2025 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Lexus RX
Comparison Overview
The battle between the rugged utility of the 2025 Honda Pilot and the refined efficiency of the 2026 Lexus RX pits raw power against premium composure. The Pilot excites with a robust 285 hp and 10-speed automatic transmission, offering a traditional, slightly thirstier 22 MPG combined for its $40,200 entry price. Conversely, the Lexus RX dials up torque with 317 lb-ft, boasting superior efficiency at 25 MPG combined, despite commanding a significant $49,725 MSRP and requiring premium fuel. While the Pilot is physically larger at 199.9 inches long, the RX maximizes interior utility, delivering an impressive 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft. Both stick to FWD for their base configurations, but the Pilot leans into family hauling capability, while the RX prioritizes luxury refinement and better mileage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX offers better fuel economy, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Pilot's 22 MPG.
2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot is the larger vehicle overall and likely offers superior three-row usability, despite having less dedicated cargo room when all seats are up.
2025 Honda Pilot
The Pilot generates more raw horsepower at 285 hp compared to the RX's 275 hp.
2025 Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot undercuts the Lexus RX by a substantial $9,525 price difference.
Choose the Honda Pilot if...
- Your budget is firmly under $41,000, as the MSRP starts at $40,200.
- You prioritize maximum straight-line power with 285 hp available.
- You prefer a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission for varied driving scenarios.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- You demand greater fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG on the highway.
- You need maximum storage for gear, utilizing the superior 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You value higher torque (317 lb-ft) for responsive acceleration off the line.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Pilot | Lexus RX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.9" | 192.5" |
| Width | 78.5" | 75.6" |
| Height | 71.0" | 67.3" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6100 rpm | 275 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/27 MPG | 22/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.5/499.5 mi. | 391.6/516.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 9.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 240W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | 12 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.4 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 4-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.8 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.7 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.4 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 20 x 8.0 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/50R | ✓ |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Painted Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2026 Lexus RX.
How significant is the MPG difference between the 2025 Pilot and the 2026 RX?
The difference is notable for long-term ownership; the Lexus RX achieves 25 MPG combined, which is 3 MPG better than the Honda Pilot's 22 MPG combined. Furthermore, the RX runs on recommended premium fuel, which adds to running costs despite the better efficiency numbers.
Which vehicle offers more usable space for hauling cargo?
The 2026 Lexus RX provides significantly more cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft versus the 2025 Honda Pilot's 18.6 cu ft, indicating a more accommodating rear area behind the primary seats.
Is the Honda Pilot substantially more powerful than the Lexus RX?
Yes, the Pilot wins on raw output, delivering 285 hp compared to the RX's 275 hp. However, the RX counters with significantly more pulling power, boasting 317 lb-ft of torque against the Pilot's 262 lb-ft.
Why is the Lexus RX so much more expensive than the Pilot?
The primary gap is $9,525, with the RX starting at $49,725 versus the Pilot's $40,200 MSRP, reflecting the Lexus's focus on luxury appointments and premium brand positioning.
How do the exterior dimensions compare between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Honda Pilot is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 199.9 inches in length and 71.0 inches in height. The 2026 Lexus RX is slightly more compact and agile at 192.5 inches long and 67.3 inches tall.
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