|
|
The 2026 Honda Pilot AWD Elite SUV
You Are What You Drive - A Bottom Line Review
By Tony Leopardo - The Car Guy © AutoWire.Net
What is a Pilot? The Pilot is a midsize SUV built in the Lincoln, Alabama, assembly plant, and sold in North America by Honda. The Pilot is a 3 row family SUV that has received a significant mid cycle refresh for the 2026 model year. It is designed to balance rugged off road capability with everyday family practicality, with seating up to 8 passengers and all their gear. For 2026 Honda focused on improving technology, cabin quietness, and exterior styling.
Here are some of Honda Pilot refreshes & updates for the 2026 model year:
Tech Overhaul: Every 2026 Pilot now comes standard with a 12.3" inch HD touchscreen, and a 10.2" inch digital instrument cluster.
Quieter Cabin: Has additional sound insulation under the hood and in the door panels, plus semi-tempered side glass, that reduces road noise by 2 to 3 decibels.
Rugged Styling: The front end features a larger, more truck like hexagon mesh grille and pronounced front and rear scuff plates.
Standard Features: A power tailgate and roof rails are now standard equipment on all trims, instead of being previously restricted to higher grades like the EX-L and above.
Performance & Specs: The Pilot retains its proven powertrain, while refining the driving feel and handling.
Engine: Has a 3.5L liter V6 producing 285 HP horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: A smooth 10 speed automatic transmission is standard across all models.
and has 7 selectable drive modes of: normal, econ, sport, snow, tow, trail, and sand.
Towing: It can tow up to 5,000 lbs when equipped with all wheel drive AWD.
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive FWD is standard on the lower trims, while Honda's all wheel drive system is standard on TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and the Black Edition.
Trim Levels & Pricing: The 2026 lineup consists of 6 primary trim levels, and they are:
Sport: $43,690 - The base model is now better equipped with the new 12.3" inch screen.
EX-L: $45,990 - Adds leather trimmed seats and is often cited as the best value model.
TrailSport: $51,890 - The off road edition with a 2" inch suspension lift, steel skid plates, and all terrain tires.
Touring: $52,590 - Adds a 360 degree camera system and a 12 speaker Bose premium sound system.
Elite: $54,990 - Features ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a head up display.
Black Edition: $56,490 - The Black edition is the top tier trim with exclusive blacked out exterior accents, and has a red thread stitched leather interior.
Interior & Versatility: The Honda Pilot is known for its minivan like usefulness.
Stowable Seat: On most trims, the second row middle seat can be removed and stored under the rear cargo floor to switch between a bench seat and captain's chairs.
Cargo Space: Offers up to 113.7 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the second and third rows folded down.
Family Tech: Includes Google Built In, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and CabinTalk, which lets the driver talk to the rear passengers through the cabin speakers.
The 2026 Honda Pilot starts at a base price of $42,195 for the Sport trim, excluding the $1,495 destination charge, so the total starting price is $43,690. The lineup offers various trims, with top tier models like the Black Edition reaching $56,490, all plus options.
This week Honda sent me a 2026 Pilot to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this AWD Elite Edition is $53,495. The options on the SUV are: none. The manufacturer's suggested retail price, MSRP, including the $1,495 delivery charge is: $54,990,
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your driveway total purchase price came to $61,864. At just 136 bucks under $62 Grand you get a midsize, 3 row, premium trimmed SUV, that gets 19 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 21 MPG in combined driving, and can tow up to 2 1/2 tons.
2026 Pilot Towing Details: The 2026 Honda Pilot AWD Elite SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This 3.5L V6 model offers consistent towing capability, suitable for hauling boats, campers, or trailers. The Elite trim comes standard with AWD all wheel drive, ensuring it hits this maximum capacity, and requires properly equipped accessory towing equipment. Note that similar Pilot models with 2WD are limited to towing up to 3,500 lbs.
So, who are the real buyers for a 2026 Honda Pilot? Buyers for a new Honda Pilot AWD Elite SUV are primarily affluent, suburban families and individuals prioritizing comfort, safety, and reliability. They seek a top tier 3 row SUV with luxurious features, robust all wheel drive capability for varied weather, and advanced technology. Elite buyers often prioritize space over maximum fuel efficiency. The real buyers for a Honda Pilot are:
Suburban Families: Families that need a third row for children, carpools, or transporting pets, while demanding premium conveniences like leather seats and high end audio
Active Individuals & Couples: Who need AWD for outdoor activities, light towing, and safety during slippery and winter conditions.
Reliability Focused Buyers: Loyal Honda owners wanting the Elite Edition, for the convenience of extensive storage, user friendly tech, and strong resale value.
Upscale Commuters: Those who want a sophisticated daily driver that bridges the gap between the mainstream and premium SUVs.
4 Wheel Drive Performance: The Elite trim comes with standard AWD, which is a key selling point for safer and better handling.
Premium Amenities: Has standard features like heated front and rear seats, a premium audio system, and a luxurious interior with advanced technology.
The 3.5L V6 Engine: The 2026 Honda Pilot AWD Elite is powered by a 3.5L liter V6 gas engine that produces 285 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. This engine is paired with a 10 speed automatic transmission, providing smooth acceleration and power to all four wheels for extra traction and control.
If this is you, then call, click or visit your local Honda dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the 2026 Pilot AWD Elite SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Pilot starts at only $42,195. Honda - The Power of Dreams.
The key to life is to learn something new every day, and by reading my Bottom Line review, I hope you did just that, learned about something new and exciting. So, be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Drive safely, have a great day, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright - Tony the Car Guy.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net
Name: The 2026 Honda Pilot AWD Elite SUV
Topic: The 2026 Honda Pilot AWD Elite SUV
Word Count: 1,179
Pic Cap: The 2026 Honda Pilot AWD Elite SUV
Photo Credits: Honda Internet Media
Series number: 2026 - 14
Download
the Microsoft Word version here:
2026 Honda Pilot AWD Elite
Download the Original Image File here:
2026 Honda Pilot AWD Elite
|
