Recently purchased a 2025 Honda Pilot Touring. I believe this is the sweet spot for trim levels. By shopping around, I was able to negotiate $4300 off MSRP. So far I love this vehicle. Very solid on the road.
@@t.k.morris I got it at West Hills Honda in Bremerton, Washington. I got the best price at Klein Honda in Everett, Washington and West Hills was willing to match it on a color I preferred.
I’m watching this video because I’m in the market for a 25 Honda Pilot. I’m on the fence with the black edition and sport after test driving . What way do you think I should go and why? Renee
If either option will make you happy and they’re in your budget I don’t think you can go wrong either way! But I recommend asking this question on a dedicated social medial Pilot group to get insight from actual owners. Thanks for watching!!
Just put a deposit on a 2025 Elite. I wasn't going to buy a new car, but with all the stuff going on, decided we need one new car with a full warranty and who knows if prices will just continue going up and up. We currently have a 2014 Pilot that has over 125k miles. It's been a great automobile, reliable and comfortable. We've had to replace wheel bearings just recently, but not much other than the normal wear and tear on brakes, tires. It was a no brainer for us to just go with another Pilot!!!!
I just bought a 2025 pilot Trailsport. So far I love it! I’ve been watching a lot of these videos to see if there’s anything I’ve been missing. Seems like there’s always some hidden feature that I don’t know about.
Just purchased the silver Touring AWD at $46,750 OTD. Thankfully I saved on no taxes with my disabled vet plate. Absolutely love the pilot. Will almost drive itself down the road. Very comfortable.
Just signed the paper for pilot awd , exact the trim and color with $43300 (about $4000 of msrp) sale price. Will pick up tomorrow…. From the other comments, I do feel this pilot is way tougher than 2023 outback I trade in. The first impression I got was … man this door is so heavy!!!! It makes outback door feel like plastic. The drive experience is way better than outback as well. The driving experience is similar as my previous 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 V8. Currently I also have a model 3… so I really couldn’t pass this tiny screen…. Why couldn’t they come up with something more appealing 😂But it is functional and it is easy to use.
Got rid of my 22 CRV due to Turbo/carbon in future. Wanted the Pilot. Boss said too big and we ended up in a Gas Rav4.. Awesome and will last like my 05 accord we still have. In 3 years I hope Honda still has this Naturally aspirated and I'm in! TY Honda!
I get that! RAV4s are sweet, so that should be a good one in the meantime! I wasn’t expecting to like the Pilot as much as I did. I’m now strongly considering the next generation Honda Passport when it comes out lol. In this video I failed to mention that the Honda V6 does have a timing belt (so it’s a maintenance item, but also why this engine is so smooth) and also it apparently also has cylinder deactivation, which hopefully won’t ruin this engine down the road. But I haven’t reviewed others experiences of that in older Hondas yet.
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 I am waiting for the 2026 Outback and 2026 Passport to debut. Hopefully one will be what I replace my current lease with in 2026. Have also been wondering how an EV might be. Have you test driven any?
I’ve driven a few EVs, mostly Teslas, the EV6, Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and if anything else it doesn’t come to mind right now. They currently do not hold value at all after a couple years. So I think a Honda or Subaru are still very good options. But it really just depends on what you value, and the experience you want to have! 🙂
I bought a 2008 Pilot 4 years ago...($5,000)---What a great car..I think I will keep it forever..Heated seats, cruise, power everything with plenty of room (even a moon roof)..I added a trailer hitch..It is a great car..
Hi i see your outback wilderness videos and they are great. Would you say this pilot would be a better option than the OBW? I know you cant exactly compare because they are different classes. Whats your opinion?
That’s a good question, and I would think so on the higher trims. I suggest building one on the Honda website in your region and look at all the standard features tab! Thanks for watching!!
