2025 Honda Pilot

[JWC86]

Looking hard at a new Honda Pilot for the wife’s family vehicle. Plan will be to keep it 10 years or more which we have a track record of actually doing so long term reliability is a big consideration.

The 3.5L V6 has been around for awhile but there is couple things I’m concerned about:

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.

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.

New 10 speed trans in 2023, no long term data. User reports on the FB groups seem to be full of people saying it’s “clunky” and not smooth.

Also seeing reports of the electric steering rack making clicking and popping noises on these 4th gen Pilots.


Does anyone have any experience with these or have any thoughts?

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

Thanks for any input.

 

[edyvw]

Looking hard at a new Honda Pilot for the wife’s family vehicle. Plan will be to keep it 10 years or more which we have a track record of actually doing so long term reliability is a big consideration.

The 3.5L V6 has been around for awhile but there is couple things I’m concerned about:

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.

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.

New 10 speed trans in 2023, no long term data. User reports on the FB groups seem to be full of people saying it’s “clunky” and not smooth.

Also seeing reports of the electric steering rack making clicking and popping noises on these 4th gen Pilots.


Does anyone have any experience with these or have any thoughts?

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

Thanks for any input.

1. This is a new engine.
2. The transmission has been used for a while in the Odyssey.
3. Grand Highlander is bigger than Pilot.

 

[The Critic]

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 older DI version of the J35 really didn’t have carbon build up issues. In fact, I just had the lower intake manifolds removed on a 19 with 75K and all of the intake valves had a very light layer of carbon. All city driving as well.

 

[JWC86]

1. This is a new engine.
2. The transmission has been used for a while in the Odyssey.
3. Grand Highlander is bigger than Pilot.

A lot of the engine is different including a switch to DOHC but I thought it was the same block?

I’ve read conflicting info that it isn’t the same 10 speed that was in the odyssey?

I need to look into it more but I think the GH only comes with a turbo 4?

 

[JWC86]

The older DI version of the J35 really didn’t have carbon build up issues. In fact, I just had the lower intake manifolds removed on a 19 with 75K and all of the intake valves had a very light layer of carbon. All city driving as well.

Yes I’ve heard that the DI J35s don’t have intake valve build up like some of the other DI engines. I would prefer a port injector but that’s sure not the direction the industry is going …

 

[edyvw]

A lot of the engine is different including a switch to DOHC but I thought it was the same block?

I’ve read conflicting info that it isn’t the same 10 speed that was in the odyssey?

I need to look into it more but I think the GH only comes with a turbo 4?

Yes, it does, unless going Hybrid.
I drove Pilot TrailSport and GHL. GHL will smoke a pilot with ease. There is a good amount of torque in GHL where you need it.
In Pilot, this V6 basically has the same power as the previous one, but an extra 400lbs (at least, in some versions like TrailSport even more). It is not an athlete by any means. I would try both before buying it.
If you need some off-road capability (light off-road with no need for low range) Pilot TrailSport is the best option.

 

[JimPghPA]

I can't rember where I heard it, but I do rember hearing that with Honda engines, during some portions of operation the spraying of the injectors happens when the intake valves are opened enough that fuel gets sprayed in the back of those valves, and the valves rotate. So over time the entire circumference of the valve back gets sprayed with fuel.

 

[CharBaby]

My understanding is that the 3.5L V6 in the new Pilot has been reworked more for the emissions than power.
Keep in mind that this video is from 2023 when the Pilot was redesigned.
At 2:54 in the video, Alex explains more about how the engine is new as well as the whole vehicle.
And IMHO, Alex is the best automotive reviewer on YouTube.

 

[Zee09]

Check the HVAC
Honda tend to be weak in that area especially the AC....
Do an extended drive on all the roads you usually encounter.
I'm not the real happy with my new Accords suspension... the worst I've had since 1986.

 

[Greenbeforeblue]

DI only
Timing belt
Valve checks/adjustments

I ain't paying for that.

 

[rstcso]

DI only
Timing belt
Valve checks/adjustments

We bought our 2025 Pilot Elite almost two months ago, getting away from a 2022 Audi Q5 which came out with its second engine recall since buying it new.

Most cars sold today are DI. Even running the highest quality fuel (Top Tier only) and regular use of a fuel system cleaner won't keep carbon buildup away from the intakes, so like the timing belt change many years from now, I'm prepared for a good ol' walnut blasting. They moved to hydraulic lifters with the engine revamp in the 2023 model for the Pilot, so no valve adjustment needed. Cylinder deactivation, coupled with active engine mount dampening, must really work good, because I couldn't tell you when it was or not activated. My understanding is in Sport or Tow mode, this deactivation is disengaged. Compared to the Audi's dual clutch tranny, the Honda is definitely clunky, but it is what it is.

