The Honda Pilot is Honda’s largest SUV, seating up to eight passengers with a curb weight of 4,300-4,700 lbs depending on configuration. That weight drives tire wear faster than most owners expect, and the right tire choice directly affects how the Pilot handles family road trips, wet commutes, and highway cruising.
Pilot Tire Sizes by Generation
| Generation | Years | Tire Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| 4th Gen (Current) | 2023–2025 | 245/60R18 (Sport, EX-L) · 255/50R20 (Touring, Elite, TrailSport) |
| 3rd Gen | 2016–2022 | 245/60R18 (LX, EX, EX-L) · 245/50R20 (Touring, Elite, Black Edition) |
| 2nd Gen | 2009–2015 | 245/60R18 (all trims) |
The 4th-gen Pilot TrailSport comes with Firestone Destination A/T2 all-terrain tires from the factory — Honda’s nod to the growing demand for light off-road capability in the family SUV segment. All other trims run standard all-season touring tires.
Top All-Season Tires for the Pilot
1. Michelin Defender LTX M/S 2
The Defender LTX is the most popular aftermarket tire for the Honda Pilot, and for good reason. It handles the Pilot’s weight without compromising ride quality, and the 70,000-mile warranty is meaningful on a heavy SUV that wears through softer tires quickly. Wet braking performance is where the Michelin really separates itself from budget options — critical when you’re carrying a full load of passengers.
Available in: 245/60R18, 255/50R20, 245/50R20
UTQG: 820 A A
Warranty: 70,000 miles
Price range: $195–$260 per tire
2. Continental CrossContact LX25
Continental’s LX25 provides excellent ride comfort and low road noise — two factors that matter enormously in a three-row SUV where passengers are having conversations and kids are sleeping. The 70,000-mile warranty matches the Michelin, and the price is typically $15-20 less per tire. For families prioritizing cabin quiet, the Continental edges ahead.
Available in: 245/60R18, 255/50R20, 245/50R20
UTQG: 740 A A
Warranty: 70,000 miles
Price range: $175–$235 per tire
3. Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra
The longest-wearing option at 80,000 miles, with 3PMSF winter certification. The Alenza is designed for exactly this type of vehicle — heavy, family-oriented SUVs that need tires that last. The winter rating means Pilot owners in northern states get year-round capability without seasonal swaps. Fuel efficiency optimization through NanoPro-Tech compound helps offset the Pilot’s V6 fuel consumption.
Available in: 245/60R18, 255/50R20, 245/50R20
3PMSF rated: Yes
Warranty: 80,000 miles
Price range: $195–$265 per tire
4. Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3
The pick for Pilot owners who want sharper handling than a typical touring tire. The Scorpion’s stiffer sidewall construction reduces body roll in corners and makes the Pilot feel more composed during emergency maneuvers. The trade-off is a slightly firmer ride over bumps. For drivers who cover a lot of highway miles and appreciate responsive handling, it’s worth the comfort compromise.
Available in: 245/60R18, 255/50R20
UTQG: 740 A A
Warranty: 70,000 miles
Price range: $175–$245 per tire
Pilot-Specific Considerations
Towing: The Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lbs. When towing near max capacity, tire pressure management becomes critical. Honda recommends increasing rear tire pressure by 3-5 PSI above the door jamb specification when towing — this supports the additional tongue weight and prevents excessive sidewall flex.
TrailSport tire replacements: The Firestone Destination A/T2 that comes on the TrailSport is a mild all-terrain. If you want to maintain that off-road capability, the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail in 255/50R20 is the most direct upgrade — it provides better traction with lower noise. Going back to a standard touring tire will sacrifice the trail capability the TrailSport was built for.
Rotation and AWD: The Pilot’s i-VTM4 AWD system (standard on Touring and above) benefits from matched tires. While Honda’s system is more tolerant than Subaru’s, maintaining consistent tread depth across all four tires optimizes the torque vectoring capability and extends the life of the rear differential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tires come on the Honda Pilot?
The 2023-2025 Pilot Sport and EX-L come with 245/60R18 all-season tires (Continental or Bridgestone). Touring and Elite trims get 255/50R20. The TrailSport comes with Firestone Destination A/T2 in 255/50R20 all-terrain tires.
How long do Pilot tires last?
OEM tires typically last 30,000-40,000 miles due to the Pilot’s 4,500+ lb curb weight. Premium replacements like the Bridgestone Alenza AS Ultra (80,000-mile warranty) can significantly extend tire life. Rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles and check alignment annually — the Pilot’s weight makes it particularly susceptible to uneven wear from minor alignment issues.
Can I put 18-inch tires on a Touring Pilot with 20-inch wheels?
Not on the 20-inch wheels — the tire must match the wheel diameter. However, you can buy a separate set of 18-inch wheels and run 245/60R18 tires, which provides a taller sidewall for better ride comfort and winter pothole protection. This is a popular winter tire setup for Pilot Touring owners.