I bought 2025 Sport version. I love the cloth interior. No lie, my best mpg was 28.5 over 500 mile trip pretty much drove 65-70. I have found that over 70 diminishes the mpg to about 25.5. My normal city/highway driving ranges from 22.5 to 24.5. I dumped the 2023 Highlander Inline 4 FWD and find that the difference in gas mileage didn't matter much. it was actually negligible believe it or not. I dumped the Highlander mainly because of the weaker 4 cylinder crappy Turbo, annoying herky jerky transmission and FWD handling in the winter. Toyota no longer presents the V6. I wont return to that brand anymore mainly because of that. The Pilot sport version has every option that I need especially heated seats. the only thing I miss is the auto tailgate door open. No big deal. I absolutely love the V6 and AWD.
I probably should have mentioned that it has the cylinder deactivation and maintenance is extremely important on this Honda. But also basically every platform right now has some concerning engineering or EPA pleasing flaws, and it’s a tough line to walk on being to pessimistic on those issues but also not wanting to be oblivious to not mention them either. Idk, but thank you for mentioning it! 😅🤷♂️
@@t.k.morrisnot yet. They redesigned VCM and current products don’t work based on feedback in the forums though it is said the previous gen didn’t have issues if maintained properly.
Thanks for your great review. I find the Pilot very practical in layout and with performance. Three things give me pause concerning this vehicle, however. First of all, the price is too steep for my pocketbook. Second, with the V6 the fuel economy is more than a bit outclassed by the Toyota competition (I'm thinking Highlander)... still no hybrid... a hybrid 4-cylinder engine can have the power of a V6 for acceleration with a bonus of better economy and longer driving range on a tank. Thirdly, the engine design of all of the latest Honda offerings features direct fuel injection, a terrible band-aide solution to eek out 2 or 3 more miles per gallon, but requiring very expensive decarbonizing servicing every 40 to 60 thousand miles, and potentially shortening the long term durability of a car. I've put on over 300,000 miles on my Toyotas without carbon buildup issues on the intake valves for they have old-fashioned port fuel injection, but will this vehicle have the same result?
you think it's worth paying 10k and trading in my 23 forester for this? I'd be at the same monthly payment and amount financed which is tempting for the pilot.
That’s a tough one. If you don’t need a third row or think you’ll need one in the next few years then I would probably recommend waiting for the refreshed Passport next year! Just a thought. 🤔
The Passport I drove a year ago was 6.5’ wide so an extra .5’ over the Forester and it has like 50/100 cubic feet of room which is insane compared to the Foresters around 30+/70+. 🤩
I appreciate you saying this! I do rush a bit too much when I film as I try to squeeze several videos into the time I have to be out each week. I’m working on slowing down and probably will film a bit less to not rush the newer videos I put out going forward.
I really like the CX-9 and it would be fun to see and experience these side by side. Which I did also film this compared to a Subaru Ascent, and I’ll make that public soon. In my opinion this Honda feels tougher or more durable than the Mazda. Unfortunately these engines have a timing belt and cylinder deactivation. But it was about as smooth accelerating and cruising as any vehicle I’ve driven. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!!
I would not purchase the Elite at over $53k because it lacks the following features: 1) No hood support struts 2) Very small infotainment screen 3) No height adjustment on front passenger seat 4) No power lumbar adjustment on front passenger seat 5) Non-intuitive push button shifter 6) Interior not luxurious enough; too much hard plastic The Hyundai Pallisade has all of the above for less money!
I'm getting the 2025 Pilot Elite trim. To match it's key core features you'd have to get MDX Advance Package. Key features 360 multi-view camera system. Ventilated Front Seats Rear 2nd Row Outboard Heated Seats . Head Up Display. MDX also doesn't have the same 3rd row room as Pilot. The removable center seat in MDX you can't stowaway in MDX like Pilot. Rear Well in MDX not as deep as well in Pilot. No 3rd Row AC Vents in MDX.
@@user1989fopfrs7 the highlander Inline 4 and CVT blows. I traded my 2023 in for a v6 pilot. the highlander handled terribly in snow/ice. never a highlander again for me.
finally a legit car review and its not read by AI!! Job well done, thanks
Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!
We just bought our 1st Honda Pilot Elite this weekend. It rids and handles so much better than the Subaru Ascent we still have. Good review!
I’m glad you’re enjoying the new Honda!! This one was definitely fun to drive and experience, thanks for watching!
