Cars

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot Worth Buying? Full Review & Test

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot Worth Buying? Full Review & Test

The midsize SUV market is heating up, and Honda is responding with a redesigned 2026 Honda Pilot that promises to blend capability, comfort, and advanced technology. As families continue to prioritize spacious interiors, safety, fuel efficiency, and off-road versatility, the question on everyone's mind is: Is the 2026 Honda Pilot worth buying? In this comprehensive review and real-world test, we dive deep into the latest iteration of Honda’s three-row SUV to help you make an informed decision.

Overview of the 2026 Honda Pilot

The 2026 Honda Pilot marks a significant evolution from its predecessor. With a bold new design, improved powertrain options, and enhanced connectivity, Honda aims to reclaim its position as a leader in the competitive family SUV segment. This model arrives with a focus on refinement, towing strength, and off-road capability—especially in the new TrailSport trim—making it appealing to a wide range of buyers.

Available in five trims—LX, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite—the 2026 Pilot offers customization to match diverse lifestyles. Whether you're a weekend adventurer, a daily commuter, or a long-distance road tripper, there's a version designed for you.

Exterior Design: Bold and Functional

Outwardly, the 2026 Honda Pilot steps into the modern era with a refreshed front fascia featuring a larger grille, aggressive LED lighting, and a more upright stance. The overall profile is rugged yet refined, with sculpted lines and wheel arches that hint at its TrailSport capabilities.

The TrailSport trim, in particular, stands out with its matte-black accents, skid plates, and unique badging, signaling its off-road readiness. Standard LED headlights and taillights improve visibility while adding a touch of premium flair. With available 20-inch alloy wheels and a hands-free power tailgate, the Pilot combines utility with curb appeal.

Honda has also optimized aerodynamics, contributing to slightly improved fuel economy despite a larger footprint. Ground clearance has been modestly increased, especially on TrailSport models, enhancing its off-pavement prowess.

2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport exterior review and test

Interior Comfort and Space

Inside, the 2026 Pilot delivers on its promise of family-friendly comfort. The cabin features high-quality materials, improved sound insulation, and a more driver-centric layout. The dashboard adopts a clean, horizontal design with physical buttons for frequently used controls—a welcome nod to usability.

Seating for up to eight is standard, with second-row captain’s chairs available on higher trims for a more premium feel. Legroom and headroom are generous across all three rows, and even adults can sit comfortably in the third row for short trips. The middle row slides forward and reclines, offering flexibility for cargo or passenger needs.

Storage solutions abound, from dual glove compartments to deep door pockets and a large center console. The redesigned center stack includes a wireless charging pad, USB-C ports, and a new storage bin accessible from both front seats.

The cargo space measures 18.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 53.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a full 94.1 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. That’s competitive in class, making the Pilot an excellent choice for road trips, camping gear, or hauling sports equipment.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2026 Honda Pilot comes equipped with a standard 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. This system runs on Honda’s updated interface, which is faster and more intuitive than previous versions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims, with wireless connectivity available on EX-L and above.

The top-tier Elite trim adds a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, a head-up display, and rear-seat entertainment screens—ideal for long drives with kids. Built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa allow for seamless voice control, while over-the-air (OTA) software updates keep the system current.

Honda’s new Digital Key lets you unlock and start the vehicle using your smartphone, and a Wi-Fi hotspot is standard on all trims. Additionally, the Pilot offers a 4G LTE connection with a 1-year trial to HondaLink, enabling remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle status monitoring via smartphone app.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety remains a cornerstone of Honda’s philosophy, and the 2026 Pilot is no exception. It comes standard with Honda Sensing® 2.0, an expanded suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that includes:

Additionally, the 2026 model introduces new safety tech like Front Passenger Airbag Deactivation, Intersection Collision Avoidance, and improved night vision assist using forward-facing cameras. These features contribute to a projected Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

TrailSport models include off-road-specific safety features such as hill descent control and multi-terrain select, enhancing driver confidence on rough trails.

Performance and Powertrain

The 2026 Honda Pilot is powered by a refined 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque—slightly more power than the outgoing model. This engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, which improves both responsiveness and fuel economy.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, but all trims offer Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4®) all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. The AWD system dynamically distributes torque to individual rear wheels, improving traction and handling in adverse conditions.

Fuel economy is estimated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined with FWD. AWD models see a slight dip to 19/26/22 mpg. While not class-leading, these numbers are respectable for a three-row SUV with V6 power.

