Honda Pilot Upgrade: Rugged Design, Enhanced Driving Experience, Yet Missing a Key Appeal

Honda has officially unveiled the facelifted Pilot, three years after the current generation’s debut. This mid-size SUV boasts a bolder front-end design, a larger display, enhanced driving dynamics, and a quieter, better-insulated cabin.

Exterior updates focus on the front fascia. The bumper air intakes have been refined, the grille is more upright, and the lower skid plate is larger, each with distinct finishes, giving the Pilot a more rugged appearance while retaining its sporty essence.

The rest of the body remains largely unchanged, except for a slightly revised rear skid plate and standard roof rails. Honda introduces new 20-inch wheel designs and three new exterior colors: Solar Silver Metallic, Smoke Blue Pearl, and TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green Metallic.

Inside, the most notable upgrade is the fully digital cockpit, combining a 10.2-inch instrument cluster with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 7 or 9-inch setups. The infotainment system features a cleaner interface.

The 2026 Honda Pilot retains its six trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. All trims now include the digital cockpit and power tailgate as standard.

The TrailSport trim adds heated rear seats and an optional brown leather interior with orange stitching, while the Touring trim features premium materials and a 360-degree camera system. The Elite trim introduces ultrasuede accents with diamond stitching for a more luxurious feel.

Significant improvements are found in the cabin. Honda has added laminated front glass, enhanced door and hood insulation, and additional noise-reducing materials. The company claims a 2-3 dB reduction in “key frequencies,” making highway driving quieter.

Safety-wise, the 2026 Pilot retains the updated Honda Sensing suite, now including a post-collision braking system to mitigate secondary impacts.

One notable omission is the lack of a hybrid option. Under the hood is the familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 hp (212 kW / 289 PS) and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Honda’s i-VTM4 AWD system remains optional on Sport and EX-L trims and standard on Touring, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition.

All Pilot trims feature a recalibrated electric power steering system, promising improved stability and a smoother, more natural response. The TrailSport retains its off-road focus with a lifted suspension and all-terrain tires.

The 2026 Honda Pilot is expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in December, with pricing details to be announced closer to launch. There’s currently no indication of a Vietnamese market release.