Honda Pilot 2026 vs 2025: What Changed and Why It Matters

The 2026 Honda Pilot arrived at Canadian dealerships in early 2026 with a host of thoughtful upgrades designed to enhance comfort, connectivity, and driving enjoyment. For families seeking a capable three-row SUV, the refreshed Pilot builds on Honda's reputation for reliability while introducing modern technology and refined styling. Here's what sets the 2026 model apart from its predecessor.

Honda focused the 2026 refresh on areas that matter most to drivers: cabin technology, interior comfort, driving dynamics, and exterior presence. The result is a midsize SUV that feels more premium, more connected, and more confident on the road - without sacrificing the practicality and capability that have made Pilot a favourite among Canadian families.

Technology That Keeps You Connected

Every 2026 Pilot now features a 12.3-inch touchscreen - 37% larger than the 2025 model. Powered by updated software, the new display delivers smooth, responsive performance with a simplified menu structure. Three user-defined shortcuts sit on the left side of the screen, allowing quick access to frequently used features.

The digital driver display has also grown, now measuring 10.2 inches - 43% larger than before. This expanded screen offers clearer visibility and a more immersive experience, making it easier to monitor vehicle information at a glance.

Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility eliminate the need for cables, while Google Built-In integration and wi-fi hotspot capability keep passengers entertained and connected on long drives. The 2026 Pilot TrailSport adds a 360-degree surround view camera, a feature previously reserved for Touring and Black Edition trims.

A Quieter, More Refined Cabin

Honda engineers devoted considerable attention to reducing cabin noise. New semi-tempered door glass, door insulators, and a redesigned hood insulator work together to minimize engine, road, and wind noise. The improvements reduce cabin noise by 2-3 decibels in key frequencies, creating a more serene environment for all occupants.

On the Touring trim, enclosed fender liners further reduce road noise. Meanwhile, both Touring and Black Edition models gain new diamond-quilted Ultra Suede seat accents with high-contrast door panel stitching, elevating the interior's visual and tactile appeal.

2026 Honda Pilot Interior Highlights:

• 12.3-inch HD touchscreen (37% larger)
• 10.2-inch digital driver display (43% larger)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Quieter cabin (2-3 dB reduction in key frequencies)

Bolder Exterior Styling

The 2026 Pilot's exterior design emphasizes its rugged, adventure-ready character. A larger grille and more pronounced front and rear scuff plates give the SUV a stronger road presence. Sport and EX-L trims feature a black grille with gloss black surround, while Touring and Black Edition models get a gloss black grille. TrailSport stands out with a grey grille and an exclusive rear scuff plate design featuring orange PILOT logo trim.

Roof rails are now standard across all trims, enhancing both capability and style. Touring rides on new machine-finished Shark Grey 20-inch alloy wheels with black lug nuts, while Black Edition receives new Berlina Black 20-inch alloy wheels.

Two new exterior colours join the lineup: sophisticated Solar Silver Metallic and TrailSport-exclusive Ash Green Metallic, the latter now available on all Honda TrailSport models.

Improved Driving Dynamics

Honda retuned the electric power steering system to deliver increased steering feel and precision across all driving modes. The improved feedback is smooth, natural, and direct, supporting driver confidence on winding roads. On-centre weight has been increased for more stable, relaxed highway cruising with less driver input.

The 2026 Pilot continues to be powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission tuned exclusively for Pilot. The combination delivers smooth, responsive acceleration.

Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system remains standard on all trims. The torque-vectoring system distributes up to 70% of engine torque to the rear axle and can send 100% of that torque to either the left or right rear wheel. When cornering, i-VTM4 distributes more torque to the outside rear wheel, creating a yaw moment that helps turn the vehicle through corners with improved accuracy and reduced understeer.

Capability and Versatility

Five selectable drive modes - Normal, Econ, Snow, Sport, and Tow - allow drivers to customize the driving experience. EX-L models and above add Sand and Trail modes to optimize off-road performance. Hill Descent Control is standard across the lineup.

The Pilot TrailSport delivers authentic off-road capability with rugged hardware including robust steel skid plates, a raised suspension with additional ground clearance, and beefy all-terrain tires that improve traction in dirt, sand, mud, rocky terrain, and snow while remaining quiet and comfortable on pavement.

Safety and Peace of Mind

The 2026 Pilot includes Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies standard on all trims. The system 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.

New for 2026, every Pilot includes a Post-Collision Braking system designed to help mitigate damage and injuries during multi-collision accidents. The Pilot also features Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and advanced airbag technology.

What Makes the 2026 Pilot Stand Out

The 2026 Honda Pilot is a thoughtful evolution of a proven formula. The larger touchscreen and digital display address modern connectivity expectations, while the quieter cabin and improved steering dynamics enhance everyday comfort and driving enjoyment. The bolder exterior styling gives Pilot a more commanding presence, and the addition of standard roof rails across all trims increases versatility.

For families in Quebec seeking a three-row SUV that balances capability, comfort, and technology, the 2026 Pilot delivers meaningful improvements over the 2025 model. The combination of updated tech, refined driving dynamics, and enhanced styling makes the refreshed Pilot a strong choice in the midsize SUV segment.

Experience the 2026 Honda Pilot at Lallier Honda PAT

The 2026 Honda Pilot brings thoughtful upgrades that enhance every aspect of the driving experience. From the larger touchscreen and quieter cabin to the improved steering feel and bolder styling, this refreshed SUV is ready to handle the needs of modern families. Visit our team at Lallier Honda PAT to explore the 2026 Pilot lineup and see which trim best suits your lifestyle.