Recently purchased a 2025 Honda Pilot Touring. I believe this is the sweet spot for trim levels. By shopping around, I was able to negotiate $4300 off MSRP. So far I love this vehicle. Very solid on the road.
What city.state are you in?
@@t.k.morris I got it at West Hills Honda in Bremerton, Washington. I got the best price at Klein Honda in Everett, Washington and West Hills was willing to match it on a color I preferred.
@@1950rking Thank you. I live in Georgia and was hoping it would be near me somewhere!
How's the acceleration?
I bought this Pilot in 2023. No regrets it's a great car.
I’m watching this video because I’m in the market for a 25 Honda Pilot. I’m on the fence with the black edition and sport after test driving . What way do you think I should go and why?
Renee
If either option will make you happy and they’re in your budget I don’t think you can go wrong either way! But I recommend asking this question on a dedicated social medial Pilot group to get insight from actual owners. Thanks for watching!!
Just put a deposit on a 2025 Elite. I wasn't going to buy a new car, but with all the stuff going on, decided we need one new car with a full warranty and who knows if prices will just continue going up and up. We currently have a 2014 Pilot that has over 125k miles. It's been a great automobile, reliable and comfortable. We've had to replace wheel bearings just recently, but not much other than the normal wear and tear on brakes, tires. It was a no brainer for us to just go with another Pilot!!!!
That’s awesome, I hope you enjoy it and it’s as reliable as the 2014 was.
I just bought a 2025 pilot Trailsport. So far I love it! I’ve been watching a lot of these videos to see if there’s anything I’ve been missing. Seems like there’s always some hidden feature that I don’t know about.
Congrats on your sweet new ride!!
Just purchased the silver Touring AWD at $46,750 OTD. Thankfully I saved on no taxes with my disabled vet plate. Absolutely love the pilot. Will almost drive itself down the road. Very comfortable.
That’s awesome, I’m glad you got a good deal on a great car!
Just signed the paper for pilot awd , exact the trim and color with $43300 (about $4000 of msrp) sale price. Will pick up tomorrow…. From the other comments, I do feel this pilot is way tougher than 2023 outback I trade in. The first impression I got was … man this door is so heavy!!!! It makes outback door feel like plastic. The drive experience is way better than outback as well. The driving experience is similar as my previous 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 V8. Currently I also have a model 3… so I really couldn’t pass this tiny screen…. Why couldn’t they come up with something more appealing 😂But it is functional and it is easy to use.
Congrats on your new Pilot! And thanks for sharing your thoughts!!
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208
How is it driving? Do you have any issues with the automatic braking?
@@blissfuljoy6049 no issues!!! It drives well for a big SUV
What city/state are you in?
Got rid of my 22 CRV due to Turbo/carbon in future. Wanted the Pilot. Boss said too big and we ended up in a Gas Rav4.. Awesome and will last like my 05 accord we still have. In 3 years I hope Honda still has this Naturally aspirated and I'm in! TY Honda!
I get that! RAV4s are sweet, so that should be a good one in the meantime! I wasn’t expecting to like the Pilot as much as I did. I’m now strongly considering the next generation Honda Passport when it comes out lol. In this video I failed to mention that the Honda V6 does have a timing belt (so it’s a maintenance item, but also why this engine is so smooth) and also it apparently also has cylinder deactivation, which hopefully won’t ruin this engine down the road. But I haven’t reviewed others experiences of that in older Hondas yet.
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 I am waiting for the 2026 Outback and 2026 Passport to debut. Hopefully one will be what I replace my current lease with in 2026. Have also been wondering how an EV might be. Have you test driven any?
I’ve driven a few EVs, mostly Teslas, the EV6, Silverado EV, Equinox EV, and if anything else it doesn’t come to mind right now. They currently do not hold value at all after a couple years. So I think a Honda or Subaru are still very good options. But it really just depends on what you value, and the experience you want to have! 🙂
May I ask where you live and what dealership negotiated on the price?
I bought a 2008 Pilot 4 years ago...($5,000)---What a great car..I think I will keep it forever..Heated seats, cruise, power everything with plenty of room (even a moon roof)..I added a trailer hitch..It is a great car..