The seats are firm, and I was concerned with comfort on long drives, especially coming from the Audi. We took a 4k miles' trip and I was surprised that at the end of a long day of driving, no fatigue at all (I'm in my mid-60s). Ton's of cargo space, since it was just my wife and I. Our German Shepherd Dog very much approves of the rear, as he can sit fully upright instead of having to scrunch down a bit.
My wife liked it okay when she test drove it, but it's quite a bit bigger than the Audi, but she's loving it now. No regrets. Our next door neighbors came over to look at it after we bought it. The Grandma wanted a three-row vehicle to move grandkids around when needed. Two weeks ago, they bought the identical vehicle except for interior color (ours gray, theirs black).

I came across a website, visor.vin, which has great search functions when looking for a vehicle at dealerships, new or used. The free version is okay, but I paid for a month of their premium initially, then canceled (one button press), but we're now looking for a car for our daughter, and yesterday signed up for a year of premium at $60. For me, it was a quick way to narrow our search, since my wife wanted a specific color combination (white/gray as opposed to the normal black interior). I quickly found there was only five in the state of Texas, but without this knowledge, I'd still be calling dealerships one-by-one. Another thing it shows are the number of days since listed (days on lot), the price history since listed, and much more. We paid $51k for ours, but without much back-and-forth, handled via phone calls, text, and email. We had the Out-the-Door price negotiated before ever stepping foot in the dealership. When we did, it was to overlook the car, test drive it, and sign the paperwork. No surprises at all. Zero dealer add-ons, and the finance person didn't even pitch any additional products.

 

[JWC86]

DI only
Timing belt
Valve checks/adjustments

I ain't paying for that.

No valve checks with hydraulic lifters

Yes Timing belt but she only puts on 5k miles a year so that’s 20years to get to 100k, pretty good odds we won’t have it in 20 years.

DI I could live without

 

[JWC86]

We bought our 2025 Pilot Elite almost two months ago, getting away from a 2022 Audi Q5 which came out with its second engine recall since buying it new.

Most cars sold today are DI. Even running the highest quality fuel (Top Tier only) and regular use of a fuel system cleaner won't keep carbon buildup away from the intakes, so like the timing belt change many years from now, I'm prepared for a good ol' walnut blasting. They moved to hydraulic lifters with the engine revamp in the 2023 model for the Pilot, so no valve adjustment needed. Cylinder deactivation, coupled with active engine mount dampening, must really work good, because I couldn't tell you when it was or not activated. My understanding is in Sport or Tow mode, this deactivation is disengaged. Compared to the Audi's dual clutch tranny, the Honda is definitely clunky, but it is what it is.

The seats are firm, and I was concerned with comfort on long drives, especially coming from the Audi. We took a 4k miles' trip and I was surprised that at the end of a long day of driving, no fatigue at all (I'm in my mid-60s). Ton's of cargo space, since it was just my wife and I. Our German Shepherd Dog very much approves of the rear, as he can sit fully upright instead of having to scrunch down a bit.
My wife liked it okay when she test drove it, but it's quite a bit bigger than the Audi, but she's loving it now. No regrets. Our next door neighbors came over to look at it after we bought it. The Grandma wanted a three-row vehicle to move grandkids around when needed. Two weeks ago, they bought the identical vehicle except for interior color (ours gray, theirs black).

I came across a website, visor.vin, which has great search functions when looking for a vehicle at dealerships, new or used. The free version is okay, but I paid for a month of their premium initially, then canceled (one button press), but we're now looking for a car for our daughter, and yesterday signed up for a year of premium at $60. For me, it was a quick way to narrow our search, since my wife wanted a specific color combination (white/gray as opposed to the normal black interior). I quickly found there was only five in the state of Texas, but without this knowledge, I'd still be calling dealerships one-by-one. Another thing it shows are the number of days since listed (days on lot), the price history since listed, and much more. We paid $51k for ours, but without much back-and-forth, handled via phone calls, text, and email. We had the Out-the-Door price negotiated before ever stepping foot in the dealership. When we did, it was to overlook the car, test drive it, and sign the paperwork. No surprises at all. Zero dealer add-ons, and the finance person didn't even pitch any additional products.

Great info, thanks!

Yes I saw a post where a guy hooked up a scan tool and drove it. Confirmed the cylinder deactivation is off in sport or tow mode.

If you use sport mode and turn the car off does remember the drive mode when restarted or would it have to changed every drive it wanted?

I haven’t seen anything posted about auto start/stop, am I safe to assume it doesn’t have it or has everyone just accepted these things now and no one talks about it?

 

[rstcso]

Great info, thanks!

Yes I saw a post where a guy hooked up a scan tool and drove it. Confirmed the cylinder deactivation is off in sport or tow mode.

If you use sport mode and turn the car off does remember the drive mode when restarted or would it have to changed every drive it wanted?

I haven’t seen anything posted about auto start/stop, am I safe to assume it doesn’t have it or has everyone just accepted these things now and no one talks about it?

