​​Cars.com Weighs In on the 2026 Honda Pilot​ 

It’s hard to believe, but the Pilot three-row crossover has been a pivotal part of Honda’s North American lineup for nearly a quarter-century. While plenty has changed in those 24 years – including the Pilot itself, which was dramatically overhauled three years ago – the crossover continues to gain praise at being an incredibly well-rounded vehicle, as the editors at Cars.com recently found after spending some time behind the wheel of the 2026 Honda Pilot. 

The 2026 Pilot, which is built in Alabama alongside the Passport, Ridgeline and Oddysey, still looks and feels fresh, no doubt thanks to a few small improvements made for the 2026 model year. Today’s Pilot boasts some revised styling cues up front, while also gaining additional sound deadening and a retuned power steering system, both designed to improve the Pilot’s already refined feel. 

The most obvious changes are in the cabin. All 2026 Pilot models gain an enlarged 10.3-inch digital driver’s display and a bigger 12.3-inch center touchscreen infotainment system as standard equipment, replacing the 7-inch and 9-inch screens of previous models. The infotainment utilizes the Google Built-in operating system and provides standard on-board Google Maps and the very effective Google Assistant voice command system, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.  

That tech upgrade is applied to the existing Pilot interior design, a move Cars.com notes as “…fine by us. Already one of the more spacious, nicely finished, and ergonomic cabins in the class, the new infotainment system makes [Pilot] an even better place to spend time.” 

Pilot’s upgraded steering won’t make you feel like you are piloting a Civic Type-R, but it does provide that additional sporty feel expected of anything with a Honda badge. Cars.com describes it as such: “…the Pilot is an easy and perfectly pleasant three-row SUV to drive, with composed road manners and good body control.” 

Cars.com editors continue to appreciate the smoothness of Pilot’s standard 3.5-liter V-6, especially as many midsize crossover competitors increasingly turn to turbocharged four-cylinder engines in pursuit of improved fuel economy. That pivot reduces fuel consumption but sheds the linear and unstressed feeling of a larger-displacement engine. Pilot’s ten-speed automatic further adds to its refined feeling, harnessing the engine’s 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque with little drama before sending the power to the front or all four wheels. The additional sound deadening further reinforces the impression that the vehicle moves you around by some distant, silent force. 

 The Pilot’s EPA rating of 19/27 MPG city/ highway* for front-wheel drive and 19/25 MPG city/ highway* for all-wheel drive models (excluding TrailSport) is commendable. While Honda has experience in engineering excellent hybrid systems, including that in the 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid, the automaker has not announced plans to offer a similar option in the Pilot. 

Like many other three-row midsize crossovers, larger passengers may find the third-row seat somewhat limited on space. While the Pilot makes access and egress easy enough, even for adults, second-row passengers are given an additional eight inches of legroom, which may better suit taller individuals. 

 The 2026 Honda Pilot remains a well-rounded, high-quality offering – exactly what you expect of a Honda. If you’re looking for such a vehicle for your family, come see it for yourself and  test-drive the Honda Pilot at Michael Hohl Honda. 

* Fuel-Economy Ratings: 19 city/27 highway/22 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg rating for non-TrailSport AWD trims. 18 city/23 highway/20 combined mpg rating for TrailSport. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.