Honda Pilot: Price, Specs, Features & Review
The Honda Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV for families that need real passenger space, useful cargo capacity, strong towing ability, and a practical alternative to a minivan.
For 2026, the Pilot starts from $42,395 MSRP before destination and dealer charges. Every version has a 285-horsepower V6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on lower trims, while Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system is available or standard depending on the trim.
The Pilot is a strong choice for growing families, frequent road-trippers, carpool drivers, and buyers who want seating for up to eight without moving to a full-size SUV. It is roomy, comfortable, well equipped, and capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Its biggest drawbacks are average fuel economy and pricing that climbs quickly on upper trims.
WheelPedia Rating: 8.6/10
The Honda Pilot earns an 8.6/10 WheelPedia Rating. It combines a strong V6 engine, adult-friendly third-row space, excellent maximum cargo room, broad safety equipment, and practical family features.
It loses points for fuel economy, the lack of a hybrid option, and expensive upper trims.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 9.0/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and ownership | 8.5/10 | 15% |
| Performance and driving | 8.5/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and practicality | 9.2/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 7.0/10 | 15% |
| Features and technology | 8.8/10 | 10% |
| Price and value | 8.1/10 | 10% |
| Overall WheelPedia Rating | 8.6/10 | — |
See how we rate cars for the complete methodology.
Key Highlights
- Starts from $42,395 MSRP before destination, taxes, registration, and dealer charges.
- Seven trims: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, and Black Edition.
- Every Pilot uses a 285-hp 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Seats up to eight passengers, depending on trim and seating configuration.
- Available i-VTM4 AWD offers better wet-weather, snow, gravel-road, and towing confidence.
- Maximum towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- Fuel economy reaches up to 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with front-wheel drive.
- Offers up to 113.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, depending on trim.
- Google built-in, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto are standard.
- TrailSport models add all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension, a TrailWatch camera system, and standard AWD.
- The 2026 Honda Pilot is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Honda Pilot |
| Vehicle type | Three-row midsize SUV |
| Seating capacity | 7 or 8 passengers |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or available i-VTM4 AWD |
| Maximum towing capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Best fuel economy | 19 city / 27 highway mpg |
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded |
| Maximum cargo space | Up to 113.7 cu. ft. |
| Length | 199.9 in. |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in. |
| Ground clearance | Up to 8.3 in. |
Expert Tip
The EX-L is the best Honda Pilot trim for most families. It adds leather seating, parking sensors, a removable second-row center seat, a wireless charger, and useful family features without moving into TrailSport or Touring pricing.
About the Honda Pilot
The Pilot is Honda’s largest gas-powered SUV. It sits above the Honda CR-V and Honda Passport and is the right Honda SUV for buyers who need a usable third row.
Unlike the two-row Passport, the Pilot is built around family flexibility. It can carry children, adults, luggage, sports equipment, strollers, and road-trip supplies with less compromise than most compact or midsize SUVs.
The Pilot’s second-row center seat can be removed and stored under the cargo floor on EX-L, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition models. This gives families a choice between eight-passenger seating and easier walk-through access to the third row.
You can review the current Honda Pilot trims and specifications before buying.
Price and Trims
Prices below exclude destination, tax, registration, accessories, premium paint, and dealer pricing.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Best For |
| Sport | $42,395 | Families who want core Pilot space and technology |
| EX-L | $44,695 | Best value for most buyers |
| TrailSport | $50,595 | Families needing AWD and rough-road ability |
| Touring | $51,295 | Road trips, premium comfort, and family technology |
| Touring Blackout | $52,495 | Touring buyers who want darker styling |
| Elite | $53,695 | Maximum comfort and standard AWD |
| Black Edition | $55,195 | Fully equipped styling-focused choice |
Which Honda Pilot Trim Is Best?
- Best value: Pilot EX-L
- Best for off-road use and snow: Pilot TrailSport
- Best for road trips: Pilot Touring
- Best luxury choice: Pilot Elite
- Best fully equipped option: Pilot Black Edition
The Sport is the least expensive way into the Pilot lineup. It still includes Google built-in, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, tri-zone climate control, and a power tailgate.
The EX-L is the best choice for most buyers. It adds leather-trimmed seats, parking sensors, a wireless phone charger, CabinTalk, and the stowable second-row center seat.
The TrailSport is for families who regularly drive in snow, visit campsites, use gravel roads, or want a more rugged appearance. It includes standard AWD, all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension setup, skid plates, heated second-row outboard seats, and the TrailWatch camera system.
The Touring focuses on family comfort and travel. It adds a panoramic moonroof, Bose 12-speaker audio, hands-free tailgate access, navigation features, and a more premium interior experience.
