What’s New in the 2026 Honda Pilot

The Pilot is Honda’s dedicated large-and-in-charge three-row SUV, which makes it a perfect choice for families, and its powerful engine and rugged capabilities allow you to have tons of fun in the great outdoors.

For the 2026 model year, the Pilot gets a major refresh, and there’s a ton of exciting updates that come with it. If you’re shopping for a capable and well-equipped Honda SUV near Isla Vista or Montecito, read on to discover what’s new.

2026 Honda Pilot Updates

The short answer? A lot. Here’s a look at everything that’s changed in the 2026 Pilot:

• A retuned electric power steering system for a more responsive wheel feel.

• Better sound deadening for a quieter cabin.

• A reworked front fascia with a larger grille and more aggressive design.

• A power tailgate is now standard across all trims.

• Roof rails are now standard across all trims.

• New 12.3-inch HD center touch screen and 10.2-inch digital driver info display.

• New connectivity features, including Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

• Post-Collision Braking System added to the standard Honda Sensing® suite.

• New exterior color options, including Solar Silver Metallic, Smoke Blue Pearl, and Ash Green Metallic (TrailSport only).

In addition to all of these new standard features, the Pilot’s upper-level trims now come packed with even more amenities and higher quality cabin materials, giving you more bang for your buck.

2026 Honda Pilot Engine and Performance

The Pilot is motivated by a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed auto gearbox, and the Sport and EX-L trims can be optioned with either front-wheel drive or Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ all-wheel drive. All of the higher trims come standard with the advanced all-wheel drive system.

All models come with at least five selectable drive modes, including Normal, Econ, Sport, Snow, and Tow. The all-wheel drive version adds Trail and Sand modes, improving the Pilot’s off-road chops dramatically.

For even more trail conquering prowess, the TrailSport trim comes with a raised suspension that’s tuned for off-roading, underbody skid plates for better protection, and rugged all-terrain tires.

2026 Honda Pilot Dimensions

First, let’s check out the Pilot’s exterior dimensions:

• Length: 200.1 in.

• Wheelbase: 113.8 in.

• Width: 78.5 in.

• Height: 71.0 in.

• Ground clearance: 7.3 in. (8.3 in. on TrailSport)

With seating for up to 8 people, the Pilot’s cavernous interior is perfect for any type of adventure.

Now, here’s a look at its interior dimensions:

• Head room (1st/2nd/3rd): 40.5 / 40.2 / 39.3 in.

• Shoulder room (1st/2nd/3rd): 61.9 / 61.7 / 59.5 in.

• Hip room (1st/2nd/3rd): 58.4 / 57.4 / 44.6 in.

• Leg room (1st/2nd/3rd): 41.0 / 40.8 / 32.5 in.

• Total passenger volume: 158.4 cu. ft.

• Cargo volume behind 3rd row: 18.6 cu. ft. (22.4 cu. ft. max)

• Cargo volume behind 2nd row: 48.5 cu. ft. (60.1 cu. ft. max)

• Cargo volume behind 1st row: 86.5 cu. ft. (112.4 cu. ft. max)

2026 Honda Pilot Safety Features

All Pilot trims come with Honda Sensing® driver assistance features. Aside from the new Post-Collision Braking System mentioned above, standard features include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™

• Road Departure Mitigation System

• Forward Collision Warning

• Lane Keeping Assist System

• Lane Departure Warning

• Blind Spot Information System

• Cross Traffic Monitor

• Driver Attention Monitor

• Traffic Sign Recognition System

• Traffic Jam Assist

• Auto High-Beam Headlights

2026 Honda Pilot Trims and Price

The 2026 Pilot is available in seven different trim levels. Here they are, along with their starting MSRP:

• Sport: $42,195

• EX-L: $44,495

• TrailSport: $50,395

• Touring: $51,095

• Touring Blackout: $52,295

• Elite: $53,495

• Black Edition: $54,995

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Honda Pilot?

Models equipped with FWD are rated for up to 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, while AWD models get up to 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.

What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Honda Pilot?

With FWD, the Pilot can tow up to 3,500 pounds, and with AWD, it can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds.

What are the available colors for the 2026 Honda Pilot?

Exterior paint colors include Crystal Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Radiant Red Metallic II, and the new colors Solar Silver Metallic, Smoke Blue Pearl, and Ash Green Metallic.

Find the 2026 Honda Pilot for Sale in Goleta, CA