Every family could use a Honda Pilot. Well, really, a Honda Odyssey - or any minivan - but I know the stigma of sliding doors is real. For those who can’t handle the idea of driving a minivan (this is ludicrous if you have children BTW), get a load of Honda’s Pilot. Everything about it is nice, comfortable, and intuitive.
An Embrace Of The Familiar
Even if your daily driver isn’t a Honda - mine’s not - the Pilot is an easy-going embrace of familiarity. Its styling doesn’t stand out in the herds of North American crossovers roaming every single road and highway from New Hampshire to California. But that’s okay, because the Pilot nails the family roaming design brief so well.
Cabin Flex
Seats for 8 come standard on this 3-row crossover, as does all the family-oriented flexibility you can handle. Middle seats flip up and out of the way for third-row access with the touch of a button. You can remove the center seat from the second row and stow it in the purpose-built cargo bay underfloor bin.
All seats recline. Child seat anchors are included all the way across the second row, and you can fold everything flat for Home Depot runs. I’m sure I missed something, but you get the idea. Now, I spent time piloting a Pilot done up in Elite trim, which confers a certain distinction that comes with dropping 55 large on your family rig.
$44,000 To Start
You can get into the 2026 Pilot for $43,890, and that Sport model is very nicely outfitted. But with the Elite, you’ll enjoy a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rears, perforated leather with a swath of suede, and a head-up display.
If you don’t need the frills, a Pilot Sport still gets niceties like heated front seats and, crucially, CabinTalk. This favorite tech of parents enables Wizard of Oz-like commands to be routed through the audio system from the driver’s seat. Thank you Honda for keeping it a one-way PA system.
Love That Honda V6…
Regardless of where you net out on the Pilot trim tree, the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 comes with it. This engine is sewing-machine smooth, responsive, and has the kind of growl you won’t find on the boosted four-pots more typical of this segment. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy for AWD Pilots isn’t great at 21 mpg, but I did hit that exact figure in mixed driving, and it runs on regular, which is nice.
…But Would Love A Hybrid Even More
It’s too bad Honda didn’t roll out a hybrid powertrain for the Pilot as part of its 2026 refresh, though the internet rumor mill is alive with hope on this front. That said, there is a high degree of improvement over last year’s model. The front grill is embiggened, lending the Pilot a more squared-off countenance. The steering has been retuned for better on-center feel, and a host of updates aimed at improving cabin NVH - increased sound deadening, new semi-tempered door glass, and a variety of new insulators - do just that
It all works from a driving perspective. I was impressed at the isolation over harsh roads and wicked potholes leftover from a frigid winter here in New Hampshire. Did I mention that V6 growl? From the driver’s seat, there is a sense of cabin airiness, thanks to large windows and the panoramic moonroof on this Elite model. It feels ready to happily tote around an army of kids, probably just as Honda intended.
Bigger Screens Than Ever
Screenophiles will be thrilled to learn that Honda has dramatically upgraded the digital real estate in the 2026 Pilot. Previously, a 7” infotainment touchscreen and matching-sized gauge cluster were standard fare. Now, you’re looking at a 12” central display and a 10” instrument panel. Neat. Oddly, the big middle screen appears to be canted away from the driver. It’s not, but the straight-on angle results in this optical illusion.
Is The 2026 Honda Pilot Worth A Look?
On the whole, the 2026 Honda Pilot is a well-rounded family transportation pod. AWD models can tow 5,000 pounds (versus 3,500 in FWD-guise), and the 8.3” of ground clearance on TrailSport variants (1” more than standard) should make weekend off-road warriors happy. Pour moi, the Pilot Sport is where it’s at.
I’m a longtime fan of Honda’s cars. I find they run well, are easy to operate, and fly under the radar on the styling front. All things that make me happy. At about $44,000, that base model Pilot is a killer value and brings much of what I’d want in a 3-row family ride. The only thing missing is a Street Fighter II Edition. Considering the Pilot is available with a Sonic Gray Pearl paint job, I’d say Guile badging and a Sonic Boom finish are an easy update. I can tell you every 40-ish dad that I know would be all over it.
About the author: Niel Stender is an automotive journalist. More of his work can be found at muckrack.com/niel-stender