That sounds like such a steal! I’m glad it’s been a great vehicle for you.
The Pilot is also sold in Central and South America, although it is only manufactured in the US.
I bought the honda pilot trailsport, 2025, It's my new fav vehicle now.
Hi i see your outback wilderness videos and they are great. Would you say this pilot would be a better option than the OBW? I know you cant exactly compare because they are different classes. Whats your opinion?
The Pilot is an awesome car, especially if you need the third row or for it to be a size larger than an Outback.
Does any trim have a skylight/moon roof?
That’s a good question, and I would think so on the higher trims. I suggest building one on the Honda website in your region and look at all the standard features tab! Thanks for watching!!
No heated steering wheel is disappointing. I’d take that over heated seats. Ideally both would be nice.
I bought 2025 Sport version. I love the cloth interior. No lie, my best mpg was 28.5 over 500 mile trip pretty much drove 65-70. I have found that over 70 diminishes the mpg to about 25.5. My normal city/highway driving ranges from 22.5 to 24.5. I dumped the 2023 Highlander Inline 4 FWD and find that the difference in gas mileage didn't matter much. it was actually negligible believe it or not. I dumped the Highlander mainly because of the weaker 4 cylinder crappy Turbo, annoying herky jerky transmission and FWD handling in the winter. Toyota no longer presents the V6. I wont return to that brand anymore mainly because of that.
The Pilot sport version has every option that I need especially heated seats. the only thing I miss is the auto tailgate door open. No big deal. I absolutely love the V6 and AWD.
no mention of the engine destroying vcm?
I probably should have mentioned that it has the cylinder deactivation and maintenance is extremely important on this Honda. But also basically every platform right now has some concerning engineering or EPA pleasing flaws, and it’s a tough line to walk on being to pessimistic on those issues but also not wanting to be oblivious to not mention them either. Idk, but thank you for mentioning it! 😅🤷♂️
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 I know stuck between a rock and hard place.
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Is there anyway to deactivate it?
@@t.k.morrisnot yet. They redesigned VCM and current products don’t work based on feedback in the forums though it is said the previous gen didn’t have issues if maintained properly.
Did someone add tinting to the front windows?
Yeah, this example I used for the video was slightly used. Thanks for watching and sorry about any confusion.
I love how you film this in the church parking lot!
is there a Hybrid option?
Not as far as I know in the U.S. market, although that would be a nice complement to the 3.5 V6!
I live in the snow/rust bult. With electric door locks, how do you get into the car with a dead battery?
Lol, as do I, and have NEVER had this issue....
with the key...
The key fob or remote has a physical Key inside it.
There is a slot around the drivers door handle you insert to unlock.
use the provided key. really you had to ask this?
Thanks for your great review. I find the Pilot very practical in layout and with performance. Three things give me pause concerning this vehicle, however. First of all, the price is too steep for my pocketbook. Second, with the V6 the fuel economy is more than a bit outclassed by the Toyota competition (I'm thinking Highlander)... still no hybrid... a hybrid 4-cylinder engine can have the power of a V6 for acceleration with a bonus of better economy and longer driving range on a tank. Thirdly, the engine design of all of the latest Honda offerings features direct fuel injection, a terrible band-aide solution to eek out 2 or 3 more miles per gallon, but requiring very expensive decarbonizing servicing every 40 to 60 thousand miles, and potentially shortening the long term durability of a car. I've put on over 300,000 miles on my Toyotas without carbon buildup issues on the intake valves for they have old-fashioned port fuel injection, but will this vehicle have the same result?
you think it's worth paying 10k and trading in my 23 forester for this? I'd be at the same monthly payment and amount financed which is tempting for the pilot.
That’s a tough one. If you don’t need a third row or think you’ll need one in the next few years then I would probably recommend waiting for the refreshed Passport next year! Just a thought. 🤔
Do you not like the Subaru? I think the safety systems are better and the adaptive cruise control is way better than the Honda.
