2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport Review: A Family SUV That Dabbles in the Dirt
The Honda Pilot has long been a staple in the world of three-row SUVs, playing the role of the reliable family hauler. It has always been practical, spacious, and well-built, but it hasn’t exactly been the go-to choice for adventure seekers. Now, the TrailSport trim aims to change that.
Honda introduced the Pilot TrailSport as a way to tap into the ever-growing “rugged SUV” market, where buyers want something that looks tough enough for the trails…even if the toughest terrain it’ll ever see is the occasional dirt parking lot at a youth soccer tournament.
The 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport, however, isn’t just about off-road-inspired looks. It actually gets some real upgrades to help it tackle rougher terrain. Whether that makes it a serious off-roader or just a more capable family SUV is what we’re here to figure out.
What’s Different About the 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport?
The Pilot TrailSport builds on the redesigned 2023 Pilot, keeping the same core updates while refining what it means to be a TrailSport model.
Exclusive TrailSport Features:
- Higher ground clearance – Up to 8.3 inches (compared to 7.3 inches on other trims).
- All-terrain tires – Continental TerrainContact A/T tires for better grip off-road.
- Steel skid plates – Actual underbody protection for real off-road use.
- Retuned suspension – Softer dampers and springs for better comfort on rough terrain.
- Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) – No front-wheel-drive nonsense here.
- TrailWatch camera system – Extra visibility for tricky off-road spots.
These aren’t just cosmetic changes; they give the TrailSport an actual fighting chance at handling mild off-road adventures. It still isn’t a rock-crawling beast like a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or anything, but it’s far more capable than the standard Pilot.
Performance: More Capable, but Still a Honda Pilot
The TrailSport gets the same powertrain as the rest of the 2025 Pilot lineup, meaning you won’t find anything extra under the hood to go with the off-road gear.
Engine & Performance Specs:
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3.5L V6 (Naturally Aspirated)
- 285 hp / 262 lb-ft torque
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs (when properly equipped)
- Fuel Economy: Around 18 city / 23 highway MPG
The V6 is smooth and pretty refined, making enough power for highway merging and mountain roads, but it’s not exactly a beast on the trails. It gets the job done, but a turbocharged option or hybrid powertrain would’ve been nice for some added torque.
A 5,000-pound towing capacity is respectable, meaning you can haul a small camper, boat, or a couple of dirt bikes without much trouble.
Comfortable, Durable, and Ready for Adventure
The Pilot TrailSport keeps things practical inside, with some rugged touches that set it apart from the regular model.
Interior Features:
- Orange contrast stitching and TrailSport badging – Because branding matters.
- Durable synthetic leather seats – Easier to clean after outdoor adventures.
- Standard panoramic sunroof – Lets in more light, or rain if you forget to close it.
- Heated front seats and steering wheel – Because even adventurers like comfort.
- Large 9-inch touchscreen – Standard across most trims.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto – No more tangled charging cables.
- Plenty of cargo space – Up to 87.0 cubic feet with the seats folded.
The TrailSport feels premium enough for the price, with plenty of family-friendly storage and tech. The second row offers either a bench seat or captain’s chairs, and third-row space is better than most competitors in this class (although still not huge).
Trim Levels: What Are Your Options?
Honda keeps things fairly simple with the 2025 Pilot lineup, offering five trims, with the TrailSport being the one for off-road enthusiasts:
-
Sport (Base Model) – Basic but still solid
- Cloth seats
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Standard Honda Sensing safety tech
-
EX-L (Most Popular Choice) – More comfort features
- Leather upholstery
- Power tailgate
- Wireless charging pad
-
TrailSport (The One We’re Reviewing) – Off-road ready
- All-terrain tires
- Skid plates
- Exclusive rugged styling
-
Touring (Luxury on a Budget) – More premium touches
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Second-row captain’s chairs
-
Elite (Top-of-the-Line) – All the bells & whistles
- Heads-up display
- Ventilated front seats
- Standard all-wheel drive
The TrailSport is the only trim that truly prioritizes off-roading adventure, making it the go-to if you actually plan to take your Pilot off the pavement.
What Else Is Out There?
The Pilot TrailSport isn’t alone in the world of rugged three-row SUVs. Here’s how it stacks up:
Toyota Highlander XSE/Grand Highlander
- More refined ride, but less off-road capability.
- Hybrid option available for better MPG.
- Smaller interior space than the Pilot.
Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition
- Standard AWD and good ground clearance.
- Turbocharged engine provides more low-end torque.
- Not as stylish or well-equipped inside.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- Much better off-road, but also much more expensive.
- Tows 1,200 lbs more (if you care about that sort of thing)
- Range Rover Luxury-grade interior at higher trims.
- Trick adjustable height suspension (just press a button and pick one of five heights)
Ford Explorer Timberline
- Similar rugged approach with off-road tires and extra ground clearance.
- More powerful turbocharged engine.
- Interior quality isn’t as good as Honda’s.
The Pilot TrailSport fits well in this group, offering a nice balance of off-road capability and family-friendly practicality.
What Could Be Better?
Even though the TrailSport is a great step forward, there are a few things that Honda could have improved:
- No turbo or hybrid option – A turbocharged engine or hybrid would add much-needed torque and efficiency.
- More off-road modes – The Pilot has some terrain settings, but a true low-range mode would be useful.
- More aggressive styling – It looks good, but it could lean even harder into the rugged design.
Honda did a great job making the TrailSport more capable, but these changes could make it even better for serious off-road adventures.
Should You Buy the 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport?
The 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport delivers a nice mix of rugged capability and everyday practicality. It isn’t a hardcore off-roader, but it can handle more than just a gravel driveway, making it a great option for families who want some extra capability without sacrificing comfort.
It’s not perfect, but it adds some much-needed adventure to the Honda lineup. If you’re looking for a three-row SUV that can handle occasional off-road adventures while still being a comfortable family hauler, the Pilot TrailSport is a solid pick.
Would you take the Pilot TrailSport off-road, or is it just an SUV with hiking boots on? Post a comment below!
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