2026 Pilot TrailSport Review: The Most Capable Family SUV Yet

The Honda Pilot TrailSport has always aimed at families who love to get outside, but the 2026 model pushes that idea further with upgrades that make everyday driving feel smoother and off-road adventures feel more natural. Honda took what people already liked about the TrailSport and made it feel more confident, more refined, and more capable without losing the comfort that families expect in a three-row SUV.

Right away, the first thing you notice is how much tougher the TrailSport looks. The redesigned front fascia with its larger grille gives the SUV a stronger stance, and the new scuff plates add to that rugged personality. The TrailSport grille now stands out with its exclusive gray finish, matching nicely with the orange accents in the badges and the rear PILOT logo. The new Ash Green Metallic color option really suits the TrailSport’s personality, especially for buyers who want something that looks at home in the mountains or desert.

Inside, Honda added features to make long drives easier and more enjoyable. The first big upgrade is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen that finally gives the Pilot the type of interface people expect today. It is much bigger, clearer, and more responsive, and now includes wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and 5G wi-fi capability. The Digital Instrument Cluster is also larger at 10.2 inches, making the whole interior feel more modern. Cabin noise is noticeably lower thanks to new sound-reducing materials, which is a big difference when you have kids, pets, or lots of gear.

For 2026, the TrailSport also gets heated rear outboard seats for the first time, something families in colder climates will appreciate. Honda now offers a brown leather interior with orange stitching on the TrailSport, giving the cabin a warm and adventurous tone that matches the exterior’s personality.

Of course, capability is what really defines the TrailSport. It continues to use Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system, which can push up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and then send 100% of that torque to either rear wheel individually. That means traction is strong on dirt, mud, rocky trails, and snowy surfaces. The TrailSport’s off-road-tuned suspension with extra ground clearance, beefy all-terrain tires, and steel skid plates all work together to give families the ability to explore further without worrying about damaging the underbody.

Under the hood, the 3.5-liter V6 still delivers 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It feels smooth and predictable on the highway but strong enough when climbing dirt trails or towing small campers. The Trail mode, Sand mode, Snow mode, and Hill Descent Control system also make it easier for new drivers to feel comfortable when conditions get tricky.

With a more tech-focused interior, a tougher exterior, and real hardware that supports true off-road use, the 2026 Pilot TrailSport is shaping up to be one of the best options for families who want a comfortable daily driver that does not hesitate when the pavement ends.