The Honda Pilot has long been an important model for the brand, serving as their primary family 3-row SUV. And, while the new generation has been doing well, many buyers have complained about a lack of tech, among other things. But Honda is refreshing the Pilot for 2026, to solve many of the issues buyers had! So, is this updated model ready to take on stiff competition like the Toyota Grand Highlander?? This article will cover the spec breakdowns of the 2026 Honda Pilot but be sure to watch the video below for an in-depth design review!
What’s New for 2026?
- Refreshed with updated fascias
- Standard Roof Rails on all models
- Updated Wheel Designs
- New Colors: Ash Green (TS), Smoke Blue, and Solar Silver
- New Interior Tech
- Upgraded Materials and Seats on Touring/Elite/Black Edition
- Touring adds Blackout package
- TrailSport now has brown interior option with standard heated second row
- Retuned steering
- More Sound deadening
- Standard Post Collision braking
Trims and Pricing
MSRP w/ FWD unless noted
Sport: $39,900 -> $42,195
EX-L: $43,200 -> $44,495
TrailSport AWD: $50,495 -> $50,395
Touring AWD: $48,595 -> $51,095
Elite AWD: $52,780 -> $53,495
Black Edition AWD: $54,280 -> $54,995
As shown above, prices have risen across the lineup for 2026, but remain relatively in line or even lower than its competitors.
Air ball and slam dunk
Slam Dunk: The tech updates in the Pilot are a very welcome addition
Air Ball: We wish Honda would quickly develop a hybrid offering for this model
Design and Features
As mentioned above, please watch the video linked below for a full in-depth exploration of the exterior design and differences. While Honda’s design refreshes are never substantial, the Pilot’s front fascia and headlamps have seen some changes for 2026. Most models add a silver scuff plate addition, and every trim sees a larger grille and updated lighting. For a more rugged flare, the TrailSport does offer that with some increased capability as well.
Here is the full breakdown of what we currently know about the feature availability:
|
Feature |
Availability |
Exterior |
|
|
LED Headlights |
Standard with LED Reflectors |
|
Fog Lights |
Standard |
|
Wheels |
18-20-inch alloys depending on trim with new designs |
|
Mirrors |
Standard BSM | Heating: EX-L+ | TrailSport+: Power Fold | Elite+: Auto Dimming and Puddle Lamps |
|
LED Taillights |
Standard Partial LED |
|
Dual-Exhaust Outlets |
Exposed tips on most models |
|
Towing |
5,000lbs Max |
|
Forward Emergency Braking |
Standard on all Pilot Models |
|
Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Traffic Jam Assist |
|
|
Lane Keep Assist |
|
|
Auto High Beams |
|
When it comes to the Interior, the Pilot will also be well-equipped on all trims.
Interior |
|
|
Smart Entry and Remote Start |
Standard |
|
Seat Materials |
Cloth, Leatherette, or Leather depending on trim |
|
Seat Adjustment |
Standard: 10-way Power with Lumbar| EX-L+: Memory |
|
Push Button Start |
Standard |
|
Gauge Cluster |
Standard: 10.2-in full digital |
|
Steering Wheel |
Standard: Leather Wrapped | Heating on TrailSport, Elite, Black Edition |
|
Head-Up Display |
Elite+ |
|
Wireless Charging |
EX-L+ |
|
Ambient Lighting |
Standard – not customizable |
|
360 Degree Camera |
TrailSport+ |
|
3-Zone Climate Controls |
Standard |
|
Seat Climate |
Heated Seats: Standard | Ventilated Seats: Elite+ |
|
Audio System |
Standard: 9-Speakers | Touring+: 12-Speaker Bose Premium Audio |
|
Screen |
Standard: 12.3-inch display with Wireless AA and ACP Standard Cabin Talk System |
|
Auto-Dimming Mirror |
Standard on EX-L+ | HomeLink on TrailSport+ |
|
Moonroof |
Panoramic on TrailSport+ |
The rear of the Pilot is also well-equipped, making it one of the biggest in the segment.
Rear Amenities |
|
|
Bench Seating |
All trims but TrailSport (Captain’s Chairs only) All but Sport and TrailSport: On-Demand 8-Passenger Seating with removable center seat |
|
Rear Vents and USBs |
Standard |
|
Heated Rear Seats |
TrailSport/Elite/Black Edition |
|
Sunshades |
EX-L+ |
|
Tailgate |
Standard: Power | Touring+: Hands-Free |
For in depth details on the 2026 Pilot, watch our full first look review linked at the bottom of this article.
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What’s Under the Hood?
The Pilot still keeps its hearty V6 for 2026, an option which many buyers appreciate:
3.5L V6: 285 hp | 262 lb.ft
The Pilot offers optional FWD or with expanded AWD as standard for 2026 with a 10-speed automatic is on every model. The fuel economy for each model is listed below, as rated by the EPA:
FWD: 19/27/22 MPG
AWD: 19/25/21 MPG
TrailSport: 18/23/20 MPG
We hope you have found this overview of the 2026 Honda Pilot helpful! For a more detailed first look of the Pilot, please watch our video below! What do you think of the 2026 Honda Pilot? Let us know in the comments!
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