Honda refreshes Pilot with more tech and bolder styling for 2026

In Canada, the three-row SUV will be available in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring and Black Edition trims in 2026.

2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport front — *The Honda Pilot, here in TrailSport trim, is updated for 2026 with a new larger grille and a host of new standard features. – Honda Canada photo*

Honda has updated its Pilot for the 2026 model year, giving the midsize three-row SUV more standard technology, new safety feature, updated styling and more.

In Canada, the 2026 Pilot will be available in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring and Black Edition trims.

Canadian pricing hasn’t been announced yet.

Honda said engineers improved the Pilot’s steering and gave it a quieter cabin, which should make it more comfortable.

2026 Honda Pilot Touring exterior — *The Honda Pilot, here in Touring trim, gets a bolder front fascia. – Honda Canada photo*

The front fascia gets a larger grille, new colours are available and the interior gains new screens.

Honda said the new ultra-wide 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, which is standard across the model range, is 37 per cent larger than before, and it’s powered by Honda’s latest software with lag-free performance.

The driver also gets a 10.2 inch gauge display, which is 43 per cent larger than before.

2026 Honda Pilot Touring front seats — *The Honda Pilot, here in Touring trim, is getting a number of new standard tech and comfort features in 2026. – Honda Canada photo*

What’s new?

Here’s a break down of what new features are now standard:

Redesigned front fascia with a larger grille
12.3-inch HD colour touchscreen
10.2-inch digital driver instrumentation display
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Wi-Fi capability
Quieter cabin (noise reduced 2 to 3 dB in key frequencies)
Improved steering feel and precision
Roof rails (added to EX-L; previously Sport, TrailSport, Touring, and Black Edition only)
New colour option: Solar Silver Metallic
Post-collision braking system

Additionally, the TrailSport gets the following new features:

New colour option: TrailSport trim exclusive Ash Green Metallic, replaces Diffused Sky Pearl
360-degree surround view camera (previously Touring, Black Edition)

The Touring gets these new features:

Ultra-suede seat accents with diamond stitching
New design machine-finished Shark Grey 20-inch alloy wheels

Lastly, the Black Edition gets new Berlina Black 20-inch alloy wheels.

“Our latest Honda Pilot continues to improve significantly with advanced technology, new styling and better driving dynamics,” said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president, Honda Canada, in a news release. “The Pilot’s latest upgrades offer Canadians a premium, three-row SUV packed with capability, comfort and plenty of space for on and off-road adventures.”

Honda Pilot Black Edition rear seats — *The Honda Pilot Black Edition (shown here) is the top-of-the-line trim. – Honda Canada photo*

Powertrain

The Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 with 285 hp and 262 lb.-ft. of torque mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system.

Honda said the i-VTM4 progressively distributed optimum torque between the front and rear axles and also the left and right rear wheels. As much as 70 per cent of the engine’s torque can be sent to the rear axle and 100 per cent of that can be sent to either the left or right rear wheel. In cornering, the system sends more torque to the outside rear wheel, which Honda said makes turns more accurate and reduces understeer.

2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport in Ash Green Metallic colour — *The Ash Green Metallic colour is new and exclusive to the TrailSport trim. – Honda Canada photo*

Safety

The 2026 Pilot comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistance systems, Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and an airbag technology intended to cradle the head and provide enhanced protection.

The new post-collision braking system helps to mitigate damage and injuries during multi-collision crashes.

2026 Honda Pilot trunk — *The midsize three-row SUV offers plenty of space for people and stuff. – Honda Canada photo*

Canadian availability

Honda said the 2026 Pilot will arrive in Canada early next year.

For updates, visit the Honda Canada website.