With the 2026 Honda Pilot EliteAnd, here's how to tell which one of these popular full-size SUVs is right for youThe Honda Pilot is in itself the "one" to get: A capable, spacious and stylish family-focused SUV, it's remained true to its roots since we first saw it on our streets 24 years ago. Buyers certainly love the Honda Pilot for its resiliency; they are known for having few issues and recalls, and with regular maintenance can go the distance, 300,000 miles or more in a lifetime. AdvertisementAdvertisementThere are, though, seven flavors of Pilot to choose from. So, which is the best? Here's what each trim offers, and which are the better values.This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.Why is the Honda Pilot So Popular? Let Me Count the WaysThe Honda Pilot is an incredible value, as it has been for years – Credit: Kristen BrownIn addition to reliability and a long lifespan, people also love the Pilot's boxy proportions and higher ground clearance that give it the feel of a true SUV. In reality, that boxy shape allows tall passengers to be comfortable in any seat and accommodates more cargo. The tall ground clearance means parents lifting babies or toddlers into the rear seats won't wrench their backs—ask me how I know—thanks to the higher hip height, or distance from a seated driver or passenger's hips to the ground. This makes getting in and out easier, and it's easier to lift with your legs to install a child car seat, a child, or to load luggage into the cargo area.Add to that a number of clever family-friendly features, such as a microphone and camera system that allows front seat passengers to see and hear those in the rear seats and very flexible seating options for 7 or 8 passengers, including 4 full LATCH anchor/tether sets (3 full sets with captains chairs) and 2 additional top tethers. That means you can LATCH install 3 kids' car seats across the center bench, LATCH install a seat in the 3rd row (on the passenger's side) and seat-belt install a car seat in any rear seat.Read: 5 Reasons We're Excited to Test the 2026 Honda PilotThe Basics: Power, Drivetrain and Standard Features The new screens and improved interface will make it easier to use, and nicer to look at – Credit: HondaThe Honda Pilot is powered by a V6 engine that generates 285 HP and averages about 22 MPG. Every model is equipped with hill descent control, 5 drive modes (eco, normal, sport, snow and tow) and a 10-speed automatic transmission. All models have LED headlights and fog lights, and front-wheel drive is standard in lower-trim models, but all-wheel drive can be added for $2,100 and it adds trail and sand drive modes; upper trim models come with AWD standard. All models come with 20" wheels except Trail Sport, which has 18" wheels, and destination and handling is $1,495.AdvertisementAdvertisementAll Pilot models also come with roof rails, a power tailgate, all season tires, LED headlights and fog lights. Standard interior features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Built-in cloud connected services (though this requires a subscription after the initial trial period), heated front seats and a 12" center touch screen. Read: The 2026 Honda Pilot is a Love Letter to Families, Signed, Sealed and DeliveredOur Favorite Honda Pilot Feature is Standard—But There's a Caveat The Honda Pilot as a removable middle seat in the center row – Credit: Scotty ReissProbably the best standard feature is the removable middle seat in the center row of all but the Trail Sport model, which has captain's chairs but not a center row bench option. The removable seat has a full set of LATCHes for a child car seat, meaning you can LATCH install three car seats across the bench if you'd like. With the middle seat removed, a pass-through to the 3rd row is created. Many buyers love the flexibility of the Pilot's rear seats that allow them to add a seat if they need space for 8. However, there's a caveat: some buyers complain that the two center outboard seats don't have armrests, so they are not always comfortable for adults. It's not a huge issue for kids in car seats, but something to consider for buyers who are primarily interested in captains chairs.Read: 2026 Honda Pilot Vs. 2026 Hyundai Palisade: Similar in Size With Different VibesStandard Safety Features and Additional Packages Round Out the BasicsThe slight refresh helped me it look and feel more premium – Credit: Erica MuellerAll Honda Pilot models also come with a solid suite of safety features, including collision mitigation pre-emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, cross-traffic monitor, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow function. AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd, there are some option packages available including the adventure package with a roof platform and running boards for $1,645; add floor mats, a cargo cover and door sill covers for $750; add seat back protectors and a cargo barrier for pets for $750; and a trailering package with a tow hitch, hitch harness and hitch ball mount can be added for $895. With basics that are pretty good, the only question left is: Which is the one to get? We broke them all down by trim level, the additional features on each trim, our insights as to which model best pairs with which type of buyer and then which one we think is the one to buy.The Entry-Level Honda Pilot Sport Has You Covered The entry-level Honda Pilot Sport offers a lot of nice features and even the cloth seats have some nice details – Credit: HondaPriced from $42,395, the Sport is the entry level model featuring all the standard options, which also include a power driver's seat, a 9-speaker sound system, tri-zone climate control, one-touch 2nd-row seats for 3rd row access, USB ports in the front and 2nd row, Wi-Fi capability (necessary for Google Built-In). The Sport is available in five paint colors; black or silver are standard, but red, white and gray incur a $455 charge; the Sport comes with one interior upholstery option, black cloth, and there are 3 wheel choices; one standard and two upgrades