The 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L stands out as a top choice for families seeking a blend of comfort, performance, and reliability in a three-row SUV. With its spacious interior, advanced technology, and robust engineering, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L is designed to handle everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L a standout vehicle, drawing from expert reviews, specifications, and real-world insights to provide a unique perspective on why it could be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Overview of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
The 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L is part of Honda’s refreshed lineup of midsize SUVs, offering a sweet spot between affordability and premium features. Positioned above the base Sport trim and below the more luxurious Touring model, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L delivers excellent value without skimping on essentials. It comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for those who need enhanced traction in varying weather conditions.
At its core, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring responsive acceleration and efficient power delivery. Whether you’re merging onto highways or towing a trailer, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L handles it with ease, boasting a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with AWD.
What sets the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L apart is its focus on family-friendly practicality. It seats up to eight passengers comfortably, with flexible seating configurations that include a stowable second-row center seat. This allows for easy access to the third row and the option to switch between seven- or eight-passenger setups. Cargo space is generous, with 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. For families on the go, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L includes thoughtful touches like multiple cupholders that can accommodate large 32-ounce bottles and hidden storage compartments for keeping essentials organized.
In terms of dimensions, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L measures about 200 inches in length, with a wheelbase of 113.8 inches, providing a stable ride while remaining maneuverable in urban settings. Its curb weight hovers around 4,300 to 4,500 pounds depending on the drivetrain, striking a balance between solidity and agility.
Exterior Design and Styling of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
The exterior of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L exudes a rugged yet refined aesthetic that’s perfect for modern families. Honda has given the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L a bold front grille with a hexagon-mesh design, flanked by sleek LED headlights that provide excellent visibility and a premium look. The narrow-eyed headlamps and dynamic body lines give it a muscular presence on the road, while the available 20-inch alloy wheels (optional on some packages) add to its commanding stance.
Available in a range of colors like Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Radiant Red Metallic, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L can be customized to suit personal tastes. Roof rails come standard, making it easy to attach accessories like bike racks or cargo boxes for outdoor excursions. For those wanting a tougher appearance, Honda offers add-ons such as fender flares, tube-step running boards, and gloss-black grille trim.
One unique aspect of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L’s design is its aerodynamic profile, which contributes to better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise during highway drives. Compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L blends in with a more understated style, but it shines in durability and build quality, thanks to Honda’s reputation for long-lasting vehicles.
Interior Comfort and Features in the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
Step inside the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L, and you’ll immediately appreciate its focus on comfort and convenience. The cabin is upholstered in leather-trimmed seats, with heated front seats standard to keep you warm on chilly mornings. The driver’s seat offers power adjustments, including lumbar support, ensuring a tailored fit for long drives.
The 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L’s interior is spacious, with ample legroom and headroom across all three rows. Second-row passengers benefit from sunshades and tri-zone automatic climate control, allowing everyone to set their preferred temperature. A panoramic moonroof floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy feel that’s especially appreciated during family road trips.
Storage solutions abound in the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L, from a large center console to under-floor compartments in the cargo area. The power tailgate makes loading groceries or sports gear effortless, and the available hands-free access (on higher trims but upgradable) adds even more convenience. For parents, features like CabinTalk—a system that amplifies the driver’s voice through rear speakers—make communicating with backseat passengers simple without raising your voice.
In terms of build quality, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L uses soft-touch materials and thoughtful ergonomics, reducing fatigue on extended journeys. It’s quieter than many rivals, with effective sound insulation that minimizes road and wind noise.
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Performance and Driving Experience with the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
The 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L excels in delivering a refined driving experience that’s both capable and enjoyable. Its V6 engine provides smooth power delivery, with linear throttle response that makes overtaking on highways feel confident. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes around 7 seconds, which is competitive in its class, though it’s more about effortless cruising than sporty thrills.
Handling is a highlight of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L, thanks to its fully independent suspension that absorbs bumps and potholes with ease. The steering is precise and weighted appropriately, offering good feedback without being overly heavy. For those opting for AWD, the i-VTM4 system intelligently distributes torque to the wheels that need it most, enhancing stability on slippery roads or light off-road paths.
Drive modes in the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L include Normal, ECON for fuel savings, Sport for sharper responses, and Snow for winter conditions. While not as rugged as the TrailSport trim, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L can handle gravel roads or mild trails, making it versatile for weekend getaways.
Braking is strong and predictable, with the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L stopping confidently even when fully loaded. Overall, it’s a vehicle that prioritizes comfort over aggressiveness, ideal for family haulers who value a smooth ride.
Safety Features of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
Safety is paramount in the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L, equipped with Honda Sensing—a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies. This includes Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) for automatic emergency stopping, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) to keep you in your lane, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).
Additional standard features on the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L include blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a multi-angle rearview camera. The vehicle’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure enhances crash protection by distributing impact forces away from occupants.
In real-world testing, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L has earned top ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks to its robust safety tech. Parents will appreciate the rear seat reminder system, which alerts you if a child or pet is left in the back.
Technology and Infotainment in the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
The 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s intuitive and responsive. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration of your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls. A wireless charging pad keeps devices powered without cables, and multiple USB ports ensure everyone stays connected.
Audio quality is solid with the standard seven-speaker system, though upgrades are available. The 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L also includes a 7-inch digital driver display for key information like speed and fuel levels. For tech-savvy families, over-the-air updates keep the system current.
Fuel Efficiency and Economy for the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
Efficiency is respectable in the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for FWD models, dropping slightly to 19/25 for AWD. In mixed driving, owners report averages around 22-24 mpg, making it competitive with rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Factors like drive modes and tire choice influence economy, but the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L’s V6 is tuned for a good balance of power and frugality.
Pricing and Value of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
Starting at $43,500 for FWD and $45,600 for AWD, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L offers strong value. It includes premium features that cost extra on base models, making it a smart upgrade. Resale value is high, with Kelley Blue Book projecting low depreciation over five years.
Compared to the Kia Telluride EX ($43,000+), the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L edges out in reliability and ride quality.
Pros and Cons of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Smooth V6 performance
- Comprehensive safety features
- Excellent value for features
Cons:
- Styling may blend in
- Acceleration not the quickest
- Higher trims offer more luxury
Conclusion
The 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L is a well-rounded SUV that excels in family-oriented design, reliable performance, and modern features. Whether you’re prioritizing safety, comfort, or versatility, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L delivers without compromise. Its blend of affordability and capability makes it a top contender for anyone shopping in the midsize SUV segment. If you’re in the market for a vehicle that grows with your family, the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L deserves a test drive—it’s poised to become a staple in driveways across the country.
FAQs
What is the starting price of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L? The 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L starts at $43,500 for the FWD model and $45,600 for AWD.
How many passengers can the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L seat? It seats up to eight, with flexible configurations for seven using captain’s chairs.
What is the towing capacity of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L? Up to 5,000 pounds with AWD, or 3,500 pounds with FWD.
Does the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L have Apple CarPlay? Yes, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What safety features come standard on the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L? It includes Honda Sensing with automatic braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise, and blind-spot monitoring.
Is the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L good for off-road use? It’s capable for light off-roading with AWD, but for serious trails, consider the TrailSport trim.
What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Honda Pilot EX-L? 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for FWD models.