2026 Honda Pilot Revealed: A Lot of Little Tweaks

Bigger screens, more standard features, and a tweaked exterior design are just a few of the changes the Pilot receives for 2026.

Photo by: Honda

By: Anthony Alaniz

Nov 18, 2025 at 9:00am ET

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Honda’s three-row SUV is getting a mid-cycle refresh. The current-generation Pilot went on sale for the 2023 model year, but now it’s getting a makeover that includes an exterior redesign, a revamped cabin, and more standard features.

The 2026 Honda Pilot comes with a larger grille that’s less trapezoidal than before. Honda also enhanced the front and rear scuff plates, making them more pronounced. They’re available in silver or black, depending on the trim.

The Pilot’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine is the same as before, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic is the only transmission, and all-wheel drive is an available option that comes standard on the TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims.

Inside, Honda increased the SUV’s screen real estate. The driver’s display now measures 10.2 inches, which is 3.2 inches, or 43 percent, larger. The infotainment screen also expands, increasing by 37 percent to 12.3 inches, and it features some software enhancements.

Photos by: Honda

The Pilot features a simplified navigation app with fewer embedded menus. Google Built-In and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also now standard.

Honda also made the Pilot’s cabin quieter, decreasing some frequencies by as many as three decibels. The automaker added new semi-tempered door glass, door insulators, and a new hood insulator, with Pilot Touring and Elite models also featuring enclosed fender liners.

The company states that it enhanced the Pilot’s steering feel and feedback by increasing the on-center steering weight and retuning the electric power steering system. A power liftgate is standard across the range.

Photo by: Honda

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Honda hasn’t released pricing for the 2026 Pilot, which will be available in six trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. The automaker will also offer two new exterior colors: Silver Metallic and Smoke Blue Pearl. At the same time, the Pilot TrailSport receives the exclusive Ash Green Metallic, which is available on every Honda TrailSport model.

The entry-level 2025 Pilot starts at $41,695 (price includes the $1,495 destination charge), and we expect the refreshed version to cost roughly the same. New car prices continue to rise, but this mild refresh shouldn’t add much to the MSRP.