2025 Honda Pilot: Cargo Capacity for Every Adventure
The Honda Pilot continues to strengthen its position as a versatile three-row SUV with exceptional cargo capabilities. Whether transporting sports equipment, camping gear, or home improvement supplies, the thoughtfully designed cargo space offers flexibility and practicality for diverse lifestyles.
Cargo Dimensions and Capacity
The Honda Pilot features impressive cargo volume that adapts to various needs. Behind the third row, the Pilot provides approximately 510 litres of cargo space—enough for grocery runs or weekend luggage. Folding the third row expands this capacity to approximately 1,370 litres behind the second row, offering substantial room for larger items.
With both rear rows folded, the Pilot reaches its maximum cargo potential of approximately 2,464 litres. This configuration creates a nearly flat load floor measuring close to 2 metres in length, making it capable of accommodating furniture, outdoor gear, or building materials with ease.
The cargo area features a minimum width of 1.2 metres between the wheel wells, ensuring that wider items can fit comfortably. The load height remains accessible at approximately 78 cm from the ground, making loading and unloading less strenuous.
Flexible Seating Configurations
The Pilot cargo versatility has adaptable seating arrangements. Standard eight-passenger models feature a second-row bench seat that splits 60/40, while higher trims offer seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs that create an easy pass-through to the third row.
The third-row seats split 50/50, allowing for partial folding when balancing passenger and cargo needs. This adaptability means the Pilot can transport long items like skis or lumber while still accommodating passengers. The one-touch fold-down second-row seats make reconfiguration quick and straightforward.
In Elite and Black Edition trims, the second-row captain’s chairs can be removed entirely, creating a unique cargo configuration with exceptional access to the rear of the vehicle—ideal for transporting bulky items that require careful positioning.
Clever Storage Solutions
Beyond the main cargo area, the Honda Pilot incorporates thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin. The floor-mounted cargo bin behind the third row provides hidden storage for valuables or rarely used items. This compartment can be configured in multiple positions to create separated storage areas.
The side cargo panels include storage nets and small compartments for securing loose items. Roof rails come standard on most trims, supporting roof-mounted cargo carriers with a weight capacity of up to 75 kg.
Interior storage includes a spacious centre console that can accommodate tablets, small bags, and personal items. Door pockets, seat-back pockets, and cup holders throughout the cabin add to the overall storage capacity, ensuring that every centimetre of space serves a purpose.
Practical Cargo Features
The Pilot enhances its cargo utility with several practical features. Most trims include a power tailgate, with Touring and above offering hands-free operation—particularly useful when approaching the vehicle with arms full of cargo.
The reversible cargo floor provides a carpeted surface on one side and a hard, washable plastic surface on the other, making it simple to switch between transporting clean items and potentially messy gear.
Integrated tie-down anchors in the cargo area floor allow for secure fastening of items during transport. These anchors work with the available cargo net and organizers, creating a customizable storage system.
LED cargo lights illuminate the entire cargo area, making it easier to load or retrieve items in low-light conditions. You can program the tailgate opening height to avoid contact with garage ceilings or other overhead obstacles.
Five Facts About the 2025 Honda Pilot Cargo Space
The Honda Pilot maximum cargo volume is approximately equivalent to 61 standard airline carry-on suitcases when both rear rows are down.
The cargo floor features an innovative “triple-mode” design that can be positioned at different heights to create separated storage compartments.
With all seats in place, the Pilot can accommodate a standard stroller in the cargo area without folding it down.
The Pilot cargo area dimensions accommodate standard 4’ x 8’ building materials with the tailgate closed when the second and third rows are down.
The Elite and Black Edition trims feature proximity sensors that can detect when someone is approaching with items to load, automatically preparing the hands-free tailgate system.
Questions and Answers About the 2025 Honda Pilot Cargo Space
What is the maximum cargo volume in the Honda Pilot?
The maximum cargo volume is approximately 2,464 litres with both the second and third rows folded down.
How much cargo space is available behind the third row?
The Pilot offers approximately 510 litres of cargo space behind the third row when all seats are in use.
Can the Honda Pilot accommodate long items like skis or surfboards?
Yes, it can accommodate long items through the 60/40 split second row and 50/50 split third row, allowing for partial seat folding while still carrying passengers.
Does the Honda Pilot have underfloor storage?
Yes, this SUV features a versatile underfloor storage compartment behind the third row that you can configure in multiple positions.
Is the cargo floor flat when the seats are down?
The cargo floor is nearly flat when both rows are folded, with only a slight incline where the seats meet the cargo area.
How does the Pilot cargo capacity compare to other midsize SUVs?
It offers class-competitive cargo space, with its 2,464-litre maximum capacity placing it among the more spacious options in the midsize three-row SUV segment.
Can the second-row seats be removed completely?
In Elite and Black Edition trims with captain’s chairs, you can remove the second-row seats entirely to create additional cargo space.
What is the load height of the cargo area?
The cargo load height is approximately 78 cm from the ground, making it accessible for loading and unloading items.
Does the Pilot offer a power tailgate?
Yes, most trims include a power tailgate, with Touring and above featuring hands-free operation that can be activated by a foot motion under the rear bumper.
Are there tie-down points in the cargo area?
Yes, the Pilot features integrated tie-down anchors in the cargo floor to secure items during transport, compatible with available cargo nets and organizers.
