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

 

[ARB1977]

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.

That’s promising. My wife’s 19 EXL has 83K. I run two bottles between OLM’s 60% and 20%. She uses top tier fuel on occasion.

 

[nwjones18]

Here's a quote we got on a new 2025 Pilot Elite yesterday FYI:

 

[rstcso]

Here's a quote we got on a new 2025 Pilot Elite yesterday FYI:

View attachment 290984

This does not seem like a good deal in today's economy. We bought our Elite two months ago and paid right at $51k with zero add-ons. We have gap insurance as part of our auto insurance policy. Our doc fee in Texas is less than 1/3 yours shown.

The extended warranty doesn't look very good. Is this HondaCare or another company? We had everything in writing before stepping into the finance office and weren't even offered an extended warranty. I wanted to get a price, so had to ask. Because this will be our "until we die" car, I got an 8yr/120k HondaCare extended warranty for just over $3100. Had I known then what I know now, I would have countered with the 10yr/120k warranty for the same money.

 

[millerbl00]

Theres a lot of fluff in that invoice! For one you can get a Honda care warranty for $1300 for 6 years/120000 miles

Doc fee too high and pro pack!?!

 

[millerbl00]

RUN!

 

[nwjones18]

This does not seem like a good deal in today's economy. We bought our Elite two months ago and paid right at $51k with zero add-ons. We have gap insurance as part of our auto insurance policy. Our doc fee in Texas is less than 1/3 yours shown.

The extended warranty doesn't look very good. Is this HondaCare or another company? We had everything in writing before stepping into the finance office and weren't even offered an extended warranty. I wanted to get a price, so had to ask. Because this will be our "until we die" car, I got an 8yr/120k HondaCare extended warranty for just over $3100. Had I known then what I know now, I would have countered with the 10yr/120k warranty for the same money.

Yeah I knew I wasn't going to buy so I didn't argue with them. Definitely some fluff in there.. We aren't to the "need" situation yet for my wife a car so I think I'm going to wait a year or so and try to snag a lease turn in with low miles in the mid 30's.. We were just settling on the color combo I'm going to target when we get serious. White/Brown is confirmed.

 

[rstcso]

Yeah I knew I wasn't going to buy so I didn't argue with them. Definitely some fluff in there.. We aren't to the "need" situation yet for my wife a car so I think I'm going to wait a year or so and try to snag a lease turn in with low miles in the mid 30's.. We were just settling on the color combo I'm going to target when we get serious. White/Brown is confirmed.

Best do some research on lease returns and how they are often on par with buying a previous rental fleet vehicle. Just saying.

 

[nwjones18]

Best do some research on lease returns and how they are often on par with buying a previous rental fleet vehicle. Just saying.

Could have just said 3yo used one then.. Honestly a 3yr old 30k mi used Honda with any type of service history is about as low risk as a used car gets. I've never owned a new car.

 

[JWC86]

Here's a quote we got on a new 2025 Pilot Elite yesterday FYI:

View attachment 290984

Thanks for sharing, for what it's worth my dealer hit us with a lot of those BS fees and add ons. About 3K worth total. I got them down to $750 but it took some doing, walked away twice.

Ended up getting a 2025 Touring(what is called the Elite in the US, it's the top trim) with winter package and some 3M PPF done(still needs more) for $71k CAD with tax and everything all in which is $52,200 USD. I don't know how that compares with US prices.

 

[rstcso]

I've never owned a new car.

I'm a pessimist and barely trust a new car let alone a used car. I probably wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

 

[rstcso]

Ended up getting a 2025 Touring(what is called the Elite in the US, it's the top trim) with winter package and some 3M PPF done(still needs more) for $71k CAD with tax and everything all in which is $52,200 USD. I don't know how that compares with US prices.

Sounds like a fair price.

 

[JWC86]

Sounds like a fair price.

I thought so. The Pilots, CRV and vans seem to go within a week on dealer lots so there isn't much negotiating to be done, it's a fine line.
Seems Honda and Toyota sales persons have a pretty easy job.

 

[nwjones18]

I'm a pessimist and barely trust a new car let alone a used car. I probably wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

I've been daily driving an 07 Mazda I bought off a sketchy used car lot for $3k in 2018 for 7 years now with no real issues.. Thing clearly was never maintained in the 130k miles before I got it. For me a 3yo Honda that's hopefully had 2 oil changes might as well be new. haha