The 2025 Honda Pilot Trailsport continues to solidify its position as Honda’s most rugged and off-road-capable SUV, a title it earned with its debut in 2023. As a seasoned automotive expert, I recently spent a week behind the wheel of this impressive three-row SUV, and my initial impressions from its launch were only reinforced. Positioned as the third of six Pilot trims, the TrailSport distinguishes itself with enhanced equipment, increased ground clearance, and a well-appointed interior designed for adventurous families.
Rugged Exterior Design
The complete redesign in 2023 transformed the Pilot into a larger and significantly more athletic and rugged-looking vehicle, a change that undeniably resonated with drivers seeking a more assertive SUV.
My test model arrived in the striking Diffused Sky Blue Pearl, a color that beautifully complements its exclusive 18-inch Shark Gray Alloy wheels, complete with the TrailSport logo and black lug nuts, all wrapped in all-season tires. Uniquely, the TrailSport trim is the sole model equipped with robust underbody skid plates and prominent front and rear recovery points, emphasizing its off-road readiness. Distinctive orange TrailSport badging is proudly displayed on both the front and rear, further setting it apart.
Additional exterior features exclusive to the TrailSport include gloss black power-folding and heated side mirrors, body-colored door handles, gloss black roof rails ready for gear, heated wipers for winter conditions, and acoustic laminate windshield glass to minimize road noise.
Across the entire 2025 Pilot lineup, you’ll find comprehensive LED lighting, from the headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lights at the front to the tail and brake lights at the rear, along with a body-colored roofline spoiler that adds a touch of sportiness.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Honda Pilot TrailSport is powered by a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine provides ample power, effortlessly moving this SUV, which weighs in at over 4,500 pounds. The engine features an idle stop/start system for improved fuel efficiency and is paired with a smooth and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, complete with shift-by-wire technology and paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. Drivers can select from seven distinct drive modes: Normal, ECON, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand, adapting the vehicle’s performance to various conditions. Remote engine start via the key fob adds convenience, especially in extreme weather. The TrailSport comes standard with all-wheel drive and uniquely benefits from Trail Torque Logic, enhancing traction and control in challenging terrains.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The Pilot’s interior is a standout, earning high marks for its comfortable design, thoughtful layout, and quality materials. The TrailSport trim exclusively features synthetic leather seats that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also designed for durability to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. All-season floor mats, also featuring the TrailSport logo, further protect the interior.
TrailSport-exclusive orange stitching adds a sporty and distinctive touch to the interior, accentuating the seats, steering wheel, and other trim elements. The 10-way power driver’s seat is exceptionally comfortable and supportive, complemented by well-designed headrests. The passenger seat offers four-way power adjustability. Both front seats are heated across all Pilot trims. Honda has also excelled with the leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, providing a premium feel. Behind the steering wheel, a partially digital display features a 7-inch screen providing clear and easy-to-read information, graphics, and speed limit sign recognition, alongside a traditional analog speedometer.
The multimedia screen, at 9 inches, is functional, although a larger 10.2-inch screen is available on the higher trims. The infotainment system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with HD Radio and Bluetooth. Honda’s navigation system, which includes lane guidance, is a user-friendly feature. The screen also integrates the TrailWatch camera system, a feature shared with the top-tier trims, enhancing visibility in off-road situations.
Below the center stack, traditional A/C controls are easily accessible. The large center console houses controls for drive mode selection, the electronic parking brake, automatic stop/start, automatic brake hold, and the push-button shift-by-wire gear selector. A conveniently placed vertical wireless charger accommodates modern smartphones.
The TrailSport model includes second-row reclining captain’s chairs. While comfortable, they are slightly smaller to allow for a pass-through to the third row. The armrests in the second row are positioned somewhat high.
The durable synthetic leather throughout the cabin is impressive, as are the substantial door handles. A one-touch panoramic sunroof adds an open and airy feel to the interior.
Moving to the third row, it comfortably accommodates adults and includes practical features like USB-C ports and various-sized cup holders. Accessing the third row is easy, either through the second-row pass-through or using a power button to move the second-row seat.
Family-friendly features extend to the CabinTalk In-Car PA System, manual second-row window sunshades, and USB-C ports in all three rows, catering to passenger connectivity needs.
Standard features also include tri-zone climate control, a nine-speaker sound system, a lockable glove compartment, and a wireless phone charger, enhancing comfort and convenience for all occupants.
Utility and Cargo Space
The Honda Pilot excels in utility. A power tailgate reveals a generous cargo area even with the third-row seats upright. The cargo space is equipped with a reversible, dual-level cargo floor, four tie-down anchors, and cargo area bag hooks for securing items. Folding down the third-row seats is straightforward using straps on the seatbacks.
Notably, the TrailSport is the only Pilot trim that comes standard with an Integrated Class III Trailer Hitch, increasing its versatility for towing.
Ride, Handling, and Off-Road Prowess
The Pilot TrailSport proves to be an excellent daily driver, offering comfortable on-road dynamics, responsive handling, and a specially tuned off-road suspension. The ride is remarkably quiet on the highway. Despite its size, the acceleration is impressive, and maneuvering feels easier than expected.
The TrailSport boasts the highest ground clearance in the Pilot lineup, at 8.3 inches, compared to 7.3 inches for other trims, further enhancing its off-road capabilities.
Advanced Safety Features
Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, is standard and includes Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow, Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Monitor, Blind Spot Information System, and Cross Traffic Monitor, along with Road Departure Mitigation. Rear Seat Reminder and Seat Belt Reminder are standard across all trims, as is a rearview camera.
The TrailSport trim further enhances safety with front and rear parking sensors and low-speed braking control, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvers.
Pricing and Options
The Diffused Sky Pearl Blue paint option adds a modest $455 to the vehicle’s price. Configuring the TrailSport on Honda’s build site, the MSRP as equipped comes to approximately $51,000.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport continues to impress with its well-designed interior, comfortable ride and handling, and comprehensive feature set. It offers exceptional value for its price, making it a compelling choice in the SUV market. Crucially, the TrailSport trim isn’t just about rugged aesthetics; it genuinely delivers on its promise of off-road capability, backed by functional equipment and thoughtful design. It’s a truly enjoyable and capable SUV, perfect for families seeking adventure without compromising on comfort and practicality.
- Top Highlights: Interior Comfort, Engine Power, Ride Quality, and Handling.
- Areas for Improvement: Offer the larger multimedia screen on the TrailSport and across the entire Pilot lineup.
- MSRP: Base: $49,110; As tested: $50,950.
- Exterior Color: Diffused Sky Blue Pearl (+$455).
- Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.
- Odometer reading at test: 137 miles.
- Curb Weight: 4,685 lbs.
- Spare Tire: Full-size spare.
- Dimensions (L/W/H): 200.2″ / 78.5″ / 72″.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (passenger side filler).
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs.
- 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport in summary: A highly enjoyable, capable SUV with a comfortable and inviting interior.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile Basic Warranty; New Honda Service Pass (complimentary 2-year/24,000-mile maintenance).
- Assembly Location: Lincoln, Alabama.
- Manufacturer Website: Honda.
