Honda Pilot Trim Levels - Detailed Comparison
Once you know the Pilot is for you, comparing the available Honda Pilot trim levels is an essential next step in your journey. For 2026, Honda has refreshed the Pilot with a new trim option, advanced tech, mechanical upgrades, and various styling enhancements that provide a more premium feel. While all models are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers up to 285 horsepower, each of the 2026 Honda Pilot trim levels offers something unique. Dive into this guide from DARCARS Honda Fairfax to discover the model that matches your needs.
Honda Pilot Trim Levels at a Glance
- The 2026 Honda Pilot trim levels include Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, and Black Edition
- Several updates arrive for 2026, including larger interior screens, standard roof rails, a power liftgate, reduced cabin noise, improved steering precision, and wireless smartphone compatibility
- All trims accommodate up to eight passengers, aside from the TrailSport, which seats seven and features second-row captain's chairs
- This SUV is available in front- or all-wheel drive and can tow between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds when properly equipped
- All models come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance features standard
- The 2026 Honda Pilot is available for a test drive in Fairfax, VA, today
Choose Your Match Among These Different Honda Pilot Models
Here are the Honda Pilot trim levels in order:
- Sport
- EX-L
- TrailSport
- Touring
- Touring Blackout
- Elite
- Black Edition
Regarding performance, this SUV features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is mated with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on the base trim, while all-wheel drive is standard across the rest of the range. Since all trims feature the same powertrain, your choice will depend on which interior amenities and styling cues you prefer.
Read on to compare the Honda Pilot trim packages and key features, starting with an overview chart below.
Honda Pilot Trim Level Comparison Overview
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| 2026 Honda Pilot Sport | 2026 Honda Pilot EX-L | 2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport | 2026 Honda Pilot Touring | 2026 Honda Pilot Touring Blackout | 2026 Honda Pilot Elite | 2026 Honda Pilot Black Edition | |
| Seating | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Upholstery | Cloth | Leather-trimmed | Durable synthetic leather with orange stitching | Leather-trimmed | Leather-trimmed | Perforated leather-trimmed | Perforated leather-trimmed |
| Wheels and Tires | 20-in alloys | 18-in machine-finished alloys | 18-in alloys | 20-in machine-finished alloys | 20-in black alloys | 20-in machine-finished alloys | 20-in gloss black alloys |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 - 5,000 lbs1 | 3,500 - 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| Roof Rails (Y / N) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
There is a significant difference in Honda Pilot models, with variations in wheel size, seating capacity, and premium amenities. Read on to see the standard features in our Honda Pilot trim comparison.
2026 Honda Pilot Sport
The lineup for the new Honda Pilot for sale begins with the Sport. There are several newly standard perks for 2026, including larger screens, a power liftgate, and wireless smartphone connectivity. Standard features include:
- Eight-passenger cloth seating
- Heated front seats
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Google Built-In
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- CabinTalk in-car PA system
- Tri-zone automatic climate control system
- Power lift tailgate
As we continue to compare Honda Pilot trims, keep in mind that higher trims build on the standard features of the Sport.
2026 Honda Pilot EX-L
Building upon the base trim, the EX-L offers the following upgrades that enhance both convenience and driving comfort:
- Multi-function second row with a removable middle seat
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Wireless phone charging
- Cargo area 12v power outlet
- Leather-trimmed seating
- Integrated rear-door sunshades
- Heated power side mirrors
2026 Honda Pilot TrailSport
The TrailSport diverges slightly from Honda's typical approach to family transportation, offering genuine off-road capability. It features an advanced AWD system with variable torque distribution, allowing up to 70% of the engine's torque to be channeled to the rear axle and 100% to either rear wheel. Other notable features include:
- Seven-passenger seating
- Trail Torque Logic
- Full-size spare tire
- Multiview Camera System and TrailWatch
- Heated steering wheel
- Second row 115-volt outlet
- Durable synthetic leather upholstery
- Heated second-row outboard seats
- Panoramic moonroof
- Heated windshield
- Underbody skid plates
- Trailer hitch receiver
New options for this trim for 2026 include the heated second-row seats and an available Brown leather interior with orange stitching.
2026 Honda Pilot Touring
The Touring may lack some of the off-road features like Trail Torque Logic and skid plates, but it adds meaningful luxury upgrades. Like the EX-L, it also includes a multi-function second row with a removable middle seat.
- Eight-passenger seating
- Bose® Premium Sound System with 12 speakers
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Flat-folding second-row seats
- Illuminated beverage holders
- Power lift tailgate with hands-free access and walk-away close
The 2026 update adds an available brown leather interior for the Touring, giving it a warm and premium aesthetic.
2026 Honda Pilot Touring Blackout
The only difference between the Touring and the Touring Blackout is styling. This edition features black elements such as black alloy wheels, black lug nuts, and gloss-black emblems for the Honda logo, AWD, Pilot, and Touring badges.
2026 Honda Pilot Elite
The Elite builds on the Touring and Touring Blackout trims with the following enhancements, positioning it as a premium option in the lineup:
- Head-Up Display
- Heated steering wheel
- Second-row 115-volt power outlet
- Perforated leather-trimmed seats with quilted Ultrasuede accents
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated windshield
- Heated second-row seats
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Auto-dimming side mirrors
- Puddle lights
2026 Honda Pilot Black Edition
Last but not least, the Honda Pilot Black Edition includes all features of the Elite trim, paired with special blacked-out styling elements, similar to the Touring Blackout model.
Ready to get into a brand-new SUV of your own? Explore our Honda Pilot lease deals and finance offers in Fairfax, VA, today.
Discover the Honda Pilot Trims at DARCARS Honda Fairfax
After this guide, we're confident that you have a pretty good idea of which of the Honda Pilot trim levels is right for you. If you're still on the fence, our team can also help you compare any of these new editions to a used Honda Pilot for sale.
If you feel confident in your choice and are ready to apply for car financing, click here and fill out our credit application.
Need something else? Feel free to direct any questions to our staff using the online form. Our team is here to help you find the right model for your needs, but we think the best way to do your research is to visit us and take a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 2026 Honda Pilot trim offers the most safety?
All Honda Pilot trim levels offer excellent safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite. However, if you want added safety and driver-assistance tech, look to the TrailSport, Elite, or Black Edition trim levels. These trims include add-ons such as the Multi-View Camera system and TrailWatch, which allow you to see more points around your vehicle on your center display screen.
How many miles should tires last on a Honda Pilot?
New tires are engineered to last around 50,000 to 60,000 miles overall, and some all-season tires are designed to last a bit longer. You can extend the lifespan of your tires by getting a tire rotation each time you schedule an oil change to promote even wear. Factors like driving habits and road conditions will also play a role in how long new tires can last.
What is the difference between the 2025 and 2026 Honda Pilot models?
The 2026 Honda Pilot brings several notable upgrades, including the addition of the new Touring Blackout trim level. Enhancements include a redesigned front fascia, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen standard, a larger 10.2-inch driver information cluster, a standard power tailgate and roof rails, 5G Wi-Fi capability, standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and a host of trim-specific updates for certain variants in the lineup.
Featured Customer Review
Will Yoder
5/02/2025
We had the fortune of buying our new family car (2025 Honda Pilot) from DARCARS Fairfax this winter. We were helped by Mert Avci, and we couldn't have been happier with our experience with him… We ended up with the perfect car for our family, at a price, and with a process that made us feel good about the entire experience.
1Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.