Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV that equipped with 3.5L V6 engine, available in the market at starting price $40,000 (USA) and in India Its price range around Rs 35 Lakh to 50 Lakh.
During the past few years, large family SUVs have been in booming demand in the automobile markets of the world. The consumers no longer want an additional seating, but rather they want a blend of comfort and performance, safety, and technological and long life. SUVs that come in three rows are considered to be quite popular as they allow flexibility to a family, people who have to travel long distances and even those who want to travel to some adventure locations. These cars should be good in urban traffic, stable in the highway, and maneuver somehow rugged roads without affecting the comfort of its passengers.
This article will provide complete information about Honda Pilot.
Honda Pilot: Company Overview
Honda motor company is among the best and well established automobiles manufacturing companies in the world. The company was founded by a Japanese, Soichiro Honda in 1948 and it established its reputation through engineering precision, innovative thinking and durability of the products. Honda has its business in over 150 countries and it sells millions of vehicles annually, both in the form of compact cars, SUVs, as well as motorcycles and power tools. The strong point of Honda is that it focuses on high safety standards, smooth engines and low long- term costs of ownership.
Honda Pilot came in 2003 as unibody three-row SUV whose target customers were mostly family people who desired space but did not need the rugged ride of the truck-based SUVs. With time, the Pilot changed as generations, becoming more technologically advanced, safer, and finer in its driving behavior. This legacy is still carried on in the present generation with a more aggressive design, fresher interiors and high-tech driver-assistance technology rendering it one of the flagship Honda SUVs in the world.
| Detail | Information |
| Company Name | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. |
| Founded | 1948 |
| Founder | Soichiro Honda |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| Global Presence | 150+ countries |
| Core Philosophy | Reliability, safety, innovation |
| Major SUV Models | Pilot, CR-V, Passport |
Honda Pilot Price (US & UAE Market)
The Honda Pilot prices significantly differ based on the market, and the United States MSRP is the global reference base and the UAE prices the most applicable to the Indian imports buyers. Honda does not directly trade the Pilot in India, and therefore, customers have to depend on the grey-market imports, primarily, the GCC countries, including the UAE.
The US prices are quoted without destination fees, which are usually about $1,395 and the UAE prices are more appropriate when direct imports are being made. To the Indian customers particularly in the state of Delhi, the final on-road price would jump in a sharp way because of the custom duty, the GST on duty, the state RTO fees, the insurance, and the transportation. A grey-imported Pilot is on average 1.6 to 1.8 times the UAE base price. These estimates are pegged on the January 2026 exchange rates and the existing rules and regulations that govern importations, and the real prices can vary because of the forex movement and changes in regulations.
Honda Pilot US MSRP – All Variants (2026)
The 2026 Honda Pilot comes in seven models in the US and begins with front-wheel-drive Sport models up to fully loaded AWD models. The official prices position Pilot in the high-end segment of the midsize SUV market that includes additional safety features, luxury, and off-road equipment. Individual dealers typically have small discounts, typically 2 percent, and can also have extra discounts as part of military or college programs.
| Variant | Starting MSRP (USD) | Drivetrain | Key Notes |
| Sport | $42,195 | FWD | Base trim, 18-inch wheels, 9-inch touchscreen |
| EX-L | $44,495 | FWD / AWD | Leather seats, moonroof |
| TrailSport | $50,395 | AWD | Off-road suspension, skid plates |
| Touring | $51,095 | AWD | Built-in navigation, Bose audio |
| Touring Blackout | $52,295 | AWD | Black exterior styling pack |
| Elite | $53,495 | AWD | Ventilated seats, head-up display |
| Black Edition | $54,995 | AWD | Premium black accents, 20-inch wheels |
Honda Pilot UAE / GCC Prices (Import Base for India)
UAE prices will represent the most feasible point of reference among Indian buyers since a majority of the imports of this car are made in Dubai or Sharjah. This is available in UAE also has the same 3.5L V6 petrol with an automatic transmission. The costs of the GCC imports are cheaper than the US equivalents when the shipping and taxes are taken into consideration, and thus they are the lowest in UAE.
