Test drive the 2026 Honda Pilot SUV
Honda has renewed its popular SUV Pilot, which has fierce competition.
- The Pilot competes with three-row SUVs such as 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 has some welcome new features, including a standard 12.3-inch touch screen. The Pilot is one of America’s favorite family cars, a three-row SUV that seats seven or eight people.
The Pilot competes with three-row SUVs such as 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 after the CR-V. Civic, Accord, 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 several years with interior upgrades and visual tweaks. Currently on sale.
Pilot pricing starts at $42,195 (excluding $1,495 destination charge).
2026 Honda Pilot trim levels and prices
- Sports: $42,195
- EX-L: $44,495
- Trail Sport: $50,395
- Tour: $52,295
- Elite: $53,495
- Black edition: $54,994
Source: Edmunds
what’s new?
In addition to a standard 12.3-inch touch screen on all trims, key changes include:
- Indoor noise reduced by 2-3 decibels
- AWD available on all trims
- large grill
- new exterior color
- 10.2 inch instrument cluster
- Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Driving impression
The Pilot is a runabout suitable for city and highway driving. Honda tweaked the steering to provide more feedback and stability.
There are no changes to the drivetrain, but performance remains the same. The 3.5L V-6 engine Honda tested is sturdy and unobtrusive. A 10-speed automatic transmission contributes to competitive fuel economy and acceptable oomph.
The AWD system can transfer up to 70% of the torque to the rear wheels, all of which can be sent to either side. This is far more capability than most Pilot owners require.
The interior benefits from sound insulation added this year. Handsome diamond pattern upholstery adds a luxurious feel to the upper trim.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen and attractive 10.2-inch gauge cluster come standard, further increasing the appeal of lower trim levels.
Honda does not offer a hybrid version of the Pilot.
2026 Honda Pilot Standard Safety Equipment
- Blind spot detection
- forward collision warning
- forward emergency brake
- Lane departure warning and assist
- adaptive cruise control
- automatic high beam
- driver attention monitor
Why buy a 2026 Honda Pilot?
Pilot’s new standard features enhance the SUV’s value.
Updates like a larger touchscreen and quieter interior should keep the Pilot on shopping lists even in the face of new competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride.
2026 Honda Pilot Overview
3-row midsize SUV with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
7 or 8 seats
Now on sale
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 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 10 speed automatic
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. Regular fuel.
Wheelbase: 113.8 inches
Length: 200.1 inches
Width: 78.5 inches
Height: 71 inches (including antenna)
Ground clearance: 7.3 inches
Vehicle weight: 4,513 lbs.
Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs.
Passenger volume: 158.4 cubic feet
Cargo: 18.6 cubic feet behind third row. 2nd row rear 48.5. 87th place behind the front row
Assembled in Lincoln, Alabama
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark ferran. read more car and sign up for our service automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
