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2026 Honda Pilot First Drive Review: A Familiar Heart With Better Tech

The 2026 Pilot gets a larger screen, standard connected tech and claimed cabin refinements. Its V6 and 10-speed remain, with AWD and TrailSport equipment varying by trim.
Entry194 Date Time5 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The 2026 Honda Pilot is a mid-cycle refresh, not a new-generation redesign: it keeps its 285-hp V6 and 10-speed automatic while adding a larger touchscreen, a digital instrument display, more standard connectivity, and claimed cabin-noise improvements. MotorTrend’s first drive found it nicer and quieter, but still wanted a powertrain upgrade. The update makes the Pilot’s interface and equipment more current; it does not change the basic character of its powertrain.

What changed on the 2026 Honda Pilot?

Honda’s U.S. refresh announcement, issued November 18, 2025, centers on technology and refinement rather than a mechanical overhaul. The touchscreen grows to 12.3 inches, which Honda says is 37% larger than the prior model-year display. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability are listed across the lineup. Honda’s announcement

Honda also describes revised exterior styling, new upholstery and trim-specific equipment, upgraded safety equipment, retuned electric power steering, and a quieter cabin. Roof rails and a power tailgate are now standard throughout the lineup. These are useful everyday updates, but they do not turn the 2026 Pilot into a clean-sheet model.

First-drive verdict: quieter and better connected, same basic powertrain

In a January 29, 2026 first drive, MotorTrend’s Scott Evans described the refreshed Pilot as “nicer, quieter, and has better tech,” while saying it “still needs a powertrain upgrade.” MotorTrend’s test vehicle was an Elite supplied by Honda. The reviewer called it the quietest Honda the publication had driven to that point; that is a subjective impression, not a measured cabin-noise result. The outlet attributes the quieter feel to added sound deadening and acoustic glass. Read MotorTrend’s first drive

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That distinction matters when deciding whether the update addresses your priorities. The new displays and connectivity are tangible equipment changes, while the quieter-cabin assessment is an outlet’s driving impression. The engine and transmission carry over, so buyers hoping for a substantially different or electrified powertrain will not find that change here.

Engine, transmission, and AWD availability

Honda lists a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 rated at 285 hp at 6,100 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic. Those are manufacturer specifications, not independent test results. Honda’s specifications

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Trim Drivetrain availability EPA city/highway/combined mpg
Sport FWD or AWD FWD: 19/27/22; AWD: 19/25/21
EX-L FWD or AWD FWD: 19/27/22; AWD: 19/25/21
TrailSport AWD standard 18/23/20
Touring AWD standard 19/25/21
Elite AWD standard 19/25/21
Black Edition AWD standard 19/25/21

Honda’s EPA figures are comparison ratings, not a real-world mileage test. Honda cautions that actual mileage varies with driving and maintenance, conditions, and other factors. The figures above are for U.S. models. Honda’s pricing and fuel-economy release

Honda describes its i-VTM4 system as distributing torque between the axles and between the rear wheels. It is standard on the upper four trims, while Sport and EX-L buyers can choose FWD or AWD. If you want AWD, confirm the drivetrain on the specific vehicle rather than assuming it is standard on every Pilot.

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What does the TrailSport add?

The TrailSport is the Pilot for buyers who expect to leave pavement more often. Honda lists Trail Torque Logic, underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, a Class III trailer hitch, a TrailWatch camera system, and an extra inch of ground clearance. Its seven drive modes include Trail and Sand. Those features distinguish it from the road-focused trims, but the stated equipment alone is not a basis for calling it a rock crawler or assuming capability beyond Honda’s description. Honda’s trim guide

TrailSport-specific convenience equipment includes heated second-row captain’s chairs, all-weather floor mats, and a 110-volt outlet. Buyers comparing configurations should confirm the exact equipment on the current buyer’s order, as details can vary by trim and vehicle configuration.

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Cabin technology and family-use details

Every trim is listed with the 12.3-inch color touchscreen, 10.2-inch digital instrument display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Google built-in is part of the vehicle’s system; it is distinct from connecting a phone through Android Auto. Honda’s announcement confirms the connected features, but buyers should check plan and service terms for any connectivity that depends on a subscription.

The EX-L adds a Qi-compatible wireless phone charger and a stowable second-row center seat. That seat offers a different second-row arrangement from TrailSport’s heated captain’s chairs, so consider passenger and seating needs when choosing between trims.

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U.S. prices and EPA ratings by trim

Honda’s latest U.S. pricing release cited here is dated May 1, 2026. The following MSRPs are before the $1,495 destination charge; the final column adds that charge. Tax, license, registration, options, and dealer pricing are not included. Honda’s 2026 pricing release

Trim and drivetrain MSRP before destination Price including $1,495 destination EPA city/highway/combined mpg
Sport 2WD $42,395 $43,890 19/27/22
Sport AWD not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release 19/25/21
EX-L 2WD not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release 19/27/22
EX-L AWD not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release 19/25/21
TrailSport AWD not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release 18/23/20
Touring AWD not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release 19/25/21
Elite AWD not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release not stated in Honda’s cited pricing release 19/25/21
Black Edition AWD $55,195 $56,690 19/25/21

Honda’s release gives the listed range endpoints as Sport 2WD at $42,395 and Black Edition AWD at $55,195 before destination, or $43,890 and $56,690 with the charge. The cited material does not establish the intervening trim prices, so check Honda’s current configurator or a dealer quote for those amounts.

Safety equipment: what Honda says is standard

Honda says every 2026 Pilot includes Honda Sensing. The manufacturer lists Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control; its 2026 refresh announcement identifies Post-Collision Braking as new. These are descriptions of equipment and intended functions, not crash-test results. No authoritative 2026 crash-test rating or independent comparative dataset is established here.

Who should consider the 2026 Pilot?

  • Consider it if: you want a three-row Honda with a more current standard interface and connectivity, and value the existing V6-and-10-speed setup.
  • Compare FWD and AWD carefully: Sport and EX-L offer both; TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition are AWD.
  • Look closely at TrailSport: its added traction and underbody equipment is relevant if your use includes rougher surfaces, while the other trims are more road-oriented.
  • Look elsewhere or wait if: a major powertrain change is your priority. This refresh keeps the same basic engine and transmission.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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