2025 Honda Pilot vs. Chevrolet Traverse and Nissan Pathfinder | Three-Row SUV Comparison near Green Valley, AZ

2025 Honda Pilot vs. Chevrolet Traverse and Nissan Pathfinder

Families searching for the perfect three-row SUV need a vehicle that balances comfort, space, safety, and daily practicality. The 2025 Honda Pilot continues to be a trusted favorite for drivers who want real capability with premium touches and family-first features. Compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Traverse and Nissan Pathfinder, the new Pilot shows why it remains a top pick for busy families who expect more from every mile.

Strong V6 Power and All-Terrain Confidence

Every 2025 Honda Pilot comes standard with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot has the power to handle daily commutes, weekend road trips, and highway passing with ease. Drivers can choose front-wheel drive or Honda’s advanced i-VTM4® all-wheel-drive system for added traction and confidence on snow, gravel, or light off-road trails.

When properly equipped, the Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds — enough for a small camper, boat, or utility trailer, making it a versatile companion for family adventures.

The Chevrolet Traverse features a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic. It edges out the Pilot slightly in peak horsepower but trades a bit of low-end refinement. The Nissan Pathfinder also brings strong numbers with its 3.5-liter V6 generating 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, with an available all-wheel-drive system and similar towing capacity up to 6,000 pounds.

While all three SUVs deliver solid power for daily tasks, the Pilot’s balanced powertrain and well-tuned suspension stand out for ride comfort and composed handling over potholes, rough pavement, or winding roads.

Roomy Cabin for Growing Families

Inside, the Pilot makes every mile comfortable with spacious seating for up to eight passengers, or seven when equipped with available second-row captain’s chairs. Generous legroom in all three rows helps adult passengers sit comfortably even in the third row — something not every three-row SUV can claim.

Thoughtful touches include available leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an optional CabinTalk® in-car PA system to help parents easily communicate with kids in the third row.

The Chevrolet Traverse also offers seating for up to eight with plenty of interior room, though its third row can feel tighter for adults compared to the Pilot. The Nissan Pathfinder seats up to eight too, but its boxier cabin design sometimes feels narrower than the Pilot’s airy interior.

When it’s time to load up for trips, the Pilot shines with flexible cargo space: about 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to roughly 87 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. That’s plenty for sports gear, luggage, or hardware store runs. The Traverse offers even more maximum cargo volume — over 98 cubic feet — while the Pathfinder offers up to about 80.5 cubic feet.

Smart Technology and Safety for Busy Roads

Modern families expect technology that’s as practical as it is advanced. The 2025 Pilot delivers with a standard 7-inch or available 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. A digital instrument display, wireless phone charging, built-in navigation, and multiple USB ports keep everyone connected and charged up.

Honda Sensing® is standard on every Pilot trim. This suite includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Information System, and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor — all designed to help drivers handle busy roads and tricky parking lots with extra confidence.

The Chevrolet Traverse includes Chevy Safety Assist, which offers essentials like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist, but some features require stepping up trims. The Nissan Pathfinder’s Safety Shield® 360 brings comparable driver-assist features but often locks upgrades behind pricier packages.

Dependability and Long-Term Value

Honda’s reputation for durability and strong resale value makes the Pilot a smart investment for families planning to keep their SUV for years to come. Routine maintenance costs are predictable, warranty coverage is competitive, and Honda’s dealer network makes servicing easy.

The Traverse offers a spacious cabin and powerful V6 but has a mixed record for long-term reliability compared to Honda. The Pathfinder delivers rugged looks and solid towing, but owners sometimes note higher-than-average maintenance costs as mileage climbs.

Verdict: Why the 2025 Honda Pilot is a Standout Family SUV

When families compare three-row SUVs, the 2025 Honda Pilot checks every box: powerful V6, flexible seating, generous cargo space, advanced safety, and proven Honda dependability. While the Chevrolet Traverse and Nissan Pathfinder have their strengths — like extra cargo or towing — the Pilot’s well-rounded design, premium interior touches, and confidence-inspiring drive make it one of the best all-around family SUVs on the road today.

Find Your 2025 Honda Pilot Today

Explore the latest Honda Pilot models at your local Honda dealership and discover why families trust this three-row SUV for every mile ahead.