Mild Refresh Makes Already-Good 2026 Honda Pilot Mildly Better: Quick Spin

Key Points in This Review

• The Honda Pilot’s model-year 2026 refresh is slight.
• A new standard 12.3-inch infotainment display and 10.2-inch digital driver display are the biggest changes.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard

Much like the 2026 Honda Pilot’s refresh, I’m going to keep this short and sweet.

Here’s what’s new: modestly revised front and rear styling, a larger standard center touchscreen display, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, extra sound deadening depending on trim, and retuned steering. Most everything else is unchanged, which means that if you already enjoyed what the previous SUV offered, the 2026 Pilot is a smidge better.

Related: How Much Is the 2026 Honda Pilot?

The new display is the biggest news here. The 12.3-inch touch infotainment screen replaces the previous choice of standard 7-inch or optional 9-inch displays, and it now incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Google Built-In. The same user interface carries over with only a few tweaks, offering the same level of intuitiveness and quickness we’ve experienced both in prior model years and elsewhere in Honda’s lineup. A 10.2-inch digital driver display is also standard from top to bottom, and it’s a carryover from the prior Pilot.

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Does the 2026 Honda Pilot Have the Same Engine as Before?

• Takeaway: Mechanically, only the steering has changed — otherwise, it’s the same engine and transmission.

The sole mechanical change to the 2026 Pilot is the retuned electric power steering, now with increased feedback and on-center weight. Without a back-to-back drive in a 2023-25 Pilot, these updates are not immediately apparent, but the refreshed three-row SUV steers, stops and scoots just as pleasantly (and inoffensively) as it did before. You’re hardly expected to take this kiddo hauler out on some tight, squiggled country roads, but like all other Hondas, it possesses just a touch of sportiness in its ride and overall demeanor.

The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 is unchanged with the same 285 horsepower and 262 pounds-feet of torque, as is the 10-speed automatic transmission and your choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Power is more than enough for a full house of family, friends, dogs and luggage, and additional sound deadening in the form of tempered door glass, door insulators and hood insulation muffles this screamin’ six. Opt for the upper Touring and Elite trims and you’ll waft along with enclosed fender liners for extra hush.

What’s New on the Interior of the 2026 Honda Pilot?

• Takeaway: New displays, new upholstery options and revised accent trim comprise updates to the interior of the ‘26 Pilot.

Other than the new displays, the interior is left mostly alone. The Pilot’s smart, well-proportioned cabin is one of the better and more ergonomic in its class, and in characteristic Honda form, it presents with a slight spritz of additional style and character. Case in point: Check out the new faux-wood trim (at least on my maxed-out Elite test vehicle) that wears a bit of a stained-glass motif. There’s also a new brown leather upholstery option available from the Touring and up and Ultrasuede seating surfaces offered on the Elite, all of which go a long way in pushing the $54,000 max Pilot closer to something wearing an Acura badge.

Modest changes, modest results — but the prior SUV wasn’t in need of much. I’d suggest not upgrading if you already have a 2023-25 Pilot, but if you’re in the market, the 2026 Pilot is already on sale and at dealers. Hit the configurator.

Read More Honda Pilot News on Cars.com:

• 2026 Honda Pilot Gets Freshened Styling and Upgraded Tech Features
• What’s New for the 2025 Honda Pilot?
• Which SUVs Can Tow at Least 5,000 Pounds?
• 2025 Honda Pilot Advances to IIHS Top Safety Pick+
• Research the Honda Pilot

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