The 2025 Honda Pilot Elite is a 3-row family SUV with V6 punch, 5,000 lb towing, and a flexible 8-passenger interior — Honda's answer to the Telluride/Palisade.
Vehicle Overview
| Vehicle Segment | SUV |
| Body Style | 3-row mid-size SUV |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Trim/Variant Reviewed | Elite |
| Available Trims | Sport, EX-L, Touring, Elite, TrailSport, Black Edition |
Key Specifications (Honda Pilot Elite)
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| Power | 285 hp, 355 Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| EPA MPG | 19 city / 25 hwy / 21 combined |
| Drivetrain | AWD (i-VTM4) |
0–60 mph: 6.8s
| Dimensions | 199.9" L × 78.5" W × 71.0" H |
| Curb weight | 4,623 lb |
| Cargo | 18.6 cu ft (87 max) |
| Towing | Up to 5,000 lb |
| Seats | 8 |
Exterior Design
Squared-off, modernized styling for the 4th-gen
20" alloys on Elite
Available panoramic moonroof
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Standard 9" touchscreen, available 10.2" digital cluster
Heated/ventilated front and second-row seats on Elite
8-passenger seating standard; 7-passenger captain's chairs available
Features & Infotainment
Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
12-speaker Bose audio
Hands-free tailgate
Safety & Ratings
Honda Sensing 360+ standard
Driving Performance & Handling
The strongest V6 in its three-row set — 285 hp with a smooth-shifting 10-speed — moves the 4,623 lb Pilot to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD gives it the best on-road manners of the group it competes in.
Fuel Efficiency
| EPA Combined MPG | 21 |
| City MPG | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 25 |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gallons |
| Estimated total range | 388 miles |
Practicality & Everyday Usability
87 cu ft cargo with all seats folded
5,000 lb tow rating
Adult-friendly second row, kid-friendly third row
Warranty & Maintenance
| Basic warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
On-Road Price & Value for Money
| Starting MSRP | $53,480 |
At $53,480 for the Elite, the Pilot must justify itself against the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, which counter with plusher cabins for the money, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which wins on running costs. The Pilot's answer is mechanical: class-topping V6 power, a 5,000 lb tow rating and Honda's reliability record.
Comparison with Rivals
Key competitors include the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.
The Telluride and Palisade have nicer cabins; the Highlander Hybrid is more efficient. The Pilot has the strongest V6 and the best on-road dynamics.
Pros & Cons
Pros
285 hp V6 with smooth 10-speed auto
5,000 lb tow rating
Spacious 8-passenger cabin
Honda reliability
Cons
No hybrid option
Fuel economy trails hybrid rivals
Cabin styling more conservative than Telluride
Overall Rating
4.3 / 5 — mechanically the strongest of the mainstream three-rows, with real towing and space; a thirstier drivetrain than hybrid rivals and a plainer cabin than the Telluride keep it from the top tier.
True Motion Auto has not independently road-tested this vehicle. Specifications, pricing and performance figures are compiled from manufacturer technical data and published independent tests, and are attributed where quoted. Our score reflects a structured research assessment of specifications, pricing, safety data and owner feedback for the segment — not an independent road test. Read how we review cars.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Pilot Elite is the family SUV that drives like a sedan. Strong V6, real towing, and roomy 8-seat layout.
Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.