7 Reasons to Choose Between the 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot
When it comes to midsize SUVs the Honda Pilot is a name that tends to dominate the conversation, and it's no wonder why. With each passing year this family-friendly vehicle only gets better, leaving prospective buyers scratching their heads, wondering which model year to go for. In this article we're going to dive deep into the 2024 vs 2025 Honda Pilot debate, comparing everything from performance to tech to find out which one is worth your hard-earned cash. We’ll also throw in some humor along the way because car shopping doesn’t have to be dry!
Introduction
The Honda Pilot has been a reliable option for families and adventurers alike for many years. It consistently ranks high in terms of safety, reliability, and comfort. However, choosing between model years—especially ones as close as 2024 and 2025—can be tricky. Both bring their own set of improvements and features to the table, but which is the right choice for you?
In this review, I’ll give you a breakdown of the 7 key differences between the 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot to help you make the best decision. And for a bit of fun, we’ll explore potential drawbacks for each model with a humorous twist—because even the best SUVs have their quirks.
What's New in the 2024 Honda Pilot?
First off, let’s take a closer look at the 2024 Pilot. Honda continued its trend of refining the SUV without reinventing the wheel. Instead of a major overhaul the 2024 Pilot gets some nice upgrades that make it stand out from its predecessor.
2024 Honda Pilot Exterior
The exterior design of the 2024 Honda Pilot stays pretty familiar, but with a bit more edge. It’s slightly more rugged than the 2023 model, which fits the more outdoorsy demographic Honda’s been chasing. You'll notice sharper lines and a more robust front fascia. It seems like Honda took some design cues from the Ridgeline. The new 20-inch wheels (optional) are a nice touch too.
Potential drawback: "The 2024 model might have overdone the rugged look a bit—like your friend who buys hiking boots but never hits the trails," said Alex Collantes, an avid car enthusiast. If you’re more about city driving than off-roading, the 2024 model might feel a bit too "let’s go climb a mountain" for your taste.
Key 2024 Honda Pilot Exterior Features:
- Bold front grille reminiscent of the Ridgeline
- Optional 20-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights as standard
- Wider wheel arches
2024 Honda Pilot Interior
Now let's talk about the interior of the 2024 Pilot because that’s where things get really interesting. The cabin is spacious (as always) with room for up to 8 passengers. But the most notable upgrade is the infotainment system, which now boasts a 10.2-inch screen. For parents out there this could mean the difference between hearing “Are we there yet?” and having a quiet ride thanks to the easier-to-navigate tech for your passengers.
Potential drawback: "The third-row seat is great—if you’ve got kids. If you’re an adult who gets stuck back there though, it feels like you're in coach class on a budget airline," laughs Alex. The third-row legroom is still just a tad tight.
2024 Honda Pilot Engine and Performance
The 2024 Pilot carries over the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as before. It churns out 285 horsepower, which is more than enough for daily driving and even some light towing (up to 5000 pounds). But don’t expect to win any drag races.
- 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 hp
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- Optional AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
- Towing capacity up to 5000 lbs
Potential drawback: It’s no sports car. "Let’s just say the 2024 Pilot is about as fast as your grandpa on a Sunday walk after a big lunch," joked Alex. If speed’s your thing, maybe look elsewhere.
2024 Honda Pilot Safety Features
Honda continues to emphasize safety, and the 2024 Pilot doesn’t disappoint. With the Honda Sensing suite standard on all trims, you’re getting adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, and more.
Potential drawback: "Sometimes the lane-keeping assist feels like your overly concerned friend who's constantly telling you how to drive," Alex mentioned with a grin. It can be a bit intrusive at times.
What’s New in the 2025 Honda Pilot?
Now let’s fast-forward to the 2025 model. Honda isn’t looking to fix something that isn’t broken, but the 2025 Pilot does come with some tweaks that may entice you to wait for its release.
2025 Honda Pilot Exterior
The rugged design of the 2024 Pilot carries over to the 2025 version, but with a few minor changes. The front grille has been slimmed down slightly, and there’s a new color option: Sandstone Pearl. It's subtle but stylish.
