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Just got back from reading the latest Tested review on the 2026 Honda Pilot, and I wanted to open this discussion up to see what everyone thinks. According to Car and Driver, the new Pilot does just enough to stay afloat among the 3-row SUV competition, which honestly seems like a fair assessment to me.

The Pilot has always been a solid choice for families needing three rows of seating, and the 2026 model maintains that tradition. It's not going to blow anyone away with groundbreaking features or performance, but it checks the boxes that matter for most buyers: reliable Honda engineering, decent cargo space, and a reasonable price point.

What's interesting is how the market has evolved. The 3-row SUV segment is getting increasingly competitive with models like the Kia Sorento, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas all making strong arguments for themselves. The Pilot isn't leading in any particular category, but it's holding its own.

I'm curious about real-world experiences from owners and potential buyers. How does the Pilot compare to what you're actually seeing in your daily drives? Is reliability still the main selling point, or has Honda lost ground in other areas? And for those considering a purchase, what would push you toward the Pilot versus its competitors?

I think the takeaway from Tested's review is that if you value Honda's reputation and want a straightforward family SUV without paying premium prices, the 2026 Pilot delivers. But if you're looking for segment-leading features, performance, or luxury touches, you might need to look elsewhere. Let's discuss what that really means for buyers out there.

The Pilot feels outdated compared to newer competitors. I looked at one last month and was underwhelmed by the interior design and tech features. For the price, I'd rather go with the Sorento or Highlander.

I've been driving a Pilot for three years now and haven't had a single major issue. Sure, it's not as flashy as some competitors, but the reliability factor is worth a lot to me. Honda nailed the practical family hauler angle.

Anyone else notice the maintenance costs on these things? I ran the numbers and the Pilot actually comes in competitive compared to its rivals. Oil changes are affordable and parts aren't expensive. Over a 10-year ownership period, you'll save money versus premium brands.

The fuel economy on the new Pilot isn't impressive though. With gas prices still volatile, this might hurt its appeal to budget-conscious families. The Highlander does better here.

Good point about fuel economy, Luna. That's one area where the Pilot seems to be losing ground. Honda really should have invested more in the powertrain efficiency. Still, for pure reliability and ownership peace of mind, I'd take a Pilot over something fancier any day.

Disagree with the negativity here. My family loves our 2025 Pilot. Cargo space is excellent, the third row actually fits real people unlike some competitors, and resale value is strong. Not everything needs to be flashy.

The infotainment system feels a generation behind. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard everywhere now, but it feels clunky on the Pilot. This matters more to younger buyers looking at 3-row SUVs.

Real talk: the Pilot's doing fine. It's not trying to be the flashiest option. It's the dependable workhorse. If you need a reliable 3-row SUV that won't break the bank, Honda's still a smart choice. Stop expecting perfection.

Test drove one last week. The ride quality is surprisingly good for the class. Handles road noise better than I expected. Interior materials feel solid even if they're not premium. It's a competent vehicle that does its job.