 Honda Pilot Elite is a vehicle that inspires confidence and provides a sense of security for my family. Its understated interior design suggests long-term appeal and resistance to trends. The level of luxury, especially the seats, surpasses expectations for a Honda at this trim level. The V6 engine and smooth transmission, highlighted during a recent spirited drive after the break-in period, further solidify the Pilot’s appeal. Overall, I rate the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite a 9.5/10. It’s a well-rounded SUV that effectively blends practicality, comfort, and a touch of luxury.
