2026 Honda Pilot First Look
A practical refresh for a very familiar family SUV
When it comes to family three row SUVs, the Honda Pilot has always been one of the safest bets. It has been around forever, people trust it, and Honda knows exactly who this car is for. For 2026, Honda has given the Pilot a proper refresh. This is not a new generation, but it is more than a token update. The design is tougher, the tech is finally up to date, and a lot of small details have been improved where owners actually care.
So the big question stays the same. Is this still the V6 three row family SUV you should be looking at in 2026. Let us break it down cleanly and logically.
Quick specs and basics
Before getting into design and features, here is the simple mechanical picture.
The 2026 Pilot continues with the same proven setup.
• 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V6
• 285 horsepower
• 262 pound feet of torque
• 10 speed automatic transmission
• Front wheel drive standard
• All wheel drive standard on Trail Sport and above
Fuel economy stays the same since there is no hybrid option.
• Front wheel drive around 22 MPG combined
• All wheel drive around 21 MPG combined
• Trail Sport slightly lower at around 20 MPG combined
Base price starts at around 42000 dollars, with higher trims climbing into the mid 50000 range.
Honda builds the Pilot in Lincoln, Alabama.
Exterior design changes for 2026
The biggest visual updates are at the front. Honda has clearly gone for a tougher and more squared off look.
The grille is larger and more upright. The lower bumper is chunkier and looks more rugged than before. Overall, the front end feels more masculine without going full off road cosplay.
Trim specific details matter here.
• Touring and above get gloss black elements
• Most trims use a gray finish on the lower fascia
• Sport and Black Edition use black instead of gray
Trail Sport still stands apart with extra ground clearance and real skid plates. This is not just styling. Honda actually intends it to handle light off road work.
Lighting and wheels
All trims get LED headlights, though they are reflector units. Daytime running lights sit lower, with turn signals placed above. LED fog lamps are also included.
Honda has introduced new wheel designs across the lineup.
• Most trims get 20 inch alloys
• EX L and Trail Sport use 18 inch wheels
The Elite trim gets a new 20 inch contrast alloy finished in shark gray. Touring also gains an optional blackout package with exclusive wheels.
Side profile and size
The Pilot remains a big SUV in this segment.
• Overall length is now about 200 inches
• That is roughly 2 inches longer than before
Roof rails are now standard on every trim, which is a welcome change. Without them, the Pilot always looked unfinished.
New exterior colors include ash green, smoke blue, and solar silver.
Rear design and towing
The rear design is mostly unchanged, and that is not a bad thing. The Pilot still looks clean and functional.
• Partial LED tail lamps
• LED brake lights
• Incandescent turn signals and reverse lights
This is one area Honda really should have upgraded, especially on the Elite.
The lower bumper gets a gray insert and something rare in this segment. Real trapezoidal exhaust outlets.
Towing capacity depends on drivetrain.
• Front wheel drive up to 3500 pounds
• All wheel drive up to 5000 pounds
Interior overview and seat options
The cabin updates are subtle in some places and very obvious in others.
Seat materials vary by trim.
• Sport uses cloth
• EX L adds leather
• Higher trims get upgraded leather finishes
New interior color options include brown for Trail Sport and Touring. It adds warmth and breaks away from the usual black and gray.
Elite and Black Edition introduce quilted suede accents on the upper seat sections. It looks genuinely upscale and not just decorative.
Front seats offer:
• 10 way power adjustment
• Two way lumbar support
• Memory seats standard above EX L
Cabin materials and overall quality
Honda has clearly tried to elevate the Pilot for 2026.
• Leatherette with contrast stitching
• Suede inserts on higher trims
• New faux wood trim with textured grain
Soft touch materials appear across the dashboard and doors. Piano black trim has been reduced, which is always good news.
It still is not luxury brand plush, but it feels more premium than before and competitive with rivals like the Grand Highlander.
Digital displays and tech
This is one of the biggest upgrades.
Every 2026 Pilot now gets:
• 10.3 inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.3 inch central touchscreen
The infotainment screen is about 37 percent larger than before and finally feels modern.
Google built in is standard across all trims.
This includes:
• Google Maps
• Google Assistant
• Google Play Store
Honda includes this free for three years. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are still available if you prefer them.
Elite and Black Edition add a head up display.
Controls, storage, and daily usability
Honda sticks to physical controls for climate, and that is a big win.
• Three zone automatic climate control
• Physical knobs and buttons
• Easy rear seat controls
Heated front seats are standard across the lineup. Ventilated seats are available on Elite and Black Edition.
Interior storage is classic Honda.
• Large center console
• Big cup holders
• Wireless phone charging pad
• Deep door pockets
The push button shifter frees up space, though some drivers still prefer a traditional lever.
Audio and comfort features
Touring and above get a Bose sound system with 12 speakers. Sound quality is solid and competitive, though not class leading.
Other highlights include:
• Panoramic sunroof standard on Trail Sport and above
• Power sunshade
• Auto dimming mirror with HomeLink
Second row space and flexibility
Second row space is one of the Pilot strong points.
• Legroom around 40.8 inches
• Headroom around 40.2 inches
The bench seat setup is standard even on higher trims, allowing seating for eight.
The middle seat is removable. This gives you the choice between eight passenger capacity or a more open seven seat layout. Very few rivals offer this flexibility.