The Elite adds standard AWD, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated second-row outboard seats, rain-sensing wipers, and more premium equipment.
Engine, Performance, and Driving
| Specification | Honda Pilot |
| Engine | 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD or i-VTM4 AWD |
| Maximum towing | 5,000 lbs |
Every Pilot uses the same naturally aspirated V6. It provides confident acceleration for highway merging, passing, carrying a full family, or towing a trailer.
The 10-speed automatic gives the Pilot more direct response than many CVT-equipped crossovers. It shifts smoothly in normal driving and is well suited to mountain roads, loaded family trips, and towing.
The available i-VTM4 AWD system can distribute power between the rear wheels to improve traction. It is useful in rain, snow, loose gravel, muddy driveways, and slippery boat ramps.
The Pilot is not a sporty SUV, but it feels stable and composed for its size. Its large body is noticeable in tight city parking, though the available camera systems and parking sensors help.
Fuel Economy
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
| FWD models | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg |
| AWD models | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 21 mpg |
| TrailSport AWD | 18 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg |
The Pilot’s fuel economy is reasonable for a three-row V6 SUV, but it trails hybrid alternatives.
Buyers who drive high annual mileage should factor fuel costs into their decision. At 12,000 miles per year, a Pilot rated at 21 mpg uses roughly 571 gallons of fuel. A comparable hybrid SUV rated at 35 mpg would use about 343 gallons.
The Pilot uses regular unleaded gasoline.
Interior, Technology, and Comfort
The Pilot has one of the more useful cabins in its class. Its design prioritizes storage, family comfort, simple controls, charging access, and practical seating over flashy styling.
Standard and available features include:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- 10.2-inch digital instrument display
- Google built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wireless Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger on EX-L and above
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Multiple USB-C charging ports
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Heated front seats
- Available ventilated front seats
- Available heated second-row outboard seats
- Available leather-trimmed seating
- Available panoramic moonroof
- Available Bose 12-speaker premium audio
- Available head-up display
- CabinTalk in-car PA system
- Power tailgate
- Available hands-free power tailgate
The Pilot’s third row is more useful than the small occasional-use third rows found in many rivals. Children will be most comfortable there, but adults can use it for shorter trips.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length | 199.9 in. |
| Width | 78.5 in. |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in. |
| Seating | 7 or 8 passengers |
| Maximum cargo space | Up to 113.7 cu. ft. |
Cargo capacity varies by trim and seating configuration.
| Cargo Measurement | Honda Pilot |
| Behind third row | Up to about 22.4 cu. ft. |
| Behind second row | Up to about 60.1 cu. ft. |
| Maximum cargo volume | Up to 113.7 cu. ft. |
The Pilot is well suited to family life because it offers a broad cargo floor, easy-folding seats, deep storage areas, many cupholders, and a useful hidden cargo compartment.
The third row folds flat, helping the Pilot handle airport luggage, grocery runs, sports equipment, strollers, pet crates, and home-improvement supplies. Buyers who do not need a third row may prefer the larger cargo area and simpler two-row layout of the Honda Passport.
Towing Capacity
| Configuration | Maximum Towing Capacity |
| FWD Pilot | Up to 3,500 lbs |
| AWD Pilot | Up to 5,000 lbs |
An AWD Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That is enough for many midsize boats, compact campers, utility trailers, and small enclosed trailers.
Buyers should also account for payload, tongue weight, trailer brakes, hitch equipment, passenger weight, and cargo weight. Reaching the advertised towing maximum does not mean every trailer setup is suitable.
TrailSport Off-Road Capability
The Pilot TrailSport is the best choice for buyers who want more than standard crossover capability.
TrailSport equipment includes:
- Standard i-VTM4 AWD
- All-terrain tires
- Off-road-tuned suspension
- Steel skid plates
- Increased ground clearance
- TrailWatch camera system
- Trail drive mode
- Hill Descent Control
- Heated second-row outboard seats
- Durable synthetic-leather upholstery
The TrailSport can handle dirt roads, snow, forest tracks, campgrounds, and uneven surfaces more confidently than a normal Pilot. It is not designed for serious rock crawling or extreme off-road trails.
Safety Features and Ratings
Every Pilot includes Honda Sensing and a wide set of driver-assistance features:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Automatic high beams
- Blind-spot information system
- Rear cross-traffic monitor
- Rearview camera
- Driver Attention Monitor
- Rear-seat reminder
- Vehicle Stability Assist and traction control
- Front, side, knee, and side-curtain airbags
- LATCH child-seat anchors
The 2026 Honda Pilot is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It received Good ratings in the small-overlap front, updated side, headlight, pedestrian front crash-prevention, and LATCH evaluations. Its updated moderate-overlap front result is acceptable.
