2026 Honda Pilot

The Pilot is Honda's three-row family SUV, and for 2026 it receives minor but welcome updates: a larger standard infotainment display, improved cabin insulation, and refreshed styling touches. Seven trim levels span from the Sport at $42,195 to the Black Edition at $54,995, which is a manageable range compared to some competitors' dizzying configuration options. The 3.5-liter V6 is smooth, proven, and adequate. It won't pin you to your seat, but it won't leave you stranded either — and that's what matters in a family vehicle. The TrailSport trim adds off-road enhancements borrowed from the Passport, though a Pilot on a trail is still a minivan in hiking boots. The Pilot's biggest competitive vulnerability is the lack of a hybrid option. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid returns 36 MPG combined — a 64% improvement over the Pilot's 22 MPG. Over five years and 15,000 miles annually, that's roughly $4,500 in fuel savings. The Hyundai Palisade offers a more premium cabin for similar money. The Kia Telluride provides a near-luxury experience. What the Pilot offers in return is Honda's unmatched reliability record and resale value. U.S. News just named it the best in its class for families, and that award is earned through real-world testing of car-seat compatibility, cabin ergonomics, and safety equipment. If you plan to keep your three-row SUV for a decade, the Pilot's total cost of ownership will be very competitive.