2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Honda Pilot

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, showcased striking 22-inch silver wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced its visual appeal. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics. The 2024 Lexus TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid series, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950, and with additional packages, the MSRP reached $67,869. The interior, though dark with its Peppercorn color scheme, felt luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Honda Pilot was offered in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims. While the Sport was affordable, it lacked appealing amenities, making the leather-lined EX-L a recommended upgrade. Prices ranged from $40,200 to $54,580, plus a $1,395 destination charge. The review focused on the new-for-2025 Pilot Black Edition, priced at $55,975, including destination. Based on the Pilot Elite, the Black Edition featured black wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, and black badges. Inside, it boasted black leather seats with red perforation accents, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. The Pilot's design aimed for a rugged look, especially in the TrailSport trim, but the Black Edition's custom appearance was more suited for suburban environments. The interior, while thoughtfully designed with quality materials, lacked a significant "wow factor" due to its smaller digital displays and infotainment system, which made it appear dated despite competitive technology.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about this engine choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. The engine's grating note and hints of torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to its torque. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the older RX L model. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and better traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, firm enough to convey road surface details while ensuring comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on highways. The test vehicle's brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2025 Honda Pilot featured 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. It offered various driving modes, including Normal, Econ, Snow, Tow, Sport, Trail, and Sand. Pilots with the i-VTM4 AWD system had 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 a single rear wheel (75 percent in the TrailSport). The V6 provided good acceleration, though the transmission occasionally felt slow to downshift and delivered unexpected power surges in Normal mode. Sport mode improved this. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with 17.8 mpg in city-heavy driving and 20 mpg on the evaluation loop, below the EPA's 21 mpg combined rating. The Pilot's suspension was compliant, benefiting typical driving situations, but exhibited unwanted body motion on undulating roads. The Black Edition's 20-inch wheels and tires contributed to predictable handling. The Pilot retained a traditional Honda connection with the road, with well-calibrated steering and braking systems. While not tested off-road, previous experience with the TrailSport confirmed the Pilot's capability on challenging terrain.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The GX and LX models were off-road oriented, compromising on-road dynamics, while the RX L was too small for adult third-row seating. The TX resolved these issues, offering a more affordable and spacious option. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The standard second-row bench seat could be replaced with heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they were comfortable and supportive. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming, met segment expectations with triple-zone climate control, USB ports, and window shades. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with a stadium-style cushion providing leg support and large side windows offering a good view. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort reduced second-row legroom. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2025 Honda Pilot excelled in form and function, with three rows of comfortable seats and thoughtful storage solutions. In the Black Edition's front row, the driver enjoyed a 10-way power seat adjustment, but the front passenger had only a four-way adjustment, lacking height and tilt options. Despite this, the front seats were comfortable and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The second-row seats were roomy, with a removable center section for captain's chairs and a pass-through to the third row. Smartphone holders, drink box and cup holders, and window shades catered to family needs. The third row was habitable for adults if the second row slid forward, though not particularly comfortable. The Pilot featured a remote engine starting system, triple-zone climate control, heated second-row seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The cargo area offered 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, with a large storage well under the load floor. Folding the third row provided 48.5 cubic feet, and folding both rear rows created 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the package replaced properly marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a three-year Drive Connect subscription with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also offered 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Honda Pilot's technology appeared dated, with smaller, plainer display screens. The Black Edition featured a 10.2-inch digital gauge panel and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, text-messaging support, and wireless smartphone charging. The navigation system, HondaLink subscription services, Wi-Fi access, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system were included. However, the wireless CarPlay function was problematic, and Honda's voice recognition system often required multiple attempts. The Bose audio system was adequate but not exceptional. The Pilot's CabinTalk feature allowed the driver to communicate with passengers over the stereo speakers, and a small four-inch head-up display met basic technology expectations.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance but was not transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. LSS+ 3.0 generally performed smoothly, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.

The 2025 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Black Edition also had parking sensors and a multi-view camera system with TrailWatch technology. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to respond appropriately, and the lane-centering assist system affected steering feel. The road sign recognition system often conveyed inaccurate data. Despite these issues, the Pilot earned high marks in crash tests, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA awarding it a five-star overall rating.