Tailgating, Camping, and Carpooling: The Honda Pilot Does It All
June 09 2025 - Ben Kettle
Red 2025 Honda Pilot for sale near Seattle parked off-road.

Today, more than ever, families need a vehicle that can go with the flow, supporting their daily driving routine and helping them get away from it all whenever they can. It's even better when the vehicle you choose comes from a brand with a strong history of reliability, safety, and innovation—and a brand that checks all those boxes and more is Honda.

At Klein Honda, we're versed in the brand's entire lineup, so we can answer any questions you have, explore various models and trim levels, discuss accessories, and review what is included in package options. It also means that we have the latest Honda Pilot for sale near Seattle, which is the three-row SUV you need for a vehicle that does it all. From tailgating to camping to carpooling and beyond, the Pilot is a great option to have by your side.

An Overview of the Pilot

The Pilot has been a long-standing fixture in the Honda lineup, offering families a great option when traveling from point A to point B since 2003. When the Pilot first arrived on the scene, drivers were immediately drawn to its off-road capabilities, which were unique for its class thanks to the Pilot's unibody structure that it borrowed from the Honda Odyssey. It was also quick and powerful, which increased driving enjoyment and overall functionality.

Today, the Honda Pilot continues its excellence, thanks to the brand's dedication to meeting the needs of drivers. The SUV is now in its fourth generation, which debuted in 2023. When this generation was introduced, it offered new exterior styling that leaned toward a rugged, aggressive style that was boxier than previous years. That same look exists today, although there have been some changes for 2025, including the all-new Black Edition trim, which comes with 20-inch wheels, special badging, and exterior accents, as well as a signature style on the inside that includes red accents to go along with the black theme.

The Black Edition trim takes the top spot in the lineup, with five other trim levels below it, all offering their own advantages for Seattle drivers who want a well-rounded three-row SUV. Below, we'll explore a closer look at how the Pilot helps you check off the activities on your bucket list, as well as your day-to-day responsibilities.

Carpooling

First and foremost, you need the vehicle you choose to have enough space for you and all the passengers and cargo you intend to haul on a daily basis. For some, this might mean transporting the kids and their friends to school, soccer practice, etcetera. For others, it's coworkers to help reduce the amount of cars heading into the city and make the drive to work more enjoyable. Regardless of the why, the 2025 Pilot has ample space, premium cushioned seating, and is easy to climb in and out of. You might also be surprised to learn that while it is considered a midsize SUV, it has three rows and a seating capacity of eight unless you opt for the TrailSport trim, which has second-row captain's chairs.

The Honda Pilot is also well-equipped when it comes to drive modes, which is key when navigating Seattle. For instance, you will find Snow, Tow, and Sport modes, as well as a Trail & Sand mode when opting for an all-wheel-drive model. As for the interior, you and your crew will appreciate the seamless connection to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing you to enjoy your favorite playlist or the latest episode of a podcast. Additionally, you will find that USB charging ports and beverage holders are thoughtfully placed throughout the interior.

Finally, safety has always been a priority for Honda, and the features you will find on the 2025 Pilot help to ensure you reach your destination with ease. You can expect to find things like a Collision Mitigation Braking System, which helps to avoid or minimize the impact of a potential collision; Lane Keeping Assist to ensure you stay centered in your lane; and a Blind Spot Information System that makes it easier to navigate from one lane to the next.

Interior of a 2024 Honda Pilot with the rear seats folded.

Camping

In our area, we have the opportunity to enjoy vast state and national parks. The 2025 Pilot assists with this, offering unique amenities that enhance the experience in more ways than one. For instance, depending on the trim level you choose, the Pilot's roof rails allow you to attach a cargo carrier to transport gear, set up a tent, or attach a clothesline from the rails to a nearby tree to help dry out clothing more efficiently. 

Of course, you can also reach your destination with added confidence when choosing a trim with all-wheel drive, such as the TrailSport trim. This trim is designed with adventure in mind, thanks to all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, an integrated Class III trailer hitch, and more. Additionally, both the second and third rows fold flat if you plan to sleep in the back. Plus, you can easily attach an SUV tent to the back of the vehicle for added shade.

Regarding the rear, you might be wondering just how much cargo space the Pilot offers. The answer varies slightly depending on the trim level you choose. With the second and third rows upright, cargo space can be as much as 18.6 cu.ft.; with both rear rows folded down, that space increases to as much as 87 cu.ft. Other notable features regarding the cargo area include a Programmable Power Tailgate, which is standard on all but the base Sport trim. For the top three trims, that tailgate also allows for Hands-Free Access with Walk Away Close. There is also a standard Reversible Dual-Lever Cargo Floor, Cargo Area Light, Cargo Area Tie-Down Anchors, and Cargo Area Bag Hooks.

Tailgating

The cargo space offered by the Pilot also makes it great for tailgating, as you can easily load in the things you need to celebrate game day. Plus, you can utilize the roof rails to carry excess supplies in a cargo carrier, particularly if you need the seating to accommodate family and friends. Other features that help when tailgating include the 12-volt power outlets you will find in both the front console and cargo area of all but the base Sport trim. 

Of course, standard SiriusXM lets you listen to tunes or pre-game broadcasts. Even better is that the top three trim levels come standard with a Bose Premium Sound System with 12 speakers, including a subwoofer. It's also worth mentioning for both tailgating and camping activities that the 2025 Honda Pilot gives you the ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs when opting for an all-wheel-drive model, while the front-wheel-drive Pilot can haul up to 3,500 lbs.

Grey 2025 Honda Pilot Sport towing a camper up a hill.

Check Out the Honda Pilot Today

Whether you're taking advantage of the many parks and trails the Greater Seattle Area offers for camping on the weekend, setting up at Lumen Field for tailgating, or simply transporting friends and family from one destination to the next, the 2025 Honda Pilot is a great option to consider. It offers functionality, dependability, and plenty of amenities, including ones you might not have even realized you needed.

You can view our selection of Pilots online or stop by our dealership for a test drive. Either way, you can expect the same great customer service from our team, along with support from the first step to well after the sale. Reach out today to see how the Pilot can help you make the most of your adventures.