Verified vehicle record
2026 Honda Pilot
Car and Driver says Honda made worthwhile updates to the Pilot's styling and standard features for 2026: a boxier front fascia with a larger grille, new Solar Silver Metallic and Smoke Blue Pearl colors, new 20-inch Shark gray wheels on Touring and Elite, and a standard power tailgate and roof rails across the board. Most improvements are inside: a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster on all models, new upholstery options on TrailSport/Touring/Elite, adjusted steering for better feel, and extra sound-deadening. MSRP runs $43,990-$56,790. MotorTrend measured a Pilot AWD's 0-60 time at 6.9 seconds and says it gets a lot right and little wrong, though rival SUVs work just as well with more personality; MotorTrend lists top-ranked competitors as the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, and Hyundai Palisade.
Current archiveChecked Sep. 20, 2026United States specification
Powertrain3.5-liter V6
Output285 hp
DrivetrainAWD
Seating7–8
Maximum towing5,000 lb
Decision answers23Trim, ownership and verification
What changed for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says for 2026, Honda has made some worthwhile updates to the Pilot's styling and standard features. The Pilot's front facia is boxier than before, now wearing a larger grille and a two-tone rectangular element on the lower portion of the bumper. Solar Silver Metallic and Smoke Blue Pearl have been added to the list of available exterior colors, and 20-inch Shark gray wheels are new on Touring and Elite models. A power tailgate and roof rails now come standard across the board. A larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster now come standard on all models, and the TrailSport, Touring, and Elite trims gain new upholstery options. Honda says the Pilot's steering has been adjusted for better feel and precision, with additional sound-deadening materials for a quieter cabin.
Pricing and powertrain for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $43,990-$56,790.
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says every 2026 Pilot is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, with a 10-speed automatic sending power to standard FWD or available AWD; a Pilot AWD accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds in testing.
How it compares to its closest rivals
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the Pilot gets a lot right and little wrong, though there are rival SUVs that work just as well while having more personality, listing top-ranked competitors as the Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, and Hyundai Palisade.
Questions buyers ask
What's new for the 2026 Honda Pilot?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says a facelift with a boxier front end, new colors, and standard tech/comfort upgrades throughout.
How much does the 2026 Honda Pilot cost?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $43,990 to $56,790.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
The 2026 Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV that Kelley Blue Book lists in 7 trims, from the Sport to the Black Edition. Its engine is the 3.5-liter V6. Power is 285 horsepower, and Kelley Blue Book lists all-wheel drive. Its curb weights run 4,513 to 4,722 lb and its combined fuel economy 20 to 21 mpg. Kelley Blue Book records the Black Edition with the same figures and equipment as the Elite, so each pair shares one trim page.
Model-year note
Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, Touring S joins the lineup.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | Entry trim | See full equipment map |
| EX-L | Trim 2 of 6 | See full equipment map |
| TrailSport | Trim 3 of 6 | See full equipment map |
| Touring | Trim 4 of 6 | See full equipment map |
| Touring S | Trim 5 of 6 | See full equipment map |
| Elite | Top trim | See full equipment map |
01
Entry trim
Sport
02
Trim 2 of 6
EX-L
03
04Trim 3 of 6
TrailSport
Trim 4 of 6
Touring
05
Trim 5 of 6
Touring S
06
Top trim
Elite
1 more row Kelley Blue Book lists for the 2026 Pilot
These rows are close to a page already on this site, so they are listed here with what sets each apart.
| Configuration | Engine | Power | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Edition | 3.5-liter V6 | 285 hp | AWD |
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Honda Pilot: 7 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 10-Spd | AWD | 285 | 262 | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| EX-L | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 10-Spd | AWD | 285 | 262 | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| TrailSport | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 10-Spd | AWD | 285 | 262 | 18 / 23 / 20 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Touring | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 10-Spd | AWD | 285 | 262 | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Touring S | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 10-Spd | AWD | 285 | 262 | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Elite | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 10-Spd | AWD | 285 | 262 | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Black Edition | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 10-Spd | AWD | 285 | 262 | 19 / 25 / 21 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | 4,513 lb | 199.9 in | 71 in | 113.8 in | 7.3 in | 37.8 ft | 18.5 gal | 40.5 in | 41 in | 5,000 lb | P255/50R20 |
| EX-L | 4,528 lb | 199.9 in | 70.9 in | 113.8 in | 7.3 in | 37.8 ft | 18.5 gal | 40.5 in | 41 in | 5,000 lb | P255/60R18 |
| TrailSport | 4,722 lb | 200.4 in | 72 in | 113.8 in | 8.3 in | 37.7 ft | 18.5 gal | 39.1 in | 41 in | 5,000 lb | P265/60R18 |
| Touring | 4,658 lb | 199.9 in | 71 in | 113.8 in | 7.3 in | 37.8 ft | 18.5 gal | 39.1 in | 41 in | 5,000 lb | P255/50R20 |
| Touring S | 4,658 lb | 199.9 in | 71 in | 113.8 in | 7.3 in | 37.8 ft | 18.5 gal | 39.1 in | 41 in | 5,000 lb | P255/50R20 |
| Elite | 4,678 lb | 199.9 in | 71 in | 113.8 in | 7.3 in | 37.8 ft | 18.5 gal | 39.1 in | 41 in | 5,000 lb | P255/50R20 |
| Black Edition | 4,678 lb | 199.9 in | 71 in | 113.8 in | 7.3 in | 37.8 ft | 18.5 gal | 39.1 in | 41 in | 5,000 lb | P255/50R20 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Honda Pilot trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Sport | EX-L | TrailSport | Touring | Touring S | Elite | Black Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | Std | – | – | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated windshield | – | – | Std | – | – | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | Std | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | Std | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
4 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50154Pilot AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 | N/A |
| 50155Pilot AWD Touring/Elite/Black | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 19 | 25 | 21 | N/A |
| 50156Pilot AWD TrailSport | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 18 | 23 | 20 | N/A |
| 50113Pilot FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S10) | Regular | 19 | 27 | 22 | N/A |
Direct answers
23 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Pilot come in?
