Honda Pilot MPG: Fuel Efficiency Guide

Ever felt the sting of watching your fuel gauge drop faster than you’d like on a family road trip? The Honda Pilot, a beloved three-row SUV, promises space, comfort, and reliability—but how does it fare when it comes to sipping fuel instead of guzzling it? Whether you’re hauling kids to soccer practice or towing a trailer for a weekend getaway, understanding the Honda Pilot MPG is key to keeping your wallet happy and your adventures stress-free. Let’s dive into the fuel efficiency of the Honda Pilot, explore its performance across models and years, and answer the questions buzzing in your mind about this versatile SUV.

What Is the Honda Pilot MPG for 2025?

The 2025 Honda Pilot is a powerhouse with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. But power doesn’t always mean poor fuel economy. According to the EPA, the 2025 Honda Pilot MPG varies by trim and drivetrain:

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Trims (Sport, EX-L, Touring):
  • City: 19 MPG
  • Highway: 27 MPG
  • Combined: 22 MPG
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Trims (Sport, EX-L, Touring, Elite, Black Edition):
  • City: 19 MPG
  • Highway: 25 MPG
  • Combined: 21 MPG
• TrailSport (AWD):
  • City: 18 MPG
  • Highway: 23 MPG
  • Combined: 20 MPG

These numbers make the Pilot a strong contender in the midsize SUV class, balancing power and efficiency. For comparison, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid may edge out slightly in MPG, but the Pilot’s non-hybrid V6 offers robust performance at a lower price point. Real-world drivers on platforms like Fuelly report averages closer to 19.9–22.4 MPG, depending on driving habits and conditions, which aligns closely with EPA estimates.

Why Does the TrailSport Get Lower MPG?

The TrailSport trim, designed for off-road adventures, sacrifices a bit of fuel efficiency for rugged capability. Its off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and AWD system add weight and rolling resistance, dropping its MPG to 18 city and 23 highway. If you’re not hitting the trails often, a trim like the EX-L or Touring might be a better fit for maximizing Honda Pilot MPG.

Is There a 2025 Honda Pilot Hybrid?

Here’s where things get tricky: there’s no 2025 Honda Pilot Hybrid currently offered. Honda has leaned into its reliable V6 engine for the Pilot lineup, focusing on balancing power and efficiency without a hybrid option. However, rumors are swirling about a potential 2026 Honda Pilot Hybrid. While Honda hasn’t confirmed details, industry speculation suggests a hybrid could debut with the 2026 model, possibly borrowing tech from the CR-V Hybrid, which achieves up to 40 MPG combined. For now, if you’re set on a hybrid SUV, you might consider the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or wait for updates on the 2026 Pilot.

People Also Ask: Will the 2026 Honda Pilot Have a Hybrid Option?

While nothing is set in stone, Honda’s push toward electrification makes a 2026 Pilot Hybrid likely. The brand’s recent focus on hybrid technology in models like the CR-V and Accord suggests a Pilot hybrid could offer 35–40 MPG combined, making it a game-changer for families seeking better Honda Pilot MPG. Stay tuned for official announcements from Honda.

How Does Honda Pilot MPG Compare Across Years?

The Honda Pilot’s fuel efficiency has evolved with each generation. Let’s break down the MPG for key model years to see how it stacks up:

• 2022 Honda Pilot:
  • FWD: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
  • AWD: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined
• 2021 Honda Pilot:
  • FWD (6-speed): 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined
  • AWD (9-speed): 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined
• 2020 Honda Pilot:
  • FWD (6-speed): 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined
  • AWD (9-speed): 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined

The 2025 model holds steady with its predecessors, with slight improvements in combined MPG for FWD trims. The shift to a 10-speed automatic transmission in newer models optimizes fuel use, especially on highways. However, real-world factors like towing or heavy city driving can lower these numbers, as seen in Reddit discussions where users report 10–18 MPG when towing lightweight trailers.

What Affects Honda Pilot MPG in Real-World Driving?

Ever wonder why your MPG doesn’t always match the sticker? Several factors influence the Honda Pilot MPG in everyday scenarios:

• Driving Habits: Aggressive acceleration and hard braking can drop MPG significantly. Smooth, steady driving and using cruise control on highways can push you closer to 27 MPG.
• Vehicle Load: Extra cargo or roof racks increase weight and drag, reducing efficiency. Keep your Pilot light for better fuel economy.
• Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, eating up fuel. Check tire pressure monthly.
• Environmental Conditions: Cold weather or stop-and-go traffic can lower MPG, while highway cruising maximizes it.

