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Prospective SUV owners might find August to be an ideal period to consider acquiring a new vehicle, as Honda has unveiled appealing lease opportunities for its 2025 Pilot model. These current promotions are designed to make ownership of a well-appointed SUV more affordable, potentially below expected costs.

Specifically, until September 2, 2025, Honda's lease program for the 2025 Pilot centers exclusively on the EX-L variant. Both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the EX-L are available at an identical monthly payment of $479 for a 36-month term. The primary distinction lies in the initial payment required at signing: $4,999 for the FWD model and $5,899 for the AWD counterpart. It is important to remember that additional taxes, fees, and regional market variations may influence the final transaction figures, necessitating verification of precise costs with local dealerships. For those who prefer to minimize initial out-of-pocket expenses, opting for a $0 down lease translates to adjusted monthly payments; the FWD EX-L would be approximately $605 per month, and the AWD version around $630 monthly. In certain markets, where the lease starts at $489 with an initial $4,799 down for FWD and $5,899 for AWD, a $0 down option would result in roughly $609 for the FWD and $639 for the AWD monthly. Positioned as a prominent midsize option within Honda’s SUV portfolio, the 2025 Pilot begins its pricing journey at $40,200 for the foundational Sport trim, extending up to $54,580 for the premium Black Edition. The lineup further includes diverse trims such as the EX-L with HPD wheels, TrailSport, Touring, Touring with HPD wheels, and Elite. While fuel efficiency is competitive for its class, FWD models achieve up to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on highways. AWD variants (excluding the TrailSport) offer 19/25 mpg, with the more rugged TrailSport achieving 18/23 mpg. A significant highlight of the Pilot is its expansive interior, offering up to 111.8 cubic feet of cargo volume with both rear rows folded, 59.5 cubic feet with the third row down, and 21.8 cubic feet even with all seats in use. Passenger accommodation is also ample, providing up to 158.4 cubic feet in Sport and EX-L trims, and 154.9 cubic feet in the TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition models. Depending on the chosen trim, the Pilot comfortably seats seven or eight passengers.

Under the hood, the 2025 Pilot is powered by a 285-horsepower V6 engine, delivering 262 lb-ft of torque, seamlessly integrated with a 10-speed automatic transmission. AWD models boast a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, while FWD versions can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Drivers can also select from up to seven distinct drive modes—Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Trail, Sand, and Tow—tailoring the vehicle’s performance to various conditions. Connectivity and entertainment are managed through either a 7-inch infotainment display in base Sport models or a more expansive 9-inch touchscreen in most other trims. For those seeking off-road capability, the TrailSport variant enhances the experience with features like steel skid plates, a tow hitch, all-season floor mats, and durable upholstery designed for challenging environments.

The current lease initiative for the Honda Pilot presents a compelling chance for individuals to acquire a versatile SUV that balances performance, capacity, and modern conveniences. By exploring these flexible financing options and understanding the vehicle’s robust capabilities, consumers can confidently embrace their mobility needs, driving forward with decisions that align with practicality and aspiration.

When navigating a twisting mountain pass, the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata proves to be an exceptionally engaging companion. Its highly responsive steering provides direct communication with the road, allowing for precise control through every curve. The braking system offers reassuring feedback, and the suspension strikes an admirable balance between compliance and firmness, enabling the driver to truly feel the vehicle's weight shift at the apex of each turn. While countless cars have been experienced, few can match the cornering prowess of this compact roadster, with the notable exception of the Honda S2000.

The enduring appeal of the Honda S2000 stems from its captivating high-revving engine. Unlike the Miata's naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which generates 181 horsepower, the S2000's 2.0-liter (or 2.2-liter in later models) power plant produces a robust 237 horsepower, peaking at an exhilarating 7,800 rpm. Earlier iterations, with their astounding 9,000-rpm redline, delivered a sensation akin to riding a high-performance motorcycle on four wheels. Furthermore, the S2000's six-speed manual transmission is widely acclaimed for its exceptional feel and precision, often considered superior to the Miata's. Despite the S2000's greater weight (approximately 2,800 pounds) and superior acceleration, both vehicles are rear-wheel drive and share comparable interior and trunk dimensions, leading one to question their distinctions in daily usage. In terms of modern conveniences, the 2025 Miata boasts heated seating, a premium sound system, and seamless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), features largely absent in the S2000.

For routine commutes, the Mazda MX-5 Miata emerges as the more practical choice. While ingress and egress remain challenging unless the top is lowered, its more adaptable suspension and contemporary technological integrations significantly enhance the driving experience. Although S2000 aficionados, including the author, revel in the visceral roar of its VTEC engine, the absence of modern infotainment for daily commutes, especially in heavy traffic, can be a notable drawback. The Miata's heated seats, headrest speakers, and advanced safety systems contribute to a more comfortable and convenient ownership experience. Additionally, the Miata demonstrates superior fuel efficiency, achieving nearly 30 miles per gallon on average during mixed driving conditions, a stark contrast to the S2000's average of 23 miles per gallon. From a maintenance perspective, the Miata benefits from ongoing production, ensuring easy access to replacement components, whereas parts for the discontinued Honda S2000 are progressively becoming scarce, posing potential challenges for future upkeep. The S2000's driver-centric cockpit design, with controls angled towards the driver and a concealable radio, offers a unique, intimate feel, while the Miata's interior, though somewhat more compact, is more accommodating, featuring a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite radio and a premium Bose sound system, all readily accessible to both occupants.

Ultimately, while the Honda S2000 may hold a special place for its raw, unadulterated driving spirit and superior engine performance, the Mazda MX-5 Miata represents a more well-rounded and livable roadster for the modern driver. Both vehicles epitomize the sheer joy of open-air motoring and spirited driving. The choice between them often hinges on a preference for uncompromised, purist performance or a harmonious blend of dynamic capability with contemporary comfort and convenience. The Miata stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of lightweight, agile sports cars, reminding us that the simple pleasure of driving, whether through advanced technology or unadorned mechanical brilliance, remains a powerful and uplifting experience.