2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot was available in several trim levels, including the Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The Sport trim was the most affordable, but it lacked many appealing amenities, making the leather-lined EX-L model a more recommended choice. Prices for the Pilot ranged from $40,200 to $54,580, plus a $1,395 destination charge. The Black Edition, which we evaluated in Southern California, had a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $55,975, including destination. This edition featured black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and black badges, with black leather seats accented by red perforations, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. While the Black Edition's custom look was more suited for suburban environments, the Pilot overall was an attractive SUV with a rugged design. The interior was thoughtfully designed with quality materials, though the digital driver display and infotainment system appeared dated, lacking a significant "wow factor."

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, which we encountered in Honolulu, was a black-on-black model with dark gray wheels. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392, with prices ranging from $34,685 to $63,995, including the destination charge. Our rental Wrangler had a few options, including a black paint upcharge, a black hardtop, a Convenience Group, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission, bringing the MSRP to $49,175. Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Wrangler's interior emphasized function over form, with a focus on durability and utility. The Wrangler's design drew upon themes of American freedom, with its iconic seven-slot front grille and capability to go almost anywhere. However, it lacked sophistication compared to most new cars.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, generating 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This drivetrain allowed most Pilot models to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot offered various driving modes, including Normal, Econ, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand. Models with Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system featured hill descent control and up to 7.3 inches of ground clearance (8.3 inches for the TrailSport). The AWD system's torque vectoring allowed up to 70 percent of engine output to flow to a single rear wheel (75 percent in the TrailSport). While the V6 provided good acceleration, the transmission occasionally felt slow to downshift. Fuel economy was not impressive, with an average of 20 mpg during evaluation, falling short of the official EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. The Pilot's handling was predictable and secure, with a compliant suspension that benefited typical driving situations.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering marginally better fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During evaluation in Hawaii, the Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for various terrains. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was a concern. The Wrangler's ride was rough, with a steady stream of jiggles and jolts, and its disconnected on-center steering feel was disconcerting at higher speeds.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seats and thoughtful storage solutions. However, the front passenger seat's limited four-way adjustment was a potential deal-breaker for long family road trips. The second-row seats were roomy, with a removable center section for creating captain's chairs. The third row was habitable for adults, though not particularly comfortable. The Pilot featured a triple-zone automatic climate control system, heated outboard second-row seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Cargo space was generous, with 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 86.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was suitable for any climate, and the Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatback panels. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the tailgate and rear window to be opened separately. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with smaller display screens compared to rivals. However, it offered essential features, including a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Pilot also had a navigation system, HondaLink subscription services, Wi-Fi access, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. While the wireless CarPlay function had some issues, the CabinTalk feature allowed the driver to communicate with passengers over the stereo speakers.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S trim came with a standard eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system optional. Jeep Connect offered additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and GPS Trail Logs for off-road navigation. The touchscreen remained bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Black Edition test vehicle also had parking sensors and a multi-view camera system with TrailWatch technology. The Pilot earned high marks in crash tests, with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) giving it an overall rating of five stars.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags for the front and rear seats as standard equipment. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was only available on the Wrangler Sahara. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler as Good for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact tests, but it received a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact test.