Kelley Blue Book lists 6 trims for the 2026 Honda Pilot (mid-size SUV): Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Touring S, Elite.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q02What are the 2026 Pilot trims?
Kelley Blue Book lists these 6 trims for the 2026 Honda Pilot, in this order: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Touring S, Elite.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Pilot use?
The 2026 Honda Pilot is built around 3.5-liter V6, rated at 285 horsepower across its mid-size SUV body style.
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Pilot?
The 2026 Honda Pilot is offered with AWD.
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 Pilot?
Against the 2025 model year in Kelley Blue Book's rows, Touring S joins the lineup.
Source: Kelley Blue Book model-year information
Q06How many recall campaigns does NHTSA list for the 2026 Honda Pilot?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation records 1 recall campaign for the 2026 Honda Pilot, covering suspension.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall campaigns
Q07How did the 2026 Honda Pilot do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
The 2026 Honda Pilot earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 14.3% to 15.5% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q08What engine oil does the 2026 Honda Pilot take?
The 2026 Honda Pilot owner's manual specifies SAE 0W-20, with an oil-change capacity of 5.8 US quarts. Source: 2026 Honda Pilot owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q09What torque do the 2026 Honda Pilot's wheel nuts need?
The 2026 Honda Pilot owner's manual gives 94 lb-ft as the wheel-nut tightening torque. Source: 2026 Honda Pilot owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q10What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2026 Honda Pilot use?
The 2026 Honda Pilot owner's manual names R-1234yf air-conditioning refrigerant and a CR2032 coin-cell battery in the key fob. Source: 2026 Honda Pilot owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q11How quickly does the 2026 Honda Pilot accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Honda Pilot Elite recorded 7.1 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
Q12What is the 2026 Honda Pilot's top speed?
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Honda Pilot Elite recorded a top speed of 112 mph (governor-limited).
Q13How far does the 2026 Honda Pilot take to stop from 70 mph?
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Honda Pilot Elite recorded a 70-to-0 mph stopping distance of 167 feet.
Q14What colors does the 2026 Honda Pilot come in?
Honda lists 8 exterior colors for the 2026 Honda Pilot: Ash Green Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Radiant Red Metallic II, Smoke Blue Pearl, Solar Silver Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl. Honda charges extra for the premium paints: Platinum White Pearl ($455), Radiant Red Metallic II ($455), Sonic Gray Pearl ($455). Which colors are offered depends on the trim.
Q15What suspension does the 2026 Honda Pilot use?
Front: MacPherson strut. Rear: multi-link.
Q16Did the 2026 Honda Pilot earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award?
IIHS lists the 2026 Honda Pilot as a Top Safety Pick. IIHS states the rating applies to 2023-26 and 2025-26 models, based on a test of the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite 4-door 4wd.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q17How did the 2026 Honda Pilot do in IIHS crash tests?
IIHS rated the 2026 Honda Pilot: Good in the small overlap front test, Acceptable in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2023-26 and 2025-26 models, based on a test of the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q18How much cargo space does the 2026 Honda Pilot Sport 2WD have?
CarBuzz lists 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space for the 2026 Honda Pilot Sport 2WD.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q19What warranty does the 2026 Honda Pilot Sport 2WD come with?
CarBuzz lists the 2026 Honda Pilot Sport 2WD with basic coverage of 36 months or 36,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 60 months or 60,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 60 months with unlimited miles and roadside assistance of 36 months or 36,000 miles.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q20What is the GVWR of the 2026 Honda Pilot Touring 4dr SUV?
CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 5,963 pounds for the 2026 Honda Pilot Touring 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q21What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Honda Pilot Touring 4dr SUV?
CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 1,340 pounds for the 2026 Honda Pilot Touring 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q22How do the 2026 Honda Pilot trims differ from one another?
All 7 trims share the 3.5-liter V6 making 285 hp. The EX-L has front and rear parking sensors, heated mirrors, leather seats and rear parking sensors as standard equipment over the Sport. The TrailSport has heated rear seats, a heated windshield, a panoramic moonroof and 2 more as standard equipment over the EX-L. The Touring has a heated steering wheel, an integrated garage-door opener, leather seats and 2 more as standard equipment over the TrailSport. The Touring S has power-folding mirrors as standard equipment over the Touring. The Elite has heated rear seats, a heated windshield and rain-sensing wipers as standard equipment over the Touring S.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q23What does the 2026 Honda Pilot cost across its trims?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices for the 2026 Honda Pilot run from $43,690 for the Sport to $56,490 for the Black Edition, across 7 trims.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Honda Pilot.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Honda Pilot across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Kelley Blue Book 2026 Honda Pilot specificationsPer-trim specifications and standard and optional equipment
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.