Carrying over the successful design introduced in 2023, the 2025 Honda Pilot recently faced scrutiny from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to determine if it could maintain its predecessor’s Top Safety Pick+ designation.
Fortunately, the 2025 Pilot emerges victorious in this safety evaluation. However, the results reveal a key difference in their performance during the updated moderate overlap front crash test.
The 2025 Pilot nabs an “acceptable” rating, a clear improvement over the 2023 model’s “marginal” score. This disparity stems from a recent IIHS test protocol update, specifically the introduction of a “chest index” metric.
This new measure assesses the effectiveness of restraints in controlling dummy movement during a collision, with a particular focus on the rear shoulder belt’s positioning. It’s worth noting that the rear crash test dummy represents a pre-teen or a small adult, body types more vulnerable to submarining.
Submarining occurs when the lap belt fails to properly engage the hip bones, allowing the pelvis to slide under the belt and increasing the risk of abdominal injuries.
Given this context, the 2025 Pilot’s “acceptable” rating signifies a significant improvement in rear passenger protection, making it an even more compelling choice for safety-conscious families.
Boasting a user-friendly LATCH system and clear seatbelt reminders that earned it recognition, the 2025 Honda Pilot maintains its position as a formidable competitor within the large SUV market in the US.
This review focuses on the EX-L AWD variant, situated between the EX-L 2WD and Touring 2WD trims in terms of features and pricing. As of July 2024, Honda hasn’t budged on the pricing structure they announced in March. The EX-L AWD holds a starting MSRP of $45,300, excluding destination charges.
Budget-conscious shoppers can find more affordable options in lower trims, with the base Sport 2WD starting at $39,900. For those prioritizing a rugged aesthetic, the TrailSport carries a starting price of $49,100, while the top-of-the-line Black Edition demands $54,280.
Notably, all Pilot models, irrespective of trim or drivetrain configuration, come equipped with a naturally aspirated V6 engine seamlessly paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Under the hood lies the 3.5-liter powerplant codenamed J35Y8.
This engine represents an evolution of the J35Y6 found in the previous generation Pilot. The most significant difference lies in the cylinder head design.
The J35Y8 boasts double-overhead-cam heads with VTC (Variable Timing Control), whereas its predecessor relied on a single-overhead-cam design with VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) applied only to the intake valves.
This change translates to a slight bump in power output. The 2025 Pilot delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, edging out the previous generation’s 280 horsepower while maintaining similar peak torque figures.
Fuel efficiency varies depending on the drivetrain configuration. Front-wheel-drive models achieve a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg, while all-wheel-drive variants see a slight dip to 21 mpg. The off-road-oriented TrailSport sacrifices some fuel efficiency for its capabilities, netting a combined 20 mpg.
