2026 Honda Pilot Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Honda Pilot
Key Features
- Starting at $43,690 MSRP*
- Standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower / 262 lb-ft of torque and 10-speed automatic transmission
- Available Intelligent Variable Torque Management™(i-VTM4™) AWD system
- Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive features
- 8-passenger seating with 1-touch fold 2nd-row bench
- Standard 12.3-inch color touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ smartphone integration
- Optional Bose premium audio with 12 speakers including subwoofer
- Available rugged TrailSport trim level featuring Off-road tuned suspension with +1-inch ride height, TrailWatch™ camera system, and skid plates
About the Honda Pilot
Searching for a three-row SUV that the whole family can agree on? From camping to commuting, the Honda Pilot does it all with poise, precision, and style. With seating for eight and cargo space to match, the Pilot redefines the word “capability.” Customizable seating configurations allow you to carry just about any combination of people and cargo that you can come up with. When it comes to the Honda Pilot, versatility is a virtue.
Of course, with so many people on board, it’s only natural to want to keep them as safe as possible. Every Honda Pilot includes the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment. Additional options, such as a hands-free power tailgate activated with a simple swipe of your foot, make life even easier. If you want to hit the road in a vehicle that’s capable, safe, and attractive, with room for everyone and everything you hold dear, the Honda Pilot is a terrific choice.
What the Critics Say
What’s New for 2026
An updated exterior appearance and numerous interior upgrades highlight the key changes to the Honda Pilot for the 2026 model year. Examples of its new look include an updated two-tone front grille and all-new 20-inch alloy wheels found on Elite and Touring trim levels. Smoke Blue Pearl and Solar Silver Metallic are two new paint choices that debut for 2026 while all models now come standard with roof rails and a power tailgate. Ash Green Metallic has replaced last year’s Diffused Sky Blue Pearl on Pilot TrailSport grades. Finally, all models receive a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen display for the 2026 model year.
Honda Pilot Features
Rugged Styling and Impressive Capability
Noticeably more rugged and adventurous than prior versions, the Honda Pilot has an eye-catching exterior design that demands attention both on and off the road. LED headlights, fog lights, and tail lights are found across the entire Pilot trim range for superior visibility and a stylish complement to the exterior. In terms of performance, the Pilot is ready to rise to the occasion thanks to its 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers a combination of power and efficiency. To help you explore where other SUVs fear to tread, the Pilot Trailsport is engineered with elevated off-road capabilities not found on the competition. Highlights of TrailSport models include all-terrain tires, an off-road tuned suspension with a 1-inch increased ride height, and standard i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive with Trail Torque Logic.
Luxurious Interior
No matter what the day has in store for you, the Honda Pilot has the versatility to help you make the most of it thanks to generous seating for up to 7 or 8 passengers. An excellent example of its practicality is the clever removable second-row center seat section that stores seamlessly below the rear cargo floor on 8-passenger models. Essential controls and switches are placed within a quick arm’s reach of the driver, allowing for intuitive access and use. All of your daily essentials easily fit in the wide center console of the Honda Pilot which can even hold two smartphones side-by-side. Additional premium features found inside the Pilot include a panoramic moonroof, heated/ventilated front seats, leather seating surfaces, and the revolutionary CabinTalk™ communication system.
Cutting-Edge Technology & Safety
Technology is certainly a strong suit of the dynamic Honda Pilot. Via the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display, drivers can take advantage of standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration for easy access to all of their favorite apps and media. You’ll always arrive at your destination safely and on time thanks to turn-by-turn directions from the Google built-in navigation system of the Pilot. Other impressive features available inside the Pilot include a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charger, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
Providing help when you need it the most, every Honda Pilot includes the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced driver assistance safety features as standard equipment. These features include Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Additionally, a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and automatic high-beam headlights are included as standard equipment.
Trims & Specs
Sport
- Starting at $43,690 MSRP*
- Standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission
- Honda Sensing®
- LED headlights, foglights, DRLs and taillights
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ integration
- 10.2-inch digital instrument display and 12.3-inch color touchscreen
EX-L
- Starting at $45,990 MSRP*
- Leather seating surfaces
- Heated front seats
- Qi-compatible wireless charging
- CabinTalk™
- 9-Speaker, 245-Watt Audio System
TrailSport
- Starting at $51,890 MSRP*
- Standard i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive with Trail Torque Logic
- Off-road tuned suspension with +1-inch ride height
- TrailWatch™ camera system
- 18-inch black TrailSport branded alloy wheels
- Front skid plate with recovery point
Touring
- Starting at $52,590 MSRP*
- Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate
- Panoramic Moonroof
- Multiview Camera System
- Bose premium audio with 12 speakers including subwoofer
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Trailsport Blackout
- Starting at $53,790 MSRP*
- 20-Inch Black Alloy Wheels
- Black Honda Badges
- Black Wheel Lug Nuts
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Front & 2nd-/3rd-Row USB Ports
Elite
- Starting at $54,990 MSRP*
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Outboard 2nd-Row Seats
- Perforated Leather-Trimmed Seats with Quilted Alcantara® Accents and Contrast Piping
- Head-Up Display
- Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
Black Edition
- Starting at $56,490 MSRP*
- 20-Inch Gloss Black Alloy Wheels
- Black Trim Accents
- Black Edition Emblem
- Black Edition Leather-Trimmed Seats
- Red Ambient LED Lighting
*MSRP includes tax, license, registration, $1,495 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.
**19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg rating for non-TrailSport AWD trims. 18 city/23 highway/20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.