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.
