Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2025 Honda Pilot but stuck between the Sport and EXL trims? You're not alone! It's a tough choice, but I am here to help break down the key differences to help you decide which Pilot best fits your needs and budget. Let's dive into a detailed comparison, covering everything from features and performance to price and overall value. By the end of this article, you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision and drive off in the perfect 2025 Honda Pilot for you and your family.

Performance and Powertrain

When it comes to performance and powertrain, both the 2025 Honda Pilot Sport and EXL trims share the same robust engine and transmission, which means you are not sacrificing any power either way. Under the hood, you will find a responsive 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a solid 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, providing seamless acceleration and efficient highway cruising. Whether you choose the Sport or the EXL, you can expect a confident and capable driving experience in various conditions. Both trims come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), offering good fuel economy and everyday practicality. However, for those living in areas with challenging weather or who prefer extra traction, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is available as an option on both trims. The AWD system enhances stability and control, especially on slippery surfaces like snow, ice, or gravel. In terms of fuel efficiency, the FWD models of both the Sport and EXL trims achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The AWD models have slightly lower fuel economy ratings due to the added weight and complexity of the system. Regardless of whether you opt for FWD or AWD, the 2025 Honda Pilot Sport and EXL offer a balanced blend of power, efficiency, and reliability, making them both excellent choices for families and adventurers alike. With its strong V6 engine and refined 10-speed transmission, the Pilot delivers ample performance for daily commutes, road trips, and everything in between.

Key Features and Options

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what sets these two trims apart! The key features and options are where the Sport and EXL really start to diverge. The Sport, as the base trim, comes with a solid set of standard features that provide excellent value. You will find features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing seamless smartphone integration. It also includes Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. On the other hand, the EXL trim builds upon the Sport's features by adding several premium upgrades that enhance comfort, convenience, and style. One of the most notable upgrades is the leather upholstery, which replaces the cloth seats in the Sport, giving the cabin a more luxurious feel. The EXL also includes heated front seats, which are a welcome addition during colder months, providing extra warmth and comfort for both the driver and the passenger. In terms of technology, the EXL boasts a larger 9-inch touchscreen display, offering a more immersive and user-friendly infotainment experience. It also adds a wireless phone charger, eliminating the need for messy cables and keeping your devices powered up on the go. Other notable features of the EXL include a power-adjustable passenger seat, a sunroof, and a power liftgate, all of which contribute to a more refined and convenient driving experience. While the Sport offers a great value proposition with its essential features and safety technologies, the EXL provides a more upscale and feature-rich experience for those willing to spend a bit more. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your priorities and budget. If you are looking for a well-equipped SUV with all the essential features, the Sport is an excellent option. However, if you desire added luxury, convenience, and advanced technology, the EXL is definitely worth considering.

Interior and Comfort

Speaking of comfort, let's check out the interior and comfort in both models. The 2025 Honda Pilot is known for its spacious and well-designed interior, offering comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. However, the Sport and EXL trims differ in terms of materials and features, which can impact the overall comfort level. In the Sport trim, you will find cloth upholstery on the seats, which is durable and practical for everyday use. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing a comfortable ride even on long journeys. However, some may find the cloth seats less luxurious compared to leather upholstery. The EXL trim, on the other hand, elevates the interior with leather upholstery, which adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the cabin. The leather seats not only look and feel more premium, but they are also easier to clean and maintain. Additionally, the EXL trim includes heated front seats, which are a fantastic feature for those living in colder climates. The heated seats quickly warm up, providing extra comfort during chilly mornings or winter road trips. In terms of space, both the Sport and EXL trims offer ample legroom and headroom in all three rows, ensuring that passengers of all sizes can ride comfortably. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. The third-row seats are also surprisingly spacious, making the Pilot a great choice for families with older children or adults who frequently ride in the back. Other interior features that contribute to comfort include automatic climate control, which allows you to set your desired temperature and maintain it throughout the cabin, and ample storage compartments, which provide plenty of space for storing personal items. Overall, both the Sport and EXL trims offer a comfortable and practical interior, but the EXL takes it up a notch with its leather upholstery and heated front seats.

