Honda Pilot: price, V6 and 10-speed, TrailSport, towing and every generation
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The 2026 Honda Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV priced from $42,395 (Sport 2WD) to $55,195 (Black Edition) before a $1,495 destination charge. Every trim has a 285-hp 3.5L V6 and a 10-speed automatic, rated 19/27/22 mpg with 2WD. AWD is standard on the TrailSport, Touring, Elite and Black Edition, and Honda rates towing at up to 5,000 lbs.
- Type
- Three-row midsize SUV (seven or eight seats)
- Price (MSRP)
- $42,395–$55,195 (2026 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,495 destination; $43,890–$56,690 including it. Prices from Honda's May 1, 2026 table, $200 above the December 2025 launch prices. Lowest = Sport 2WD, highest = Black Edition.[1][2]
- Powertrains
- Pilot 2WD, Pilot AWD, Pilot TrailSport · 285 hp
- Towing
- up to 5,000 lb (Honda's figure at the fourth-generation launch, with AWD and accessory towing equipment. Honda's 2026 refresh release does not restate a tow rating.)[4]
- Current generation
- 4th generation, 2023–present
2026 Honda Pilot price and trims
The refreshed 2026 Pilot reached dealers Dec. 15, 2025 with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch driver display, Google built-in and a standard power tailgate. All eight trims use a 285-hp 3.5L V6 and 10-speed automatic. Prices are from Honda’s May 2026 table, before a $1,495 destination charge.[14][15]
| Trim | MSRP (2026) | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | $42,395excl. $1,495 destination (2026 MY); $43,890 incl. destination; AWD $44,495; launch price was $42,195 | 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft), 10-speed automatic[14][15] |
| EX-L | $44,695excl. $1,495 destination (2026 MY); $46,190 incl. destination; AWD $46,795; launch price was $44,495 | 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft), 10-speed automatic[14][15] |
| TrailSport | $50,595excl. $1,495 destination (2026 MY); $52,090 incl. destination; launch price was $50,395 | 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft), 10-speed automatic[14][15] |
| Touring | $51,295excl. $1,495 destination (2026 MY); $52,790 incl. destination; launch price was $51,095 | 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft), 10-speed automatic[14][15] |
| Elite | $53,695excl. $1,495 destination (2026 MY); $55,190 incl. destination; launch price was $53,495 | 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft), 10-speed automatic[14][15] |
| Black Edition | $55,195excl. $1,495 destination (2026 MY); $56,690 incl. destination; launch price was $54,995 | 3.5L V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft), 10-speed automatic[14][15] |
Every Pilot trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →
Honda Pilot engines, horsepower and mpg
Honda rates the V6 at 285 hp at 6,100 rpm and 262 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm (SAE net). EPA and Honda's May 2026 table give identical ratings. There is no Pilot hybrid. Normal, Econ, Snow, Sport and Tow drive modes are standard, and AWD EX-L and higher trims add Sand and Trail.
| Version | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Transmission | Drive | EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot 2WDSport, EX-L | 3.5L DOHC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management[2][1][3][4] | 285 | 262 | 10-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | 19/27/222026 MY[3] |
| Pilot AWDSport AWD, EX-L AWD, Touring, Elite, Black Edition | 3.5L DOHC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management[2][1][3][4] | 285 | 262 | 10-speed automatic | i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD (up to 70% of torque to the rear) | 19/25/212026 MY[3] |
| Pilot TrailSportTrailSport | 3.5L DOHC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management[2][1][3][4] | 285 | 262 | 10-speed automatic | i-VTM4 AWD (standard), off-road tuned suspension | 18/23/202026 MY[3] |
Output is as rated by Honda; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.
Pilot vs Passport
Both are built in Lincoln, Alabama, with a 285-hp V6 and a 10-speed. The Pilot has three rows; the Passport has two rows and is AWD only.[1][2][4][11][12][13][3]
| Pilot (2026) | Passport (2027) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rows / seating | Three rows, up to 8 | Two rows, 5 |
| Engine | 3.5L V6, 285 hp, 262 lb-ft | 3.5L V6, 285 hp, 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drive | 2WD or AWD | AWD standard |
| EPA mpg AWD (city/hwy/comb) | 19/25/21 (TrailSport 18/23/20) | 19/25/21 (TrailSport 18/22/20) |
| Towing | Up to 5,000 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| MSRP before destination | $42,395–$55,195 | $45,195–$55,195 |
| Destination | $1,495 | $1,595 |
- A 2WD Pilot Sport is the cheapest way into a Honda V6 SUV, at $2,800 less than a Passport RTL.
- With AWD, the two are rated the same, 19/25/21 mpg, outside their TrailSport versions.
- Both top out at $55,195 before destination.