Driving Dynamics and Real-World Test

During our extensive test drive of the 2026 Honda Pilot—covering city streets, highways, and off-road trails—we were impressed by its balanced ride and composed handling. The suspension has been retuned for better damping, reducing body roll during cornering and improving comfort on bumpy roads.

On the highway, the Pilot feels stable and quiet, with minimal wind and road noise penetrating the cabin. Steering is light but accurate, making the SUV easy to maneuver in tight parking lots or crowded urban areas. The brake pedal offers good modulation, avoiding the dreaded “one-pedal panic” feel common in some SUVs.

We tested the TrailSport trim on a rugged forest trail, and its performance exceeded expectations. With increased ground clearance (8.8 inches), all-terrain tires, and a dedicated off-road mode, the Pilot handled loose gravel, mud, and steep inclines with confidence. The i-VTM4® AWD system and hill descent control made technical sections manageable, even for novice off-roaders.

Towing capacity remains strong at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped—ideal for small boats, campers, or trailers. The available trailer hitch and integrated trailer sway control enhance safety when hauling.

Trim Level Comparison

Let’s break down what each trim offers to help you decide which 2026 Honda Pilot suits your needs:

LX – The Value Leader

The base LX trim includes essential features like Honda Sensing®, 18-inch wheels, tri-zone climate control, a 5-inch driver information display, and a 7-inch infotainment screen. It’s a great option for budget-conscious buyers who still want safety and reliability.

EX-L – Added Comfort and Tech

The EX-L adds leather-trimmed seats, power front seats, a power liftgate, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and heated front seats. It's ideal for families wanting more comfort without stepping into luxury territory.

TrailSport – Adventure Ready

Geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, the TrailSport features unique off-road suspension tuning, all-terrain tires, skid plates, red interior accents, and exclusive badging. It also includes trail-specific drive modes, underbody cameras, and a more rugged exterior. This trim is perfect for those who venture beyond paved roads.

Touring – Premium Features

The Touring trim elevates the experience with a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a 12-speaker audio system, navigation, and a hands-free power tailgate. It’s a well-rounded choice for long-distance travelers who value comfort and convenience.

Elite – The Pinnacle

At the top of the lineup, the Elite offers everything: premium leather, heated/ventilated second-row seats, rear entertainment screens, a head-up display, and advanced lighting. It’s the most luxurious version of the Pilot, rivaling premium-brand SUVs in features and refinement.

Fuel Efficiency and Ownership Costs

The 2026 Honda Pilot’s fuel economy is competitive but not class-leading. It trails slightly behind the more efficient three-row SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, which offer similar performance with marginally better mpg.

However, Honda’s reputation for reliability helps offset higher fuel costs over time. The Pilot is expected to have low maintenance costs and high resale value—a key consideration for long-term ownership. J.D. Power projects a solid reliability score for the 2026 model, and Honda’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty provides added peace of mind.

Insurance rates for the Pilot are average for its class, and safety features may qualify drivers for discounts. Additionally, the standard HondaLink app offers service reminders and maintenance tracking, helping owners stay on top of upkeep.

Pros and Cons of the 2026 Honda Pilot

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Cons:

How the 2026 Honda Pilot Compares to Competitors

The 2026 Pilot faces stiff competition from the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Subaru Ascent. Let’s see how it stacks up:

Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers a hybrid option with better fuel economy (up to 36 mpg). However, the Pilot has more power, better towing capacity, and a sportier driving feel. Interior space is similar, but the Pilot’s third row is slightly roomier.

Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride

The Telluride wins in design and interior luxury, especially in higher trims. It also has a more upscale feel and better standard features. But the Pilot counters with a more engaging drive and superior off-road capability in the TrailSport trim.

Honda Pilot vs. Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade offers a more innovative interior layout with sliding second-row seats and more tech. It also has a quieter cabin. However, the Pilot’s V6 engine feels more responsive, and Honda’s brand reliability gives it an edge for some buyers.

Honda Pilot vs. Subaru Ascent

The Ascent comes standard with AWD and has excellent visibility. It’s also more affordable in base trims. But the Pilot offers a more refined ride, better fuel economy with FWD, and a more powerful engine. The TrailSport outperforms the Ascent off-road.

Who Should Buy the 2026 Honda Pilot?

The 2026 Honda Pilot