2025 Honda Pilot Tire Size: A Guide for Every Trim Level

What do you need to know about your 2025 Honda Pilot tires?

The Honda Pilot continues the model's reputation as a versatile and capable SUV, with tire specifications carefully selected to strike a balance between comfort, performance, and durability. Whether you're driving the entry-level Sport trim or the top-of-the-line Black Edition, understanding your vehicle's tire specifications is crucial for proper maintenance and optimal driving experience.

Standard Tire Specifications Across Trims

The Honda Pilot is available with different tire sizes, depending on the trim level. The base Sport and EX-L trims typically feature 245/60R18 all-season tires mounted on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. These provide a good balance of comfort, noise reduction, and light off-road capability.

Moving up to the Touring, TrailSport, and Black Edition trims, the Pilot has larger 265/50R20 all-season tires on 20-inch wheels. These larger tires offer improved handling characteristics and a more imposing stance, complementing the premium nature of these higher-end models.

The TrailSport trim deserves special mention as it features exclusive 265/60R18 all-terrain tires. These tires have a more aggressive tread pattern designed to enhance the vehicle's off-road capability while maintaining reasonable on-road comfort and noise levels.

Tire Pressure Recommendations

Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for ensuring safety, optimal performance, and improved fuel economy. For the Honda Pilot, the recommended tire pressure is typically:

• Front tires: 235 kPa (34 psi)

• Rear tires: 235 kPa (34 psi)

These values may vary slightly based on load conditions and specific driving requirements. The exact recommended pressure for your vehicle is listed on the driver's side door jamb sticker and in your owner's manual.

Tire Rotation and Maintenance

Honda recommends rotating the tires on your Pilot every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers to ensure even wear. The rotation pattern will depend on whether your tires are directional or non-directional.

For the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Pilot models, a cross-rotation pattern is typically recommended, where the front tires move to the opposite rear position, and the rear tires move to the same-side front position.

Regular visual inspections of your tires should include checking for:

• Uneven tread wear

• Cuts or cracks in the sidewalls

• Foreign objects embedded in the tread

• Adequate tread depth (minimum 1.6 mm, though 3 mm is recommended for wet conditions)

Winter Tire Options

For areas with severe winter conditions, switching to dedicated winter tires is highly recommended. The Honda Pilot can accommodate winter tires in the same sizes as the standard tires:

• 245/60R18 for Sport and EX-L trims

• 265/50R20 for Touring and Black Edition trims

• 265/60R18 for the TrailSport trim

When selecting winter tires, look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which indicates the tire meets specific snow traction performance requirements.

Tire Upgrade Considerations

Some Pilot owners may consider upgrading their tires for specific performance characteristics. When considering tire upgrades, keep these factors in mind:

• Maintain the original diameter: This ensures your speedometer remains accurate and prevents issues with the vehicle's electronic systems.

• Load rating: Ensure any replacement tire meets or exceeds the original tire's load rating, especially important for an SUV like the Pilot that may carry heavy loads or tow trailers.

• Speed rating: Match or exceed the original tire's speed rating to maintain the vehicle's handling characteristics.

• All-wheel drive considerations: For AWD Pilots, it's crucial to maintain the same tire size and similar tread wear across all four wheels to prevent strain on the AWD system.

Five Facts About 2025 Honda Pilot Tires

1. The TrailSport trim's all-terrain tires feature special sidewall construction that resists punctures from rocks and trail debris, with reinforcement that's 30% stronger than standard all-season tires.

2. The Pilot tire pressure monitoring system can detect pressure changes as small as 7 kPa (1 psi), alerting drivers to potential leaks before they become dangerous.

3. The noise-reducing technology in the standard Pilot tires uses special tread patterns and internal construction that can reduce road noise by up to 4 decibels compared to previous generations.

4. Honda engineers test Pilot tires on more than 20 different road surfaces to ensure they meet comfort, noise, and performance standards before approving them for production.

5. The all-terrain tires on the TrailSport model use a special rubber compound that remains flexible at temperatures as low as -30°C while still providing excellent durability in summer conditions.

Questions and Answers About 2025 Honda Pilot Tire Sizes

What is the standard tire size for the Honda Pilot Sport trim?

• This trim comes standard with 245/60R18 all-season tires mounted on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Does the Honda Pilot TrailSport have different tires than other trims?

• Yes, it features exclusive 265/60R18 all-terrain tires specifically designed for enhanced off-road capability while maintaining reasonable on-road comfort.

What tire size comes on the Honda Pilot Black Edition?

• This trim comes with 265/50R20 all-season tires mounted on 20-inch black-finished aluminum-alloy wheels.

How often should I rotate the tires on my Honda Pilot?

• Honda recommends rotating the tires every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers to ensure even wear and maximize tire life.

Can I use a different tire size on my Honda Pilot?

• While minor variations are possible, it's best to stick with the recommended tire sizes to maintain proper speedometer accuracy, handling characteristics, and AWD system performance.

What is the recommended tire pressure for the Honda Pilot?

• The typical recommended tire pressure is 235 kPa (34 psi) for both front and rear tires, though you should always check the specific recommendation on your vehicle's door jamb sticker.

Do I need winter tires for my Honda Pilot, even though it has all-wheel drive?

• Yes, even with AWD, winter tires are strongly recommended for severe winter conditions as they provide significantly better traction, braking, and handling in snow and ice compared to all-season tires.

What should I look for when inspecting the tires on my Honda Pilot?

• Check for uneven tread wear, cuts or cracks in the sidewalls, foreign objects in the tread, and ensure tread depth is at least 1.6 mm (though 3 mm is recommended for wet conditions).

Can I mix tire brands or models on my Honda Pilot?

• It's not recommended to mix tire brands or models, as differences in diameter, tread pattern, and wear characteristics can strain the AWD system and affect handling.

How do I know when it's time to replace the tires on my Honda Pilot?

• You should replace the tires when the tread depth reaches 1.6 mm, if there are visible signs of damage (bulges, cracks, cuts), if they're more than 6 years old regardless of tread depth, or if you notice unusual vibrations or handling issues that can't be resolved with balancing or alignment.