I spent a week driving the 2026 Honda Pilot for USA TODAY Cars. The Pilot is an affordable midsize three-row SUVthat's designed for families and large groups of passengers.
Honda's new Pilot SUV is powerful, practical and capable. It's fun to drive thanks to its strong power output and has plenty of cabin and cargo space.
Here's what I learned from spending a week with the 2026 Honda Pilot Elite.
What stands out about the 2026 Honda Pilot?
The first thing that stands out about the 2026 Honda Pilot behind the wheel is its engaging driving dynamics. Its standard V6 engine is responsive, and the midsize SUV gets solid gas mileage on the highway.
The Pilot's interior is comfy, especially in upper trims like the Elite. I'm a sedan owner and midsize SUVs can feel large and clumsy in comparison,
but the Pilot has a smooth ride quality, precise turning and it was easy to park with its backup camera and parking sensors.
Honda's midsize three-row SUV is a strong value and ideal for driving enthusiasts who want an SUV that isn't boring but also has plenty of passenger and cargo space.
Performance, handling and efficiency: How does it drive?
The 2026 Honda Pilot is enjoyable to drive and accelerates well for its size. Its handling is sufficient for its segment. The Pilot's fuel economy numbers aren't spectacular, but the SUV is no gas guzzler either.
The Japanese three-row family SUV uses a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its base engine is refreshing, since many automakers are opting for turbocharged four-cylinder engines in midsize SUVs.
Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available for better traction. It achieves 19 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
Interior, tech and comfort: What's it like inside?
The Pilot's cabin is refined and sophisticated for a mainstream model. Its interior is uncluttered and roomy.
Every Pilot features a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The SUV has a pleasant mix of touchscreen controls and physical buttons and knobs. Its tech feels modern, but not so advanced that it deviates from Honda's tried and true interior design language.
Will the 2026 Honda Pilot fit your lifestyle?
The 2026 Pilot is 200.1 inches long, 78.5 inches wide (without mirrors) and 71.0 inches tall. It can seat up to eight passengers.
Honda's midsize three-row SUV has 22.4 cubic feet of storage space behind its third row. It has up to 60.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats.
The Pilot has a roomy cabin and cargo area, making it a great choice for large families. It's spacious enough for long drives and road trips. The second row has plenty of legroom (40.8 inches), but the third row is best-suited for smaller passengers (32.5 inches of legroom).
Price, value and competitors: Is the 2026 Honda Pilot worth buying?
The 2026 Honda Pilot starts at $42,395. It comes in seven trims, including the Elite trim that I tested for a week.
2026 Honda Pilot trims
- Pilot Sport: $42,395
- Pilot EX-L: $44,695
- Pilot TrailSport: $50,595
- Pilot Touring: $51,295
- Pilot Touring Blackout: $52,495
- Pilot Elite: $53,695
- Pilot Black Edition: $55,195
The Pilot has an affordable starting price. Its Elite trim comes standard with features like a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats and a seven-mode drive system including modes like Trail and Sand.
The 2026 Honda Pilot competes against rivals like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Kia Telluride. It has the most powerful base engine of the three models and the most maximum cargo volume. The Grand Highlander has the roomiest third row of the three family SUVs and the Telluride is the best in terms of cabin quality, standard tech and features.
Final verdict: Who should buy the 2026 Honda Pilot?
If you're looking for an affordable midsize three-row SUV with a powerful engine and a roomy interior, the 2026 Honda Pilot is worth consideration. After driving it, I would opt for the EX-L trim ($44,695) because it doesn't break the bank and adds great features like parking sensors and leather-trimmed seats.
The 2026 Honda Pilot isn't the undisputed best in its segment, but it has a strong value proposition, especially for fans of the Honda brand. If you're looking for the best all-around midsize three-row SUV on the market, the 2027 Kia Telluride takes the title as a more affordable model with more standard tech, features and a unique exterior and interior design.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I drove the 2026 Honda Pilot. Here's who should consider buying it