As can be seen in the market listing on sites like the YallaMotor and the DubiCars, the Pilot comes in three to four trim levels, with a price of between AED 176,000 and AED 213,000. This puts the average price of the transaction in the UAE at AED 196,000, or an equivalent of 45 lakh rupees.
| Variant Level (UAE) | Price (AED) | Approx. INR (₹ lakh) |
| Base (EX / Sport equivalent) | 176,000 | 40.5 |
| Mid (EX-L / Touring) | 199,999 | 46.0 |
| Top (Elite / TrailSport) | 212,999 | 49.0 |
Honda Pilot On-Road Price In India (Delhi – Grey Import)
Bringing a Pilot car to India through the UAE path would make the buyers consider several layers of costs. These would be about 30 percent custom duty, GST on duty, Delhi road tax of 12-15 percent, insurance premium and logistic charges around 2-3 lakh. Moreover, there can be changes in BS6 compliance and registration management fee. On a cost of UAE AED 176,000 (approximately 40,500 lakh of rupee) on road, the on-road price in Delhi is normally 65-70 lakh. Even more premium features such as higher trims with AWD drive the price even higher. The exchange rates applied in this case are calculated using January 2026 averages (1 AED 1 23, 1 USD 1 84). Customers should never assume the existing prices with the importers since prices keep changing.
| US Trim Mapping | UAE Base Price (₹ lakh) | Estimated Delhi On-Road (₹ lakh) | Notes |
| Sport / EX | 40–42 | 65–72 | High duty impact on FWD |
| EX-L / Touring | 44–47 | 70–78 | Most commonly imported |
| TrailSport | 47–49 | 75–85 | AWD premium, off-road kit |
| Elite / Black Edition | 49–52 | 80–92 | Fully loaded, highest cost |
Top speed, Engine and Performance
The entire range of Pilot Car is propelled by the same 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine and a 10-speed automatic drive. Honda has maintained the same powertrain throughout the line, i.e. the horsepower and the torque is the same in all the trims. The engine is rated at 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque with linear acceleration and smooth power delivery, which are applicable in the urban environment and long highway travel. Paddle shifters are standard, and they can also be manually controlled to control the gears when necessary particularly on incline or when overtaking.
Variations between variants are mostly based on the choice of the drivetrain, the tuning of the suspension, the type of tyre, and the weight of the vehicle. Front-wheel-drive models (Sport and EX-L) are slightly lighter and thus accelerate a little faster. The trims are AWD, which increases the mass by about 150200 lbs as a result of the i-vtm4 system, at a minor cost to acceleration. This is the slowest in straight-line performance, as TrailSport has been tuned to off-road suspension, and using all-terrain tyres, where traction is more important than speed.
| Variant | Drivetrain | Approx. Weight (lbs) | 0–60 mph (sec) | Top Speed (mph, limited) | Quarter-Mile (sec @ mph) | Performance Notes |
| Sport | FWD | 4,300–4,400 | 6.1–6.5 | 112 | 15.7 @ 90 | Lightest and quickest; best highway acceleration |
| EX-L | FWD / AWD | 4,400–4,600 | 6.2–6.7 | 112 | ~15.8 @ 89 | AWD option adds slight drag |
| TrailSport | AWD (Std) | 4,800–4,900 | 6.9–7.2 | 111 | 16.0 @ 88 | Off-road tyres and suspension reduce speed |
| Touring | AWD (Std) | ~4,700 | 6.5–7.0 | 112 | ~15.9 @ 89 | Balanced setup with torque vectoring |
| Touring Blackout | AWD (Std) | ~4,700 | 6.5–7.0 | 112 | Same as Touring | Cosmetic changes only |
| Elite | AWD (Std) | ~4,850 | 6.6–7.1 | 112 | ~16.0 @ 88 | Heavier due to luxury features |
| Black Edition | AWD (Std) | ~4,900 | 6.7–7.2 | 112 | 16.1 @ 88 | Heaviest trim, 20-inch wheels |
Honda Pilot Colour: Available Options
1 – Crystal Black Pearl – standard black
2 – Platinum White Pearl – standard white
3 – Lunar/Solar Silver Metallic – standard silver
4 – Modern Steel Metallic – muted dark gray
5– Obsidian Blue Pearl – standard deep blue
6 – Radiant Red Metallic II – standard deep red
7 – Sonic Gray Pearl – standard light gray
8 – Diffused Sky Blue Pearl / Ash Green Metallic – light blue/green
9 – 2026 Pilot models also have Ash Green Metallic
Mileage & Fuel Economy
The main concern of the Honda Pilot is not fuel efficiency but it is good concerning an SUV powered by a big V6. Honda is a company that uses the technology of cylinder deactivation that enhances efficiency that occurred during constant speed driving. Mileage has been found to decrease in urban situations because of traffic and weight of the vehicle. The Pilot runs better and has a long driving range on highways due to its huge fuel tank.
