As expected, the refreshed 2026 Honda Pilot arrives with a new look—and, unsurprisingly, a higher starting price. While many core elements such as the platform, engine, and drivetrain carry over from the previous model, there were hopes that these similarities would help keep costs in check. However, Honda had other plans.

Thanks to a range of new features designed to elevate its three-row SUV, the 2026 Pilot enters the new model year with a higher MSRP. As a result, the starting price is now $2,040 higher than that of the 2025 model.

However, the $2,040 increase for the 2026 Honda Pilot Sport FWD doesn’t come without justification. Along with the refreshed front-end styling applied across the entire lineup, Honda has introduced two new exterior colors—Solar Silver Metallic and Smoke Blue Pearl. In addition, the Pilot now comes standard with roof rails and a power tailgate, while the cabin benefits from two new digital displays for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system.

Beyond visual and tech upgrades, Honda also addressed one of our key criticisms. The company claims it has reduced interior noise by 2–3 decibels by targeting specific sound frequencies. Meanwhile, steering feel and precision have also been improved, promising a more refined and confident driving experience.

Overall, these updates are welcome additions. That said, a fuel-economy improvement would have been nice especially given the higher entry cost. Even mild electrification could have helped improve the unchanged EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, which carry over from 2025. Notably, these figures represent the best efficiency available for the 2026 Pilot Sport FWD.

By comparison, the Pilot Trail Sport AWD returns lower numbers at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. This drop is expected, however, due to its off-road-focused tires, added ride height, and extra trail-ready equipment. On the plus side, Trail Sport buyers now benefit from heated rear outboard seats, a brown leather interior with orange contrast stitching, and an exclusive new exterior color called Ash Green Metallic. Unfortunately, fans of Diffused Sky Metallic will be disappointed, as Honda has removed that paint option for the 2026 model year.

Meanwhile, Honda has also simplified the Pilot lineup for 2026 by eliminating one trim level. The highest trim now available with front-wheel drive is the EX-L, as the Touring FWD has been discontinued. This decision likely reflects low demand for higher-trim FWD models. That said, the Touring AWD gains added value for 2026, now coming standard with a 360-degree surround-view camera system, a new brown leather interior option, and newly designed machine-finished 20-inch Shark Gray wheels.

On the positive side, there’s good news for buyers considering the more upscale trims. The Pilot Elite and Black Edition AWD models receive fewer changes for 2026, but they do gain some meaningful updates.

Notably, the 2026 Pilot Elite AWD is upgraded with a new set of 20-inch machine-finished Shark Gray wheels along with Ultra-Suede seat accents featuring diamond stitching, adding a more premium feel to the cabin. Meanwhile, the Black Edition remains mostly familiar, with its primary update being a new set of 20-inch Berlina Black wheels that further enhance its distinctive appearance.

Based on the specifications alone, Honda is making it harder to recommend the Pilot without offering a hybrid option. This becomes even more apparent when considering the growing competition in the segment. For example, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade now offers hybrid variants that sit close to the Pilot in the lineup while delivering significantly better efficiency.

In front-wheel-drive form, the Palisade Hybrid posts EPA ratings of 31 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined, resulting in noticeably lower annual fuel costs compared to the non-hybrid Pilot. Even when both models are equipped with all-wheel drive, the Hyundai maintains its advantage with 29/30/29 mpg ratings, continuing to outperform the Honda in overall efficiency.

As a result, buyers prioritizing fuel savings may find the Palisade Hybrid to be the more compelling choice. With that in mind, it’s easy to hope that ongoing rumors are true and that the next-generation Honda Pilot will finally adopt some form of electrification to remain competitive in an increasingly hybrid-focused market.