2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to project a rugged appearance, with its aggressive front design and angular body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance didn't quite match the visual promise. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $41,925 with options, featured Army Green paint and utility-style roof racks. The interior was practical, with easy-clean surfaces and a focus on utility, though higher trims offered more upscale options.

In contrast, the 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition, evaluated in Southern California, showcased a sleek, blacked-out aesthetic with red accents inside. Priced at $55,975, it was based on the Pilot Elite and featured black leather seats with red stitching. The Pilot's design leaned towards a rugged look, especially in the TrailSport trim, but the Black Edition was more suited for suburban environments. The interior was thoughtfully designed, though the digital displays felt dated compared to rivals.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Off-Road model included AWD, off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road enhancements, it offered the same ground clearance as other RAV4 models and struggled with approach angles. The RAV4 averaged 26.6 mpg during testing, slightly below its EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot's AWD system provided torque vectoring and hill descent control. However, fuel economy was a concern, with an average of 20 mpg, below the EPA rating of 21 mpg. The Pilot's handling was secure, but the suspension could benefit from adaptive damping.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality with its utilitarian interior, featuring storage solutions and easy-clean materials. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex upholstery and optional heated and ventilated seats. The RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, with a cargo capacity of 37.6 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in family-friendly design, offering three rows of seating and ample storage. The Black Edition's front passenger seat lacked adjustability, but the interior was otherwise comfortable and well-equipped. The Pilot provided 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with seats folded. Features like a panoramic sunroof and heated second-row seats added to its appeal.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. While the system was sophisticated, it lacked a multi-panel Home screen and had some usability issues. The optional digital rear-view mirror was a useful addition.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology included a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Black Edition had a 12-speaker Bose audio system, but the voice recognition system was inconsistent. CabinTalk allowed communication with rear passengers, and a small head-up display was included.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a range of driver-assistance features. However, it lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower crash test ratings.

The 2025 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing safety features, such as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though some systems had performance issues.