5 Reasons We’re Excited to Test the 2026 Honda Pilot
We've always been a fan of the Honda Pilot for its cargo space, versatility, and passenger comfort. The 2026 Honda Pilot is all that and more.
The Honda Pilot has been one of our favorite 3-row SUVs for years. For the price, it offers a substantial amount of features, plenty of space, and the ol’ tried and true V6 offers a handsome towing rating without sacrificing too many miles per gallon. She’s pricey, but she’s worth every penny, we’d say.
This time around, the 2026 Honda Pilot looks to be worth the wait, with a quieter ride, enhanced driving stability and dynamics, enhanced safety features on lower-end trims, and a nicer, more refined TrailSport trim. That does make it more expensive, with a starting price of $42,195 (almost $2,000 more than the 2025 model) and a maximum price of $54,995 for the Black Edition, but it’ll be worth every penny.
What else is there to love about the new Pilot? Let’s take a closer look.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
1. The 2026 Honda Pilot Will Come with Bigger Screens All-Around
The 2026 Honda Pilot is getting a major digital overhaul, replacing older, smaller displays with a standard 12.3-inch HD color touchscreen that is 37% larger than before. The larger screen, paired with an improved interface, translates to lag-free performance and reportedly has a simplified menu structure to make it even easier to use.
Additionally, the digital instrument cluster has grown to a 10.2-inch display, providing a more immersive, vibrant, and info-packed view of important driving information.
Connectivity is also seamless across the entire lineup. Honda says. Every trim now includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in, and 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability. These upgrades ensure that the Honda Pilot remains a leader in the tech-heavy midsize SUV segment, keeping families connected and entertained on long journeys–without too much hassle. But we’ll be the judge of that.
2. The Ride Is Quieter, and the Interior is Prettier
Honda engineers put in a lot of effort to reduce interior noise levels. Through the use of new semi-tempered door glass, upgraded door and hood insulators, and advanced sound-absorbing technologies, cabin noise has been reduced by 2-3 dB in key frequencies. For those choosing the Touring or Elite trims, enclosed fender liners further dampen road noise for an even more hushed environment. Though you’ll likely only notice if you have a decibel meter handy.
This focus on quietness is paired with more premium materials throughout the interior. The Honda Pilot Elite and Black Edition trims now feature luxurious diamond-quilted Ultra Suede seat accents and high-contrast door panel stitching. Even the Touring trim sees an upgrade with high-contrast seating accents and an available new brown leather interior. It helps make the Honda Pilot, which was already a beautiful SUV, feel a lot more expensive.
3. Even the Base Model Will Come Standard With Premium Features
One of the most exciting updates for the 2026 Honda Pilot is that the company has moved several premium features to the standard equipment list for all trims. A power tailgate, which was previously reserved for the EX-L trim and above, is now included on every model. Similarly, roof rails are now standard across the board, increasing the SUV’s cargo-carrying capability and rugged aesthetic right from the base model.
Safety has also been bolstered with the inclusion of a new Post-Collision Braking system (PCB) standard on every 2026 Pilot. This system helps reduce damage and injuries by applying the brakes after an initial impact to prevent multi-crash collisions. In addition to the new braking feature, Honda will now include high-tech visibility features on the lower-end trims, like a 360-degree surround view camera on the Touring model, which was previously reserved for the highest grades.
Those features join the standard Honda Sensing suite, which includes common and coveted technologies like Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control—which are now standard on every model. Finally, you don’t have to buy the most expensive trim to get the best features.
4. The TrailSport Trim Will Be Updated, Too
The adventure-ready TrailSport trim, known for its off-road-tuned suspension and steel skid plates (which we loved on the Passport), becomes even more comfortable for 2026. It now features standard heated second-row outboard seats, making it better equipped for cold-weather family outings. To further distinguish its rugged look, the TrailSport receives an exclusive rear scuff plate design and a “PILOT” logo with orange trim that matches its signature badges.
In terms of aesthetics, the TrailSport is now available with a new brown leather interior option featuring orange stitching. It also gets an exclusive paint color: Ash Green Metallic, like we saw (and loved) on the CR-V TrailSport. These updates maintain the TrailSport’s position as a capable off-roader that doesn’t sacrifice family-friendly luxury.
5. Driving Dynamics and Handling Are Reportedly Improved
The 2026 Honda Pilot isn’t just about looks and tech; it also promises a better driving experience. The electric power steering system has been retuned to provide increased feel and precision across all driving modes. This results in steering feedback that is more natural and direct, giving the driver more confidence when navigating winding roads. In other words, it won’t feel as big as it is, which is something we wrote about with the Passport.
For highway travel, Honda increased the steering system’s on-center weight. This change makes the vehicle feel more stable and relaxed during long cruises, requiring less input from the driver. Combined with the same 285-horsepower V6 and a standard automatic transmission, even with all-wheel drive, the Pilot offers a more polished and exhilarating handling response than previous generations.
What’s nice is, for the most part, the Pilot still has everything we love about it: a sturdy V6 with a strong transmission for a respectable towing rating, the versatility of a third row, a modest amount of technology, and a long list of standard features. This update seems minor, but we’re excited to experience it ourselves.
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