Honda Pilot Review 2026: What’s New?

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Honda

Pilot

Enhanced | Honda | SUV

In this 2026 Honda Pilot review, you will find out the specifics of this practical, mid-size SUV with three rows of seating. It offers all the features you’d expect from this type of vehicle: ample space for passengers and cargo, smooth handling, and even a TrailSport model for short off-road trips. The Pilot is powered by a 285-hp V-6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring consistent power delivery. All-wheel drive is available, but the default drive mode is front-wheel drive.

The TrailSport, built for rugged terrain, features two captain’s chairs instead of a second-row bench seat. Most models include three rows that can accommodate up to eight people. Although the Pilot’s front end looks slightly tougher for 2026, it maintains a modest design that matches its overall vibe. Despite its versatility, the Pilot doesn’t match the style, performance, or market standing of competitors like the Mazda CX-90, Hyundai Palisade, or Kia Telluride.

If you neither need the third row nor want a vehicle with more modern features, the Honda Passport generally lasts longer than the Pilot. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive and offers better off-road handling in the Trailsport trim level.

What’s new?

Boxier front end, new paint colors, and updated wheels on Touring/Elite, with TrailSport switching to Ash Green Metallic. All trims add roof rails and a power tailgate. Inside, there’s a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, plus new upholstery options on higher trims. Honda also says it’ll be quieter thanks to improved insulation and steering tuning.

Infotainment and Connectivity

12.3-inch tablet for entertainment
Connectivity through Bluetooth and WiFi, Google Auto, and Apple CarPlay
The Bose 12-speaker system is available as an option, and the 7-speaker system is standard.

All versions came with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Touring and Elite models feature a high-end 12-speaker Bose system, while the base trim has a basic 7-speaker sound system.

Engine and Performance

It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 285 horsepower.
Automatic transmission with 10 speeds.
There are two different types of drivetrains: all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.

With 285 horsepower, the Pilot’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine provides speed. It features a 10-speed automatic transmission. You can choose an SUV with all-wheel drive, but most are front-wheel drive. The Pilot’s V-6 engine isn’t very fast, but the 10-speed automatic makes gear changes smooth. In our recent Elite model test, the Pilot had a poor 189-foot stop from 70 mph. However, it feels solid and rides comfortably. We previously reported that the Pilot’s steering felt numb, but Honda says it has been fixed with a new electric power steering system.

On tough off-road roads near Breckenridge, Colorado, and Sedona, Arizona, we tested the rugged TrailSport model and confirmed it can handle rough terrain. The Pilot TrailSport includes steel skid plates underneath, all-terrain tires, hill-descent control, an all-wheel-drive system tuned for trail driving, and a suspension raised by 1 inch. But keep in mind, this isn’t a rock-climbing super-truck built to compete with Moab Runners, Broncos, and Wranglers. Its goal is light to moderate off-roading.

The Elite trim accelerates to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the TrailSport does it in 6.9 seconds. The Pilot doesn’t perform very well in its class when it comes to acceleration. Toyota’s Grand Highlander hits 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, whereas our test vehicle, the Kia Telluride, reaches the same speed in 6.8 seconds.

Fuel and Economy

At 75 mph on the highway, tests show that the Elite gets 27 mpg and the TrailSport gets 22 mpg.
Based on the EPA, 18–19 mpg in the city
The EPA estimates that cars get 23-27 mpg on the highway.

The EPA has not yet published the 2026 Pilot’s fuel efficiency ratings, but the 2025 Pilot with front-wheel drive achieved 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Other all-wheel-drive models achieved 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The TrailSport, however, got 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. These numbers are expected to stay the same for the 2026 models. We will update this page with the latest information as it becomes available.

We tested a 2023 Pilot TrailSport equipped with improved all-terrain tires and off-road protection on our highway fuel economy route at 75 mph. It achieved 22 mpg. The Kia Telluride, which offers 24 mpg, is a three-row SUV with a V-6 engine that has better fuel efficiency. It posted 27 mpg in the same test, although its tires were less aggressive.

Safety Features

All Pilot models include Honda Sensing, a package of driver-assist features. It features blind-spot recognition, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Standard safety features also include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection with automatic emergency braking.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

The maximum weight that can be pulled is 5,000 pounds.

The Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive. When equipped with front-wheel drive, it can tow up to 3500 pounds. While this isn’t as powerful as the Dodge Durango’s 8,700 pounds of torque, it’s roughly on par with the towing capacities of the Kia Telluride and Grand Highlander.

Price and How to Choose

The 2026 Honda Pilot will likely cost between $43,000 and $58,000, depending on the trim level and any added features. The Pilot EX-L is a solid choice because it offers a good balance of price and features. The EX-L model includes heated leather seats, a power liftgate, and second-row seats that fold with just a touch. Whether you need all-wheel drive depends on your preferences. The extra towing capacity makes the purchase worthwhile. For those wanting a more rugged look and some off-road capability, the mid-range Trailsport offers good value.