- New grille design—slimmer and more streamlined
- Sandstone Pearl color option
- Same bold, robust stance from the 2024 model
2025 Honda Pilot Interior
The interior of the 2025 Pilot remains largely the same as its predecessor, but Honda has introduced a Game-Changer: the Panoramic Sunroof standard on all trims except the base model. This feature brings a lot more light into the cabin making it feel even more spacious and airy. Plus, you now have wireless charging standard in every trim level.
Potential drawback: The panoramic sunroof is great until you forget to close it during a rainstorm. Trust me it happens.
2025 Honda Pilot Engine and Performance
Here’s where things get exciting for the 2025 Pilot. While it carries over the same V6 engine Honda has tweaked the transmission. You now get a 10-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous 9-speed. This translates to smoother shifts and a slightly more fuel-efficient drive. They also improved the fuel economy, which is always a plus when gas prices spike.
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Improved fuel economy—1-2 mpg increase
- Same 285 hp V6 engine
2025 Honda Pilot Tech Upgrades
The tech in the 2025 Pilot is a step up too. Honda's added over-the-air software updates to keep your infotainment system up-to-date without requiring a trip to the dealership. Plus there’s now wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on every trim.
Potential drawback: "I love the wireless tech but now I have no excuse when my phone dies halfway through a road trip—guess I have to start packing a charger again," jokes Alex.
2024 vs 2025 Honda Pilot: Detailed Comparison
Let’s now pit these two models head-to-head in various categories to see where each shines.
Performance
Both the 2024 and 2025 Pilots share the same engine, but the 2025 model’s new transmission provides slightly smoother shifting and better fuel economy. If you’re looking for efficiency, the 2025 version has a slight edge.
Winner: 2025 Honda Pilot
Interior Comfort
Both SUVs offer spacious cabins with room for up to 8 passengers, but the 2025 Pilot adds that lovely panoramic sunroof and standard wireless charging. It’s the small details that elevate the driving experience here.
Winner: 2025 Honda Pilot
Tech and Infotainment
The 2025 Pilot gains the upper hand here with over-the-air software updates and wireless tech as standard. If staying up-to-date with minimal hassle is important to you, this might sway your decision.
Winner: 2025 Honda Pilot
Safety Features
Both models come with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features. There’s really no difference between the two in this department, so it’s a draw.
Winner: Tie
Price and Value
Here’s where things get a little more nuanced. Since the 2025 model comes with a few more features and improvements, it will likely be a bit pricier. However, the 2024 Pilot could be your best bet if you’re looking for a good deal and don’t mind missing out on a few upgrades.
Winner: 2024 Honda Pilot (for budget-conscious buyers)
Potential Drawbacks: The Funny Side
No car is perfect, and even the Honda Pilot has its quirks.
2024 Honda Pilot Drawback: As Alex pointed out earlier, the third row feels like the automotive equivalent of drawing the short straw. "If you’re over 6 feet tall, good luck back there. Maybe bring a pillow?" And while the rugged exterior is great for off-roading, some might feel it’s a little too much for a city SUV.
2025 Honda Pilot Drawback: The panoramic sunroof is a great feature... until you leave it open in the rain. "Been there, done that!" joked Alex. And with all the wireless tech, you’ve really got no excuse for a dead phone anymore—so no more using that as a reason to skip calls!
Final Thoughts: Which Honda Pilot Should You Choose?
So, 2024 vs 2025? Both years offer fantastic SUVs that are loaded with safety tech, comfort, and versatility. If you’re looking for a great deal and don’t mind skipping a few of the fancy new features, the 2024 Pilot is a solid choice. But if you want the latest tech, smoother transmission, and panoramic sunroof vibes, the 2025 Pilot edges ahead.
Whichever year you pick, you’ll be getting a reliable, family-friendly SUV with Honda’s signature reputation for longevity and performance.
As Alex put it best: "At the end of the day, it's a Honda Pilot. You can’t really go wrong. Just make sure your passengers don’t fight over that panoramic sunroof."
Let us know which one you’re leaning toward!