2026 Honda Pilot: Standard i-VTM4 AWD and Five Drive Modes

The 2026 Honda Pilot arrives with standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive and five selectable drive modes across all trims. The refreshed three-row SUV uses torque vectoring to distribute power between axles and rear wheels, giving Quebec families the traction and control they need for winter commutes, highway cruising, and weekend adventures.

How i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive Works

The i-VTM4 system uses torque vectoring to optimize traction in real time. It can send up to 70% of engine torque to the rear axle, then direct 100% of that torque to either the left or right rear wheel as needed.

On slippery surfaces like snow or ice, the system automatically shifts power to wheels with the most grip. During cornering, it sends more torque to the outside rear wheel, creating a yaw moment that helps the Pilot turn more precisely while reducing understeer.

Hill Descent Control comes standard on all Pilot models, adding controlled braking on steep descents.

Five Drive Modes Standard Across All Trims

Every 2026 Pilot includes five selectable drive modes: Normal, Econ, Snow, Sport, and Tow. Each mode adjusts throttle response, transmission shift points, and AWD behaviour to match driving conditions.

• Normal balances comfort and responsiveness for daily driving
• Econ optimizes fuel efficiency for highway cruising
• Snow enhances traction on slippery surfaces
• Sport sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer
• Tow adjusts transmission logic when hauling trailers or cargo

EX-L trims and above add two more modes: Sand and Trail. These optimize the Pilot's off-road capabilities for loose surfaces and uneven terrain.

TrailSport: Off-Road Hardware and All-Terrain Capability

The Pilot TrailSport includes steel skid plates to protect the underbody, a raised suspension with increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires that grip in dirt, sand, mud, and snow while remaining quiet on pavement.

TrailSport's tuned suspension improves articulation and off-road ride quality without sacrificing on-road comfort. The i-VTM4 AWD system, Sand and Trail modes, and all-terrain tires handle trails, cottage roads, and winter conditions across Quebec.

Power and Performance

A 3.5-litre V6 engine powers all 2026 Pilot models, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission tuned specifically for the Pilot, delivering smooth and responsive acceleration.

The Pilot's rigid platform was engineered with TrailSport's off-road capability in mind. Honda has retuned the electric power steering system to provide increased steering feel and precision across all drive modes. On-centre weight has been increased for more stable highway cruising with less driver input required.

Technology and Comfort Upgrades

The 2026 Pilot gains a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, 37% larger than the previous model. It runs updated software for smoother performance and includes three user-defined shortcuts on the left side of the screen for quick access to frequently used features.

Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Google built-in, and wi-fi hotspot capability come on all trims. The digital driver display grows to 10.2 inches, 43% larger than before.

Honda has made the cabin quieter with semi-tempered door glass, door insulators, a new hood insulator, and other sound-absorbing technologies. The Touring trim adds enclosed fender liners to further reduce road noise. Touring and Black Edition models feature diamond quilted Ultra Suede seat accents and high-contrast door panel stitching.

Bold New Exterior Design

The 2026 Pilot's exterior design gets more rugged with a larger grille and more pronounced front and rear scuff plates. Sport and EX-L feature a black grille with gloss black surround, while Touring and Black Edition get a gloss black grille. TrailSport stands out with a grey grille.

Roof rails are now standard on all trims. Touring rides on new machine-finished Shark Grey 20-inch alloy wheels with black lug nuts, while Black Edition gets new Berlina Black alloy wheels. TrailSport's rear scuff plate features an exclusive off-road-ready design, and its rear PILOT logo gains orange trim to match the TrailSport badges.

Two new colours join the lineup: Solar Silver Metallic and TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green Metallic, which is now available across all Honda TrailSport models.

Key Takeaways

2026 Pilot Arrives Early Next Year

The 2026 Honda Pilot will begin arriving at Canadian dealerships early next year. Its standard i-VTM4 AWD, five drive modes, and family-focused features deliver year-round capability for Quebec drivers.