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 ooh that's a good one i think they might make that one a bit sportier
@@Zanderthelab honestly nothing wrong with the forester, just wish i had gotten a bigger car
The Passport I drove a year ago was 6.5’ wide so an extra .5’ over the Forester and it has like 50/100 cubic feet of room which is insane compared to the Foresters around 30+/70+. 🤩
I might just need to test drive one
Do it!! 🤪
Hahah did you know, the other day, that I was thinking about you with regards to this (if ever you have 1) before I decide go to dealership.😅
Haha that’s funny, today I made public the extra driving impressions video of it. I really like these and the Passports.
Great vehicle. But I get a higher trim to get those sporty roof racks. It looks pretty plain in this trim.
Does anyone else feel like Honda failed when they put a small 9” screen in the new Pilot instead of a 12.3” like the Accord has or is it just me??
no. not at all.
Great review, but I do wish you talked a little slower, IMHO.
I appreciate you saying this! I do rush a bit too much when I film as I try to squeeze several videos into the time I have to be out each week. I’m working on slowing down and probably will film a bit less to not rush the newer videos I put out going forward.
👍👍👍
muchísimas! gracias desde España ok 👍 saludos!
Honda I won’t. Insider until you go back to a regular shiver. No push buttons.
Shifter?
There is no better feeling than driving and having your hand on a shifter.
I’ll take a top trim level, but take off those hard-riding, easily damaged 20” wheels and replace them with smooth-riding, sensible 18s.
Absolutely!
Honda keeping up with being years behind what everyone else is doing with interiors. Those screens are just brutal. Why?
This pilot looks so cheap inside compared to cx9 plastics is way cheap and poor quality
I really like the CX-9 and it would be fun to see and experience these side by side. Which I did also film this compared to a Subaru Ascent, and I’ll make that public soon. In my opinion this Honda feels tougher or more durable than the Mazda. Unfortunately these engines have a timing belt and cylinder deactivation. But it was about as smooth accelerating and cruising as any vehicle I’ve driven. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!!
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208👍
@@AutomotiveAnonymous208earthdreams engines are very reliable.
This is a lower trim Honda Pilot. The higher trims look very nice inside.
@@FordEnthusiast413 dash in base or top trim is always same
I would not purchase the Elite at over $53k because it lacks the following features:
1) No hood support struts
2) Very small infotainment screen
3) No height adjustment on front passenger seat
4) No power lumbar adjustment on front passenger seat
5) Non-intuitive push button shifter
6) Interior not luxurious enough; too much hard plastic
The Hyundai Pallisade has all of the above for less money!
Except the Hydunai engine will blow up in few years. Korean vehicles lease, Japanese you buy.
Give me a 25 MDX technology for a little more money. Quieter, looks better handles sharper
That’s a good thought, thanks for watching!
If I’m going to get an mdx I’m going all the way with the type s.
I just shopped both today, around $10 grand more for the MDX, which is nicer of course..and comes with more factory warranty. It's just money.
I'm getting the 2025 Pilot Elite trim. To match it's key core features you'd have to get MDX Advance Package.
Key features 360 multi-view camera system. Ventilated Front Seats Rear 2nd Row Outboard Heated Seats . Head Up Display.
MDX also doesn't have the same 3rd row room as Pilot.
The removable center seat in MDX you can't stowaway in MDX like Pilot. Rear Well in MDX not as deep as well in Pilot. No 3rd Row AC Vents in MDX.
Premium gas, more insurance
The Honda Pilot. For people stuck in 1998.
Hahaha 😂
That’s what I like about it.
What would you choose for same price
@@no1g8tor08 CX90, Explorer, Grand Highlander, Cherokee, Pathfinder, Palisade, almost anything
@@user1989fopfrs7 the highlander Inline 4 and CVT blows. I traded my 2023 in for a v6 pilot. the highlander handled terribly in snow/ice. never a highlander again for me.
Has Honda lost their damn minds. Who's gonna pay $50,000 For Honda Pilot.😂😂😂😅
Yeah, after taxes and fees over 60k for the most loaded trim level, lol. 😂
You haven't been shopping for cars lately, have you. You'll pay $50,000 for Kia or Hyundai suv.
Unfortunately that's about normal now for vehicles
You have not been Looking. $40k is normal
me?
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