See the current IIHS Honda Pilot ratings.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The Pilot uses a conventional V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. This familiar setup may appeal to families who want to avoid the complexity of a turbocharged engine, plug-in hybrid system, or full EV.
Honda has a large dealer network and broad parts availability, which are meaningful ownership advantages. As with any vehicle, owners should follow the maintenance schedule and check recalls by VIN number.
| Coverage | Length |
| New vehicle limited warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Rust perforation warranty | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Honda Service Pass maintenance | 1 year / 12,000 miles |
For a used Pilot, check service records, tires, brakes, transmission behavior, infotainment functions, third-row operation, towing hardware, AWD operation, and open recalls.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Spacious three-row seating
- Strong 285-hp V6 engine
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity
- Excellent maximum cargo room
- Available all-wheel drive
- Useful third row for families
- Google built-in is standard
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Practical removable second-row center seat
- TrailSport has real rough-road capability
- Broad standard safety package
- IIHS Top Safety Pick status
What We Don’t Like
- No hybrid or plug-in hybrid option
- Fuel economy is average
- Upper trims get expensive quickly
- Large size can be difficult in tight parking areas
- Third row is better for children than adults on long trips
- TrailSport has lower fuel economy
- No dedicated off-road low-range system
- Some buyers may find a minivan more practical
Competitors
The Pilot is one of the best-rounded family SUVs, but alternatives may make more sense depending on your priorities.
- The Kia Telluride is a strong option for buyers focused on premium-style features and interior design.
- The Hyundai Palisade offers comfort, useful technology, and a family-friendly cabin.
- The Toyota Grand Highlander is worth considering for buyers who want hybrid availability and a roomy third row.
- The Volkswagen Atlas has a spacious cabin and a particularly adult-friendly third row.
- The Kia EV9 is a strong alternative for buyers who want a fully electric three-row SUV.
Related Content
The Honda Passport is the better option if you do not need a third row and want a more adventure-oriented two-row SUV.
Read how car financing works before shopping, and consider getting car loan preapproval before visiting a dealership.
You can also browse all Honda models.
Should You Buy the Honda Pilot?
Buy the Honda Pilot if you need a practical three-row SUV with a strong V6, usable cargo space, broad safety equipment, and enough capability to tow a boat, camper, or utility trailer.
Choose the EX-L if you want the best mix of price, comfort, and family features.
Choose the TrailSport if you regularly drive in snow, use rough roads, visit campsites, or want standard AWD with extra protection.
Choose the Touring if road-trip comfort, Bose audio, a panoramic moonroof, and family technology matter most.
Choose the Elite or Black Edition only if you value premium equipment, ventilated seats, a head-up display, and standard AWD enough to justify the higher price.
Skip the Pilot if you rarely use a third row, want hybrid fuel economy, need a smaller SUV for dense city driving, or prefer the sliding doors and maximum space efficiency of a minivan.
FAQs
How much does the Honda Pilot cost?
The 2026 Honda Pilot starts from $42,395 MSRP for the Sport. The Black Edition starts from $55,195 before destination, taxes, options, and dealer pricing.
How many people can the Honda Pilot seat?
The Honda Pilot seats up to eight passengers. Some upper trims use second-row captain’s chairs and seat seven.
Does the Honda Pilot have all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive is available on several trims and standard on TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition models.
How much can the Honda Pilot tow?
A properly equipped AWD Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Front-wheel-drive versions can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Does the Honda Pilot have a third row?
Yes. Every Honda Pilot has three rows of seating.
What fuel economy does the Honda Pilot get?
Front-wheel-drive Pilot models are rated at up to 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. AWD models are rated at up to 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Does the Honda Pilot require premium gasoline?
No. The Honda Pilot uses regular unleaded gasoline.
How much cargo space does the Honda Pilot have?
Depending on trim, the Pilot offers up to 113.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded.
Is the Honda Pilot good for off-roading?
The Pilot TrailSport is good for snow, dirt roads, camping trips, gravel, and moderate trails. It is not built for extreme off-road driving.
Is the Honda Pilot safe?
Yes. The Pilot has a broad standard safety package and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2026.
Final Verdict
The Honda Pilot is one of the strongest choices for families that need three rows without moving into a truck-based full-size SUV.
Its V6 engine, useful cargo room, available AWD, towing strength, safety equipment, and practical cabin make it a dependable all-purpose family vehicle. The EX-L is the best value for most buyers, while the TrailSport is the better choice for snow, camping, and rough-road travel.
Its fuel economy is not a standout, and higher trims are expensive. But for families that prioritize space, flexibility, and everyday capability, the Honda Pilot remains an easy SUV to recommend.
Prices, specifications, fuel-economy ratings, safety ratings, warranties, and feature availability can change by trim, model year, and market.