Buyer's Guide

Pilot Buyer's Guide

The 2026 Pilot pairs a 285-hp V-6 with a 10-speed automatic across nine trims running from the $42,395 Sport FWD to the loaded Black Edition, with FWD trims reaching 22 mpg combined versus 21 mpg combined once you add AWD.

Our RecommendationBuy

Overall Score8.3/10Based on our evaluation

285-hp V-63.5L V-6 making 285 hp and 262 lb-ft in every trim
Fuel Economy22 mpg combined on FWD trims, 21 mpg combined with AWD
Seating for 8Eight-passenger seating on most trims, seven on TrailSport

Best ForFamily Road-TrippersThree-Row ShoppersLight Towing & Mixed-Weather Use

Who This Vehicle Is For (and Isn't)

Perfect For

Large families
Eight-passenger seating and 87 cu ft of cargo space on most trims beat many three-row crossovers for sheer room.
AWD-minded buyers in mixed climates
AWD is available on seven of the nine trims, including the value-focused Sport AWD at the low end of the price range.
Feature-focused shoppers
Upper trims like Elite and Black Edition stack in more standard equipment without touching the proven V-6/10-speed drivetrain.

Not Ideal For

Budget-first buyers
Even the base Sport FWD starts at $42,395, pricier than many three-row rivals' entry trims.
Serious off-roaders
TrailSport adds AWD hardware but trades a row of seating (7 vs 8) and loses some fuel economy (20 mpg combined vs 22 mpg combined on Sport FWD).
Mileage-obsessed shoppers
No hybrid configuration is offered, so combined fuel economy tops out at 22 mpg combined on the FWD Sport trim.

Which Trim Should You Buy?

Most Recommended

EX-L AWD

$46,795*Starting MSRP

EX-L AWD adds leather and AWD over Sport AWD for roughly $2,300 more, landing at the sweet spot between price and content.

AWD standard
285-hp V-6 / 262 lb-ft
19/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined

View EX-L AWD

Best Value

Sport AWD

$44,495*Starting MSRP

Sport AWD gets you all-wheel drive for $44,495, the cheapest way into an AWD Pilot.

$44,495 starting MSRP
AWD included
8-passenger seating, 87 cu ft cargo

View Sport AWD

Budget Choice

Sport FWD

$42,395*Starting MSRP

Sport FWD is the cheapest way into a Pilot at $42,395, and its FWD setup actually returns the best fuel economy in the lineup at 22 mpg combined.

$42,395 MSRP
22 mpg combined (FWD)
285-hp V-6 standard

View Sport FWD

Premium Pick

Black Edition

$55,195*Starting MSRP

Black Edition tops the lineup at $55,195 with the most standard equipment and unique styling, though it runs the same V-6 and 10-speed as every other trim — you're paying for content and exclusivity, not more power.

Top-trim standard equipment
AWD standard
Unique Black Edition styling

View Black Edition

*MSRP excludes destination charge.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

285-hp 3.5L V-6 and 10-speed automatic standard across all nine trims
AWD offered on seven of nine trims, including the value-focused Sport AWD
87 cu ft of cargo volume on most configurations
Eight-passenger seating available on every trim except TrailSport
Wide trim spread lets shoppers dial in price versus equipment without changing the drivetrain

Weaknesses

No hybrid configuration, so combined fuel economy tops out at 22 mpg combined
TrailSport sacrifices a seating row (7 vs 8) and some fuel economy (20 mpg combined) for off-road-oriented hardware
Starting price of $42,395 sits above many three-row competitors' base trims
AWD models give up a bit of efficiency versus FWD versions (21 mpg combined vs 22 mpg combined)

Ownership Expectations

Fuel Economy18-19 mpg city / 23-27 mpg highway / 20-22 mpg combinedVaries by trim and drivetrain
MaintenanceAverage for the class (est.)Typical V-6 SUV service intervals
InsuranceAverage for the class (est.)In line with other three-row midsize SUVs
DepreciationAverage for the segment (est.)Honda resale values tend to hold steady

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Vehicle	Choose It If…
Toyota 4Runner	You want body-on-frame off-road capability over interior space and a smoother on-road ride.
Nissan Murano	You don't need a third row and prioritize style over outright cargo room.
Subaru Ascent	You want standard AWD across the entire lineup instead of only on upper trims.
Dodge Durango	You want more towing muscle or a V-8 option in a three-row SUV.
Honda Passport	You want Pilot mechanicals in a shorter two-row body with more off-road attitude.
Jeep Wrangler	Off-road capability and open-air driving matter more than third-row seating or cargo space.
Hyundai Palisade	You want a plusher cabin and more standard tech at a comparable price point.

Bottom Line

The 2026 Pilot is a safe, well-equipped three-row pick if you want a known V-6 drivetrain rather than a turbo-four or hybrid, and the trim spread lets you dial in price versus features.

Buy Now If

You want three-row versatility, available AWD, and don't need hybrid efficiency.

Wait If

You're hoping for a hybrid Pilot variant — none exists in this lineup.

Consider Alternatives If

Off-road capability or towing is the top priority — look at the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler, or Dodge Durango instead.

Continue your research

Pilot Buyer's Guide