Honda Pilot
Picture Your Family in a Honda Pilot
When you are looking for a big SUV in Arizona, you want something that can handle the Phoenix heat and the highway hauls to Sedona. The Honda Pilot is a powerhouse in the midsize SUV class, offering over 150 cubic feet of passenger volume. Whether you are buying new or looking for a reliable pre-owned option, here is how the recent years break down.
This updated guide focuses on the most common Honda Pilot for sale in the Phoenix area, specifically highlighting the model years you’re likely to find on the lot today, from the tech-forward 2016 models to the redesigned 2026.
Model Year Comparison: 2016 – 2026
If you are browsing a dealership's used inventory, these are the key year-to-year changes that matter:
- 2016–2018: This launched the 3rd Generation with a sleek, modern look. It’s important to note that 2016 was the first year of the redesign; by 2017, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ became available on EX trims and higher.
- 2019–2020: A major mid-cycle refresh. Honda listened to drivers and brought back the physical volume knob (a huge win for usability). The exterior got a tougher look, and the Honda Sensing® safety suite became standard on every single trim.
- 2021–2022: The 9-speed automatic transmission became standard across the entire lineup (replacing the older 6-speed). The Pilot Special Edition (SE) debuted in 2021, and the first-ever Pilot TrailSport arrived in 2022 for those wanting a rugged look.
- 2023 (The Redesign): The 4th Generation arrived with a bold, truck-like square-jawed design. It introduced a new 10-speed transmission and a fold-away, stowable 2nd-row middle seat that makes switching between 7 and 8 passengers effortless.
- 2024–2025: The Pilot earned the Car and Driver Editors’ Choice award. In 2025, the Black Edition returned as the top-of-the-line luxury trim, featuring red interior accents and blacked-out wheels.
- 2026: The newest update is all about the Big Screen. Every trim now gets a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Honda also added more sound insulation, making the 2026 the quietest Pilot ever built.
Get to Know the 2026 Honda Pilot Trim Levels
The Pilot Sport is now the entry point, but it's far from basic. For 2026, it comes standard with the new 12.3-inch screen and roof rails. Moving to the Pilot EX-L adds leather seats and a power tailgate, which is a lifesaver when your hands are full of groceries.
The Pilot Touring is the family favorite because it adds the Bose Premium Sound System and the stowable middle seat. For Phoenix adventurers, the Pilot TrailSport adds an extra inch of ground clearance and steel skid plates for those dusty trail weekend runs. The Pilot Elite and Black Edition represent the peak of luxury, featuring ventilated seats—an absolute must-have for Arizona summers.
Frequently Asked Questions About New and Used Honda Pilots
Where is the Honda Pilot Built?
Since 2006, every Honda Pilot has been proudly built in Lincoln, Alabama.
How Long and Heavy is a Honda Pilot?
The current generation is roughly 199.9 inches long (about 16.6 feet). It weighs between 4,300 and 4,700 pounds, depending on whether you choose front-wheel drive or the i-VTM4® all-wheel drive system.
What Year was the Honda Pilot Most Reliable?
While the Pilot is a durability leader, the 2018–2022 models are highly regarded in the used market because they use the refined 3rd-generation platform with the most bugs worked out from the 2016 launch.
Does it Have a Third Row?
Yes! Every Pilot has a third row. Most trims seat 8 people, but the TrailSport and some EX-L/Touring configurations use 2nd-row Captain’s chairs, reducing seating to 7 people.
How Much Can it Tow?
If you have a boat or a small camper, the Pilot is ready. All-Wheel Drive models can tow up to 5,000 lbs, while Front-Wheel Drive models are rated for 3,500 lbs.
Find Your Perfect Family Fit at Earnhardt Honda
Whether you are eyeing the rugged 2026 TrailSport for your next weekend in the Superstition Mountains or looking for a reliable certified pre-owned 2021 Pilot to handle the Phoenix carpool, our team is here to help.
With its legendary durability and class-leading safety, a Honda Pilot isn't just a purchase. It's an investment in your family's comfort. Don't just take our word for it. Feel the V6 power and explore the cavernous interior for yourself.