Features in the second row include:
• Rear climate controls
• Rear vents
• Heated second row seats on Elite, Trail Sport, and Black Edition
• USB ports and household style outlet
Third row comfort
The third row remains one of the better ones in the segment.
• Around 32.5 inches of legroom
• Around 37 inches of headroom
Adults can actually sit back here without feeling punished.
You get:
• Cup holders
• USB port
• Air vents
• Armrest
Thigh support could be better, but overall it is usable for real people, not just kids.
Cargo space and practicality
Cargo space is strong and very competitive.
• About 18 cubic feet behind the third row
• About 48 cubic feet with third row folded
• Up to 87 cubic feet maximum
The floor folds flat and underfloor storage is huge. Honda also includes a spare tire, which is becoming rare. Trail Sport even gets a full size spare.
Load in height is a bit high at around 33 inches, but access is easy.
Power folding third row is still missing. Seats fold manually, though they are light and simple to use.
Powertrain and Driving Notes
The Pilot continues with the same V6.
• 3.5 litre naturally aspirated engine
• 285 horsepower
• 262 pound feet of torque
Honda sticks with this engine instead of switching to a turbo or hybrid. That keeps throttle response smooth but limits fuel economy gains.
For 2026, Honda claims:
• Improved sound insulation
• Retuned steering
Driving impressions were under embargo at the time of recording.
Safety updates
Honda keeps things simple here. Every Pilot comes standard with the full Honda Sensing suite.
This includes adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.
New for 2026 is post collision braking, now standard across the lineup. For a family vehicle, that matters.
Pricing and value
Pricing has increased slightly for 2026.
• Base trims rise by about $2,000
• Elite trim increases by around $500
Elite AWD pricing:
• Base price: $53,495
• Destination: $1,495
• Total: Around $54,990
This undercuts some fully loaded rivals while still offering a long feature list.
Prices rise slightly at the base, around 2000 dollars. Upper trims see smaller increases.
Elite all wheel drive pricing sits around 55000 dollars including destination.
That still undercuts some fully loaded rivals like the Grand Highlander and Palisade.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Honda Pilot is not a new SUV, but it did not need to be. Honda focused on fixing key weaknesses instead of chasing trends.
You get better tech, improved interior materials, useful seating flexibility, and proven V6 reliability. You do not get a hybrid option, and fuel economy remains average for the segment.
It is more expensive than before, but so is everything else.
If you want a three row SUV that feels honest, easy to live with, and still practical for real families, the refreshed 2026 Pilot continues to be a strong and sensible choice.
No drama. No gimmicks. Just a solid update to a familiar name.
2026 Honda Pilot FAQs
What is new in the 2026 Honda Pilot?
The 2026 Honda Pilot gets a proper refresh rather than a full redesign. Updates include a tougher and more squared off front design, new wheel options, standard roof rails across all trims, a much larger 12.3 inch infotainment screen, a 10.3 inch digital instrument cluster, and added safety tech like post collision braking.
What engine does the 2026 Honda Pilot use?
The 2026 Pilot continues with a 3.5 litre naturally aspirated V6 engine. It produces 285 horsepower and 262 pound feet of torque and is paired with a 10 speed automatic transmission.
Is there a hybrid version of the 2026 Honda Pilot?
No. Honda does not offer a hybrid powertrain on the 2026 Pilot. All trims use the V6 engine, which sets it apart from several competitors that now offer hybrid options.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Honda Pilot?
Fuel economy remains similar to the previous model. Front wheel drive models return around 22 MPG combined, all wheel drive models are rated at about 21 MPG combined, and the Trail Sport comes in slightly lower at around 20 MPG combined.
Is all wheel drive standard on the 2026 Honda Pilot?
All wheel drive is standard on the Trail Sport trim and above for 2026. Lower trims continue to offer front wheel drive as standard.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Honda Pilot?
The Pilot can tow up to 3,500 pounds with front wheel drive. When equipped with all wheel drive, towing capacity increases to 5,000 pounds.
How many passengers can the 2026 Honda Pilot seat?
The Pilot can seat up to eight passengers when equipped with the second row bench seat. Higher trims still offer this setup, which is rare in the segment. Trail Sport comes standard with second row captain chairs.
What makes the second row seating unique in the Pilot?
The second row bench seat includes a removable center section. Owners can quickly switch between an eight passenger layout and a more open seven seat configuration depending on their needs.
Is the third row usable for adults?
Yes. The third row offers around 32.5 inches of legroom and roughly 37 inches of headroom. While thigh support could be better, it is comfortable enough for adults on longer drives compared to many rivals.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Honda Pilot offer?
Cargo space measures about 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 87 cubic feet with all rear seats down. Underfloor storage is generous and a spare tire is included.
Does the 2026 Honda Pilot get updated technology?
Yes. Every trim now gets a 10.3 inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3 inch infotainment display. Google built in is standard with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store included for three years.
What safety features are standard on the 2026 Honda Pilot?
All trims include Honda active safety features such as adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. New for 2026 is post collision braking, which is now standard across the entire lineup.
What is the starting price of the 2026 Honda Pilot?
The base price for the 2026 Honda Pilot starts at around 42,000 dollars. Higher trims increase in price, with the fully loaded Elite landing in the mid 50,000 dollar range including destination.
Where is the 2026 Honda Pilot built?
The 2026 Honda Pilot is manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama.
