The Honda brand presented an update to its Pilot SUV for 2026, revealing a new design, more modern technology, and additional safety features.
While the external appearance has not drastically changed compared to the current Pilot, the front grille has grown in size and is more squared than before, giving the SUV a more aggressive look.
The front bumper is also more robust, with a large rectangular section that encompasses the lower air intake and forms a kind of chin, flanked by ducts oriented more vertically and fog lights at the outer edges.
These changes aim to give Pilot drivers a taste of an off-road vehicle, with a look similar to the Pilot TrailSport, with the main difference being the gray finish on the front grille of the TrailSport.
In the EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite trims, the bumper is silver, while in the Sport and Black Edition trims, it is painted black. Speaking of paint, the 2026 Pilot update introduces two new colors to the palette: Solar Silver Metallic and Smoke Blue Pearl.
Inside, the Pilot gets a larger 12.3-inch screen as standard across the entire range. The 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, previously exclusive to the Elite and Black Edition trims, will now be available on all Pilot models.
The TrailSport trim now features heated rear outboard seats, along with a new brown leather upholstery option with orange stitching.
The new 20-inch Shark Gray wheels are offered on the Touring and Elite trims, with the latter also receiving Ultra-Suede seat details with diamond stitching.
The same suede details are also present in the Black Edition, which adds new 20-inch Berlina Black wheels.
The Touring trim also introduces a new interior look, with high-contrast seat details, stitching on the door panels, and a new brown leather option, in addition to the arrival of a 360° camera that was previously exclusive to the Elite and Black Edition trims.
Under the hood, the 3.5-liter V-6 engine remains unchanged, still producing 285 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
For 2026, Honda promises that the cabin will be quieter, thanks to new untinted door glass, as well as additional insulation in the doors and hood.
The manufacturer also stated that the driving experience has been enhanced due to a recalibrated electric steering system, with more weight at the center.
Honda has also introduced a post-collision braking system on all models, which helps the SUV stop in the event of an accident.
The new Pilot is expected to arrive at Honda dealerships next month. While the manufacturer has not yet released prices, an increase is expected from the base price of $41,695 for the 2025 version.
Photos: Honda. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