The Pilot ought to be considered by the buyers when comfort and performance are more important factors than fuel savings. Fuel costs will also be higher than the turbocharged or hybrid competitors but the compromise will be the smoother driving and reliability.
| Driving Condition | Mileage |
| City | 7–9 km/l |
| Highway | 10–12 km/l |
| Combined | 9–10 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
Pilot Off-Road Hardware & Capability
The Honda Pilot TrailSport model adds off-road capability to the model. It has higher ground clearance, armoured skid plates and special tuned suspension to uneven ground. Honda i-vtm4 AWD system is a smart system that allocates torque between wheels in order to enhance traction. This system is especially applicable on slippery surfaces like mud, snow and loose gravel.
Although the Pilot is not made to be an extreme off-road vehicle, it manages light off-road trails, rough road and rural areas without difficulty. Its off-road hardware is adequate in most cases of family adventure requirements.
| Off-Road Feature | Availability |
| AWD System | i-VTM4 |
| Ground Clearance | Up to 8.3 inches |
| Skid Plates | TrailSport |
| Terrain Modes | Snow, Sand, Mud |
| Tyres | All-terrain (TrailSport) |
Honda Pilot Interior Features
The Honda Pilot interior is made in such a way that it is more focused on comfort, space and daily use. It provides sufficient head space and leg space throughout the three rows, and therefore long distance travels are comfortable to the passengers. The seating arrangement is customizable; it can have captain seats or bench seats in the second row. The technology features include connectivity, convenience and entertainment. Other higher trims consist of better upholstery, big touchscreens, and more sophisticated infotainment. The Pilot can be used in family since it has practical storage spaces and a well-designed cabin.
| Interior Feature | Details |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 |
| Infotainment | 9–12.3 inch touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital |
| Climate Control | Tri-zone |
| Special Feature | CabinTalk |
| Cargo Space | Up to 87 cu ft |
Honda Pilot Exterior Design Highlights
The Honda pilot has a bold and muscular exterior design that indicates the character of SUV. Its powerful road presence is attributed to the upright grille, broad stance and the use of LED lighting. Well-proportioned dimensions and clean body lines make it appear contemporary without appearing over the top aggressive. Increased trims come with larger alloy wheels, roof rails, and high quality detailing. The TrailSport model has the rugged design features that make it look different to ordinary models.
| Exterior Element | Highlight |
| Headlamps | LED with DRLs |
| Wheels | 18–20 inch alloys |
| Roof Rails | Available |
| Styling | Rugged yet refined |
| Body Type | Unibody SUV |
Honda Pilot Safety Features
The Honda Pilot has one of the greatest strengths on safety. Honda Sensing is provided on all variants, and it is a full complement of driver-assistance technologies. These systems contribute to a reduction of driver fatigue and improve road safety.
The Pilot has also achieved high safety ratings during worldwide crash tests which helps to support its family friendly image. The passenger safety is also increased with strong structural design and multiple airbags.
| Safety Feature | Availability |
| Honda Sensing | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes |
| Emergency Braking | Yes |
| Airbags | Up to 10 |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star |
Ride & Handling
The Honda Pilot is set to be more comfortable and stable than aggressive driving. The suspension is able to absorb the imperfection of the roads and thus it is fit to be used in Indian road conditions. The steering is easy and predictable particularly when driving in the city and parking. The Pilot is confident and comfortable at a faster speed on highways. A three-row SUV has good body roll control, and it is comfortable to all the occupants.
