At Freeway Honda in Santa Ana, California, the 2026 Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV with three rows of seating for as many as eight people, it has a 3.5 liter V6 engine and is available in five versions: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring and Elite.
This is a comprehensive look at all the 2026 Pilot trims in a single spot. We're giving you a fast look at the important details, a table comparing the trims to each other, specifics on the engine, a fair comparison with the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade, information particularly for drivers around Orange County, and a list of fifteen frequently asked questions. Hopefully, once you finish reading, you’ll have a good idea of which Pilot you should get for your home.
Key takeaways: 2026 Honda Pilot at a glance
It’s a midsize SUV with three rows of seats. You can have up to eight people in it, or seven if you get the second row with captain’s chairs. It comes with a 3.5 liter V6 engine (it's ‘naturally aspirated’, which just means not turbocharged) and front-wheel drive as a default, though all-wheel drive is an option. Fuel efficiency for the front-wheel drive versions is around 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on the highway. All-wheel drive versions get a little less. (Those MPG numbers are from the EPA, and for 2026, they might be different, so check the sticker on the car!) The all-wheel drive system on some of the versions, including the TrailSport, is Honda’s i-VTM4 and it can divide the power between the front and rear wheels. The different versions (or ‘trims’) are the Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring and Elite. Honda Sensing is on all trims as something that’s included as standard; it has braking to help with avoiding crashes, adaptive cruise control, something to keep you in your lane, a system for preventing you from leaving the road and a system to read road signs. To find out the price, get in touch with Freeway Honda. Prices and discounts will change during the year.
2026 Honda Pilot trims compared
The 2026 Pilot lineup runs five trims, each aimed at a different buyer. The table below shows how Honda positions each one. For exact current pricing, including any factory incentives, call Freeway Honda directly.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | FWD standard | Entry-level buyer who wants standard features and value |
| EX-L | FWD standard, AWD available | Buyer who wants leather and a more comfortable cabin |
| TrailSport | AWD standard (i-VTM4) | Adventure-minded buyer who wants real off-road capability and rugged styling |
| Touring | FWD standard, AWD available | Family buyer who wants premium tech and convenience |
| Elite | AWD standard | Luxury-leaning buyer who wants the top-of-the-line build |
Sport is the basic, all-you-need version, and doesn't get into fancy, expensive features. The EX-L gets you leather and is more comfortable, and at this point the list of what the car has really shows this is designed for families. TrailSport is for going off road - it has i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, a better suspension, tires for all types of terrain, and a tougher look. In fact, people in Orange County ask about TrailSport the most when they want to do trips to the desert or the mountains without needing a second vehicle. Touring gives the driver even more help with driving and more convenient features. Finally, Elite is Honda’s version of an entry-level luxury vehicle with three rows of seats, and has absolutely all the usual equipment as standard.
Powertrain and performance
Every 2026 Honda Pilot runs a 3.5-liter V6, naturally aspirated. Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims. AWD is available across the lineup and standard on the TrailSport and Elite.
What is Honda i-VTM4?
Honda’s i-VTM4 (or Intelligent Variable Torque Management 4WD) is a four wheel drive system that actively distributes strength to both the front and back of the car, and then can also divide that power between the two back wheels each on their own. What this really means is the Pilot can get the power to the tire that’s actually getting a hold of the road. This is useful on slippery freeway entry points, on sandy or loose ground in the desert, or really anywhere a simpler all wheel drive system would just lose traction.
This feature is what sets the Pilot apart from the majority of other vehicles in its class. Lots of the Pilot’s competitors have four wheel drive, but very few at this price point can actively adjust the power to each rear wheel.
How much the Pilot can tow depends on the specific version and how it’s set up. However, with all wheel drive and being prepared correctly, it’s designed to manage the towing of most typical recreational things. Phone Freeway Honda or look at the sticker on the vehicle to get the official 2026 numbers, as the front wheel drive and all wheel drive models have different towing limits.
(Just so you know, Honda hadn’t said exactly what changes they’ve made to the engine for 2026 at the time this was written. Mileage predictions are using the most recent official numbers, and you’ll want to confirm the final MPG figures on the window of the vehicle you’re looking at.)
2026 Honda Pilot vs. the competition
The three-row midsize SUV class is crowded. Here's how the Pilot stacks up against its three main rivals for Orange County shoppers.
2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Toyota Highlander
| Factor | Honda Pilot | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain options | V6 only | V6 or hybrid |
| Third-row usability | More usable | Tighter |
| Off-road variant | TrailSport (AWD, all-terrain tires) | None equivalent |
| Hybrid fuel economy | Not available | Available, and meaningfully better in stop-and-go |
Bottom line: if your commute is mostly stop-and-go, the Highlander wins on fuel economy. The hybrid advantage is real on a Garden Grove to LA drive. The Pilot wins on third-row space and off-road credibility. There's no Highlander equivalent to the TrailSport.
