2026 Honda Pilot Review: The 3-Row SUV Built for Real Life in Arizona

The 2026 Honda Pilot occupies a useful middle ground in the SUV world.

It gives families three rows, seating for up to eight, substantial cargo room, a standard V6, available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and as much as 5,000 pounds of towing—without stepping all the way up to a full-size SUV.

For drivers throughout Western Arizona, that can be a particularly practical combination.

A Pilot can handle school runs and errands during the week, carry a larger family on a road trip, tow recreational equipment on the weekend, or tackle rougher access roads when properly equipped.

Within Anderson Auto Group, new Honda vehicles are available through Anderson Honda in Kingman, Arizona, giving shoppers from Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, Parker, and the surrounding Colorado River region access to Honda’s three-row SUV while still being able to compare alternatives throughout the Anderson dealership network.

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What’s New for the 2026 Honda Pilot?

The 2026 Pilot receives considerably more than a minor model-year update.

Honda refreshed the SUV inside and out with changes including:

• Redesigned front fascia and larger grille
• Standard 12.3-inch HD touchscreen
• Standard 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• Standard wireless Apple CarPlay®
• Standard wireless Android Auto™
• Google built-in
• 5G Wi-Fi capability
• Standard power tailgate
• Retuned steering for improved feel and highway stability
• Additional sound insulation for a quieter cabin
• Post-Collision Braking system
• New Solar Silver Metallic and Smoke Blue Pearl colors

Honda says cabin noise was reduced by approximately 2 to 3 decibels in key frequencies through changes such as additional door, hood, glass, and sound-insulation treatments.

That matters in a family SUV because the Pilot’s mission often involves several passengers and long stretches of highway travel.

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2026 Honda Pilot Lineup

Honda’s core 2026 Pilot lineup consists of:

• Sport
• EX-L
• TrailSport
• Touring
• Elite
• Black Edition

Honda’s current consumer configurator also lists a Touring Blackout configuration, which builds on the Touring formula with black wheels, black Honda badging, and additional dark exterior detailing.

Unlike SUVs that change engines dramatically as you move through the lineup, every Pilot shares the same basic V6 powertrain.

The major differences involve drivetrain, seating configuration, off-road hardware, comfort, technology, and styling.

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3.5L V6: 285 Horsepower

Every 2026 Pilot uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter DOHC V6.

Honda rates it at:

• 285 horsepower
• 262 lb-ft of torque

A Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission handles shifting.

That V6 gives the Pilot a different personality from many newer three-row SUVs that rely on turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

The Pilot is not intended to be a high-performance SUV, but 285 horsepower provides useful passing power and enough strength to move a full cabin of passengers or pull an appropriately sized trailer.

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Front-Wheel Drive or i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive?

Sport and EX-L are available in front-wheel-drive and AWD configurations.

Higher grades increasingly center around Honda’s second-generation i-VTM4® torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system.

Honda says i-VTM4 can send up to 70% of available engine torque to the rear axle.

From there, the system can direct as much as 100% of that rear-axle torque to either rear wheel.

That is important because this is not simply an AWD system that waits for the front tires to slip.

Torque distribution can also be used during cornering to help the Pilot rotate more naturally through a turn.

For Western Arizona drivers, AWD may be particularly useful when the vehicle regularly encounters:

• Loose surfaces
• Dirt access roads
• Rain
• Higher-elevation winter travel
• Boat ramps
• Camping areas
• Uneven recreational access roads

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Up to 5,000 Pounds of Towing

Towing capability depends on drivetrain.

• 2WD Pilot: up to 3,500 lbs
• AWD Pilot: up to 5,000 lbs

Both figures require the appropriate accessory towing equipment.

A properly equipped AWD Pilot can therefore handle certain:

• Boats
• Utility trailers
• Small campers
• Personal watercraft trailers
• ATV or side-by-side trailers
• Other recreational loads

That can be especially relevant around Lake Havasu, Parker, Bullhead City, and other Colorado River communities where boating and recreational trailering are common.

Always verify the actual Pilot’s configuration and account for trailer weight, tongue weight, passengers, cargo, hitch equipment, and accessories before towing.

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Five Standard Drive Modes

Every Pilot includes several selectable drive modes:

• Normal
• Econ
• Snow
• Sport
• Tow

Applicable AWD EX-L and higher configurations also add:

• Sand
• Trail

Hill Descent Control is standard across the Pilot lineup.

The drive modes adjust vehicle systems for different conditions, but they do not change the basic limits of the SUV or eliminate the need to evaluate terrain and traction carefully.

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2026 Pilot Fuel Economy

EPA estimates vary primarily by drivetrain and TrailSport equipment.