| Aspect | Experience |
| Ride Comfort | Excellent |
| Steering | Light & smooth |
| Highway Stability | Very good |
| City Use | Easy for size |
Honda Pilot Competitors Comparison
Honda Pilot competes with a number of popular three-row SUVs in the world. Both rivals have their own advantages, be it hybrid power efficiency, posh interiors, or rough off-road skills. What is unique about the Pilot is that it is balanced and long-term reliable. Customers ought to differentiate with usage, service support and budget.
| Model | Starting Price (2025/26) | Engine & Power | MPG (Combined) | Max Towing Capacity | Key Strengths |
| Honda Pilot | ~$40,000 | 3.5L V6, 285 hp | 22 MPG | 5,000 lbs | Strong reliability, off-road capability |
| Toyota Highlander | $39,820 | 2.4L I4, 265 hp | 25 MPG | 5,000 lbs | Fuel efficiency, hybrid availability |
| Kia Telluride | ~$36,000 | 3.8L V6, 291 hp | 21 MPG | 5,500 lbs | High value, long warranty, bold styling |
| Hyundai Palisade | ~$36,000 | 3.8L V6, 291 hp | 21 MPG | 5,000 lbs | Premium interior, spacious cabin |
| Nissan Pathfinder | ~$37,000 | 3.5L V6, 284 hp | 23 MPG | 6,000 lbs | Best-in-class towing, smooth ride |
| Ford Explorer | ~$38,000 | 2.3L I4, 300 hp | 22 MPG | 5,600 lbs | Strong performance, advanced tech |
| Mazda CX-90 | ~$40,000 | 3.3L I6, 340 hp | 25 MPG | 5,000 lbs | Sporty handling, premium driving feel |
| GMC Acadia | ~$39,000 | 2.5L I4, 328 hp | 24 MPG | 5,000 lbs | Bold design, flexible seating |
Ownership Cost & Maintenance
Honda cars are known in the whole world to be low maintenance and very reliable. Vehicle servicing is also routine and it does not entail a lot of repairs. But the imported Honda Pilot models in India might be characterized by increasing the cost of maintenance as there would be less availability of the spare parts. Although this is the case, the robust construction minimizes the unforeseen failures. The value of resale has been quite high among the high-end import consumers.
| Ownership Aspect | Estimate |
| Annual Service Cost | ₹60,000–1,00,000 |
| Reliability | Very high |
| Spare Parts | Import-dependent |
| Resale Value | Strong |
Buying Advice
Honda Pilot is also suitable for those buyers who prefer a spacious, safe and comfortable three-row SUV. It is applicable in families, long-distance travelers and buyers who want a smooth V6 performance. The TrailSport would be the perfect choice in situations when an individual drives mostly on rough roads. Consumers are forced to be ready to pay more on imports and services. Individuals in need of official service support can use alternatives that are locally available.
Conclusion
Honda Pilot is a three-row SUV that is well-built and reliable and has accomplished amalgamation of space, comfort, safety, and fluid performance. The fact that it has naturally aspirated V6 engine, auto transmission which is refined and stable ride quality makes it particularly useful in long-distance travelling as well as the use of family. The spacious cabin, flexible seating, and modern technology make the experience of all passengers comfortable, and the high-tech safety systems are another guarantee that the journey can be made more comfortable and safe.
Though not officially offered in India the Honda Pilot is more expensive, because of importing and maintaining, though, it can appeal to the buyers that want to have the global build quality and reliability in the long run. This might not be its strongest point and that trade off is durability, comfort and a proven Honda engineering. To families and high-end SUV consumers who value reliability, safety, and usability over fuel savings, the Honda Pilot is a very good and reasonable selection in the three-row SUV category.
FAQs
Yes, they all have the same type of 3.5L V6 engine with the same power and the same torque.
No, there is no hybrid version provided as a standard but it is stated that there is rumor of an update in the future.
The FWD Sport variant is the fastest since it is lightweight.
The maximum speed is electronically regulated at approximately 111 -112 mph (approximately 180 km/h).
AWD increases a bit of weight and this has a slight effect on acceleration, but it enhances traction and stability.
