What you get in each 2025 Honda Pilot configuration
The 2025 Honda Pilot comes in five trim levels — LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite — each adding features and comfort options as you move up. The LX is the base model with cloth seats, a 5-inch touchscreen, and standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information. Moving to EX adds an 8-inch touchscreen, power-adjustable driver's seat, and dual-zone climate control. The EX-L introduces leather seating, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof. Touring adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and premium audio. The Elite, the highest trim, includes a head-up display, semi-autonomous parking information, and additional leather appointments.
Honda also offers several option packages within each trim that let you add specific features without buying the next full trim level. These packages vary by trim — for example, the EX can add a Technology Package that includes the larger touchscreen and wireless charging, while the Touring can add a Luxury Package with ventilated front seats and a power rear sunshade. Understanding which features come standard at each level and which are available as add-ons helps you avoid paying for the next full trim when you only want one or two specific upgrades.
Key Takeaways
- The LX starts with a 5-inch touchscreen and standard safety tech, while the Elite tops out with a head-up display and semi-autonomous parking.
- EX and EX-L are the middle tiers where most buyers find the balance between cost and comfort, with leather and sunroof options appearing at EX-L.
- Option packages let you add specific features like wireless charging or premium audio without stepping up to the next full trim level.
- All 2025 Pilot models use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and come standard with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive choices.
- Seating capacity is eight passengers across all trims, though higher trims offer more adjustable and heated seat options.
Engine, transmission, and drivetrain across all trims
Every 2025 Pilot, regardless of trim, uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. You can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on any trim level, though all-wheel drive typically costs around $1,500 to $2,000 more depending on the trim.
The transmission and engine combination are identical across LX through Elite, so fuel economy and performance do not change based on which trim you select. The main differences in driving experience come from suspension tuning and steering feel, which are the same across all trims as well. If you are comparing trims purely on mechanical grounds, the choice comes down to drivetrain preference rather than engine or transmission options.
Interior comfort and technology features by trim
The LX interior uses cloth upholstery and includes a 5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX upgrades to an 8-inch touchscreen, adds power-adjustable front seats, and introduces dual-zone automatic climate control. The EX-L moves to leather seating surfaces, adds a power liftgate, and includes a panoramic sunroof that spans most of the roof area.
The Touring adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (replacing the traditional gauge cluster), wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system with more speakers and better sound quality than lower trims. The Elite includes all Touring features plus a head-up display that projects speed and navigation onto the windshield, ventilated front seats to cool you in hot weather, and a power rear sunshade. Heated front and rear seats are standard on Touring and Elite, while EX-L offers them as an option.
Infotainment upgrades matter most if you spend significant time in the vehicle or value a larger display. The jump from 5 inches to 8 inches is noticeable for readability, and the 12.3-inch screen on Touring and Elite offers a tablet-like experience. However, all screens support the same smartphone integration, so the core functionality remains consistent across trims.
Seating configurations and cargo space
All 2025 Pilot trims seat eight passengers in a three-row layout: two in front, three in the middle row, and three in the back. The middle row uses a 60/40 split-folding bench seat on LX and EX, while EX-L and higher offer a captain's chair configuration with two individual seats and a center console between them. Captain's chairs reduce seating to seven passengers but provide easier access to the third row and more personal space in the middle row.
Cargo space behind the third row is 18.5 cubic feet on all trims. With the third row folded, you get 55.3 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, the space expands to 108.3 cubic feet. These measurements are the same across all trim levels, so cargo capacity does not vary based on which configuration you choose. The difference is in how easily you can fold and access the seats — higher trims have power-folding third-row seats on some packages, while lower trims require manual folding.
Safety features and driver information technology
Honda Sensing, the brand's suite of safety and driver information features, comes standard on all 2025 Pilot trims. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. All trims also have eight airbags, electronic stability control, and a backup camera.
The Touring and Elite add semi-autonomous parking information, which can steer the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces while you control the accelerator and brake. The Elite also includes a surround-view camera system that shows a 360-degree view of the vehicle on the touchscreen, useful for tight parking situations. These advanced features are not available on lower trims, so if parking information matters to you, you will need to step up to Touring or Elite.
Option packages and how to customize your Pilot
Honda structures options as packages rather than individual features, which means you typically cannot add just one item — you buy a bundle that includes several related upgrades. The EX, for example, can add a Technology Package that includes the 8-inch touchscreen (standard on EX anyway), wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The EX-L can add a Luxury Package with ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade, and additional leather trim.
The Touring and Elite have fewer package options because they already include most premium features. Instead, you might add a towing package if you plan to haul a trailer, which includes a trailer hitch and upgraded cooling systems. Packages typically cost between $500 and $2,000 depending on what they include. Before selecting a package, compare its cost against stepping up to the next trim level — sometimes the next trim includes the same features for a similar or lower total price.
Exterior color choices and wheel designs are available across all trims and do not affect the base price significantly. Most color options cost $300 to $500 extra, while wheel upgrades range from $200 to $800 depending on the design and material.
Comparing price and value across trim levels
The 2025 Pilot LX starts at a lower price point than EX, which costs more than EX-L, and so on up to Elite. The price gaps between consecutive trims typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, though this varies by region and dealer. When comparing trims, look at what features matter most to you — if you want leather seats and a sunroof, the EX-L might offer better value than adding those as options to an EX. If you want the largest touchscreen and digital cluster, Touring is the minimum tier that includes both.
All-wheel drive adds cost uniformly across trims, so the percentage increase is similar whether you are buying an LX or Elite. Option packages add to the base trim price, so a fully loaded EX with multiple packages might cost more than a base Touring. Calculating the total cost of your desired configuration — trim plus any packages plus drivetrain — gives you a clearer picture than comparing trim prices alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a 2025 Pilot with front-wheel drive, or is all-wheel drive required?
Front-wheel drive is available on all trims and is the standard option. All-wheel drive is optional on every trim level and costs extra. You can choose whichever drivetrain suits your climate and driving needs.
What is the difference between the EX-L and Touring?
The EX-L focuses on comfort with leather seats, a sunroof, and a power liftgate. The Touring adds technology features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. If you prioritize comfort, EX-L is the choice; if you want the latest tech, Touring is better.
Do all trims have the same engine and transmission?
Yes. Every 2025 Pilot uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission regardless of trim. Fuel economy and performance are identical across LX through Elite.
Is the captain's chair seating available on all trims?
Captain's chairs are standard on EX-L and higher trims. The LX and EX use a bench seat in the middle row. If you want captain's chairs, you must step up to EX-L or above.
What is included in the Technology Package?
The Technology Package varies by trim, but typically includes an upgraded touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. Check with your dealer for the exact contents on your chosen trim, as packages can differ by model year and region.