Technology and Connectivity

In today's world, technology and connectivity are super important! So how do these Pilots stack up? The 2025 Honda Pilot Sport and EXL trims offer a range of technology features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. While both trims share some common tech features, there are also notable differences that set them apart. The Sport trim comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which provides access to essential functions such as audio, navigation, and smartphone integration. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. The EXL trim upgrades the infotainment system to a larger 9-inch touchscreen display, which offers a more immersive and user-friendly experience. The larger display makes it easier to view maps, read messages, and control various vehicle functions. In addition to the larger display, the EXL also adds a wireless phone charger, which allows you to conveniently charge your smartphone without the need for cables. Simply place your compatible smartphone on the charging pad, and it will automatically start charging. Other technology features available on both trims include a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up, and a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, known as Honda Sensing. Honda Sensing includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, which help to prevent accidents and enhance overall safety. The EXL trim also adds a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots and when backing out of parking spaces. Overall, both the Sport and EXL trims offer a good selection of technology features, but the EXL provides a more comprehensive and advanced package with its larger display, wireless phone charger, and additional safety features.

Safety Features

Let's talk safety, because nothing's more important than keeping you and your family safe! Both the Sport and EXL trims of the 2025 Honda Pilot come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. These features include advanced airbag systems, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control. However, the most notable safety feature is the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, which is standard on both trims. Honda Sensing includes features such as adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, lane-keeping assist, which helps to keep you centered in your lane, and automatic emergency braking, which can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate the severity of an accident. In addition to Honda Sensing, both trims also include a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up. The EXL trim adds a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots and when backing out of parking spaces. These additional safety features can help to prevent accidents and make driving safer and more convenient. Overall, both the Sport and EXL trims offer excellent safety features, but the EXL provides an extra layer of protection with its blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. With its comprehensive suite of safety features, the 2025 Honda Pilot is designed to provide you with peace of mind and confidence on the road.

Price and Value

Alright, let's break down the price and value proposition of each trim. The 2025 Honda Pilot Sport is the base trim, making it the more affordable option. It offers a great value for those looking for a well-equipped SUV with essential features and Honda's advanced safety technologies. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the Sport, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. The EXL trim, on the other hand, comes with a higher price tag due to its added luxury features and advanced technologies. However, the EXL offers excellent value for those who prioritize comfort, convenience, and a more premium driving experience. With its leather upholstery, heated front seats, larger touchscreen display, and additional safety features, the EXL provides a more upscale and feature-rich experience that may be worth the extra investment for some buyers. When considering the price and value of each trim, it is essential to assess your individual needs and priorities. If you are looking for a basic but well-equipped SUV with all the essential features and safety technologies, the Sport is an excellent choice. However, if you desire added luxury, convenience, and advanced technology, the EXL is definitely worth considering. Ultimately, the best trim for you will depend on your budget, preferences, and driving needs. Be sure to test drive both trims and compare their features side-by-side to determine which one offers the best value for your money. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on your location and any additional options or packages you choose.

Which Trim is Right for You?

So, which trim is right for you? Choosing between the 2025 Honda Pilot Sport and EXL ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and what you prioritize in an SUV. If you're looking for a capable and well-equipped vehicle with all the essential features at a more affordable price point, the Sport is an excellent choice. It provides a comfortable ride, ample space, and Honda's renowned reliability, making it a great option for families on a budget. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more for added luxury, convenience, and advanced technology, the EXL is definitely worth considering. With its leather upholstery, heated front seats, larger touchscreen display, and additional safety features, the EXL offers a more premium and refined driving experience. Consider how you plan to use your Pilot. Do you prioritize a comfortable commute with features like heated seats and a wireless phone charger? Or are you more focused on getting the best value for your money with a reliable and well-equipped vehicle? Think about your daily driving needs, the features that are most important to you, and your budget. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the 2025 Honda Pilot trim that perfectly fits your lifestyle. No matter which trim you choose, you'll be getting a fantastic SUV that's sure to provide years of reliable service.