2026 Honda Pilot Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Honda Pilot
Key Features
- Starting at $43,690 MSRP*
- Standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower / 262 lb-ft of torque and 10-speed automatic transmission
- Available Intelligent Variable Torque Management™(i-VTM4™) AWD system
- Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive features
- 8-passenger seating with 1-touch fold 2nd-row bench
- Standard 12.3-inch color touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ smartphone integration
- Optional Bose premium audio with 12 speakers including subwoofer
- Available rugged TrailSport trim level featuring off-road tuned suspension with +1-inch ride height, TrailWatch™ camera system, and skid plates
About the Honda Pilot
No matter where you’re headed, the Honda Pilot delivers eye-catching style, remarkable versatility, and inspiring technology features to help you create long-lasting memories. Thanks to its ability to carry up to 8 passengers, the Pilot offers a combination of impressive cargo capacity in addition to several seating configurations for superior comfort. Its inviting interior combined with rugged off-road performance capabilities makes the Pilot the perfect choice for those living active lifestyles or those with a growing family. Found across the entire Pilot model range, the proven Honda Sensing® suite of active driver-assistive safety features adds peace of mind behind the wheel. Its standard Google built-in infotainment and navigation system provides turn-by-turn guidance to help you reach your destination on time. It’s also a breeze to reach the cargo area of the Pilot with your hands full of shopping bags with the available hands-free power-operated tailgate.
What the Critics Say
What’s New For 2026
Plenty of impressive improvements have been made to the proven Honda Pilot for the 2026 model year. Starting with the exterior, 2026 variants stand out thanks to their revised two-tone front grille along with new 20-inch alloy wheel options for Touring and Elite trim levels. In addition, Solar Silver Metallic and Smoke Blue Pearl are two new paint choices that arrive for 2026. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, roof rails, and a power tailgate are three new features included as standard on all trims. For Pilot TrailSport grades, an all-new Ash Green Metallic paint color replaces last year’s Diffused Sky Blue Pearl.
Honda Pilot Features
Performance, Capabilities, and Styling
Significantly more rugged and capable than ever before, the striking exterior appearance of the Honda Pilot makes an impression both on and off the trails. Every Pilot benefits from standard LED headlights, fog lights, and tail lamps that deliver a blend of style and improved visibility in all types of weather conditions. When it comes to power, the Pilot is equipped with a proven 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers a combination of muscle and efficiency. Ready to help you explore where other SUVs fear to venture, the Pilot TrailSport is built to a higher standard than most. Signature attributes of TrailSport models include standard i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive with Trail Torque Logic, all-terrain tires, and an off-road-tuned suspension with a ride height increase of 1 inch.
Please scroll to see more
Honda Pilot MPG Ratings
| Sport | EX-L | TrailSport | Touring | Touring Blackout | Elite | |
| MPG Ratings (City / Highway / Combined) – 2WD** | 19 / 27 / 22 | 19 / 27 / 22 | · | · | · | · |
| MPG Ratings (City / Highway / Combined) – AWD** | 19 / 25 / 21 | 19 / 25 / 21 | 18 / 23 / 20 | 19 / 25 / 21 | 19 / 25 / 21 | 19 / 25 / 21 |
Available in both 2WD and AWD configurations, the Honda Pilot delivers outstanding MPG ratings that make it a great choice for highway commuters and long road trips. As the table above illustrates, AWD models have slightly lower fuel economy ratings due to the additional drive wheels.
Honda Pilot Fuel Economy FAQ
What is the 2026 Honda Pilot MPG?
- The Honda Pilot is rated for up to 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined fuel economy**. AWD models have slightly lower ratings, as does the Pilot TrailSport grade.
Which Honda Pilot trim gets the best MPG?
- Choosing the Sport or EX-L trims equipped with 2WD means that you’ll get the highest fuel economy ratings possible.
Does the Honda Pilot have good gas mileage?
- Absolutely! Rated for up to 27 MPG highway**, the Pilot is ready to go the extra mile with outstanding fuel economy ratings. In fact, it’s able to deliver higher fuel economy ratings than top rivals including the Hyundai Palisade.
Luxurious Interior
From growing families to drivers living active lifestyles, the Honda Pilot is ready to adapt to your daily life with spacious seating for either 7 or 8 passengers. One example of its practicality is its innovative removable second-row center seat section that tucks neatly beneath the rear cargo floor on 8-passenger variants. Frequently used controls and features are oriented towards the driver for ease of use on the streamlined dashboard inside the Pilot. You can easily store essential items or even two smartphones side-by-side on the enlarged center console that sits between the driver and front passenger. Other highlights of impressive interior features inside the Pilot include heated/ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and the cutting-edge CabinTalk™ communication system.
Innovative Technology
From a quick trip across town to an extended cross-country road trip, the Honda Pilot has a variety of impressive technology features that will make each mile of the journey more engaging. Accessible via the standard 7-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen display, standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration places all of your favorite apps and media directly in your line of sight. The available Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charger removes clutter from charging cables while the available Wi-Fi hotspot helps all occupants stay connected on the way to their destination. Speaking of the destination, the standard Google built-in navigation system helps you get there safely and on time thanks to turn-by-turn directions. For a truly unparalleled listening experience, the optional 12-speaker Bose premium audio system delivers remarkable sound quality inside the Honda Pilot.
Advanced Safety
Every Honda Pilot comes standard with the innovative Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive features. Examples of individual features found in this collection include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning. You’ll also enjoy automatic high beams and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera for increased confidence while backing out of a tight parking space. With such an impressive list of standard equipment, it comes as no surprise that the Honda Pilot targets a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Trims & Specs
Sport
- Starting at $43,690 MSRP*
- Standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 10-speed automatic transmission
- Honda Sensing®
- LED headlights, foglights, DRLs and taillights
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ integration
- 10.2-inch digital instrument display and 12.3-inch color touchscreen
EX-L
- Starting at $45,990 MSRP*
- Leather seating surfaces
- Heated front seats
- Qi-compatible wireless charging
- CabinTalk™
- 9-Speaker, 245-Watt Audio System
TrailSport
- Starting at $51,890 MSRP*
- Standard i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive with Trail Torque Logic
- Off-road tuned suspension with +1-inch ride height
- TrailWatch™ camera system
- 18-inch black TrailSport branded alloy wheels
- Front skid plate with recovery point
Touring
- Starting at $52,590 MSRP*
- Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate
- Panoramic Moonroof
- Multiview Camera System
- Bose premium audio with 12 speakers including subwoofer
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
Trailsport Blackout
- Starting at $53,790 MSRP*
- 20-Inch Black Alloy Wheels
- Black Honda Badges
- Black Wheel Lug Nuts
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Front & 2nd-/3rd-Row USB Ports
Elite
- Starting at $54,990 MSRP*
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Outboard 2nd-Row Seats
- Perforated Leather-Trimmed Seats with Quilted Alcantara® Accents and Contrast Piping
- Head-Up Display
- Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
Black Edition
- Starting at $56,490 MSRP*
- 20-Inch Gloss Black Alloy Wheels
- Black Trim Accents
- Black Edition Emblem
- Black Edition Leather-Trimmed Seats
- Red Ambient LED Lighting
*MSRP includes tax, license, registration, $1,495 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.
**19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg rating for non-TrailSport AWD trims. 18 city/23 highway/20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.