Following the camouflaged prototypes spotted during road tests, Honda has officially unveiled the 2026 Pilot, a mid-life upgrade that deserves high praise for its generous enhancements. This model features a larger touchscreen, more standard equipment, improved cabin insulation, and a refined steering system.
This mid-size three-row SUV now promises a premium interior and cutting-edge technology. Developed in Ohio and manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama, the Honda Pilot uses both domestic and international components. Customers can choose from six trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. It’s easy to guess which one sits at the top of the range.
Exterior Design
Honda has redesigned the front fascia of the latest Pilot upgrade, featuring a larger grille. The new glossy black grille appears on the Elite and Black Edition, while the TrailSport retains its gray finish.
The Japanese automaker has also introduced more prominent front and rear fender flares, finished in silver for the EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite, and in black for the Sport and Black Edition.
Honda describes the new design as “bold and adventure-ready.” Buyers also have a new color option: Ash Green Metallic, replacing Diffused Sky Blue Pearl.
Enhanced sound insulation ensures a quieter cabin, reducing noise by 2-3 dB thanks to laminated front glass, improved door seals, a new roof insulator, and advanced sound-absorbing technologies that minimize engine, road, and wind noise.
Larger Display
The centerpiece of the upgrade is the 12.3-inch HD touchscreen, 37% larger than before, making interactions more intuitive. The digital instrument cluster has grown by 43%, now offering a 10.2-inch display for essential driving information.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with built-in Google integration and a 5G WiFi hotspot. Honda has simplified the menu system, adding three customizable shortcuts on the left side of the screen for easy access.
Honda has refined the steering system for improved feel and precision, regardless of the driving mode. The power steering system’s central weight has been increased to reduce driver effort. Additionally, the power tailgate, previously available from EX-L and above, is now standard across all trims.
The Pilot Sport introduces heated second-row seats, and buyers can opt for brown leather upholstery with orange contrast stitching. The Pilot Touring now includes a 360-degree camera system, previously exclusive to higher trims, along with premium interior finishes. It features 20-inch Shark Gray machined wheels and Ultra-Suede diamond-quilted seats with contrast stitching.
The Pilot TrailSport offers both black and brown leather interiors, while the top-tier Black Edition features 20-inch Berlina Black wheels.
Roof rails are standard, and the TrailSport enhances its off-road credentials with a more robust rear skid plate and orange PILOT badging to match the TrailSport emblem.
Buyers can choose from three new colors: Solar Silver Metallic, Smoke Blue Pearl, and the TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green Metallic.
Everything’s New Except the Engine
Honda has fine-tuned the electric power steering (EPS) for better feedback and precision across all driving modes. The system’s central weight has been increased to reduce driver fatigue.
Despite extensive updates, the engine remains unchanged. The Pilot retains the 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, standard on TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition, now sends up to 70% of torque to the rear axle and more to the outer rear wheel during cornering to reduce understeer.
Drivers can select from five standard driving modes: Normal, Eco, Snow, Sport, and Tow. Sand and Trail modes are available from EX-L and above. Hill descent control is standard across all trims.
The 2026 Honda Pilot will arrive at U.S. dealerships next month, with pricing yet to be announced.
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