We have our drive mode set to Normal and it remembers it, but I don't know if it will remember other modes. I'm not a fan of Economy mode. It mainly just artificially slows down your inputs.

The Pilot does have auto start/stop, but my wife now has it down to muscle memory to turn it off immediately after putting in Drive. If you forget, you'll soon remember after stopping for the first time when warm, even though it's pretty smooth (more so than the Audi). It's a convenient button press to turn it off. Now that the EPA rules are changing, I hope one day there will be a software update with the default set to off and you can turn it on if you want.

 

[rijndael]

Timing belt
Valve checks/adjustments

Honda's timing belt system holds up better than many manufacturers chains and phasers. I'd take it over any 3.5 EcoBoost from the past 10 years.

 

[rstcso]

Honda's timing belt system holds up better than many manufacturers chains and phasers. I'd take it over any 3.5 EcoBoost from the past 10 years.

Most of the research I did on the Audi showed the timing chain should be replaced ~90k miles, along with the water pump, of course. In today's dollars, that's a $4k job. The Honda's a lot less expensive to maintain with a much higher reliability reputation.

 

[edyvw]

We have our drive mode set to Normal and it remembers it, but I don't know if it will remember other modes. I'm not a fan of Economy mode. It mainly just artificially slows down your inputs.

The Pilot does have auto start/stop, but my wife now has it down to muscle memory to turn it off immediately after putting in Drive. If you forget, you'll soon remember after stopping for the first time when warm, even though it's pretty smooth (more so than the Audi). It's a convenient button press to turn it off. Now that the EPA rules are changing, I hope one day there will be a software update with the default set to off and you can turn it on if you want.

Here you go:

 

[edyvw]

Most of the research I did on the Audi showed the timing chain should be replaced ~90k miles, along with the water pump, of course. In today's dollars, that's a $4k job. The Honda's a lot less expensive to maintain with a much higher reliability reputation.

Timing chain was an issue on older EA888, and it is hit or miss. There is a way to follow chain elongation and point when chain needs to be replaced.
Our Tiguan was far more reliable than Pilot. So, there is that.

 

[nwjones18]

FWIW We're in the same boat and I plan on getting a new Pilot within a year or so. Have same concerns as you, but for me I want a non-hybrid V-6 with a non-CVT trans and Pilot fits the bill. As someone who has lost a car due to timing chain failure I sort of like the idea of swapping a new Belt in every 100k. We plan on keeping the car 10-15yrs (Wife is still driving 08 CRV).

 

[nwjones18]

We bought our 2025 Pilot Elite almost two months ago, getting away from a 2022 Audi Q5 which came out with its second engine recall since buying it new.

Most cars sold today are DI. Even running the highest quality fuel (Top Tier only) and regular use of a fuel system cleaner won't keep carbon buildup away from the intakes, so like the timing belt change many years from now, I'm prepared for a good ol' walnut blasting. They moved to hydraulic lifters with the engine revamp in the 2023 model for the Pilot, so no valve adjustment needed. Cylinder deactivation, coupled with active engine mount dampening, must really work good, because I couldn't tell you when it was or not activated. My understanding is in Sport or Tow mode, this deactivation is disengaged. Compared to the Audi's dual clutch tranny, the Honda is definitely clunky, but it is what it is.

The seats are firm, and I was concerned with comfort on long drives, especially coming from the Audi. We took a 4k miles' trip and I was surprised that at the end of a long day of driving, no fatigue at all (I'm in my mid-60s). Ton's of cargo space, since it was just my wife and I. Our German Shepherd Dog very much approves of the rear, as he can sit fully upright instead of having to scrunch down a bit.
My wife liked it okay when she test drove it, but it's quite a bit bigger than the Audi, but she's loving it now. No regrets. Our next door neighbors came over to look at it after we bought it. The Grandma wanted a three-row vehicle to move grandkids around when needed. Two weeks ago, they bought the identical vehicle except for interior color (ours gray, theirs black).

I came across a website, visor.vin, which has great search functions when looking for a vehicle at dealerships, new or used. The free version is okay, but I paid for a month of their premium initially, then canceled (one button press), but we're now looking for a car for our daughter, and yesterday signed up for a year of premium at $60. For me, it was a quick way to narrow our search, since my wife wanted a specific color combination (white/gray as opposed to the normal black interior). I quickly found there was only five in the state of Texas, but without this knowledge, I'd still be calling dealerships one-by-one. Another thing it shows are the number of days since listed (days on lot), the price history since listed, and much more. We paid $51k for ours, but without much back-and-forth, handled via phone calls, text, and email. We had the Out-the-Door price negotiated before ever stepping foot in the dealership. When we did, it was to overlook the car, test drive it, and sign the paperwork. No surprises at all. Zero dealer add-ons, and the finance person didn't even pitch any additional products.

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