2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Kia Telluride
| Factor | Honda Pilot | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Owner satisfaction | High | Consistently high, one of the segment's top scores |
| Interior design | Conservative, refined | Bold and trend-forward |
| Off-road variant | TrailSport | X-Pro (comparable off-road posture) |
| Long-term ownership | Strong resale value history | Newer nameplate |
Simply put, the Telluride is better inside and, at most of the middle-range prices, is a good value for your money. However, the Pilot generally holds its value after you’ve had it for a while and has many more dealerships for service and repairs. If you are buying purely because of how something looks, the Telluride is really quite attractive. But for how much a vehicle will actually cost you to have and run for five years, the Pilot is generally a more secure option.
2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Hyundai Palisade
| Factor | Honda Pilot | Hyundai Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Interior feel | Refined | Premium, one of the segment's best interiors |
| Warranty | Standard | One of the strongest standard warranties in the class |
| Off-road variant | TrailSport (dedicated hardware) | No direct equivalent |
| Service network | Nationwide Honda dealer network | Hyundai dealer network |
Put simply, the Palisade’s inside is really lovely and it comes with one of the very best warranties available for vehicles of this type. That makes it a proper bargain. The Pilot has the advantage of the TrailSport’s equipment for going off-road (the Palisade doesn't compare in that department), and Honda has more service centres all over the country. This is a factor to consider after you’ve had the car for five years.
Built for Orange County driving
Santa Ana is in the middle of a really diverse place to drive. A Pilot driver in a normal week might do the school run in Santa Ana, drive up the 5 to Anaheim for work, spend Saturday with the children at Disneyland Park, and then on Sunday look at the surf at Huntington Beach Pier. Because it seats eight, your whole extended family can come too, and on wet mornings on the 405, the i-VTM4 all wheel drive gives you a lot more grip than cars which only send power to the front wheels.
If you’re a family in Irvine, the Pilot’s flexible boot is great for trips to the Great Park Irvine for kids’ sports.
Those in Orange and Fullerton who are buying often like the Touring and Elite versions. That’s because your daily drive is a mix of the highway and smaller roads, and on those smaller roads, all the technical features (adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and the camera showing all around the car) are very useful.
If you're from Costa Mesa or Huntington Beach, the TrailSport has a little more ground clearance and all-terrain tyres so you can go to Joshua Tree or Big Bear at the weekend without needing a different vehicle.
And for those going to Angel Stadium to tailgate, the Pilot’s big boot and the power tailgate that you can open without using your hands make everything for the match much easier to manage.
Freeway Honda is for customers all over Orange County, including Garden Grove, Fullerton, Orange, Costa Mesa, and lots of other places. You can look at what cars they have now Check current inventory or get directions before you go.
Why buy your 2026 Pilot from Freeway Honda
If a new 2026 Pilot is a little too expensive, we have used Pilots and Hondas, and our certified pre-owned vehicles come with a longer warranty. To get financing, our people are in touch with lots of lenders, Honda Financial Services included. You can even begin a secure credit application online before you come to the dealership, so you’ll already have figures sorted. For service, Honda specialists can do anything from an oil change to bigger repairs. You can book a service online and look at our current offers on servicing. We will take any kind of car as a trade in and use its value towards buying or leasing your Pilot. You can get an initial online valuation for your current vehicle. And for a new look or to add to its use, you’ll find things like roof bars, all-weather mats and other official Honda extras from our parts and accessories department.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 Honda Pilot?
The 2026 Honda Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV built by Honda. It seats up to 8 passengers, runs a 3.5L V6, and comes in five trims: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite. It competes against the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade.
What is the starting MSRP of the 2026 Honda Pilot?
Pricing for the 2026 Honda Pilot varies by trim, drivetrain, and current factory incentives. Manufacturer pricing and dealer offers move around throughout the model year, so contact Freeway Honda directly for an exact, current starting MSRP on the specific trim you're considering.
Are there any 2026 Honda Pilot lease deals near Santa Ana?
Lease offers on the 2026 Pilot change month to month based on Honda's national programs and regional incentives in Southern California. Freeway Honda can walk you through current lease terms, money factor, residual value, and any seasonal promotions.
Which Honda dealers near Santa Ana have the 2026 Pilot in stock?
Freeway Honda carries the 2026 Pilot at our Santa Ana location, serving Anaheim, Irvine, Garden Grove, and the wider Orange County area. Inventory turns over regularly, so check our live new-vehicle inventory or call our sales team for same-day confirmation.
What trim levels are available on the 2026 Honda Pilot?
For 2026, the Pilot is available in Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring and Elite versions. They’re each geared toward what’s most important to you - so you can choose based on getting the best price, lots of comfort, being able to go off road, having all the latest tech for the family, or something almost as nice as a luxury vehicle. To find out which of these you can look at or drive at the moment, get in touch with Freeway Honda.
