2025 Honda Pilot: Unique Features Across the Trim Lineup

The Honda Pilot offers a versatile and robust SUV experience with five distinct trim levels tailored to different driving preferences and lifestyle needs. While all models share the powerful 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, each trim has exclusive features and capabilities.

Sport: The Foundation of Excellence

The Sport trim serves as the entry point to the Pilot lineup, but “basic” isn’t in its vocabulary. This model establishes a solid foundation with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels with an aggressive stance

• LED headlights and daytime running lights

• Tri-zone automatic climate control

• 7-inch digital instrument display

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel for premium feel

• Smart entry with push-button start

• Versatile seating for eight passengers

What sets the Sport apart is its balance of essential features and value. Unlike higher trims, it maintains a more straightforward approach to technology and comfort while still delivering the legendary Pilot reliability and capability. The Sport comes standard with front-wheel drive, with the intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel drive system available as an option—a feature that becomes standard on higher trims.

EX-L: Elevated Luxury

Stepping up to the EX-L trim introduces a significant upgrade in comfort and convenience features:

• Leather-trimmed seating surfaces throughout the cabin

• Power-adjustable heated front seats

• Memory settings for the driver’s seat

• One-touch power moonroof

• Power tailgate for effortless access

• 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (upgrade from 7-inch)

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Wireless charging pad

The EX-L perfectly balances luxury and value, adding sophisticated touches without pushing into the premium price range of the highest trims. Like the Sport, it offers all-wheel drive as an option, but drivers with AWD gain access to additional drive modes, including Trail and Sand, expanding its versatility.

TrailSport: The Off-Road Specialist

The TrailSport trim stands as a distinctive offering in the lineup, purpose-built for adventurous drivers who seek genuine off-road capability:

• Standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system

• Increased ground clearance (25mm higher than standard models)

• All-terrain tires on exclusive 18-inch wheels

• Steel skid plates protecting vital components

• TrailWatch camera system for off-road visibility

• Heated steering wheel for cold-weather comfort

• Distinctive orange interior stitching and badging

• Standard trailer hitch for up to 2,268 kg towing capacity

• Second-row captain’s chairs (unique to this trim)

What truly distinguishes the TrailSport is its focused approach to off-road performance. While other Pilot trims are certainly capable, the specialized equipment makes it particularly adept at handling challenging terrain. Its unique styling elements, including exclusive exterior colours and trail-ready aesthetics, further separate it from the rest of the lineup.

Touring: Premium Family Transport

The Touring trim positions itself as the technology and comfort leader, aimed at families who want maximum convenience features:

• 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels

• Hands-free access power tailgate

• Satellite-linked navigation system with bilingual voice recognition

• Premium 12-speaker audio system

• Multi-zone audio capability

• Heated second-row seats for added comfort

• Integrated sunshades in second-row doors

• Illuminated beverage holders

• Advanced rear-seat reminder system

• Parking sensors (front and rear)

The Touring excels at making family journeys more comfortable and entertaining. While it shares many luxury features with the EX-L, its advanced technology suite and thoughtful convenience features like rear sunshades and multi-zone audio make it particularly appealing for those who frequently travel with passengers. All-wheel drive remains optional on this trim.

Black Edition: The Style Statement

At the pinnacle of the Pilot lineup, the Black Edition combines all the features of previous trims with exclusive styling elements:

• Standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive

• Gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels

• Black exterior styling elements (grille, door handles, window trim)

• Red ambient LED lighting throughout the cabin

• Black Edition leather seating with red accent stitching

• 10.2-inch fully digital instrument display

• Head-up display projecting vital information

• Heated and ventilated front seats

• Panoramic moonroof for an open-air experience

• Rain-sensing windshield wipers

What distinguishes the Black Edition is its dramatic aesthetic approach. While it shares most functional features with the Touring trim, its distinctive styling creates an unmistakable presence on the road. The combination of premium black exterior elements with red interior accents gives this Pilot variant a sporty, upscale character that appeals to drivers who want their SUV to make a bold statement.

Shared Capabilities Across All Trims

Despite their differences, all Honda Pilot trims share several essential capabilities:

• 3.5-litre V6 engine (285 hp, 262 lb-ft)

• 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters

• Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistance technologies

• Seating for up to eight passengers (except TrailSport)

• Fold-flat second and third-row seats

• Snow drive mode for winter driving confidence

• Hill descent control for steep gradient navigation

• Idle-stop technology for improved fuel efficiency

Facts About the 2025 Honda Pilot Trim Lineup

• The TrailSport skid plates were tested to withstand impacts from rocks up to 15 cm in diameter at speeds typical of trail driving.

• The Black Edition’s name originated from customer feedback requesting a more aggressive appearance package for Honda premium SUVs.

• All Pilot models feature a unique “Snow” drive mode that adjusts throttle mapping and transmission shift points specifically for winter conditions.

• The Touring trim’s premium audio system was benchmarked against luxury vehicles costing twice as much, with particular attention to audio clarity when all eight seats are occupied.

• The EX-L trim is historically the bestselling Honda Pilot configuration, striking the optimal balance between luxury features and value.

Questions and Answers About the 2025 Honda Pilot Trims

Which Pilot trim comes standard with all-wheel drive?

The TrailSport and Black Edition trims come standard with the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system. It’s available on the Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims.

What unique feature does the TrailSport have that no other Pilot trim offers?

This is the only trim that comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs, increased ground clearance (about 25mm higher), all-terrain tires, and special skid plates designed specifically for off-road protection.

How does the digital instrument display differ between Pilot trims?

The Sport trim features a 7-inch partial digital display, while the Black Edition comes with a fully digital 10.2-inch instrument cluster. Compared to the base model, the EX-L, TrailSport, and Touring trims fall in between with upgraded displays.

Which Pilot trim is best equipped for family road trips?

The Touring trim is specific for family comfort on long journeys, featuring second-row sunshades, heated second-row seats, a premium audio system with multi-zone capability, and a more advanced rear-seat reminder system.

What drive modes are available on the different Pilot trims?

The Sport trim offers Normal, Econ, Sport, Snow, and Tow modes. The EX-L and Touring with AWD add Trail and Sand modes. The TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition (all standard AWD) include all seven modes: Normal, Econ, Sport, Snow, Tow, Trail, and Sand.

How does the TrailWatch system work, and which trims include it?

TrailWatch uses the Pilot exterior cameras to provide a view of the terrain around the vehicle on the central display, automatically activating in Trail mode. It comes standard on the TrailSport and Black Edition trims.

What interior material options are available across the Pilot lineup?

The Sport trim features cloth seating surfaces, while the EX-L and above come with leather-trimmed seats. The Black Edition has exclusive black leather with red accent stitching.

Does any Pilot trim offer a different seating configuration?

The TrailSport comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs (seating for seven), while all other trims feature a three-person second-row bench seat (seating for eight). Some trims offer a stowable second-row middle seat for flexible configurations.

Which Pilot trim has the most distinctive exterior appearance?

The Black Edition has the most distinctive look with its gloss black 20-inch wheels, black exterior trim elements, and exclusive colour options. The TrailSport also stands out with its unique wheel design, all-terrain tires, and orange exterior accents.

What technology features become available as you move up the Pilot trim ladder?

Moving up the trim levels adds a larger touchscreen (7-inch to 9-inch), wireless smartphone integration, wireless charging, navigation, premium audio, a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, and a larger digital instrument cluster.