EPA Fuel Economy: 23 MPG Combined

The 2025 Honda Pilot EX with the 3.5L V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined fuel economy, making it a solid choice in the three-row SUV segment. This combined rating reflects a balanced mix of city and highway driving, providing realistic expectations for owners who tackle both urban commutes and longer road trips. For a vehicle of its size and capability, the Pilot delivers respectable fuel efficiency without compromising the performance and towing capacity that define this popular midsize SUV.

Honda’s engineering focuses on optimizing the 3.5L V6 engine’s naturally aspirated design through improved combustion efficiency and the 10-speed automatic transmission. This transmission plays a crucial role in the vehicle’s fuel economy by allowing the engine to operate in its most efficient RPM range across varying speeds. The EX trim includes standard features that support efficiency, including direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, which help the Pilot maximize every gallon while delivering the power and reliability Honda owners expect.

City vs Highway Performance

The 2025 Honda Pilot EX demonstrates a notable difference between its city and highway fuel economy ratings. In city driving, where frequent acceleration, deceleration, and idling occur, the vehicle achieves 20 MPG. This rating accounts for the additional energy required for stop-and-go traffic and lower average speeds. Highway driving tells a different story, with the Pilot achieving 27 MPG on the open road. The 7 MPG advantage on highways reflects the vehicle’s ability to maintain steady speeds with minimal throttle adjustments, allowing the V6 engine and 10-speed transmission to operate at their most efficient levels. Understanding this performance gap helps owners anticipate fuel consumption patterns based on their driving environment and plan fuel budgets accordingly.

Annual Fuel Cost

Calculating annual fuel costs for the 2025 Honda Pilot EX helps owners budget for their vehicle’s operation. Using the EPA combined rating of 23 MPG, an average annual mileage of 15,000 miles, and a gasoline price of $3.50 per gallon, here’s the breakdown:

Annual Fuel Cost Calculation:
Annual miles ÷ Combined MPG = Gallons needed per year
15,000 miles ÷ 23 MPG = 652 gallons per year
652 gallons × $3.50 per gallon = $2,282 annual fuel cost

This estimate provides a baseline for budgeting vehicle expenses. Keep in mind that actual fuel costs will vary based on real-world driving conditions, individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and whether your driving leans more toward city or highway miles. Drivers who spend more time on highways may see lower annual fuel costs, while those with primarily city driving may experience slightly higher costs.

Real-World MPG Expectations

EPA ratings represent controlled test conditions, so real-world results often vary. Most 2025 Honda Pilot EX owners report fuel economy ranging from 21 to 25 MPG combined, depending on driving habits and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, excessive idling, and carrying heavy cargo will reduce efficiency below the EPA estimate. Conversely, smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and proper tire pressure can help achieve results closer to or occasionally exceeding the EPA ratings.

Several factors influence real-world performance. Cold weather increases fuel consumption as the engine requires longer warm-up periods and the fuel becomes denser. Mountain driving and frequent elevation changes demand more energy from the V6 engine. Towing or hauling cargo significantly impacts efficiency. Highway driving in mild weather with minimal traffic typically delivers the best fuel economy results, often approaching the 27 MPG highway rating.

How It Compares

The 2025 Honda Pilot EX’s 23 MPG combined rating positions it competitively within the three-row SUV class. The 2025 Toyota Highlander with a 3.5L V6 and 8-speed automatic achieves similar efficiency at 23 MPG combined. The Mazda CX-9 with its 2.5L turbocharged engine achieves 24 MPG combined, slightly edging the Pilot. However, the Kia Sorento, available with smaller displacement engines, reaches 26-29 MPG combined depending on powertrain selection. The Pilot’s efficiency represents a solid middle ground for three-row SUVs, particularly when considering its spacious interior and V6 performance characteristics.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

• Maintain Consistent Highway Speeds: The 10-speed automatic transmission performs best at steady speeds between 50-65 MPH. Aggressive highway driving significantly reduces efficiency.
• Check Tire Pressure Monthly: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. Maintain manufacturer-recommended PSI found on the driver’s door jamb for optimal efficiency.
• Minimize Cargo Weight: Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle. Every 100 pounds of cargo reduces fuel economy by approximately 1-2 percent on highway driving.
• Use Cruise Control: On highways, cruise control maintains steady speeds and reduces unnecessary throttle variations that consume extra fuel.
• Plan Route Efficiency: Combine trips and avoid rush hour traffic when possible. Smooth driving patterns with minimal stop-and-go traffic improve city MPG performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of fuel does the 2025 Honda Pilot EX require?
A: The Pilot EX runs on regular unleaded gasoline. Using higher octane fuel provides no efficiency or performance benefit for this naturally aspirated V6 engine.

Q: How does the Pilot’s fuel economy compare to hybrid alternatives?
A: Hybrid SUVs typically achieve 28-32 MPG combined, offering significant efficiency advantages. However, the Pilot’s traditional V6 provides more straightforward maintenance, better towing capacity, and simpler ownership without the complexity of hybrid systems.

Q: Will regular maintenance improve fuel economy?
A: Yes. Regular oil changes using manufacturer-recommended grade, clean air filters, and properly functioning fuel injectors all contribute to optimal efficiency. A poorly maintained engine can reduce fuel economy by 5-10 percent or more.

The 2025 Honda Pilot EX with its 3.5L V6 engine delivers respectable fuel efficiency for a three-row SUV, offering owners a practical balance between performance, capability, and economy. Understanding your vehicle’s EPA ratings and real-world factors allows you to maximize efficiency and plan your fuel budget effectively.