Test: 2026 Pilot Does Just Enough to Stay Afloat
This appearance... is it a modification or a failure in the plastic surgery?
The first time I saw the 2026 Pilot, I was stunned. Have Honda designers secretly learned the essence of "fine-tuning"-the front grille becomes bigger, the outline of the headlights becomes sharper, and the tail lines become tightened? Then what? It's gone. To be honest, standing in the parking lot, the difference between it and the 2025 model can only be recognized by iron powder at a glance. But it's good, at least it's not getting uglier and uglier like some brands. It's just that this kind of "toothpaste squeeze" style change really makes people feel discouraged.
Get in the car: I finally feel a little "high-end", but don't be happy too early
The moment I pulled open the door, I almost thought it was an illusion-the center console was finally no longer that cheap hard plastic! The new 9-inch touch screen responds as fast as a mobile phone processor that has just been replaced, and wireless CarPlay is connected in seconds. I must like this. But wait, the adjustment buttons on the second row of seats are still loose plastic parts, and the headroom in the third row is still only suitable for midgets. Honda, Honda, you clearly know that Pilot's core buyers are families, so why can't you make the third row as comfortable as Highlander? You said you were doing it to maintain trunk space? Okay, I reluctantly accept that reason.
Motivation? It's still the same old acquaintance V6, but the gearbox...
The 3.5-liter V6, 285 horsepower, is still a familiar formula. Smooth? Of course. Quiet? Most of the time. But when I stepped on the accelerator to overtake, the 10-speed gearbox hesitated for a full second before reluctantly downshifting. It's like when you call your dog over, it tilts its head to look at you for three seconds before moving. In the era of 2026, when hybrids and turbines are flying all over the sky, Pilot's powertrain can only be said to be "enough" and is not exciting at all. But from another perspective, at least it is reliable and not picky about food. Just add No. 87 oil. This is the last gentleness for families whose wallets are cleaner than their faces.
Goes like a boat? No, like a boat with shock absorbers
The chassis adjustment is more comfortable-soft, very soft, and the roll during corners is so big that I suspect I am driving a speedboat. However, for daily grocery shopping and picking up children, this "marshmallow" hanging makes people feel very happy. The steering feels so light that there is almost no sense of the road. You are basically playing the game "Guess what the front wheel is doing" with the steering wheel. But the weird thing is that I actually like this lazy feeling a little bit-Pilot is the most competent sofa mover when I don't want to compete with the car. If you have to drive hard? Check out the Mazda CX-90.
Technology configuration: finally keep up with the times, but other new players are more ruthless
Honda has finally crammed a full Honda Sensing 360 into Pilot, where blind cameras, traffic assist and even low-speed automatic brakes all work well. But look at the Kia Telluride next door-the second row of seats is heated and ventilated, the third row of USB-C fast charging, and even fingerprint recognition. Pilot's configuration is like a student who is rushing to tutoring before a final exam, barely passing, but far from being excellent. Especially the voice assistant. I said,"Navigate to the nearest gas station." It found me gas stations in three different cities. Well, at least it tried.
Space: I can install it, but I always feel that something is wrong
Putting down the rear magic seat with one click is still the coolest function, and it's easy to pull up an IKEA cabinet. There is also enough storage space, and the central armrest box is deep enough to hide a cat. But when I was filled with seven people, the trunk was barely crammed, and only children or dogs could be accommodated in the third row. Honda said this generation of Pilot has been lengthened, but the wheelbase has not changed? Well, it's good that you're happy. Compared with the Grand Highlander or Telluride, Pilot's space utilization is really only above average and not the best.
Conclusion: Alive, but not a legend
The 2026 Pilot is like the boy in the class with stable grades but never outstanding-he doesn't cause trouble or fail subjects, but you can't expect him to get a scholarship. It fixes some minor problems of the previous generation and adds some features that are in line with the times. However, in the face of comprehensive upgrades from competitors, it only "does not lag behind" rather than "leads." If you are a Honda diehard or want to buy a solid and reliable seven-seat SUV, Pilot is still an option. But if you want a surprise? Sorry, this ship can only let you float on the water, not fly.
