2026 Honda Pilot Road Test and Review

2026 Honda Pilot Elite ・ Photo by Honda

The 2026 Honda Pilot arrives as a refreshed fourth-generation three-row SUV that comfortably seats up to eight people. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine across every trim level with no hybrid or electric option. This update focuses on sharpening the overall package rather than reinventing it from scratch.

It has a bolder front end with a larger mesh grille and redesigned fascia, plus more standard equipment like roof rails, a power tailgate, and a larger infotainment touchscreen. Extra sound-deadening materials deliver a noticeably quieter ride and steering has been retuned for improved feel. This Pilot works best for growing families who haul kids, sports gear, and groceries and those who want occasional light off-road capability through the TrailSport trim.

Bolder, More Confident Styling

The exterior refresh gives the Pilot a stronger, more modern presence starting with an aggressive mesh grille that dominates the front end for a tougher look. Available 20-inch wheels add a little something extra to top trims. The TrailSport adds black accents, skid plates, and all-terrain tires for the adventure set.

The overall shape remains familiar and practical with good proportions that make it look sturdy and spacious rather than bulky or awkward. It doesn’t go so far into the idea of being rugged that it looks like it's trying too hard. Instead, it strikes a nice balance between standing out in the driveway and blending into suburban life seamlessly.

2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda

Roomy and Inviting Interior

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives feel less tiring, while the second row is an adult-friendly space with the ability to slide forward and back to provide ample legroom. Materials are durable enough to handle family messes and upscale enough to feel nice, especially the soft-touch surfaces on higher trims.

The third row does accommodate adults, especially if you slide the second row forward to give them a bit more legroom. Added insulation quiets road and wind noise dramatically, turning highway runs into relaxed conversations instead of shouting matches. The Pilot is great for road trips with thoughtful storage spots and a layout that keeps everyone comfortable without feeling cramped.

2026 Honda Pilot Elite ・ Photo by Honda

Responsive Power Delivery

The 3.5-liter V6 engine in the Pilot delivers 285 horsepower with 262 lb-ft of torque paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is confident when merging or passing. This is a large vehicle that’s nimbler and more responsive than you might expect.

The engine stays remarkably hushed during normal driving, so you mostly hear the road rather than mechanical noise, which adds to the relaxed vibe. It handles the Pilot's weight well without drama, making everyday tasks like quick lane changes feel effortless. It’s nice to drive whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, or hauling the kids around town.

2026 Honda Pilot Elite ・ Photo by Honda

Balanced and Comfortable Driving Dynamics

Ride quality is one of the Pilot's strongest points. It soaks up potholes, broken pavement and expansion joints with composure, so passengers stay comfortable. The retuned steering provides better feedback and precision on winding roads, giving you more confidence without sacrificing the easygoing nature families expect from a Honda.

The Pilot leans toward comfort over sportiness, so aggressive cornering will remind you that this is an SUV not a sports car. But it’s still composed and predictable. The overall experience prioritizes smooth highway miles and effortless city driving, which suits the majority of owners perfectly.

2026 Honda Pilot Elite ・ Photo by Honda

Flexible, Practical Space

Cargo room behind the third row is 18.6 cubic-feet which easily swallows groceries, weekend bags, or sports equipment even with a full passenger load. The wide liftgate opening simplifies loading awkward items, and the low load floor helps avoid back strain when stowing heavy cargo.

Fold the third row and cargo room increases to 48.5 cubic-feet with a total of 87 cubic-feet when you fold the second row, too. It’s a versatile setup with the ability to easily switch from people to cargo. Clever small-item storage throughout the cabin keeps clutter contained, making it genuinely versatile for daily family chaos or spontaneous adventures.

2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda

An Upgraded Infotainment System

The standout upgrade is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen that replaces the old setup, bringing crisper graphics, faster response times, and a cleaner, more intuitive layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard so you skip cables entirely, while the 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster adds a premium modern touch.

Multiple USB-C ports cover every row with two up front, two in the second row, and even two in the third row on most trims. Higher trims step up to a Bose audio system that fills the cabin with clear sound and Google built-in integration simplifies navigation and voice commands. It’s a great setup that gives you all the info you need along with connectivity for the whole family.

2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda

A Thorough Suite of Safety Features

Honda Sensing comes standard on every 2026 Honda Pilot and includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Lane keeping assist gently steers you back if you drift, road departure mitigation helps prevent veering off the road, and traffic sign recognition displays speed limits and other signs right on the instrument cluster.

Blind-spot information with rear cross-traffic monitor is standard or available depending on the trim, alerting you to vehicles in adjacent lanes or approaching from the sides when backing out. A multi-angle rearview camera gives clear views for parking and low-speed maneuvers, while front and rear parking sensors on higher trims help in tight spots.

2026 Honda Pilot Elite ・ Photo by Honda

Pricing for Every Budget

The Pilot lineup starts with the Sport at $42,195 followed by EX-L at $44,495 and off-road focused TrailSport is $50,395. The Touring comes in at $51,095, the Elite at $53,495, and the Black Edition topping things out near $54,995. Destination and handling fees add $1,495.

That’s a wide trim lineup that makes it easy to fit the Pilot in the family budget. Even when you add all-wheel drive to the base Sport or EX-L, the price increases by only $2,100, making it an affordable three-row option for families. Those who crave a bit of luxury or want something more off-road focused can still get into a Pilot for under $55,000, and those come standard with all-wheel drive.

2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda

Dependable Go-To Choice

The 2026 Honda Pilot keeps things straightforward by refining what already makes it a favorite rather than chasing every new trend with dramatic overhauls. It adds meaningful upgrades like the bigger touchscreen, quieter cabin, and sharper steering while holding onto the reliable V6 engine, spacious seating, and family-first practicality.

It nails the balance of everyday usability, weekend adventure capability, and long-term dependability that busy families need most. For anyone hunting for a three-row SUV that handles school runs, road trips, and the occasional trail without drama, the refreshed Pilot delivers in a big way. It just keeps getting better and remains one of the smartest choices out there right now.

2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport ・ Photo by Honda