2026 Honda Pilot

What's New for 2026

The 2026 Honda Pilot receives targeted updates that refine an already competitive three-row SUV. The lineup now spans seven trims—Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, and the new Black Edition that tops the range. Google built-in with a three-year unlimited data plan is now standard across all trims, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen carries over with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 3.5-liter V6 returns with 285 horsepower paired with a 10-speed automatic, and the i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system remains available on Sport and EX-L trims while coming standard from TrailSport upward. Starting price is $42,195 for the Sport.

Overview

The 2026 Honda Pilot occupies a critical position in Honda's SUV lineup as the brand's three-row family hauler. Starting at $42,195 for the base Sport and topping out at $54,995 for the Black Edition, the Pilot offers seating for up to eight passengers in most configurations—or seven in the TrailSport, which replaces the second-row bench with captain's chairs. Seven trims span the range, with the Sport and EX-L serving as the value-oriented options available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, while the TrailSport through Black Edition come exclusively with AWD and progressively richer equipment.

All trims share the same 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission. At 200.1 inches long on a 113.8-inch wheelbase (the TrailSport measures 200.4 inches due to its unique bumpers), the Pilot is sized to compete directly with the Toyota Grand Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and Chevrolet Traverse. Cargo volume measures 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 87.0 behind the first row, and expands to approximately 112 cubic feet maximum with all rear seats folded. Curb weight ranges from 4,336 pounds for the FWD Sport to 4,722 pounds for the TrailSport.

EPA fuel economy ratings are 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined for front-wheel-drive trims, dropping to 19/25/21 with all-wheel drive and 18/23/20 for the TrailSport with its all-terrain tires. The 18.5-gallon fuel tank running on regular unleaded provides a real-world range of approximately 390–410 miles depending on configuration. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds with front-wheel drive and 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive—competitive figures for the three-row segment. Competitors include the Toyota Grand Highlander (from approximately $40,000), Hyundai Palisade (from around $38,000), and Chevrolet Traverse (from roughly $36,000).

Driving Experience

The Pilot's 285-horsepower V6 delivers smooth, confident power that suits the vehicle's family-hauler mission. Acceleration is strong enough to merge confidently onto highways even with a full load of passengers, and the 10-speed automatic shifts cleanly with minimal hunting between gears. Honda's rev-matching capability on downshifts adds refinement that elevates the driving experience beyond what most three-row SUVs deliver. The naturally aspirated V6's linear power delivery feels more predictable than the turbocharged four-cylinder engines found in some competitors—there's no turbo lag, and throttle response is immediate across the rev range.

The unibody construction, MacPherson strut front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension deliver a composed ride that absorbs road imperfections without the floaty sensation common in large SUVs. Highway cruising is remarkably quiet, with Honda's Active Noise Cancellation system working to minimize engine and road noise intrusion. The electric power steering provides reasonable feedback and accurate turn-in response, and the 37.8-foot turning diameter makes parking lot maneuvers manageable for a vehicle of this size. Body roll is well-controlled through corners, and the Pilot feels more agile than its dimensions suggest.

The second-generation i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system can direct torque to individual rear wheels for improved traction, and the TrailSport adds Trail Torque Logic along with 8.3 inches of ground clearance—up from the standard 7.3 inches. Drive modes vary by trim: Sport and EX-L (2WD) get Normal, Econ, Sport, Snow, and Tow, while AWD-equipped trims from TrailSport upward add Trail and Sand modes. Towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds with AWD, and the Pilot handles trailer loads confidently thanks to the V6's broad torque curve and the 10-speed's intelligent gear management. Braking from the 13.8-inch ventilated front and 13.0-inch solid rear discs is progressive and reassuring.

Interior, Comfort & Technology

The Pilot's cabin is a well-executed blend of functionality and refinement that serves families well on both daily commutes and long road trips. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with high-quality materials throughout the upper surfaces and a logical control arrangement that minimizes driver distraction. Soft-touch surfaces cover the upper dashboard and door panels, and the overall build quality feels appropriate for the price range.

Three rows of seating accommodate up to eight passengers in most trims, with the TrailSport seating seven thanks to its second-row captain's chairs. Front occupants enjoy 41.0 inches of legroom and 40.5 inches of headroom (39.1 in trims with a moonroof), while second-row passengers get a generous 40.8 inches of legroom. The third row offers 32.5 inches of legroom—tight for adults on long trips but adequate for children. Passenger volume measures 158.4 cubic feet in Sport and EX-L trims, or 154.9 in trims equipped with the panoramic roof. The Multi-Function second row with a removable middle seat provides flexible seating and cargo configurations.

Cargo capacity behind the third row measures 18.6 cubic feet, expanding to 87.0 cubic feet behind the first row and approximately 112 cubic feet to the ceiling with all rear seats folded. The infotainment system centers on a 12.3-inch touchscreen running Google built-in with a three-year unlimited data plan, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical climate controls remain below the screen, and Honda Sensing driver-assist features are standard across the lineup. Higher trims add wireless charging, a Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers, a head-up display, and CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems for monitoring rear-seat passengers.

Trim Levels & Pricing

All prices listed are MSRP before destination charges of approximately $1,345. Front-wheel drive is standard on Sport and EX-L, with all-wheel drive available as an option. TrailSport through Black Edition come exclusively with AWD. The Blackout and Black Edition trims are primarily cosmetic packages that add dark or unique styling to their base counterparts.

Safety

Every 2026 Pilot comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and traffic sign recognition. The blind-spot information system with cross-traffic monitor is standard across the lineup. Higher trims add traffic jam assist for semi-autonomous driving in stop-and-go conditions, and the TrailSport and above benefit from expanded drive mode functionality that enhances stability control calibration for varying terrain.

The Pilot's unibody structure incorporates Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) design, complemented by a comprehensive airbag system including advanced front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and driver's and front passenger's knee airbags. The elevated seating position and relatively thin roof pillars provide good outward visibility, and the available multi-angle rearview camera and parking sensors simplify maneuvering in tight spaces.

For comprehensive crash test ratings, visit nhtsa.gov and iihs.org.

Warranty & Ownership Costs

Ownership costs are competitive for a three-row SUV with genuine versatility. Annual fuel costs run approximately $2,050–$2,300 depending on drivetrain configuration, and all trims use regular unleaded fuel—a meaningful advantage over competitors that require or recommend premium. Insurance costs typically range from $1,500–$2,300 annually. Honda's maintenance schedule is straightforward, and the naturally aspirated V6 avoids the turbo-related service complexities of some competitors. Tire replacement costs vary by trim—budget $900–$1,200 for standard all-season tires or $1,100–$1,500 for the all-terrain rubber on the TrailSport.

Frequently Asked Questions