The Honda Pilot has built a reputation as the practical, family-friendly three-row SUV that does not try to be anything it is not. For 2026, Honda keeps the strengths that made the previous generation popular while making small but noticeable improvements in comfort, efficiency, and everyday usability. In Nigeria, where families often need space for kids, luggage, market runs, and occasional long trips to the village, the Pilot continues to make sense. It is not the most exciting SUV to drive, but it is built to handle our mix of smooth highways, potholed side roads, and heavy traffic without constant worry.The exterior design is a gentle evolution. The front grille is a bit cleaner, with slimmer LED headlights that give the face a more focused look. The hood line flows smoothly, and the side profile keeps the strong shoulder line and high beltline that make the Pilot look substantial. Rear taillights are full-width with updated graphics that stand out at night. Ground clearance is around 185–190 mm depending on trim, which is enough to clear most urban potholes and light off-road paths but not for serious bush tracks. The overall shape is aerodynamic enough to keep wind noise low on highways and improve fuel economy.
Powertrain options are focused on efficiency and capability. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 producing about 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a ten-speed automatic that shifts smoothly in traffic. Real-world fuel economy in Nigerian mixed driving (heavy city plus some highway) typically lands at 8–10 km/l, which is respectable for a three-row SUV. The hybrid version, available on higher trims, combines a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with electric motors for a total system output of around 310 horsepower. The hybrid returns 12–15 km/l in city conditions and can touch 16 km/l on open roads significant savings when petrol prices rise or stations run dry. The hybrid battery carries an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty, and Honda’s hybrid reliability is strong.
The interior is where the 2026 Pilot feels most improved. Materials are a step up more soft-touch surfaces on the dash and door panels, less hard plastic in high-contact areas. The dashboard layout is clean and driver-focused, with physical knobs for climate control that are easy to adjust without looking away from the road. The standard 9-inch touchscreen is sharp and responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most trims. Higher models get a 12.3-inch screen that integrates well with the digital gauges. Front seats are supportive with good cushioning, and the second row slides and reclines for comfort on long trips. The third row is usable for kids or smaller adults, and when folded flat it gives a huge cargo area for luggage, coolers, or market shopping.
Safety is a strong point. Honda Sensing is standard across the range. It includes collision mitigation braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition. In real Nigerian driving, the adaptive cruise makes stop-go traffic far less tiring, and lane assist helps on highways when fatigue sets in. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard or optional depending on trim, and they are valuable in crowded cities. The Pilot consistently earns top marks in global crash tests, with strong structure and good occupant protection.
Ride quality is tuned for comfort. The suspension handles potholes well for a three-row SUV, and road noise is well controlled for the class. Steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight urban streets or park in crowded markets. The cabin stays quiet at highway speeds, which is appreciated on longer family drives.
Ownership costs are reasonable. Parts are widely available and affordable, mechanics know the Pilot inside out, and insurance premiums stay competitive. Fuel efficiency, especially in the hybrid, keeps running costs manageable. Resale value holds strong Pilots consistently top used-SUV listings because buyers trust their durability and space.
The 2026 Pilot is not trying to be the most exciting SUV to drive. It is trying to be the one you can rely on for years of family trips, school runs, and occasional village visits without constant worry. In Nigeria, where reliability, space, and low running costs often matter more than anything else, it remains one of the most practical three-row options you can buy. Test drive the hybrid version if possible the efficiency and smooth power delivery will likely convince you.