Honda’s ECO mode and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which deactivates cylinders during light loads, help boost efficiency. For example, drivers using ECO mode on long highway trips report hitting close to the EPA’s 27 MPG highway estimate.

How Does the Honda Pilot Compare to Competitors?

The midsize SUV market is packed with options, so how does the Honda Pilot MPG stack up? Here’s a quick comparison:

• Toyota Highlander (Non-Hybrid): 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined (FWD)
• Kia Telluride: 20 city / 26 highway / 23 combined (FWD)
• Ford Explorer: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined (RWD)

The Pilot’s FWD trims are competitive, though non-hybrid competitors like the Highlander edge out slightly in highway MPG. If towing is a priority, check out the Honda Ridgeline’s towing capacity for a pickup alternative with similar efficiency.

People Also Ask: Is the Honda Pilot Fuel-Efficient Compared to Other SUVs?

For a three-row SUV with a V6 engine, the Honda Pilot’s MPG is impressive. It may not match hybrid competitors, but its balance of power, space, and efficiency makes it a top pick for families. The Pilot’s 18.5-gallon fuel tank also means fewer stops on long trips, saving you time and hassle.

Tips to Maximize Your Honda Pilot MPG

Want to squeeze every mile out of your tank? Here are practical ways to boost your Honda Pilot MPG:

1. Use ECO Mode: This adjusts throttle response and climate control to prioritize fuel savings.
2. Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular oil changes, clean air filters, and spark plug checks keep your engine running efficiently.
3. Lighten the Load: Remove unnecessary cargo or roof racks to reduce weight and drag.
4. Drive Smart: Avoid rapid acceleration, use cruise control on highways, and plan routes to minimize traffic.
5. Check Tires: Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance.

These small habits can add up, potentially pushing your MPG closer to the EPA’s highway estimates.

What About the 2025 Honda Pilot Touring and Black Edition?

The 2025 Honda Pilot Touring and Black Edition trims are popular for their premium features, but how do they fare in fuel economy? Both trims, available in FWD and AWD, match the standard MPG ratings:

• Touring (FWD): 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined
• Touring (AWD): 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined
• Black Edition (AWD): 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined

These trims don’t sacrifice efficiency for luxury, making them great choices for buyers wanting style and decent Honda Pilot MPG. Real-world data from Fuelly shows Touring owners averaging 19.1–21.3 MPG, with Black Edition users hitting up to 23.8 MPG in optimal conditions.

People Also Ask: How Much Does the 2025 Honda Pilot Cost?

Pricing for the 2025 Honda Pilot varies by trim. The base Sport starts at $41,650 (including destination), while the top-tier Black Edition reaches $56,030. Fuel efficiency remains consistent across trims, so your choice depends on features and budget rather than MPG differences.

Looking Ahead: What’s the Buzz on the 2026 Honda Pilot?

While the 2025 Pilot is a strong performer, speculation about the 2026 Honda Pilot MPG is heating up. If a hybrid model debuts, it could push combined MPG into the 35–40 range, rivaling top hybrid SUVs. For now, the 2026 model is expected to retain the V6 with similar MPG to 2025 unless Honda introduces significant updates. Reddit threads and forums like Piloteers suggest buyers are excited about a potential hybrid but are happy with the current Pilot’s balance of power and efficiency.

People Also Ask: Is the Honda Pilot Worth It for Fuel Economy?

If you need a spacious SUV with solid performance and don’t want to break the bank at the pump, the Honda Pilot is a smart choice. Its MPG is competitive for a non-hybrid, and its reliability and versatility make it a family favorite. For those eyeing a hybrid, waiting for the 2026 model might be worth it.

Conclusion: Is the Honda Pilot MPG Right for You?

The Honda Pilot proves you don’t need a hybrid to get decent fuel economy in a three-row SUV. With Honda Pilot MPG ratings of up to 27 highway and 22 combined, it’s a practical choice for families, adventurers, and daily commuters. Whether you’re eyeing the 2025 model or holding out for a potential 2026 hybrid, the Pilot delivers a balance of power, space, and efficiency that’s hard to beat. Ready to hit the road? Test drive a Pilot and see how its fuel economy fits your life.