New & Used 2026 Honda Pilot for Sale near Essex, ON

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot a good car?

The 2026 Honda Pilot earns a 7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

It remains fundamentally the same as before, and that works in its favour if you want a midsize three-row crossover SUV with a familiar formula. The Pilot’s cabin comfort, passenger room, and cargo space are clear advantages, and its clever features help it stand out in a crowded class. It also has a more truck-like presence for 2026, which gives it a tougher look without changing its practical character.

The main trade-off is straightforward: there is no hybrid option, so you do not get the fuel-efficiency advantage that some rivals offer. The Pilot’s cost-effectiveness score also trails its stronger categories, which reinforces that it is best suited to shoppers who value space and usability over maximum efficiency.

With 22.9% of listings priced as good or great deals, the market gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot reliable?

The 2026 Honda Pilot keeps the same basic formula as before, which is a positive sign if you want a familiar, proven family SUV. Its performance notes point to a confident, predictable driving experience, with adequate acceleration, a muted V6, and steering that feels more stable on centre for 2026.

Honda’s latest software and the unchanged overall structure also support the sense that this is a well-sorted vehicle rather than a risky redesign. The Pilot’s practical layout and straightforward mechanical setup should make it easy to live with over time.

If you buy used, the biggest long-term ownership risk is still the lack of a more fuel-efficient powertrain, which can make running costs less appealing than some rivals.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Honda Pilot?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Sport trim misses automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors, while higher trims add more convenience and refinement. The EX-L should appeal if you want front-row leather seats and a removable second-row seat, while the Touring adds a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and a hands-free power liftgate.
• Powertrain: Every trim uses the same 3.5-litre V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard in Canada. It delivers 285 horsepower and feels adequately strong for merging and passing.
• Safety package: All trims include Honda Sensing, with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, a traffic-sign reader, and automatic high-beam headlights.
• Infotainment: You get a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging requires the EX-L trim.
• Fuel efficiency: The Pilot is estimated at 11 L/100 km combined in Sport and EX-L trims, 11.2 L/100 km combined in Touring and Black Edition trims, and 11.8 L/100 km combined in TrailSport configuration.

Which 2026 Honda Pilot trim should I buy?

The 2026 Honda Pilot is offered in 5 trim levels: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Black Edition.

Here's the short version:

• Sport: This is the entry point, but it is also the trim where you give up automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors. It makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and are comfortable with the essentials.
• EX-L: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds front-row leather seats, a removable second-row seat, and wireless phone charging. It is the sweet spot if you want comfort and convenience without stretching too far up the range.
• TrailSport: Choose this if you want the Pilot’s outlier character and its decent off-road abilities. It also carries the highest fuel-consumption figure in the lineup.
• Touring: This trim adds a panoramic sunroof, premium audio, and a hands-free power liftgate, but the price jump is harder to justify unless those features matter to you.
• Black Edition: This is the top trim and focuses on appearance and equipment, but it is the most expensive way to buy the Pilot.

All trims come with Honda Sensing, and the base Sport is the only one that misses automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Honda Pilot?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find reasonable opportunities.

• Deal availability: 22.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 131 listings available.

Is the 2026 Honda Pilot safe?

The 2026 Honda Pilot’s crash test scores were not available at the time of writing, but the 2025 model earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 6/10 safety score from our experts.

All Pilot trims come with Honda Sensing, which includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a driver-attention monitor, a traffic-sign reader, and automatic high-beam headlights. All but the base Sport model also get automatic braking at low speeds and parking proximity sensors.

One caveat is that the forward collision warning can be a bit too sensitive, and lane departure warning can also be sensitive if you do not track the lane markings closely.

Should I buy a 2026 Honda Pilot or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 22.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• It keeps the Pilot’s familiar formula while adding a more truck-like look and larger standard screens.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It is roomy, practical, and easy to live with.

The bottom line: The 2026 Pilot is the better pick if you want the updated look and the latest cabin tech while keeping the same core strengths. If you are mainly shopping on price, the 2025 remains a sensible alternative because it preserves the Pilot’s practical, family-friendly character.

How does the 2026 Honda Pilot compare to the 2026 Toyota Highlander?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.