2025 Honda Pilot AWD Black Edition - Review by David Colman

Win, Win, Win

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman Special
Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

Honda has given its Pilot nine lives for 2025. The newly added Pilot Black Edition we tested surmounts the mind-boggling array of two and four-wheel drive Pilot models available. The merry-go-round starts with the 2WD Sport at $39,900. Next up is the EX-L model at $43,200. The more comprehensively equipped Touring is priced at $47,200. All three Pilots are available with all-wheel drive (AWD) for an extra $2,100.

If you plan on serious off-road travel, however, the Trailsport, available only in AWD form, is the one to buy, thanks to its off-road tuned suspension, increased ground clearance, and standard all-terrain tires. If luxury is your aim, go for the Elite, also available only with AWD, for $52,780. But the peak of the pricing pyramid is occupied by the seductive looking new Black Edition, which carries a base price of $54,280. Add an extra $455 for the Radiant Red Metallic paint of our test SUV, plus $1,395 for Destination Charges, and the top echelon Pilot Black Edition costs $56,130.

In the press pool, it's quite unusual to be the first recipient of a brand new vehicle, but our '25 Pilot Black arrived with its odometer reading just 000072. First impressions of quality and construction were quite positive, a tribute to Honda's assembly crew in Lincoln, Alabama. They did such a first-rate job of attending to the details and finish of the Pilot Black Edition that I have virtually nothing to carp about. This is one very handsomely appointed SUV. Visually distinguishing the range topper from lesser Pilots is easy. On the outside, the byword is understated: gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels, gloss black grill bar and upper side mirror housings, blackout treatment of the front fascia ducts, window trim, door trim, and rear bumper garnishes. "Black Edition" lettering subtly distinguishes the grill and tailgate. Ironically, the model nomenclature on the grill is chromed.

The cabin is equally distinctive, with red-accented, perforated leather seating that proved quite comfortable during extended freeway drives. Both front seats sport embossed Black Edition headrest logos, as do the front floor mats. The use of red contrast stitching creates visual interest across the dash and door armrests. At night, red accent lighting illuminates the dashboard, doors, and center console. This fastidious, formulaic use of red and black almost demands that you select Radiant Red Metallic paint as your exterior shade. Other colors, however, are also available.

Thanks to Honda's patented use of push buttons for gear selection, the center console between the front seats is mounted unobtrusively low. An oversized center storage bin proved handy for storing bulky items that don't usually fit between the seats. In an automotive world beset by oversized video screens, Honda has seen fit to keep their digital dash display modest in size. This 9-inch color touchscreen moderates infotainment choices as well as Honda Navigation inputs. While enjoying SiriusXM Radio over the standard 12-speaker Bose Premium Audio System, we noticed that album covers of the music being played were depicted on the Color Touchscreen with astonishing clarity and detail. Being able to read the fine print on a Chuck Berry album was something I had not previously experienced in any other vehicle. Of course, you'll only want to perform this examination while parked.

Honda engineers have made maximum use of the Drive Mode selector in the Pilot, with the following huge variety of choices on offer: Tow, Sand, Trail, Snow, Econ, Normal, and Sport. We selected Sport for most back road driving, switching over to Normal for freeway jaunts in order to save gas. Selecting Normal drops engine rpm compared to Sport. The 10-speed automatic performed flawlessly. It's equipped with paddle shifts, and never seemed confused about which gear you wanted, or which cog was needed.

21MPG is the Pilot's combined City/Highway mileage rating. Its 285hp, DOHC 3.5 liter V6 will accelerate this Honda from zero to sixty mph in 6.9 seconds, and record a standing start quarter mile time of 15.4 seconds at 90mph. If you select the Tow setting from the available Drive Modes, the Black Edition will pull a 5,000lb. trailer provided you carry only two passengers aboard.

Handling proved crisp rather than cumbersome. Honda equips the Black one with relatively tall sidewall Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S M&S radials measuring 255/50R20 (TW500). Unless you need the extra ground clearance of the Trailsport Pilot, the Black Edition is better suited to paved road usage. Considering its substantial 4,709lb. curb weight, our Radiant Red Rocket proved itself well suited to coping with the many twists and turns of California State Route One.

2025 HONDA PILOT AWD BLACK EDITION

• ENGINE: 3.5 liter V6, DOHC, 24-valve, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
• HORSEPOWER: 285hp@6100rpm
• TORQUE: 262lb.-ft.@5000rpm
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 19MPG City/25MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $56,130

HYPES: Trifecta Hit: Stow, Tow and Go

GRIPES: Move Button to Fold Outside Mirrors

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman