Update: ‘Pilot’s hybrid system in development,’ ‘Key rivals get hybrid systems,’ and ‘Pricing’ updated.
The fourth-gen Honda Pilot that arrived in June 2022 received its mid-life facelift for the 2026 model year. Honda was expected to add a hybrid powertrain to the fourth-gen model, but even after the refresh, it continues to rely on a conventional gas engine.
Honda’s technology roadmap clearly indicates that the Pilot will adopt a hybrid system in the not-too-distant future. Here are our expectations for the future hybrid variant and a roundup of the facelifted Pilot.
Pilot’s hybrid system in development
Honda has promised that things will change in this regard in the future. On May 14, 2026, Honda announced plans to introduce large-size hybrid models positioned in the D-segment or above starting in 2029.
To meet strong demand for large-sized hybrid vehicles in North America, in 2029, we will launch large-size hybrid models in the D-segment or above, featuring powerful driving and towing capability with high environmental performance.
Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer (Global CEO), Honda (2026 Honda Business Briefing on May 14, 2026)
The new powertrain will deliver high towing capability, indicating that hybrid variants of the Pilot, Ridgeline, and Passport will not compromise on specifications that matter to American and Canadian buyers.
In October 2025, at a technology workshop in Japan, Honda revealed key details about its next-gen large-size hybrid system for large North American models. An all-new V6 gas engine will be the main drive unit of the upcoming powertrain, which will deliver more than 30% higher fuel economy compared to similar gas models currently on sale.
Honda will pair the all-new V6 gas engine with up to two electric motors, with the second unit powering the rear wheels and enabling eAWD. The company will also offer the 2026 Prelude’s Honda S+ Shift, a virtual gearbox engineered to replicate the sporty feeling of a manual transmission, although a utility-focused model like the Pilot may have limited use for it.
TrailSport trim almost certain to go hybrid
Honda is almost certain to offer the hybrid system as an option on the TrailSport trim of the Pilot. Hirotaka Komatsu, the chief engineer of Honda’s next-gen large-size hybrid system, has said that the company wants to enhance trail performance in hybrid models, according to a report The Drive published on November 6, 2025.
Komatsu also indicated that an electric motor at the rear axle will enable all-wheel drive, given its superior torque delivery over a gasoline engine during low-speed operation.
Design
The 2026 Honda Pilot largely carries over the design of the original SUV. Seeing the 2026 model in person, it’s evident that the styling revisions are subtle, concentrated at the front.
The new front fascia is more upright, lending the latest model a more confident and imposing look. Both upper and lower grilles have adopted a boxier frame, with the latter now looking narrower but better aligned with the former. A new skid plate also adds to the more rugged styling.
On the sides, Honda has introduced new 20-inch alloy wheels in a Shark Gray finish for the Touring and Elite grades and a Berlina Black finish for the Black Edition grade, both with black lug nuts. At the rear, the 2026 Pilot features a new skid plate, and, exclusively on the TrailSport grade, an orange trim on the “PILOT” inscription.
Interior
Inside, the 2026 Honda Pilot has no major design changes but it packs several noteworthy upgrades. Higher-quality materials and reduced cabin noise (2-3 dB in key frequencies), courtesy of a new hood insulator, door insulators, new semi-tempered door glass, and other sound-absorbing technologies, improve comfort.
Honda has made the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster in the Pilot a standard feature with its mid-cycle refresh, discontinuing the basic 7-inch MID. The company has also introduced a standard-fit 12.3-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system as a common replacement for the 7- and 9-inch touchscreen units.
In addition to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, the new system comes with Google built-in and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, offering more convenience.
Key rivals get hybrid systems
The 2026 Honda Pilot competes with the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, VW Atlas, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, and the Chevrolet Traverse. It returns an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway/22 mpg combined in the FWD configuration and up to 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined in AWD configurations.
The recently launched 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid returns an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 33 mpg city/35 mpg highway/34 mpg combined in FWD configurations and 29 mpg city/30 mpg highway/29 mpg combined in AWD configurations. It can travel up to 691 miles (FWD)/528 miles (AWD) without a refueling stop, also according to the EPA.
The 2027 Kia Telluride, which just started arriving at U.S. dealerships, also has a hybrid variant, delivering an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 34 mpg city/36 mpg highway/35 mpg combined and an EPA-estimated range of up to 637 miles in FWD configurations.
In AWD configuration, the new hybrid SUV delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg city/32 mpg highway/31 mpg combined. Meanwhile, Volkswagen has also confirmed a future Atlas Hybrid.
Production
Honda manufactures the Pilot at the Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) and should build all future iterations at the same facility. This factory in Lincoln is the brand’s exclusive global production source for the Pilot, with well over 2 million units coming out of here since 2006.
Pricing
In the U.S., the 2026 Pilot has a starting MSRP (excluding taxes, license, registration, and a USD 1,495 destination fee) of USD 42,395 for the Sport model, and tops out at USD 55,195 for the Black Edition. We estimate future hybrid versions to be 5-10% more expensive than the gas model.
As for the Canadian-spec 2026 Honda Pilot, it has a selling price (excluding license, registration, insurance, and taxes) of CAD 58,696 for the Sport trim, with the range-topping Black Edition priced at CAD 69,546.
TopElectricSUV says
What can we say? An electrified powertrain isn’t currently available for the Honda Pilot, which is disappointing given that many automakers are switching to hybrid and pure-electric powertrains across their lineup. The wait continues until the next-gen Pilot emerges in 2029, and we’re hoping the hold-out for a full-size hybrid powertrain is worth it!
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
