2025 Honda Pilot

[tbm5690]

In 2023 MY revision they went to DI, would much rather have the Toyota approach with also a port injector but I would consider this a minor concern compared to the next two.

The J35 has been DI since 2014 (2016 in the Pilot). My DI J35 is what I would consider severe service due to short tripping in an extreme climate, and I've had no issues with excessive dilution and no signs of carbon issues. I have 100k on the odo.

Variable cylinder deactivation. From what I have read this is controlled via solenoids that collapse the hydraulic lifters. I’m not sure if it is easily bypassed or if it is even a problem. Probably too new to know.

Not an issue like it was on the pre-2016 Pilots, but for peace of mind it is easily disabled for under $200. I've done it on mine.

The highlander is also being considered but we both really like the extra size and comfort of the pilot over the Highlander.

In general, the Pilot is more engaging to drive. They are both mom mobiles but the Honda powertrain has a soul.

 

[rstcso]

That's all good to hear. We want a White/Brown elite and there aren't many around..

Here are the current listings within a 200 mile radius of Warner Robins, GA as shown on visor.vin:

 

[meep]

Not a pilot, but I found myself behind a new passport today, and to my eye they got the lines and dimensions of that one right. Stellar looking vehicle.

We’ve owned a bunch of Hondas. I’ll jump on engine reliability. I simply didn’t have engine problems with any of the ones we owned, including the mighty 1.5T which was just a hoot! Van had AC and electric door issues. A friends van had master cylinder problems. Our ‘15 CRV was a bit of a disappointment with a CVT that started going bad. Admittedly I’ve lost a little trust in them recently, but by and large my biggest complaints would be more inline with noisy interiors or myself just getting bored with them. I hope they recover from what seemed to be happening in the ‘teens years. At the moment, my wife and I are both in hybrid Toyotas, but some here will catch that my 2024 Tacoma experience hasn’t been trouble-free either.

I am also no longer convinced of blanket timing chain superiority. I’ve had most belt engines and no surprises. Change them and related parts on time and no issues. we’ve had 3 chain vehicles and 1 was having problems at 85k while the other two made it to at least 100k problem-free (Honda and Lexus).

My in laws have 2 highlanders. The Hondas look better. The highlanders have been more consistent in oil consumption (zero) and minimal personality or quirkiness as they age. Their last mdx (‘16?) had oil consumption issues (replaced engine) and power steering shudder.

 

[drfeelgood]

I think you would be pleased with the Pilot. I bought a 2025 Trailsport earlier this year after researching and looking at all the comps. I wanted AWD and some off-road ability as I have 80 acres with rutted roads and trails. Have taken it on a long trip, as well. No issues or complaints with the vehicle. Regarding the DI, I would prefer port also, but not much out there with it anymore and Hondas V6 doesn't seem to have major carbon issues. It does come with auto start/stop, but as noted above, a $25 Amazon device takes 5 minutes to install and now default is normal operation, but can toggle the stop/start on(why?) if you so desire. It does have VCM, but it is seamless, and it appears Honda has minimized the issues with it. There is not currently any aftermarket disabler available, but as noted trail or sport mode will disable it if you want.
The 10 speed auto on mine is very nice with perhaps just a little "clunkiness" in the first couple gearshifts when cold but imperceptible shifting at other times.
The V6 is smooth, revs nicely and sounds good. No, it is not a race car and it won't get hybrid mileage.
The Trailsport also comes with Conti all-terrains, which are excellent, long-lasting AT tires.
Happy to answer any other questions.

 

[nwjones18]

I think you would be pleased with the Pilot. I bought a 2025 Trailsport earlier this year after researching and looking at all the comps. I wanted AWD and some off-road ability as I have 80 acres with rutted roads and trails. Have taken it on a long trip, as well. No issues or complaints with the vehicle. Regarding the DI, I would prefer port also, but not much out there with it anymore and Hondas V6 doesn't seem to have major carbon issues. It does come with auto start/stop, but as noted above, a $25 Amazon device takes 5 minutes to install and now default is normal operation, but can toggle the stop/start on(why?) if you so desire. It does have VCM, but it is seamless, and it appears Honda has minimized the issues with it. There is not currently any aftermarket disabler available, but as noted trail or sport mode will disable it if you want.
The 10 speed auto on mine is very nice with perhaps just a little "clunkiness" in the first couple gearshifts when cold but imperceptible shifting at other times.
The V6 is smooth, revs nicely and sounds good. No, it is not a race car and it won't get hybrid mileage.
The Trailsport also comes with Conti all-terrains, which are excellent, long-lasting AT tires.
Happy to answer any other questions.

My wife really likes the blue on the Trailsport's.. Also the only trim you can get captain chairs with armrest on.

 

[JWC86]

Thank you to everyone that contributed information!

We put a deposit down on a 2025 Pilot Touring, take delivery next week. It's not the one in the pic but exact same, it actually just came in and was in the shop having the PDI done.

In Canada the Touring is the top trim, same as the elite in the US.
Since it's the wifes daily see picked the colour, I would have went for the blacked out "Black Edition" myself but she liked this dark grey which I don't mind at all.

She is pretty excited, we keep our cars for a long time, we say 10 years but will probably be 15. Last new car was 2010.

We've have been looking for something new for a few years now, I was actually pretty set on the CRV(I really like their Hybrid drivetrain) but then see hooked her eyes on the Pilot and we both found it a nicer ride and much more comfortable. The 3rd row will get used quite a bit also. I loved how light the steering was and my wife found it very easy to maneuver in parking lots. Quiet and comfortable on the highway.

I have a appointment end of next week for PPF on the whole front end, full hood, fenders, mirrors, etc. Front window tint and I think I will have the chrome strips done in gloss black vinyl. Probably ceramic coated also. I had my truck done when it was new 5 years ago and its been awesome.

Ordered a start/stop eliminator, floor mats and some other organizers and stuff like that also.

We have a 2000km road trip in 10 days so will do a early oil change when we get back.

Edit to add: I don't even know what oil it takes! I have some research to do! I did however watch a oil change video prior to purchase to ensure it was easy tom service in true BITOG fashion.

 

[tbm5690]

Edit to add: I don't even know what oil it takes! I have some research to do! I did however watch a oil change video prior to purchase to ensure it was easy tom service in true BITOG fashion.

Book says 0W-20 but it is happy on a 30