Does the 2026 Honda Pilot come in all-wheel drive?
Yes. AWD is available on the 2026 Pilot and standard on the TrailSport and Elite trims. On select trims, the AWD system is Honda's i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, which actively splits torque between the rear wheels for better traction. Front-wheel drive is standard on most other trims.
How many people does the 2026 Honda Pilot seat?
When you have the second row as a bench, the 2026 Honda Pilot can hold as many as eight people in its three rows. If you get one of the nicer versions, like the Touring or Elite, they usually have captain’s chairs in the second row. These are more comfortable and make it easier to get into the back, but the total number of passengers goes down to seven. A lot of families in Anaheim and Irvine choose that set-up.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Honda Pilot?
EPA estimates for the 2026 Pilot are roughly 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway on FWD models. AWD variants come in a little lower. Real-world mileage depends on driving conditions, payload, and trim. Verify the final 2026 EPA figures on the window sticker of any specific vehicle at Freeway Honda.
What is the 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport?
If you’re looking for the Pilot that’s built for going off the beaten path, the TrailSport is it. It automatically includes Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive (which can send power to each wheel separately), a better-adjusted suspension, tires for all kinds of terrain, and a tougher look on the outside. Essentially, Honda designed it for people who truly want to drive off road, but still want a comfy ride for everyday use. In fact, around Orange County, this is the version most people call about for getting away on desert or mountain trips during the weekend. Get in touch with Freeway Honda to find out if they have TrailSports in stock at the moment.
Can the 2026 Honda Pilot tow a trailer?
Okay, so the 2026 Pilot can do a lot of the towing you’d do with things for fun, things like boats or trailers. But you need to have all-wheel drive and the towing package that Honda themselves installed at the factory. How much it can pull depends on which model Pilot you get, and whether it's front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (all-wheel drive can manage more). To get the definite amount for a 2026 Pilot, either ask Freeway Honda or look at the sticker on the actual vehicle at the dealership.
How does the 2026 Honda Pilot compare to the Toyota Highlander?
Many Orange County (OC) families looking at these two cars are deciding between a few things. The Highlander can be bought as a hybrid, and it’s more fuel efficient in town with lots of starting and stopping. However, the Pilot has a third row that’s actually good for people to sit in, plus a TrailSport version specifically designed for going off road - something you won't find within all the different types of Highlander. Essentially, it's about getting that hybrid mileage with the Highlander, or a bigger third row and the ability to handle rougher terrain in the Pilot.
Is the 2026 Honda Pilot a good family SUV for Orange County?
Yes. The Pilot seats up to 8, has flexible cargo space, includes Honda Sensing as standard equipment on every trim, and runs a proven V6. It fits the way Orange County families actually drive: school runs, freeway commutes, youth sports, and weekend trips to the beach or mountains.
What safety features come standard on the 2026 Honda Pilot?
All 2026 Pilots come with Honda Sensing built in. Honda Sensing is a collection of tech to help the driver which includes braking in case of a crash, adaptive cruise control, help with staying in your lane, preventing you from leaving the road and reading speed limit signs. If you go for a more expensive version (higher trim), you’ll also get a warning for cars in your blind spot, a system to make backing out of parking spaces easier, and a camera showing all around the car from a lot of different views. However, which of these extra features you get will depend on the specific trim level.
Can I trade in my current vehicle toward a 2026 Honda Pilot at Freeway Honda?
Absolutely! Freeway Honda will take pretty much any car you have, no matter what it is, and will use how much it’s worth to reduce the price of your new 2026 Pilot, whether you’re buying or leasing it. You can get a rough idea of its value by getting an estimate online at [value-your-trade/], and we’ll give you a firm offer after someone at our Santa Ana location has looked at your car in person.
Where is Freeway Honda located, and what areas do you serve?
Freeway Honda is located in Santa Ana, California and helps people all over Orange County; we’re talking Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Orange, and Costa Mesa. To find out how to get here, what our opening times are, or the best highway to take from where you are, look at our hours and directions page (a link is at /hours-and-directions/) or give us a quick phone call before you start your journey.
Ready to drive the 2026 Honda Pilot?
To quickly find out if the 2026 Pilot is what you need, driving one is the best thing to do, and Freeway Honda simplifies that. Just choose which version (trim) you’re interested in, and a time to go, and we’ll have it waiting for you in Santa Ana.
You can schedule a test drive in a Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring or Elite. You can also look at our current 2026 Pilot stock to see available colours, versions and what’s currently on the lot. Or, get in touch with our sales team for prices, lease details, or anything else this information hasn't told you.
Alternatively, you can phone or send a message to our team directly. And if you’re travelling to us from Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, or anywhere else in Orange County, Freeway Honda will help you get the perfect 2026 Honda Pilot parked at your place.