New & Used 2026 Honda Pilot for Sale nearColumbia, SC

Compare 2026 Honda Pilot Trims in Columbia, SC

The 2026 Honda Pilot offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to fully loaded models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $43,277
• Best MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 27 hwy
• Most Popular: EX-L FWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

EX-L FWD — "Who It's For"

The EX-L FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank. It's the most popular trim, offering great value.

• Avg. market price: $43,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 10 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View EX-L FWD listings

EX-L AWD — "Who It's For"

The EX-L AWD is the choice for those seeking all-wheel drive without a hefty price tag. It balances features and affordability well.

• Avg. market price: $43,277 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 5 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View EX-L AWD listings

Elite AWD — "Who It's For"

The Elite AWD is ideal for buyers wanting a fully loaded SUV with premium features for family adventures. It's the most upscale option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $52,718 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 8 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Elite AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — EX-L FWD

With 10 active listings, the EX-L FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup, offering great features at a competitive price.

Browse EX-L FWD listings

Best Budget Option — EX-L AWD

At $43,277 avg market price — below the lineup median of $43,998 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse EX-L AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — EX-L FWD

The EX-L FWD leads the lineup with its impressive fuel efficiency of 19/27 MPG.

Browse EX-L FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot a good car?

The 2026 Honda Pilot earns a 7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

That lines up with its role as a family-focused midsize three-row SUV: you get a comfortable cabin, plenty of passenger space, and plenty of cargo space. It also keeps the Pilot’s familiar, practical formula intact, which is a plus if you already like how this SUV does everyday duty.

The main trade-off is the lack of a more fuel-efficient model, and the expert notes also point to a relatively modest 5/10 cost effectiveness score. Even so, the Pilot still makes a strong case if you want a roomy, straightforward three-row SUV with useful features and a familiar character.

Good and great deals account for 36.6% of listings, which gives you a decent amount of market flexibility.

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot reliable?

The 2026 Honda Pilot is described as structurally unchanged from the prior model year, which supports the expectation that it should behave much like the previous version. The expert summary also points to a simple, familiar formula, and the performance notes describe acceleration as more than adequate with a confident V6 and a transmission that generally does its job without drama.

Honda also includes a broad safety suite across the lineup, and the tech and driving notes suggest a vehicle that is designed to be easy to live with rather than complicated to own. The cost-effectiveness notes reinforce that all versions use the same powertrain, which keeps the ownership experience straightforward.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that you’re still dealing with a gasoline-only SUV that doesn’t offer a more efficient alternative.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Honda Pilot?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 89.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper history review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the drivetrain, braking feel, and any signs of uneven wear or prior bodywork. It also makes sense to compare trim equipment closely, since some features are reserved for higher versions.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Sport trim misses automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors, while higher trims add more convenience and equipment. The top trims also bring more upscale interior touches, including unique seat quilting and synthetic suede accents.
• Powertrain: Every trim uses the same 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic, so you are choosing equipment rather than performance. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Sport and EX-L, while all-wheel drive is standard on the rest.
• Safety package: Honda Sensing is standard and includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high-beam headlights.
• Infotainment: Every trim gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. A wireless phone charger requires the EX-L trim.
• Fuel efficiency: The Pilot is estimated at up to 22 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, or 21 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.

Which 2026 Honda Pilot trim should I buy?

The 2026 Honda Pilot is offered in 5 trim levels: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Black Edition.

Here's the short version:

• Sport: This is the entry point, and it gives you the Pilot’s core space, standard tech, and standard safety suite at the lowest price. It is the trim to consider if you want the most affordable way into the lineup and do not need extra comfort features.
• EX-L: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers. It adds leather seats, a removable second-row seat, and a wireless phone charger, making it the sweet spot for families who want more comfort without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• TrailSport: Choose this if you want the Pilot’s more rugged character and its decent off-road abilities. It stands apart from the rest of the lineup for buyers who want a more adventurous version rather than just a nicer one.
• Touring: This trim adds a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and a hands-free power liftgate. It is the right pick if you want more convenience and a more upscale feel, though the price jump is harder to justify than the EX-L’s.
• Black Edition: This is the top trim, and it focuses on appearance and premium presentation. It is the one to buy if you want the most fully dressed Pilot and are willing to pay for it.

All trims include Honda Sensing, but the base Sport misses automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Honda Pilot?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you have room to shop carefully rather than rush.

• Deal availability: 36.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,094 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 89.6% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot safe?

The 2026 Honda Pilot was not rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing, but the prior model year earned an overall rating of five-star ratings from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

It earns a 6/10 safety score from our experts.

All Pilot trims come with Honda Sensing, which includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high-beam headlights. All but the base Sport model also get automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors.

The main caveat is that the forward collision warning can be a bit too sensitive, and lane-departure warning can also be sensitive if you drift from the lane markings.

Should I buy a 2026 Honda Pilot or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 36.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 89.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• It keeps the Pilot’s familiar formula while adding a more truck-like look and larger standard screens.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It is roomy, practical, and easy to live with.

The bottom line: Buy the 2026 if you want the updated look and the latest standard tech while staying with the Pilot’s proven formula. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2025 is the value play because it delivers the same basic strengths with a simpler, established setup.

How does the 2026 Honda Pilot compare to the 2026 Toyota Highlander?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.