2025 Honda Pilot Review: Well-rounded three-row SUV adds Black Edition

Now in its third model year since a complete redesign, the Honda Pilot has settled into its usual position in the three-row SUV segment as a safe, solid choice that does almost everything well. It’s definitely not the most stylish pick, but unlike the preceding generation, it’s not painfully dull. Its design is chiseled, unfussy and should age well, just like the best Hondas of old. That said, the 2025 Honda Pilot spruces things up as a new/resurrected range-topping model with black-out trim and red-accented leather. There’s also our pick of the litter, the off-road-oriented TrailSport that boasts cooler looks and greater capability with minimal tradeoff.

Really, if you were looking for one word to summarize the Pilot it would be “versatile.” That applies to its ample storage up front, copious cupholders throughout and a cargo area that swallows more stuff than you’d expect. Most of all, though, it boasts a unique, removable second-row middle seat that allows the Pilot to be both a seven- and eight-passenger vehicle. No need to choose between a bench or captain’s chairs at the dealership. The seat can even be stowed under the cargo floor, although not in the TrailSport (its spare tire is too big), which is why it’s seven-passenger only. True, the seat is a bit cumbersome to remove and you probably won’t routinely remove or add it, but we guarantee you there will be moments when you’ll be thankful for it – especially if you’re leaning toward captain’s chairs in a competitor.

Choosing a Pilot should not be a slam dunk – there are a lot of great choices to consider. Some are more luxurious or less expensive, others more powerful or engaging to drive, but we think the Pilot’s well-rounded excellence makes it a great choice for a lot of people.

The base LX trim level is no more, meaning the base price has gone up considerably since the $41,295 Sport becomes the de facto floor. On the other end of the trim level ladder, the Pilot Black Edition (pictured above) makes its return as the new range-topping model. It builds upon the loaded Elite trim level with gloss-black 20-inch wheels, a gloss-black grille bar and mirror housings, and additional non-gloss black trim in the