2026 Pilot trims: Sport to Black Edition
The 2026 Pilot has six trims, all with the same V6 and 10-speed. The Sport ($42,395) and EX-L ($44,695) come with 2WD or AWD; AWD adds $2,100. The TrailSport ($50,595), Touring ($51,295), Elite ($53,695) and Black Edition ($55,195) are AWD only.
The TrailSport is the off-road version, with raised off-road suspension, steel skid plates and all-terrain tires. For 2026 it gained heated second-row outboard seats. The Touring adds a 360-degree camera for 2026, and the Elite and Black Edition are the top trims, with Ultrasuede seat accents.
What changed: 2023 vs 2026 Pilot
2023: The fourth generation launched in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring and Elite trims, from $39,150 before a $1,295 destination charge. The Touring offered a removable second-row middle seat for eight-passenger seating.
2026: The refreshed Pilot reached dealers on Dec. 15, 2025. It added a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Google built-in, a quieter cabin, retuned steering, a standard power tailgate and roof rails, and Post-Collision Braking. Honda raised prices $200 across the board on May 1, 2026.[5][4][2][1]
Buying a used Pilot: what to check
The 2016–2022 Pilot has the 280-hp V6. Through 2020 the lower trims used a six-speed automatic and the upper trims a nine-speed, and every trim got the nine-speed for 2021. The 2023-and-later Pilot has the 285-hp DOHC V6 and a 10-speed, and it is larger inside.
Two recalls matter most. Recall 25V031 updates fuel-injection software on 2023–2025 Pilots to prevent stalls. Recall 26V365 covers 2016–2022 Pilots sold or registered in salt-belt states, whose rear subframes can corrode at the suspension mounts. Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup and ask for the repair records.[6][7][9][10]
Honda Pilot generations by year
| Generation | US model years | Engines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th generation | 2023–present | 3.5L DOHC V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft) with VCM, 10-speed automatic | It went on sale Dec. 12, 2022 on Honda's new light-truck architecture. It is 3.4 in longer than before, with a 2.8 in longer wheelbase (113.8 in), and Honda called it the largest and most powerful SUV in its history. The TrailSport added a one-inch lift, steel skid plates and all-terrain tires. The 2026 refresh brought a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Google built-in and a standard power tailgate. Built only in Lincoln, Alabama.[4][5][6][2] |
| 3rd generation | 2016–2022 | 3.5L SOHC i-VTEC V6 (280 hp, 262 lb-ft) with VCM; 6-speed or 9-speed automatic (9-speed on every trim from 2021) | Launched in June 2015 at $29,995 before destination, adding the Elite trim and Honda Sensing. Honda Sensing became standard for 2019, and the Sport and TrailSport arrived for 2022.[7][6][8] |
| 2nd generation | 2009–2015 | 3.5L SOHC i-VTEC V6 (250 hp, 253 lb-ft), 5-speed automatic | Fully redesigned for 2009, when production moved to Honda's Alabama plant.[6][8] |
| 1st generation | 2003–2008 | 3.5L SOHC V6 (240 hp, 2003–2004; 255 hp, 2005; 244 hp, 2006–2008 under revised SAE rules), 5-speed automatic | Honda says it was the industry's first mainstream three-row SUV built on a car-like unibody platform. It was built in Alliston, Ontario, and EPA lists only 4WD versions for 2003 and 2005.[6][8] |
Honda Pilot problems and recalls
By recall severity, the Pilot years to check hardest are 2003–2008, which have Takata air bag inflators; Honda told 2003 owners with unrepaired inflators to stop driving. The 2016–2022 Pilot has the most campaigns, including hood latch 21V932, V6 bearing recall 23V751 and salt-state subframe corrosion 26V365. Recall 25V031 covers 2023–2025 engine software.
| Issue | Generation | Years | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takata “Alpha” air bag inflator: stop driving until fixed (2003)[16] | 1st gen (2003–2008) | 2003 | Safety recall |
| Takata driver and passenger inflators can rupture (15V320, 15V370, 16V344)[17][18][19][20][21] | 1st gen (2003–2008) | 2003–2008 | Recall 15V320 |
| Ignition interlock can deform and allow rollaway (recall 12V573)[22] | 1st gen (2003–2008) | 2003–2004 | Recall 12V573 |
| Low-beam headlight connector can melt (recall 12V136)[23] | 1st gen (2003–2008) | 2003–2005 | Recall 12V136 |
| 2005 Pilot stability control can apply the brakes unexpectedly (recall 13V092)[24] | 1st gen (2003–2008) | 2005 | Recall 13V092 |
| Front lap belt stitching may be incomplete (recall 11V468)[25] | 2nd gen (2009–2015) | 2009–2011 | Recall 11V468 |
| Driver air bag module may be missing rivets (recall 13V016)[26] | 2nd gen (2009–2015) | 2009–2013 | Recall 13V016 |
| Takata passenger inflator recalls (16V346, 17V030, 18V042, 18V661)[27][28][29][30] | 2nd gen (2009–2015) | 2009–2015 | Recall 18V661 |
All 23 documented Pilot issues and 21 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →
What Pilot buyers actually paid
MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show real buyer-reported prices, dealer invoice estimates and current asking prices for the Honda Pilot.
