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
An excellent choice for those living active lifestyles, the proven Honda Pilot delivers the style, innovation, and versatility that you need to create long-lasting memories with your friends and family. Standing apart from the competition with available seating for up to 8 passengers, the Pilot delivers spacious interior room in addition to flexible seating configurations for maximum comfort. This SUV provides a premium interior along with go-anywhere performance characteristics that will help you get out and explore the path less traveled. For maximum confidence and peace of mind, every Pilot trim level includes the Honda Sensing® collection of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard. Google’s built-in technology provides an immersive multimedia experience along with turn-by-turn navigation directions. Even with your arms full of shopping bags, you can effortlessly access the rear cargo area of the Honda Pilot thanks to an available hands-free power-operated tailgate. Inside and out, it’s hard to ignore the appeal of the legendary Honda Pilot.
What the Critics Say
What’s New for 2026
Sporting a refreshed exterior look for 2026, there are plenty of exciting updates to the popular Honda Pilot for the new model year. This updated exterior appearance includes a new front grille with two-tone accents along with new 20-inch alloy wheels for Touring and Elite grades. Solar Silver Metallic and Smoke Blue Pearl are two new paint colors that arrive for 2026 as well. Pilot TrailSport variants gain a new Ash Green Metallic shade, replacing last year’s Diffused Sky Blue Pearl. Lastly, a power tailgate and roof rails are now standard equipment on every 2026 Honda Pilot.
Honda Pilot Features
Performance, Capabilities, and Styling
Featuring a look that’s bolder and more rugged than prior generations, the sleek appearance of the Honda Pilot helps you make a memorable first impression both on and off the road. Standout styling cues included as standard on every Pilot trim include LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights for a sophisticated look and superior visibility. Under the hood, the Pilot is powered by a standard 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission for remarkable efficiency. Engineered to help you explore where inferior SUVs fear to travel, Pilot TrailSport models are equipped with plenty of enhanced capabilities to conquer any obstacle you’ll encounter on the trails. Examples of such features include standard i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive with Trail Torque Logic, all-terrain tires, and an off-road-tuned suspension with a ride height increase of 1 inch.
Luxurious Interior
An outstanding option for those living active lifestyles or those who have large families, the premium cabin of the Honda Pilot has tons of room for either 7 or 8 passengers depending on configuration. With practicality considered a priority, 8-passenger models feature a clever removable second-row seat that tucks neatly below the rear cargo floor. All essential controls are placed near the driver on the streamlined horizontal dashboard of the Pilot for superior ergonomics. There’s a massive center console that can accommodate two smartphones placed side-by-side along with all of your daily essentials. Other highlights of impressive interior features of the Honda Pilot include heated/ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and the innovative CabinTalk™ communication system.
Groundbreaking Technology
From quick trips across the city to a major cross-country vacation, the Honda Pilot has plenty of immersive tech features that will enhance each mile spent behind the wheel. Accessed via a massive 12.3-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration lets you bring all of your favorite apps and media along for the ride. An optional Wi-Fi hotspot helps you stay connected while an available Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charger supplies power to your smartphone. Select the available 12-speaker Bose premium audio system to receive concert-like listening quality inside the Pilot. If you need directions to a new destination or simply need assistance finding your way back home, the Google built-in system offers turn-by-turn instructions inside the Honda Pilot.
Advanced Safety
Every Honda Pilot comes standard with the groundbreaking Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive features. Technologies included in this remarkable collection are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning. Other standard features include automatic high beams and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera for extra reassurance while backing out of a tight parking space. As a result, it comes as no surprise that the Honda Pilot targets a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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 and 2nd-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.