for $2,000 and $2,240.AdvertisementAdvertisementWho This is Best For: Families who just need the basics and don't mind cloth seats; buyers who will find more value in the cargo space than passenger amenities Honda Pilot EX-L Delivers on Some of Honda's Best Features My two children enjoying the back seat of the 2026 Honda Pilot – Credit: Erica MuellerPriced from $44,695, this model also offers AWD as an option, but upgrades many other features inside, including leather seating, second row sun shades, a wireless phone charge pad, additional USB ports in the 3rd row, two additional standard paint colors (Smoke Blue or Metallic Steel) and 4 wheel choices, though only one is standard; the others are priced from $1,800 to $2,240.All EX-L models offer a black interior, though buyers of the pearl white exterior paint color can opt for the light gray and black interior. The EX-L offers an additional Black Emblem package for $175.Who This Is Best For: Families who need all the conveniences and want a nicer interior but can skip the luxuriesThe Trail Sport Is Adventure-Ready The Honda Pilot TrailSport SUV – Credit: Erica MuellerThis mid-trim model starts at $50,595 and that means it also includes some nice features; it starts with all-terrain tires, tow hooks, underbody skid plates, 18" wheels (optimal for trail riding), off-road suspension and a surround view camera system with a trail watch feature that operates the forward-facing cameras at speeds up to 15 MPH. There are six color options (three standard) and two wheel options—one standard and one for $1,800 extra. There are two interior colors available: black is available paired with all exterior colors and black and brown is available with green or gray pearl paint.AdvertisementAdvertisementYou'll also get standard AWD with what Honda calls Trail Torque Logic, additional drive modes that include trail and sand modes, paddle shifters, an integrated class III trailer hitch, acoustic glass, leatherette seats with orange stitching, a power panoramic moonroof, 2nd-row captains chairs.Who This is Best For: Buyers who will tow, trail ride or camp and need more capability, from tow hooks to skid plates to all-terrain tires and trail-tuned suspension. You know who you are. The Touring Edition Elevates the 2026 Honda PilotThe underfloor storage in the trunk of the 2026 Honda Pilot – Credit: Kristen BrownStarting at $51,295, this is a nicely loaded model; it adds a Bose premium sound system, the multi-view camera system, a light gray leather interior with black accents, AWD, a hands-free power tailgate and a panoramic sunroof. There are more standard color options, seven in all (four are standard) and three wheel options that range from standard to $2,240. There are three interior color options—black, brown and gray, but availability depends on the exterior color they're paired with; gray only comes with the pearl white paint choice. Who This is Best For: Families who need all the aesthetic comforts, especially flexible seating, USB ports and a great sound system. The Touring Blackout Edition Adds a Cool VibeThe Honda Pilot has room for everyone, including adults! – Credit: Holli FourniquetPriced from $52,495, the idea here is to black out some of the exterior details to give the Pilot a bit of a cooler look. It includes 20" black wheels, black Honda badges, a panoramic sunroof and Bose premium sound. There are 7 paint choices, and two of them —steel gray and pearl white—offer interior colors in addition to black. AdvertisementAdvertisementWho This is Best For: Families who want all the comforts, the flexible seating and of course, a cool look and feel. The Honda Pilot Elite Levels Up to LuxuryI didn't expect to like the Honda Pilot's third row as much as I did – Credit: Kristen BrownThe Elite model starts at $53,695 and adds a head-up display, rain sensing wipers, heated and vented front seats, heated second-row outboard seats and multi-zone premium audio. There are 7 paint choices and, as with the Touring trim, most are paired with a black leather interior, though the steel gray option adds a brown interior option and pearl white paint offers white or gray leather; interiors are features quilted ultrasuede on the seat backs and contrast piping. Who This is Best For: Buyers or families who want an elegant interior, the comfort of leather and all the features that'll spoil you, from heated rear seats to premium sound. At this price, you features and details that would cost more in a luxury-brand SUV.The Elite Black Edition Makes All That Luxury Ultra CoolThe new screens and improved interface in the 2026 Honda Pilot make everything easier to use and nicer to look at – Credit: HondaThe Elite Black model starts at $55,195, takes a distinct design approach with out a lot of choices; it to adds to the Elite model with gloss black wheels, Black edition exterior trim, a Black Edition leather interior with brown seating inserts and red ambient lighting. There are five paint choices and three wheel options, but only one interior choice. AdvertisementAdvertisementWho This is Best For: Families who like to ride in style and relax in luxury.Which 2026 Honda Pilot Trim Is Best?The Honda Pilot trim lineup – Credit: HondaWhile the right one depends on your own needs and preferences, we love all the value that the EX-L delivers for the price. Add the white paint ($455), the gray leather and AWD ($2,100) and you'll have a truly chic and elegant family car with most of the things found on higher trims but at about a $4,000 savings. For buyers who want a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, vented front seats and the extra posh feel of quilted ultra suede, the Elite model delivers quite a lot for the price. Personally, I'd go for the Touring; it has the nicest cross-section of features and with the white paint you can opt for the light gray interior, which has a very chic, modern feel to it. But whichever you pick you really can't go wrong. The Pilot's mix of safety, technology and flexible seating are a win at every level.
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