Mid-size Honda Pilot refreshed for 2026 model year
Published 10:00 pm Friday, August 7, 2026
The Honda Pilot received a collection of meaningful upgrades in its 2026 refresh, solidifying it as the benchmark in the mid-size, three-row category.
Family-friendly at its core, Pilot benefits from a significantly larger touchscreen, improved steering feel, a quieter cabin, bold new styling and upgraded safety features. The 2026 Honda Pilot is offered in six well-equipped trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite and Black Edition.
A powerful 3.5-liter DOHC V6 is standard, producing 285 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 262 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission tuned exclusively for Pilot, the combination is smooth and responsive.
Coupled with standard all-wheel drive, Pilot has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, has a range of about 388 miles, combined fuel of 25 miles per gallon in highway driving, and seats up to eight adults when a removable, stowable, middle seat is used.
Honda Pilots were designed in California, developed in Ohio, and built in Alabama using domestic and globally sourced parts. The Elite trim adds redesigned, machine-finished “Shark Gray” 20-inch alloy wheels and ultra-suede seat accents with diamond stitching to standard, TrailSport and Touring trims.
Every new Pilot now features an ultra-wide 12.3-inch touchscreen (37% larger than the previous model year) powered by the latest HMI software for smooth, lag-free performance. Pilot also gains standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Google built-in, 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a 43% larger 10.2-inch digital driver display offering enhanced visibility and an immersive driving experience.
For a more refined driving experience, the Pilot cabin is quieter thanks to new semi-tempered door glass, door insulators, a new hood insulator, and other sound absorbing technologies that reduce the transmission of engine, road and wind noise. In addition, Pilot Touring and Elite add enclosed fender liners to further reduce road noise.
The rugged exterior styling is more aspirational and adventure-ready with a bolder design that includes a larger grille, larger front and rear scuff plates, and a new gloss black grille. Other highlights include a power tailgate and roof rails.
Five standard selectable drive modes customize the driving experience for various conditions: Normal, Econ, Snow, Sport and Tow modes. EX-L models and above (with all-wheel drive) also feature a Sand mode and a Trail mode, which optimize Pilot’s off-road capabilities. Hill Descent Control system is standard on all Pilot models.
A retuned electric power steering system provides more steering feel and precision across all driving modes, increasing Pilot’s confidence-inspiring dynamics. The improved steering feedback is smooth, natural and direct, creating confidence and security during spirited driving on winding roads. The steering system’s on-center weight has been increased for more stable and relaxed-feeling highway cruising with less input from the driver.
In short, Pilot is a treat to drive.
Completing the Pilot’s impressive package is Honda-Sensing suite of safety and drive assistive technologies. Highlights include a Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation incorporating Lane Departure Warning; Lane Keeping Assist System; and Adaptive Cruise Control.
New assistive features include the addition of a 360-degree surround view camera to the Pilot Touring, and Post-Collision Braking System to help mitigate damage and injuries in multi-collision incidents.
Base Price: $54,900
Price As Driven: $55,445
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