2WD Pilot

• 19 mpg city
• 27 mpg highway
• 22 mpg combined

Non-TrailSport AWD Pilot

• 19 mpg city
• 25 mpg highway
• 21 mpg combined

Pilot TrailSport

• 18 mpg city
• 23 mpg highway
• 20 mpg combined

TrailSport’s all-terrain tires, higher ride height, AWD hardware, and off-road equipment naturally come with a fuel-economy tradeoff.

Actual mileage will vary with load, temperature, speed, road conditions, towing, maintenance, and driving habits.

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Up to Eight Seats—or Seven in TrailSport

Most 2026 Pilot grades can carry up to eight passengers.

The exception is TrailSport, which uses standard second-row captain’s chairs and seats seven.

One of the smartest features on EX-L, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition is Honda’s removable second-row center seat.

That lets owners switch between:

• An eight-passenger bench-style arrangement
• A captain’s-chair-style center walkway

when the vehicle is appropriately equipped.

The removed center section can be stored in a dedicated compartment beneath the rear cargo floor.

For families, that can be much more useful than permanently choosing between a bench seat and captain’s chairs when buying the SUV.

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Three Rows Without Giving Up the Entire Cargo Area

Honda lists standard cargo volume of approximately:

• 18.6 cu. ft. behind the third row
• 48.5 cu. ft. behind the second row
• 87.0 cu. ft. behind the first row

Honda also publishes larger maximum measurements when available floor space and adjustable seat positions are included, reaching above 110 cubic feet in certain configurations.

The important real-world point is that Pilot remains useful even with all three rows installed.

Families can use the space for:

• Groceries
• Strollers
• Sports equipment
• School bags
• Camping gear
• Luggage
• Coolers
• Pet supplies

Fold the second and third rows and the Pilot becomes much more useful for larger cargo.

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Technology Is One of the Biggest 2026 Improvements

The previous Pilot’s smaller display was one of the most obvious areas where the interior could feel conservative.

Honda addressed that directly for 2026.

Every Pilot now includes:

• 12.3-inch HD center touchscreen
• 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Google built-in
• 5G Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• USB-C connectivity
• HondaLink®
• CabinTalk® in-car PA system

Most higher grades also include wireless phone charging.

Touring, Elite, and Black Edition add a Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system.

For a three-row family vehicle, technology like CabinTalk can be more useful than it sounds because the driver can communicate with passengers in the rear rows without turning around.

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2026 Pilot Sport — A Surprisingly Complete Starting Point

The Sport is the entry point into the Pilot lineup, but Honda added enough standard equipment for 2026 that it no longer feels especially basic.

Highlights include:

• 285-hp V6
• 10-speed automatic
• Available AWD
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• 10.2-inch digital cluster
• Google built-in
• Heated front seats
• Power tailgate
• Roof rails
• Honda Sensing
• Eight-passenger seating

Best for: families who want Pilot size, V6 power, and current technology without paying primarily for leather, panoramic glass, or premium audio.

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2026 Pilot EX-L — The Family Sweet Spot

The EX-L takes the practical Pilot formula and adds several features that matter in everyday family use.

Highlights include:

• Leather-trimmed seating
• Available AWD
• Removable second-row center seat
• Integrated rear-door sunshades
• Parking sensors
• Wireless phone charging
• Memory driver’s seat
• Heated mirrors
• Additional third-row USB charging
• CabinTalk

Best for: households that want leather, more family convenience, and flexible second-row seating without moving to Touring.

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2026 Pilot TrailSport — Actual Off-Road Hardware

The TrailSport is where Pilot becomes substantially different from the typical family crossover.

This is not simply an appearance package.

TrailSport includes:

• Standard i-VTM4 AWD
• Raised off-road-tuned suspension
• 8.3 inches of ground clearance
• 18-inch wheels
• 265/60R18 rugged-terrain tires
• Full-size spare tire
• Steel underbody skid plates
• Integrated recovery points
• Trail Torque Logic
• Trail mode
• Sand mode
• TrailWatch™ camera system
• Heated windshield
• Heated second-row outboard seats for 2026

Honda specifically tunes the suspension springs, dampers, and stabilizer bars for off-road use.

The steel skid plates protect areas including the engine, transmission, and fuel tank.

TrailSport also uses seven-passenger seating with standard second-row captain’s chairs.

Best for: families that actually use dirt roads, campsites, rough access routes, and appropriate off-road terrain but still need a comfortable three-row vehicle during the week.

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TrailSport’s AWD System Does More Than Add Traction

TrailSport uses Honda’s Trail Torque Logic in conjunction with i-VTM4.

When uneven terrain causes a rear tire to lose contact with the ground, the system can manage engine torque and braking to direct more usable drive force toward the wheel with traction.

