Honda has worked hard to keep its biggest SUV competitive
Late last year, Honda introduced a significantly revised version of the three-row Pilot for the 2026 model year. This segment was recently bolstered by new generations of the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. Given the fact that the current Pilot has been in production for well over three years, it’s no surprise that Honda applied more substantial updates to the 2026 model. We’ll cover everything that’s new on the 2026 Pilot relative to the 2025 model right here.
Related: Honda Passport 2025 vs 2026: Is the New Model Worth the Extra Cost?
Honda Pilot Design and Size: 2026 Model More Aggressive
2026 Honda Pilot Honda Motor Co
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Since the 2026 Pilot isn’t an all-new model, there have been almost no differences to its size. It measures 200.1 inches in length, just 0.2 inches longer than the 2025 model. The 113.8-inch wheelbase, 78.5-inch width, and 71-inch height remain unchanged.
What you will notice is a more aggressive and rugged appearance for 2026 Pilots. The SUV now has a redesigned front fascia with a larger grille. The changes work well, even if the Pilot is still quite conservative alongside the new Telluride. All trims now have a power tailgate; on 2025 trims, only the EX-L and above had this as standard. Solar Silver Metallic and Smoke Blue Pearl are new colors for 2026, while the rugged TrailSport gets the option of Ash Green Metallic in place of the 2025’s Diffused Sky Metallic.
Although the 2026 model looks better, the 2025 model is still a neat-looking SUV, and design alone isn’t reason enough to spend more on a 2026 model.
Related: The 2026 Honda Pilot Has Many Trims, but Only One Is the Smart Buy
Interior and Features: 2025 Pilot Vs. 2026 Pilot
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It’s here where the 2026 Honda Pilot’s model year changes are most evident. The 2026 version has more amenities, better technologies, and lower noise levels. A new 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen are standard; these screens are 43% and 37% larger than before, respectively. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto get wireless connectivity across the entire lineup for 2026, and all models also now have Google built-in and 5G Wi-Fi capability.
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Trim-specific additions for 2026 include heated rear outboard seats for the TrailSport, a 360-degree surround-view camera system for the Touring, and Ultrasuede seat accents for the Elite. The 2025 Pilot’s interior is still decent, but the 2026 model feels more upscale.
New semi-tempered door glass, door insulators, and a new hood insulator have contributed to a quieter cabin in the 2026 model. On Touring and Elite trims, there are also enclosed fender liners to reduce road noise.
Both 2025 and 2026 models have the same amount of interior space, which means excellent space in the first two rows but only average space in the third row. Cargo space is excellent, with the ability to squeeze six carry-on-sized boxes in the trunk with all three rows up. With the third row folded, cargo space is generous at 48.5 cubic feet.
Performance and Efficiency: New Pilot Gets Quieter
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Honda’s familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine stays the same for the 2026 model year. This engine delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Only the lower two trims have standard front-wheel drive, with all others getting all-wheel drive by default. Depending on the trim, the 0-60 time takes around seven seconds, while the towing capacity is up to 5,000 lbs with AWD. In FWD form, you can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
The driving experience is much the same for both model years, but the 2026 version has a retuned electric power steering system for better feel and precision. Honda has specifically increased on-center weighting for a more stable feeling when cruising on the highway. We found the updated steering to be ideal, and it complements the quieter interior and smooth V6 well. If you drive the two models back to back, the 2026 model’s enhancements will be noticeable.
The 2026 Honda Pilot’s changes vs the 2025 model are barely noticeable in terms of efficiency. Both get up to 22 mpg combined with FWD. However, the 2026 FWD model is 1 mpg more efficient in city driving relative to the 2025 FWD model, based on EPA ratings.
Related: As a Parent, I Fell Hard for the 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD. Here’s Why.
2025 Pilot Vs. 2026 Pilot Pricing
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How much is a new Honda Pilot? Well, like the 2025 model, the 2026 version isn’t the most affordable option in this class. The 2025 Honda Pilot started at $40,200 for the Sport when it was new, which is $1,995 less than the equivalent 2026 model. This makes the Pilot pricier than tough rivals like the 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. Here’s a look at base pricing for the 2025 vs 2026 Pilot.
The Touring’s price jumped by $3,595 from 2025 to 2026, but that’s partly because it now comes standard with AWD. The Touring Blackout is new for 2026, while the top Elite and Black Edition trims have seen more modest price jumps.
Related: I Drove The 2026 Honda Pilot And Here’s My Honest Review
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Honda Pilot is a noticeable step up from the 2025 model, particularly if you choose one of the lower trims, as these benefit most from the improvements to the crossover’s standard specification. The fact that Honda went as far as to enhance noise levels and retune the steering shows its awareness of how tough this segment has become. As a family vehicle, the Honda ticks most boxes, being comfortable, quick enough, and packed with features.
All that being said, the Pilot’s lack of a hybrid powertrain continues to hold it back. Rivals from Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda all have more efficient hybrid options. The Koreans have also dialed up the sophistication in this category, so we’d recommend test-driving the Palisade or Telluride before committing to the Honda.