2026 Honda Pilot Trim Guide: Which Model Fits Your Family Best?

The 2026 Honda Pilot arrives with meaningful upgrades that elevate this three-row SUV above its already strong reputation. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, quieter cabin, improved steering precision, and the addition of Post-Collision Braking across all trims make this year's refresh particularly attractive. With five well-equipped all-wheel drive configurations ranging from $55,550 to $66,400, the Pilot lineup offers clear choices for families seeking capability, comfort, and technology.

Understanding which trim delivers the features you need - without paying for extras you won't use - requires a close look at what each model includes. This guide breaks down the 2026 Pilot lineup trim by trim, highlighting standard equipment, key upgrades, and the buyers each configuration serves best.

Sport: The Foundation Trim with Serious Equipment

The 2026 Pilot Sport opens the lineup at $55,550 and establishes a strong equipment baseline. This entry trim includes the redesigned front fascia with a larger grille, roof rails, and the new 12.3-inch HD colour touchscreen - 37% larger than the previous generation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard, along with Wi-Fi capability and the 10.2-inch digital driver instrumentation display.

Under the hood, the Sport features Honda's 3.5-litre DOHC V6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy registers at 12.4 L/100 km city, 9.3 L/100 km highway, and 11.0 L/100 km combined. The Honda Sensing suite includes Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The new Post-Collision Braking system adds an extra layer of protection in multi-collision scenarios.

Best for: Families prioritizing value who need three-row seating, modern connectivity, and Honda's full safety suite without stepping up to luxury-focused trims.

EX-L: Comfort and Convenience Upgrades

Priced at $58,150, the EX-L adds $2,600 to the Sport's foundation and brings notable comfort enhancements. This trim gains roof rails (newly standard for 2026), maintaining the Sport's technology and safety features while refining the interior experience. The EX-L retains the same powertrain and fuel economy ratings as the Sport: 12.4 L/100 km city, 9.3 L/100 km highway, 11.0 L/100 km combined.

The quieter cabin - with noise reduced by 2-3 dB in key frequencies - becomes especially noticeable on longer drives. Improved steering feel and precision enhance highway cruising, making the EX-L a solid choice for families who cover substantial distances regularly.

Best for: Buyers seeking a more refined driving experience and additional comfort features while keeping the budget below $60,000.

TrailSport: Off-Road Capability Joins Family Utility

The TrailSport trim, at $61,650, brings true off-road capability to the Pilot lineup. Built on Honda's rigid platform engineered specifically with TrailSport's capabilities in mind, this trim benefits from enhanced suspension tuning and off-road-focused features. The exclusive Ash Green Metallic colour option replaces the previous Diffused Sky Pearl, giving TrailSport a distinct visual identity.

A notable 2026 upgrade brings the 360-degree surround view camera to TrailSport, previously available only on Touring and Black Edition trims. This feature proves invaluable when navigating tight trails or parking in urban environments. The TrailSport's fuel economy reflects its off-road tuning: 13.2 L/100 km city, 10.1 L/100 km highway, 11.8 L/100 km combined.

Best for: Active families who regularly venture off-pavement for camping, cottage trips, or winter sports - buyers who need genuine capability beyond typical SUV duties.

Touring: Premium Features and Refined Styling

At $64,900, the Touring trim delivers a premium experience with Ultra-Suede seat accents featuring diamond stitching and new machine-finished Shark Grey 20-inch wheels. The Touring maintains the 360-degree surround view camera and includes all connectivity and safety features from lower trims, while elevating interior materials and exterior styling.

Fuel economy matches the Black Edition: 12.7 L/100 km city, 9.4 L/100 km highway, 11.2 L/100 km combined. The Touring's improved steering weight and on-centre feel create a more stable, relaxed highway driving experience with less driver input required.

Best for: Families who prioritize interior luxury and need the 360-degree camera system without stepping up to the Black Edition's higher price point.

Black Edition: The Range-Topping Statement

The Black Edition tops the lineup at $66,400, adding $1,500 to the Touring's price for distinctive Berlina Black 20-inch wheels and exclusive exterior styling. This trim offers the most premium Pilot configuration, combining all available technology, safety features, and comfort elements with a bold visual presence.

The Black Edition shares the Touring's fuel economy ratings and powertrain specifications while offering the most refined cabin experience in the Pilot range. The combination of Ultra-Suede seating, the largest touchscreen in the segment, and comprehensive driver assistance technology creates a flagship SUV experience.

Best for: Buyers seeking the most distinctive Pilot on the road and willing to pay for exclusive styling and the highest level of standard equipment.

Comparing the 2026 Pilot Trims

Technology and Safety Across the Lineup

Every 2026 Pilot includes the same core technology and safety foundation. The 12.3-inch HD colour touchscreen offers a 37% increase in size over the previous generation, while the 10.2-inch digital driver instrumentation display provides clear, customizable information. Wireless smartphone integration eliminates cable clutter, and built-in Wi-Fi capability keeps passengers connected on long trips.

The Honda Sensing suite operates identically across all trims, providing Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation incorporating Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The new Post-Collision Braking system activates automatically after an initial collision to help reduce damage and injuries in multi-collision scenarios.

The quieter cabin - achieved through improved sound insulation reducing noise by 2-3 dB in key frequencies - makes every Pilot more comfortable for conversation and reduces driver fatigue on extended drives.

Powertrain Performance and Efficiency

Honda's 3.5-litre DOHC V6 powers every 2026 Pilot, delivering 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup, providing confident traction in Canadian winter conditions. The rigid platform, engineered from the beginning with TrailSport's off-road capabilities in mind, benefits the entire lineup with improved ride quality and handling precision.

Fuel economy varies slightly by trim based on equipment and tuning:

• Sport and EX-L: 12.4 L/100 km city, 9.3 L/100 km highway, 11.0 L/100 km combined
• TrailSport: 13.2 L/100 km city, 10.1 L/100 km highway, 11.8 L/100 km combined
• Touring and Black Edition: 12.7 L/100 km city, 9.4 L/100 km highway, 11.2 L/100 km combined

The improved steering system features increased on-centre weight for more stable highway cruising, requiring less constant input from the driver while maintaining precise response when needed.

Which Pilot Trim is Right for You?

The Sport delivers the complete Pilot experience - three-row seating, full safety suite, and modern connectivity - at the lowest entry price. This trim provides everything most families need without compromise.

The EX-L adds roof rails and a more refined interior experience while keeping the budget below $60,000. The comfort upgrades justify the $2,600 premium for buyers who prioritize daily driving refinement.

The TrailSport serves families who regularly venture beyond pavement. The off-road tuning, 360-degree camera, and exclusive styling suit buyers who genuinely use their SUV's capability.

The Touring offers premium materials and the surround view camera at $1,500 less than the Black Edition. This trim provides luxury features without the exclusive styling premium.

The Black Edition delivers the most distinctive Pilot available with exclusive styling elements. The $1,500 premium over Touring provides visual differentiation and the range-topping model designation.

Your 2026 Pilot Awaits

The 2026 Honda Pilot lineup offers clear differentiation between trims, making your selection process straightforward once you identify which features matter most to your family. Contact our sales team at Lallier Honda PAT to explore the Pilot lineup and secure the trim that fits your family best.