2025 Honda Pilot Fluid Type Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil	Honda HTO-06 / API SP	5.3 qt (5.0 L)
Engine Coolant	Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (Blue)	2.1 gal (8.0 L)
Automatic Transmission Fluid	Honda Genuine ATF DW-1	4.4 qt (4.2 L) drain/fill
Transfer Case Fluid (AWD)	Honda HGO-1 (SAE 75W-85)	0.5 qt (0.47 L)
Rear Differential Fluid (AWD)	Honda Dual Pump II	2.2 qt (2.1 L)
Brake Fluid	Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3	As needed
Power Steering Fluid	N/A (Electric Power Steering)	N/A
Windshield Washer Fluid	Honda Genuine Washer Fluid	~1.0 gal (4.0 L)

Engine Oil

The 2025 Honda Pilot's 3.5-liter V6 engine is engineered for efficiency and longevity, and using the correct engine oil is critical to its health. The specified oil is SAE 0W-20 that meets Honda's HTO-06 specification and is also certified as API SP. This is a full synthetic oil designed to provide maximum protection against wear, keep engine components clean, and optimize fuel economy.

Capacity: A standard oil and filter change requires 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters). Always verify the level on the dipstick after filling.

Notes: Using a heavier weight oil like 5W-30 or a conventional (mineral) oil can negatively impact fuel economy and the performance of the VTEC system. Given the precise tolerances of modern engines, sticking to the manufacturer's 0W-20 synthetic recommendation is the best way to ensure your Pilot runs as designed for many years to come. Change intervals are determined by the Honda Maintenance Minder system, but a good rule of thumb is every 7,500 to 10,000 miles under normal driving conditions.

Engine Coolant

The cooling system in the 2025 Pilot is filled from the factory with Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. This is a blue-colored, pre-diluted 50/50 mix that is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) formula. It is phosphate and silicate-free, which is crucial for protecting the aluminum components of the engine and radiator.

Capacity: The total system capacity is approximately 2.1 gallons (8.0 liters).

Notes: Never mix Honda's blue coolant with other types or colors of coolant, such as the green or orange varieties. Doing so can cause the coolant to gel, leading to blockages in the radiator and heater core and potentially catastrophic engine overheating. If you ever need to top off the system, use only pre-diluted Honda Type 2 coolant. The initial factory fill is designed to last up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, with subsequent changes recommended every 5 years or 50,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid

The 10-speed automatic transmission in the 2025 Pilot requires a very specific fluid to ensure smooth shifting and long life: Honda Genuine ATF DW-1. This is a low-viscosity synthetic fluid engineered to provide stable friction performance and protect the complex internal components of the transmission.

Capacity: A simple drain-and-fill procedure will replace approximately 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters) of fluid. The total system capacity is significantly higher, but only a portion is replaced during a standard service.

Notes: Using any other type of automatic transmission fluid, including so-called "universal" or "multi-vehicle" fluids, is strongly discouraged. These fluids are not formulated to meet the specific frictional requirements of the Honda 10-speed and can lead to shift problems, shuddering, and ultimately, premature transmission failure. Regular drain-and-fills every 30,000 to 60,000 miles are key to a long-lasting transmission.

Drivetrain Fluids (AWD Models)

All-wheel drive models of the 2025 Pilot have two additional fluid services to consider: the transfer case and the rear differential.

• Transfer Case Fluid: The front-mounted transfer case requires Honda HGO-1 (SAE 75W-85) hypoid gear oil. The capacity is small, at just 0.5 quarts (0.47 liters).
• Rear Differential Fluid: The i-VTM4 rear differential uses a specific fluid called Honda Dual Pump II. This fluid is essential for the proper operation of the clutch packs that control torque vectoring. The capacity is 2.2 quarts (2.1 liters).

Notes: These two fluids are not interchangeable. Using the wrong fluid will damage the components. The Maintenance Minder system will indicate when these services are due, typically between 15,000 and 30,000 miles for the first service, with longer intervals thereafter.

Brake Fluid

Like most vehicles on the road, the 2025 Pilot specifies Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3. While DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 fluids have higher boiling points and are technically compatible, DOT 3 is what the system was designed and tested with.

Capacity: The system should be bled and refilled as needed during brake service, typically requiring less than 1 quart.

Notes: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This moisture lowers the boiling point of the fluid, which can lead to a "spongy" pedal or a complete loss of braking power under hard use. For this reason, it is critical to replace the brake fluid every 3 years, regardless of mileage.

Power Steering Fluid & Windshield Washer Fluid

• Power Steering: The 2025 Honda Pilot uses an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. It does not use any hydraulic fluid, so there is no reservoir to check or fluid to change.
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Use any high-quality automotive windshield washer fluid. For colder climates, be sure to select a fluid with a low freezing point. Honda Genuine Washer Fluid concentrate is available, but not required.

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