The 2025 Honda Pilot has been generating significant buzz in the SUV market, and after purchasing the Elite model on Black Friday 2024, I’m ready to share my in-depth review. Having transitioned from a 2013 Tucson, stepping into the Pilot Elite has been a notable upgrade, and this review will cover the highs and lows of this fourth-generation SUV, focusing on what makes it stand out in a crowded segment. For prospective buyers searching for reliable Reviews For Honda Pilot, this detailed analysis offers a balanced perspective on its performance, features, and overall value.
The Good Aspects of the Honda Pilot Elite
The 2025 Honda Pilot Elite immediately impresses with its robust and sporty exterior design. In a market filled with SUVs, the Pilot carves out its own space with a design language that, in my opinion, surpasses the Telluride and Palisade in terms of both contemporary appeal and timelessness. This fourth generation model exudes a conservative yet distinctive aesthetic that suggests it will remain stylish and relevant for years to come.
Under the hood, the naturally aspirated V6 engine is a standout feature for those who appreciate traditional powertrain reliability and performance. Eschewing the turbo trend, this V6 delivers confident and robust power. This is particularly noticeable when accelerating from a standstill on inclines, where the engine’s responsiveness, combined with the All-Wheel Drive (AWD), allows for quick and assured overtaking maneuvers. The V6 provides a sense of dependable strength that is reassuring in various driving situations.
The inclusion of both Sports and Econ driving modes significantly tailors the driving experience. The Sports mode, with its heightened throttle response, provides ample acceleration for highway overtaking at speeds of around 50 mph. While it might not offer blistering speed, the V6 engine’s robust roar and readily available power are more than adequate for confident driving when you need it.
The ride quality of the Pilot Elite leans towards luxurious smoothness, yet it maintains a connection to the robust V6 engine. The distinctive sound and feel of the V6, a departure from my previous four-cylinder vehicle, initially took some getting used to. What I initially mistook for tire wobble was, in fact, the characteristic rhythm of the V6, a subtle reminder of the powerful engine beneath.
Honda’s implementation of real torque vectoring sets it apart from systems like Hyundai’s brake-based “fake” vectoring. This distinction is noticeable in handling. When executing sharp turns from a stop, the torque vectoring actively contributes to a sensation of oversteering, enhancing the vehicle’s agility and making this large SUV feel surprisingly nimble and responsive in cornering situations.
Exterior lighting is another area where the Pilot Elite excels. The interior’s six LED lights are particularly noteworthy, delivering exceptional cabin illumination, bathing the entire interior in bright, clear light. This makes the cabin feel welcoming and modern, especially during nighttime driving.
The remote starter is a welcome convenience, especially coming from an older vehicle. This feature adds a touch of modern luxury and ease of use, pre-conditioning the vehicle for comfort before even stepping inside.
The combination of Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control operates seamlessly to minimize driver fatigue on long journeys. These systems work in harmony to provide a near self-driving experience on highways, significantly reducing the mental load on long drives and enhancing overall driving comfort and safety.
Finally, the leather seats in the Elite trim are genuinely luxurious. The full wrapping, extending even to the bottom of the seatbacks, is a detail often overlooked even in some luxury brands. The seats are not just visually appealing but also provide exceptional comfort for both short commutes and extended road trips, contributing significantly to the overall premium feel of the Pilot Elite interior.
The Downsides of the Honda Pilot
Despite its many positives, the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite isn’t without its drawbacks. One early concern is the brake pedal noise. Within just six weeks of ownership, the brake pedal has become noticeably noisier, emitting thudding and pinging sounds when pressed or released quickly. This contrasts sharply with its initial silent and smooth operation. This development raises questions about the long-term durability and the typically touted “Honda rock solid quality,” especially in a relatively new vehicle.
Another area of concern is the undercarriage protection. Competitors like the Atlas, Palisade, CX90, and Telluride feature substantial flat covers to shield the undercarriage from road debris. The Pilot, however, lacks this comprehensive protection. A visual inspection reveals exposed cables running along the driveshaft, leaving them vulnerable to damage from rocks and road hazards. While the Trailsport trim offers enhanced skid plates and fuel tank protection, the absence of a basic undercarriage cover across the range seems like an oversight compared to competitors.
The Not-So-Ugly, Just Minor Annoyances
While nothing is truly “ugly” about the Pilot Elite, there are a few minor points of nitpicking that are worth mentioning for potential buyers.
The climate control blower fan, even at its lowest setting, is quite loud, producing a noticeable droning hum. This isn’t an isolated issue; cross-checking with another new Pilot at the dealership confirmed it’s a characteristic of the model. While manageable by using a slightly higher fan speed, it’s less refined compared to the quieter cabin fans in many previous vehicles I’ve owned.
The Elite trim’s second-row bench seat configuration, while offering flexibility, has a minor design quirk. While the outer seats can slide back for increased legroom, the detachable middle seat does not slide. This results in the middle seat slightly protruding when the others are moved back, requiring a slight recline to align visually with the rest of the second row. Despite this, the bench seat is still preferred over captain’s chairs for its added versatility.
The wireless charging pad is notably slow, making it unreliable for quick charging needs. It’s more of a trickle charger and not suitable for situations where a rapid battery boost is required. Thankfully, a dedicated rapid car charger resolves this issue for those needing faster charging on the go.
The Bose sound system delivers impressive bass that is both strong and clean. However, the mid-range frequencies are noticeably lacking. Even with adjustments, the mids remain somewhat recessed. Bose’s Centerpoint surround mode adds an artificial spaciousness but can compromise bass clarity. Overall, the system is decent, particularly for bass-heavy music, but audiophiles might find the mid-range performance wanting.
Lastly, the use of halogen bulbs for turn signals and backup lights is a surprising cost-saving measure in a vehicle at this price point. Even seeing similar choices in “luxury” brands like Audi is not entirely excusable. An aftermarket LED upgrade for these lights is a worthwhile, albeit additional, expense to bring these lighting elements up to par with the rest of the vehicle’s modern features.
Verdict: A Confident and Safe Family SUV
The 2025 Honda Pilot Elite emerges as a confident and reassuring vehicle, instilling a sense of safety and security for both the driver and passengers. The understated yet well-appointed interior design suggests longevity and resistance to aging trends. Surprisingly, the Pilot Elite offers a level of luxury that surpasses expectations for the Honda brand, especially at this trim level. The seats, in particular, deserve repeated mention for their exceptional luxury and comfort. Despite minor drawbacks like the brake noise and undercarriage protection concerns, the positives significantly outweigh the negatives. Overall, the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite earns a strong 9.5/10.
Following the initial engine break-in period, an early oil change at 1,700 miles paved the way for more spirited driving. Experiencing the V6 engine and transmission fully unleashed confirms their smooth and powerful performance, solidifying the Pilot Elite as a well-rounded and highly recommendable SUV in the competitive market. For anyone considering a new SUV and researching reviews for Honda Pilot, the Elite trim is definitely worth serious consideration.