More Pilot research
See how a Pilot was built at the factory.
Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Honda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a 2026 Honda Pilot?
The 2026 Pilot costs $42,395 for the Sport 2WD up to $55,195 for the Black Edition, before a $1,495 destination charge. AWD adds $2,100 on the Sport and EX-L and is standard on the other four trims.
What engine is in the Honda Pilot?
Every 2023-and-later Pilot uses a 3.5L DOHC V6 rated at 285 hp and 262 lb-ft, with Variable Cylinder Management and a 10-speed automatic. There is no hybrid or four-cylinder.
How much can the Honda Pilot tow?
Honda rates the current-generation Pilot at up to 5,000 lbs when equipped with AWD and the required towing accessories.
What mpg does the Pilot get?
EPA rates the 2026 Pilot at 19/27/22 mpg (city/highway/combined) with 2WD, 19/25/21 with AWD and 18/23/20 for the TrailSport.
Does the Pilot seat 8?
It can. The fourth-generation Pilot offers eight-passenger seating, and Honda's 2023 launch Touring had a removable second-row middle seat that converts it between seven and eight seats.
Where is the Honda Pilot built?
At Honda's auto plant in Lincoln, Alabama, which has built more than 2.5 million Pilots since 2006. First-generation Pilots came from Alliston, Ontario.
Sources
Prices and output are as published by Honda for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.
- 2026 Honda Pilot Pricing and EPA Ratings (May 1, 2026) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- Refreshed 2026 Honda Pilot Arriving at Dealers (Dec 15, 2025) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- 2026 Honda Pilot fuel economy — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
- Rugged All-New Honda Pilot Arrives as America’s Ultimate Family SUV (Nov 7, 2022) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- All-New 2023 Honda Pilot Arriving at Dealerships in December (Nov 22, 2022) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- Honda Pilot Timeline and Milestones (Jan 14, 2023) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- All-New 2016 Honda Pilot launch release (Jun 17, 2015) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- Honda Pilot fuel economy and powertrain listings, 2003–2025 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
- Recall 25V031: Engine stall from fuel-injection ECU software error (2023–2025 Pilot) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 26V365: Rear suspension components may fail from subframe corrosion (2016–2022 Pilot, 2019–2023 Passport, salt-belt states) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- 2027 Honda Passport Pricing and EPA Ratings (Sep 29, 2026) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- Completely Reimagined 2026 Honda Passport Lands at Dealers Today (Feb 11, 2025) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- All-New 2026 Honda Passport Sports True Rugged Design, Improved Off-Road Capability and V6 Power (Nov 13, 2024) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- 2026 Honda Pilot Pricing and EPA Ratings (May 1, 2026) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- Refreshed 2026 Honda Pilot Arriving at Dealers (Dec 15, 2025) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
- Honda Asks Owners to Stop Driving Recalled 2001-2003 Acura and Honda Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbag Inflators (Feb. 3, 2023) — Honda News (American Honda)
- Recall 15V320: Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture — 2001–2005 Civic and other Honda/Acura models — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 15V370: Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture — 2001–2005 Civic and other Honda/Acura models — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 16V344: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — 2005–2006 CR-V and other models — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 17V029: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — 2005–2006 CR-V and other models — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 19V501: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — 2001–2005 Civic and other models (remedy-part passenger inflators) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 12V573: Ignition Interlock may Deform Allowing Rollaway — 2003–2004 Pilot and Odyssey, 2003–2006 Acura MDX — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 12V136: Low Beam Headlight — 2002–2003 Civic, 2002–2004 CR-V, 2003–2005 Pilot — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 13V092: Inadvertent Application of Brakes — 2005 Pilot, 2005–2006 Acura MDX, 2005 Acura RL — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 11V468: Seatbelt Stitching — 2009–2011 Pilot — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 13V016: Driver's Airbag Module may be Missing Rivets — 2009–2013 Pilot and 2011–2013 Odyssey — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 18V661: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — 2011–2015 Pilot and other Honda/Acura models — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 16V346: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — 2006–2011 Civic and other Honda/Acura models (Zone A/B) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 17V030: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — 2006–2011 Civic and other models — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
- Recall 18V042: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — 2009–2011 Civic and other models — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
More Honda tools
- Honda research hub
- Honda trim levels explained
- Honda known issues by model
- Civic Si vs Type R
- Honda history
- Free Honda VIN decoder
- Honda paint codes
- Honda specs by model
- Honda reliability
- How long do Honda models last?
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. or American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda, Type R and the model names are trademarks of their owners.