2026 Honda Pilot — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2026 Honda Pilot

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $40,695–$50,433
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2026 Honda Pilot

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$40,695–$50,433

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2026 Honda Pilot

Our scoring places the 2026 Honda Pilot at 8.2/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.9/10, while Performance at 7.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.7/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.9/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance scores 7.4/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.7/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $40,695–$50,433, 21 MPG, seating 7, the Honda Pilot sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.0/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.

Our take: The 2026 Honda Pilot is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2026 Honda Pilot ranks #29 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 99% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is 0.8 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $40,695 starting price is about 13% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Pilot Year Should You Buy?

Across the Pilot model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 (this review) 8.2/10$40,695
2025 8.2/10$40,695 Read review →
2024 8.1/10$39,510 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$38,324 Read review →
2022 7.9/10$37,139 Read review →
2021 7.9/10$35,954 Read review →
2020 7.8/10$34,768 Read review →
2019 7.9/10$33,583 Read review →
2018 7.8/10$32,398 Read review →
2017 7.8/10$31,212 Read review →
2016 7.7/10$30,027 Read review →
2015 7.7/10$28,842 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2026 Honda Pilot

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Similar SUV to Consider

Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

2026 Lexus RX
2026 Lexus RX
8.5/10
View →
2025 Lexus RX
2025 Lexus RX
8.5/10
View →
2024 Genesis GV70
2024 Genesis GV70
8.4/10
View →
2025 Genesis GV70
2025 Genesis GV70
8.4/10
View →

More Honda Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.