2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2025 Honda Pilot was available in several trims, including the Black Edition, which featured a distinctive blacked-out exterior and interior with red accents. The Black Edition's design was more suited for suburban environments, despite Honda's efforts to give the Pilot a rugged appearance. Inside, the Pilot offered quality materials and practical storage solutions, though its digital displays appeared somewhat outdated compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line boasted a muscular and upscale look with polished aluminum detailing and sizable 21-inch wheels. Its Mountain Lake Blue color resisted dirt, maintaining a clean appearance. Inside, the Atlas provided a warm and inviting environment with diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, although the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying to use.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It offered various driving modes and could tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Pilot's AWD system provided torque vectoring and hill descent control, with ground clearance up to 8.3 inches in the TrailSport trim. While the V6 delivered good acceleration, the transmission occasionally felt slow to downshift. Fuel economy was a concern, with the Pilot averaging 20 mpg, below the EPA rating. Handling was predictable, though the ride quality was soft on mountain roads.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generated 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving. The Atlas returned 19.2 mpg on a test loop, slightly below its EPA rating. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections. Handling was predictable, but excessive body motions at highway speeds detracted from the driving experience.

The Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, offering three rows of comfortable seating and thoughtful storage solutions. However, the front passenger seat's limited adjustability was a drawback. The second-row seats were roomy, with a removable center section for easy access to the third row. The Pilot provided 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The Volkswagen Atlas shone in this area, with a spacious interior and the most comfortable third-row seat in its class. The front seats were supportive, and visibility was excellent. The second-row bench accommodated three adults comfortably, and access to the third row was outstanding. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with smaller display screens. However, it offered essential features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a navigation system. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, and the wireless phone charging pad could be improved.

The Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen. While it lacked traditional controls, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native voice assistant was unreliable, but the Harman Kardon audio system was impressive. The MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, making smartphone integration a better option.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came with standard Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, some systems, like lane-centering assist, affected the driving experience. The Pilot earned high safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The safety features were accurate and trustworthy, with minimal false warnings. The Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.