As a new owner of the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite, purchased during the Black Friday deals of 2024, I’m eager to share my comprehensive car review. Having spent considerable time behind the wheel, I can offer a detailed perspective on this fourth-generation SUV, focusing on its strengths and weaknesses from a real-world driving experience. This Car Reviews Honda Pilot article aims to provide potential buyers with an honest and insightful look into what it’s like to live with the latest Honda Pilot Elite.
The Good Aspects of the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite
The first thing that struck me about the 2025 Pilot Elite is its exterior design. Honda has truly nailed a look that’s both rugged and refined. Compared to competitors like the Telluride and Palisade, the Pilot carves its own path with a design language that feels both contemporary and timeless. I believe this generation of the Pilot will age gracefully, thanks to its well-proportioned and distinctive aesthetic. The sporty and somewhat burly exterior commands attention without being overly aggressive.
Under the hood, the naturally aspirated V6 engine is a standout feature. In a market increasingly dominated by turbochargers, Honda’s decision to stick with a V6 is commendable. It delivers power smoothly and confidently, especially noticeable when accelerating from a standstill on inclines or when needing to overtake swiftly in busy traffic. The engine’s responsiveness and robust feel are genuinely reassuring.
The driving dynamics are further enhanced by the distinct Sport and Econ modes. These modes aren’t just gimmicks; they tangibly alter the vehicle’s responsiveness and fuel efficiency. Sport mode, in particular, sharpens the throttle response, making overtaking at highway speeds (around 50 mph) feel surprisingly brisk. While outright speed isn’t the Pilot’s primary focus, the V6 provides ample power when you need it, accompanied by a satisfying engine note.
The ride quality of the Pilot Elite leans towards the luxurious side. It’s remarkably smooth, absorbing road imperfections effectively, yet there’s still a subtle connection to the road. The V6 engine’s characteristic sound and feel are always present, adding to the driving experience. Initially, coming from a four-cylinder car, I even suspected a tire issue due to the engine’s rhythm, but it’s simply the V6’s unique character – a pleasant reminder of the power at your disposal.
Honda’s real torque vectoring system is another significant positive. Unlike some competitors that use brake-based systems to mimic torque vectoring, the Pilot’s system actively distributes power across the rear wheels. This is noticeable in everyday driving, especially when making sharp turns from a stop. The torque vectoring helps to mitigate understeer, making this large SUV feel surprisingly agile and nimble in corners.
The exterior and interior lighting also deserve high praise. The LED headlights and taillights are not only stylish but also provide excellent visibility at night. Inside, the six LED interior lights are exceptionally bright, illuminating the entire cabin evenly and effectively. This is a practical and welcome feature, especially for families.
Coming from an older vehicle, the remote starter is a modern convenience I now greatly appreciate, especially during colder months.
For highway driving, the combination of Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control is near-seamless. These systems work in harmony to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys, making highway commutes significantly less stressful. The Pilot’s driver-assistance technology approaches self-driving capabilities in certain situations, enhancing safety and convenience.
Finally, the leather seats in the Elite trim are genuinely luxurious. The quality of the leather and the attention to detail, such as fully wrapping the seats even at the back and bottom, are impressive. This level of seat finish is often found in higher-end luxury brands, making the Pilot Elite’s interior feel a cut above its class.
The Bad Aspects of the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite
Despite the numerous positives, there are a few drawbacks worth noting in this car reviews honda pilot. One area that has become a minor concern is the brake pedal noise. After only six weeks of ownership, the brake pedal has started to exhibit some noticeable sounds – a slight thud and ping when pressed or released quickly. Initially, the brakes were completely silent and smooth. This development is somewhat disappointing and raises questions about long-term durability, even for a Honda, known for its reliability. Is this indicative of a compromise in Honda’s traditionally lauded build quality?
Another point of contention is the undercarriage protection. Looking at competitors like the Atlas, Palisade, CX90, and Telluride, they often include a large, flat underbody cover that shields the undercarriage from road debris. The Pilot, surprisingly, lacks this. Upon inspection, three thin cables running along the driveshaft are completely exposed underneath. While the Trailsport trim adds a steel skid plate and fuel tank protection, the omission of a basic plastic undercarriage cover across the range seems like an unnecessary cost-cutting measure, especially given the Pilot’s price point and target audience who might use it in varied conditions.
The Ugly: Non-existent
Thankfully, there are no truly “ugly” aspects to report with the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite. Honda has executed this vehicle well overall, avoiding any major design or functional flaws.
Nitpicking Minor Issues
While not deal-breakers, a few minor points are worth mentioning in this comprehensive car reviews honda pilot. The climate control blower fan, even at its lowest setting, is louder than I’d prefer. It emits a noticeable droning hum, which can be slightly intrusive, especially in quiet driving situations. I verified this with another new Pilot at the dealership, confirming it’s a characteristic of the model, not just my vehicle. I’ve adapted by using the second lowest fan speed, but quieter fan operation would be a welcome improvement.
The Elite trim comes standard with a second-row bench seat. While the second-row seats can slide back to increase legroom, the detachable middle seat in the bench cannot slide independently. This results in a slightly awkward protrusion of the middle seat when the outer seats are slid back, requiring a slight recline of the center seat to align visually with the others. However, personally, I still prefer the bench over captain’s chairs for its versatility.
The wireless charging pad is disappointingly slow. It’s not reliable for quickly charging a phone on the go. Thankfully, a dedicated rapid car charger resolves this issue, but the integrated wireless pad is essentially underpowered for practical use.
The Bose sound system, while boasting impressively strong and clean bass, is lacking in the mid-range frequencies. Even with equalizer adjustments, the mids feel somewhat recessed. Bose’s “Centerpoint” surround sound mode adds a sense of spaciousness but can muddy the bass clarity slightly. Overall, the system is decent for bass-heavy music but not audiophile-grade in its overall balance.
Finally, the turn signals and backup lights use outdated halogen bulbs. In an age of LEDs, this feels like a cost-saving oversight, especially considering the Elite trim’s premium positioning. Interestingly, even some luxury brands are still using halogen reverse lights. A quick and inexpensive bulb swap to LEDs resolves this, but it’s an out-of-the-box improvement Honda could easily implement.
Overall Verdict on the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite
In conclusion, this car reviews honda pilot assessment reflects a very positive ownership experience. The 2025 Honda Pilot Elite is a confident and well-rounded vehicle that excels in providing a sense of safety and security for my family. The interior design, while simple, feels durable and likely to withstand the test of time. I am genuinely surprised by the level of luxury and refinement, especially in the Elite trim, which surpasses other Honda models I’ve experienced. The seats, in particular, deserve reiteration for their exceptional comfort and luxurious feel.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Since the initial purchase and break-in period, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the engine’s full potential after a complimentary early oil change at 1,700 miles from my dealership. Spirited driving further confirms the V6 engine and transmission’s smooth and powerful performance. The 2025 Honda Pilot Elite is a compelling choice in the midsize SUV segment, blending practicality, comfort, and a touch of luxury into a highly desirable package.
