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.

It keeps the same basic formula that already works well, and that matters if you want a midsize three-row SUV that is practical, comfortable, and easy to live with. The overview highlights plenty of cargo space and passenger space, and the expert summary says clever features help it stand out among family-focused rivals.

The main trade-off is efficiency: the Pilot still has no hybrid option, so it does not solve the fuel-economy gap that some shoppers will notice right away. It also remains fundamentally the same as before, so this is more of a refinement than a reinvention.

Good and great deals account for 33.9% of listings, which suggests there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot reliable?

The Pilot’s overview and expert summary both point to a familiar, straightforward formula, which is usually a good sign if you want a vehicle that does not rely on a complicated mechanical setup. It uses the same 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic, and the expert notes say acceleration is more than adequate and the drivetrain feels confident in everyday driving.

The performance notes also suggest the Pilot behaves predictably on the road, with reasonable response, stable steering, and only occasional low-speed smoothness quirks. On the ownership side, the cost-effectiveness notes mention that all Pilots share the same powertrain, which simplifies the lineup and avoids mechanical complexity across trims.

If you plan to keep one for the long haul, the biggest risk is still the same one the model presents up front: you may be satisfied with the package, but you will not get a more fuel-efficient version.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 91.7% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are comparing multiple trims or looking at higher-mileage examples. Focus on overall condition, tire wear, brake feel, and whether the cabin tech and driver-assistance features work as expected. Because the Pilot is a family SUV, interior wear and signs of heavy use matter just as much as mechanical condition.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Sport trim gets the core Pilot formula, but it misses automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors. Higher trims add more convenience and polish, while the top trims bring more upscale interior materials and visual flair.
• Powertrain: Every Pilot uses the same 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic. The Sport and EX-L come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available; all other trims come standard with all-wheel drive.
• 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. All but the base Sport also get automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors.
• Infotainment: Every trim gets a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging requires the EX-L trim.
• Fuel efficiency: The Pilot is estimated at up to 22 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 21 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. The TrailSport drops by about 1 mpg across the board.

Which 2026 Honda Pilot trim should I buy?

The 2026 Honda Pilot is offered in 6 trim levels: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, Black Edition.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The Sport gives you the core Pilot setup, but it lacks automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors.
• Sweet-spot trim: The EX-L is the best value pick because it adds the features many shoppers will actually use, and the cost-effectiveness notes say it should easily satisfy with its removable second-row seat and leather seats.
• Premium/top trim: The Touring adds a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and a hands-free power liftgate, but the price jump is hard to justify for most buyers.
• Off-road trim: The TrailSport is the one to consider if you want the Pilot’s more capable off-road character, though it gives up a bit of fuel efficiency.

All trims include Honda Sensing, but only the Sport misses the low-speed automatic braking and parking proximity sensors.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting a fire-sale environment.

• Deal availability: 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,308 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 91.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $47,748.58, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot safe?

The 2026 Pilot had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing, but the 2025 model received an overall five-star rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by IIHS.

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

Honda Sensing is standard on every trim 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. All but the base Sport also get automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors.

One caveat from the expert drive is that 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:

• 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 91.7% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Clever features help it stand out from other three-row SUVs.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It is roomy and practical, with a straightforward powertrain setup.

The bottom line: If you want the latest Pilot with updated styling and a larger standard touchscreen, the 2026 is the cleaner choice. If you are shopping mainly on value and want a simple, proven family SUV, the 2025 remains the sensible fallback.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.