Test driving the 2026 Honda Pilot SUV
Honda refreshed the Pilot, a popular SUV with stiff competition.
- The Pilot competes with three-row SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-70, Toyota Grand Highlander and VW Atlas.
- The Pilot is the brand’s fourth best-selling model.
- Prices start at $42,195.
The 2026 Honda Pilot adds welcome new features, including a standard 12.3-inch touch screen. The Pilot is one of America’s favorite family vehicles, a three-row SUV that seats seven or eight.
The Pilot competes with three-row SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-70, Toyota Grand Highlander and VW Atlas.
Honda sold 142,209 Pilots in 2025. It was the brand’s fourth best-selling model, behind the CR-V. Civic, Accord and HR-V. Honda has sold 2.5 million Pilots since production began in Alabama in 2006.
The 2026 Pilot updates a model that has been on sale for some years with interior upgrades and visual tweaks. It’s on sale now.
Pilot Prices start at $42,195, excluding $1,495 destination charge.
2026 Honda Pilot trim levels and prices
- Sport: $42,195
- EX-L: $44,495
- TrailSport: $50,395
- Touring: $52,295
- Elite: $53,495
- Black Edition: $54,994
Source: Edmunds
What’s new?
In addition to the standard 12.3-inch touch screen on all trims, top changes include:
- 2 to 3 decibel decreased interior noise
- AWD available on all trims
- Large grille
- New exterior colors
- 10.2-inch instrument cluster
- Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Driving impressions
The Pilot is a competent runabout for city or highway driving. Honda tweaked the steering to provide more feedback and a greater sense of stability.
The drivetrain got no changes, but remains capable. Honda’s tested 3.5L V-6 is sturdy and unobtrusive. The 10-speed automatic transmission contributes to competitive fuel economy and acceptable oomph.
The AWD system can deliver up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels, and all of that to either side, well beyond the capability most Pilot owners will ever require.
The interior benefits from this year’s added acoustic insulation. Handsome diamond pattern upholstery adds class to upper trims.
Making the 12.3-inch touch screen and appealing 10.2-inch gauge cluster standard adds to the appeal of lower trim levels.
Honda does not offer a hybrid version of the Pilot.
2026 Honda Pilot standard safety features
- Blind spot detection
- Forward collision alert
- Forward emergency braking
- Lane departure alert and assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high beams
- Driver attention monitor
Why buy a 2026 Honda Pilot?
The Pilot’s new standard features strengthen the SUV’s value case.
Updates like the bigger touch screen and quieter interior should keep the Pilot on shopping lists in the face of fresh competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.
2026 Honda Pilot at a glance
Front- or all-wheel-wheel drive three-row midsize SUV
Seats 7 or 8
On sale now
Base price: $42,195 All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge
Model tested: Pilot Elite AWD
Price as tested: $53,495
Power: 3.5L V6 engine.
Output: 285 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm; 262 pound-feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
EPA estimated fuel economy: 19 mpg city/25 highway/21 combined. Regular fuel.
Wheelbase: 113.8 inches
Length: 200.1 inches
Width: 78.5 inches
Height: 71 inches (with antenna)
Ground clearance: 7.3 inches
Curb weight: 4,513 pounds
Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Passenger volume: 158.4 cubic feet
Cargo: 18.6 cubic feet behind third row; 48.5 behind second row; 87 behind front row
Assembled in Lincoln, Alabama
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