Honda says as much as 75% of available power can be routed toward the rear wheel with the most grip under certain trail conditions.

That type of torque management is more meaningful on rough terrain than simply having an AWD badge on the liftgate.

The system still has limits, and Pilot TrailSport remains a three-row unibody SUV rather than a dedicated rock crawler.

But it is substantially more trail-capable than an ordinary Pilot equipped only with road tires.

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TrailWatch Helps You See What the Hood Hides

TrailSport’s TrailWatch camera system uses exterior cameras to show terrain that may be difficult to see directly from the driver’s seat.

At lower speeds in Trail mode, the forward view can automatically display to help the driver judge:

• Ruts
• Rocks
• Trail edges
• Blind crests
• Other nearby obstacles

The cameras assist visibility but do not replace careful route selection or an attentive driver.

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A New 2026 Tool for TrailSport Owners: Honda Trail Experience

Honda added another unusual feature for TrailSport owners during 2026: the Honda Trail Experience, or HTX, app.

The app was developed by Honda engineers for owners of current TrailSport SUVs, including the 2026 Pilot TrailSport.

It can provide real-time vehicle and off-road data and can help drivers create videos incorporating vehicle and map information from an off-road trip.

The app does not make an unsafe or closed trail appropriate for travel.

Drivers should always verify land-use rules, route conditions, weather, vehicle clearance, and personal experience before heading off pavement.

But it is another example of Honda treating TrailSport as more than a styling exercise.

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2026 Pilot Touring — Built for Long-Distance Family Travel

The Touring shifts the Pilot toward comfort and road-trip convenience.

Equipment includes:

• Standard AWD
• Panoramic moonroof
• Leather-trimmed seating
• Heated first- and second-row seating
• Bose 12-speaker premium audio
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Removable second-row center seat
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• 360-degree Multiview Camera System
• Additional acoustic glass and noise insulation

The surround-view camera is newly standard on Touring for 2026.

Best for: families who spend substantial time on the highway and prioritize panoramic glass, premium audio, cameras, quieter road manners, and convenience.

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2026 Pilot Touring Blackout — Touring With a Darker Look

Honda’s current 2026 configurator also lists a Touring Blackout configuration.

It retains Touring’s major comfort and technology features while adding styling elements such as:

• 20-inch black alloy wheels
• Black Honda badging
• Black wheel lug nuts
• Panoramic moonroof
• Bose premium audio
• Multiview Camera System with TrailWatch

Best for: shoppers who like Touring’s equipment but prefer the appearance of Honda’s blackout styling.

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2026 Pilot Elite — Premium Without the Blacked-Out Look

The Elite adds several of the Pilot’s most premium comfort and convenience features.

Highlights include:

• Standard AWD
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated outboard second-row seats
• Perforated leather seating with Ultrasuede® accents
• Head-Up Display
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Panoramic moonroof
• 360-degree camera system
• Bose premium audio
• 20-inch wheels

Best for: families wanting most of the Pilot’s luxury equipment without the Black Edition’s appearance treatment.

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2026 Pilot Black Edition — The Appearance Flagship

The Black Edition combines Elite-level equipment with its own exterior and interior styling.

Features include:

• Standard AWD
• Berlina Black 20-inch wheels
• Gloss-black exterior trim
• Black Edition badging
• Premium leather and Ultrasuede interior
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row seats
• Head-Up Display
• Panoramic moonroof
• Bose premium audio

Best for: buyers who want the most comprehensively equipped Pilot combined with Honda’s darkest appearance theme.

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Quick “Which Pilot Should I Get?” Guide

• Best straightforward value: Sport
• Best family/equipment balance: EX-L
• Best for genuine off-pavement use: TrailSport
• Best long-distance family trim: Touring
• Best Touring appearance package: Touring Blackout
• Best luxury-focused choice: Elite
• Best blacked-out premium choice: Black Edition
• Best for eight passengers: Sport or a configuration with the removable second-row center seat
• Best for permanent captain’s chairs: TrailSport
• Best maximum towing: an appropriately equipped AWD Pilot

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Honda Sensing Comes Standard

Every Pilot includes the Honda Sensing® suite of driver-assistance technologies.

Systems include:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™
• Forward Collision Warning
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitor

For 2026, Honda also adds Post-Collision Braking.

The system is designed to help reduce secondary movement after certain collisions by applying braking when appropriate.

Driver-assistance technology has limitations and does not replace an attentive driver.

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2026 Pilot Earns an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety currently identifies the 2026 Honda Pilot as an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK.

The Pilot earned Good ratings in areas including:

• Small-overlap front crashworthiness
• Updated side crashworthiness
• Headlight performance
• Pedestrian front-crash prevention

Its updated moderate-overlap front evaluation is rated Acceptable.

An award or crash-test rating cannot guarantee the outcome of any real collision, but independent testing provides useful additional context when comparing family vehicles.

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Pilot or Passport?

Honda shoppers may naturally compare Pilot with the two-row Honda Passport.

Choose the Pilot if you prioritize:

• Three rows
• Seven- or eight-passenger capacity
• Greater family flexibility
• A removable second-row center seat on applicable trims

Consider the Passport if you know you do not need a third row and would rather concentrate the vehicle’s passenger and cargo packaging around five occupants.

Both are available with Honda TrailSport hardware, but their cabin missions are different.

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Pilot or a Full-Size SUV?

The Pilot can also be a useful alternative for shoppers who assume they need something much larger.

A full-size SUV may make more sense if you regularly need:

• More towing capacity than 5,000 pounds
• A larger third row
• More space behind all three rows
• Heavy trailer capability
• Truck-style body-on-frame construction

But those capabilities come with additional exterior size, weight, fuel consumption, and often purchase cost.

If an eight-passenger cabin, 5,000-pound AWD tow rating, and Pilot’s cargo capacity comfortably cover your needs, moving to a full-size SUV may mean carrying around considerably more vehicle every day.

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Comparing Three-Row SUVs Across Anderson Auto Group

The corporate Anderson Auto site gives shoppers an opportunity to look beyond a single manufacturer’s trim ladder.

Across Anderson Auto Group’s brands, regional shoppers may also encounter three-row SUVs such as:

• Ford Explorer
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Toyota Grand Highlander
• Jeep Grand Cherokee L
• larger SUVs such as the Nissan Armada, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Chevrolet Tahoe

The Pilot makes a particularly strong case when your priorities include:

• A standard naturally aspirated V6
• Seven- or eight-passenger flexibility
• Available torque-vectoring AWD
• 5,000-pound AWD towing
• A removable second-row center seat
• A genuine TrailSport off-road configuration
• Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and Google built-in

Another SUV may make more sense if hybrid fuel economy, greater towing capacity, different off-road hardware, or substantially more overall size is the bigger priority.

That is why a group-wide comparison can be more useful than treating one model as automatically right for every family.

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Why the Pilot Works Across Western Arizona

Western Arizona asks a family vehicle to perform several very different jobs.

A Pilot might spend one week:

• Handling school and work trips around Kingman
• Driving Interstate 40
• Heading to Lake Havasu City with family and gear
• Traveling through Bullhead City
• Making a Colorado River weekend trip
• Towing a small recreational trailer
• Taking a longer highway trip into Nevada
• Traveling into higher-elevation parts of Arizona

A front-wheel-drive Pilot may be perfectly adequate for households whose driving stays mostly on pavement.

AWD adds traction and increases maximum towing capability.

TrailSport goes another step with real off-road suspension, tires, protection, ground clearance, and camera technology.

The key is matching the configuration to how the SUV will actually be used.

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Pilot Is Designed, Developed, and Built in America

The Pilot also has an interesting engineering and manufacturing story.

Honda says the current Pilot was:

• Designed in California
• Developed in Ohio
• Built in Lincoln, Alabama

The Alabama plant is the Pilot’s exclusive production location.

Honda says more than 2.5 million Pilots have been produced there since 2006.

The same Alabama operation also produces other Honda light trucks, including Passport, Odyssey, and Ridgeline, along with their V6 engines.

That gives Pilot a substantial U.S. design, engineering, manufacturing, and powertrain-development footprint rather than simply being an imported SUV adapted for American families.

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The 2026 Pilot Bottom Line

The Pilot’s appeal comes from how many family-SUV jobs it can cover without becoming excessively specialized.

Every model gives you:

• 285-hp V6
• 10-speed automatic
• Three rows
• Modern Honda Sensing technology
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• 10.2-inch digital cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Google built-in
• Power tailgate

Then the lineup lets you decide what matters next.

Sport prioritizes value.

EX-L adds family comfort.

TrailSport adds meaningful off-road capability.

Touring focuses on road trips and technology.

Elite moves toward luxury.

Black Edition adds the most dramatic appearance treatment.

For a Western Arizona household that needs three rows but does not automatically need the size or towing capability of a full-size SUV, the 2026 Pilot is one of the more balanced choices available through Anderson Auto Group.

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Shop Honda Pilot Through Anderson Auto Group

New Honda vehicles within Anderson Auto Group are available through Anderson Honda in Kingman, Arizona.

Compare current Pilot trims, seating configurations, AWD availability, TrailSport equipment, colors, and towing capability—or return to Anderson Auto Group to compare other three-row SUVs across the group’s Western Arizona dealerships.

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