Honda's 2027 Pilot Aims to Compete Again with the Ford Explorer | Carscoops

Honda's 2027 Pilot Aims to Compete Again with the Ford Explorer | Carscoops

      Mid-life update for the three-year-old SUV introduces a new grille, updated wheels, and potentially a hybrid power option.

      

       10 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Chris Chilton

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Honda is currently testing a lightly camouflaged Pilot SUV on roads in the U.S.

      The prototype features camo on its bumpers and a more robust grille.

      A first-ever hybrid powertrain is anticipated for model year 2028.

      Honda’s fourth-generation Pilot was launched in late 2022, making it relatively new. However, with sales declining in 2025 and criticism regarding its design and interior quality, the timing is appropriate for some enhancements.

      Also: New Prelude Achieves 0-62 in 7.2 Seconds with Launch Control, Yet Still Falls Short Against Civic

      Spy photographers have captured images of Honda’s largest SUV for the U.S. market undergoing tests, heavily disguised at the front.

      What’s Concealed Under the Camo?

      

      The disguise covers the front and rear bumpers but is most pronounced on the grille, which appears to be larger and more off-road oriented in the updated Pilot.

      Baldauf

      There are no modifications to the lights visible at this time, but we expect the LED light signatures to have minor changes for production, while the overall shape of the light units remains unchanged.

      This prototype features wheels that seem different from those available on Honda’s configurator.

      Looking through the windows, the interior likely showcases a larger, potentially standard digital instrument cluster across all models. The infotainment screen also seems poised for an upgrade, possibly a 12-inch or larger display, aligning it more closely with what competitors have been providing.

      Honda has yet to unveil its MY26 Pilot, so it is possible that we are seeing this version. However, it’s more likely that Honda will postpone these updates until MY27, introducing them in the summer or fall of 2026.

      What Will Power It?

      Regardless, we may need to wait a bit longer for the significant change heading for the Pilot: hybrid power.

      Currently, the SUV is available with a single engine, a 285 hp (289 PS) 3.5-liter V6 that propels either the front or all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Many competitors already offer hybrid engine options that provide better fuel efficiency.

      Honda has acknowledged plans to introduce a new hybrid engine by the latter part of this decade aimed at enhancing performance, economy, and towing capabilities for its larger vehicles.

      The Pilot certainly qualifies as one of those larger models, though it remains uncertain whether the existing Pilot will adopt hybrid power or if we will need to wait for the fifth-generation SUV. However, it seems unlikely that Honda can wait until 2028 or 2029 to electrify this model.

      Related: Government Investigates Honda and Acura Engine Failures Following a Spike in Complaints

      One expectation from the facelifted version of the current Pilot is the continued availability of the off-road-themed TrailSport variant, as buyers appear to be increasingly interested in SUVs that resemble and perform like traditional off-road vehicles.

      Baldauf

Honda's 2027 Pilot Aims to Compete Again with the Ford Explorer | Carscoops Honda's 2027 Pilot Aims to Compete Again with the Ford Explorer | Carscoops

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Mid-life update for the three-year-old SUV introduces a new grille, updated wheels, and potentially a hybrid power option. 10 hours ago by Chris Chilton Honda is currently testing a lightly camouflaged Pilot SUV on roads in the U.S. The prototype features camo on its bumpers and a more robust grille. A first-ever hybrid powertrain is anticipated for model year 2028. Honda’s fourth-generation Pilot was launched in late 2022, making it relatively new. However, with sales declining in 2025 and criticism regarding its design and interior quality, the timing is appropriate for some enhancements. Also: New Prelude Achieves 0-62 in 7.2 Seconds with Launch Control, Yet Still Falls Short Against Civic Spy photographers have captured images of Honda’s largest SUV for the U.S. market undergoing tests, heavily disguised at the front. What’s Concealed Under the Camo? The disguise covers the front and rear bumpers but is most pronounced on the grille, which appears to be larger and more off-road oriented in the updated Pilot. Baldauf There are no modifications to the lights visible at this time, but we expect the LED light signatures to have minor changes for production, while the overall shape of the light units remains unchanged. This prototype features wheels that seem different from those available on Honda’s configurator. Looking through the windows, the interior likely showcases a larger, potentially standard digital instrument cluster across all models. The infotainment screen also seems poised for an upgrade, possibly a 12-inch or larger display, aligning it more closely with what competitors have been providing. Honda has yet to unveil its MY26 Pilot, so it is possible that we are seeing this version. However, it’s more likely that Honda will postpone these updates until MY27, introducing them in the summer or fall of 2026. What Will Power It? Regardless, we may need to wait a bit longer for the significant change heading for the Pilot: hybrid power. Currently, the SUV is available with a single engine, a 285 hp (289 PS) 3.5-liter V6 that propels either the front or all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Many competitors already offer hybrid engine options that provide better fuel efficiency. Honda has acknowledged plans to introduce a new hybrid engine by the latter part of this decade aimed at enhancing performance, economy, and towing capabilities for its larger vehicles. The Pilot certainly qualifies as one of those larger models, though it remains uncertain whether the existing Pilot will adopt hybrid power or if we will need to wait for the fifth-generation SUV. However, it seems unlikely that Honda can wait until 2028 or 2029 to electrify this model. Related: Government Investigates Honda and Acura Engine Failures Following a Spike in Complaints One expectation from the facelifted version of the current Pilot is the continued availability of the off-road-themed TrailSport variant, as buyers appear to be increasingly interested in SUVs that resemble and perform like traditional off-road vehicles. Baldauf Mid-life update for the three-year-old SUV introduces a new grille, updated wheels, and potentially a hybrid power option. 10 hours ago by Chris Chilton Honda is currently testing a lightly camouflaged Pilot SUV on roads in the U.S. The prototype features camo on its bumpers and a more robust grille. A first-ever hybrid powertrain is anticipated for model year 2028. Honda’s fourth-generation Pilot was launched in late 2022, making it relatively new. However, with sales declining in 2025 and criticism regarding its design and interior quality, the timing is appropriate for some enhancements. Also: New Prelude Achieves 0-62 in 7.2 Seconds with Launch Control, Yet Still Falls Short Against Civic Spy photographers have captured images of Honda’s largest SUV for the U.S. market undergoing tests, heavily disguised at the front. What’s Concealed Under the Camo? The disguise covers the front and rear bumpers but is most pronounced on the grille, which appears to be larger and more off-road oriented in the updated Pilot. Baldauf There are no modifications to the lights visible at this time, but we expect the LED light signatures to have minor changes for production, while the overall shape of the light units remains unchanged. This prototype features wheels that seem different from those available on Honda’s configurator. Looking through the windows, the interior likely showcases a larger, potentially standard digital instrument cluster across all models. 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Honda's 2027 Pilot Aims to Compete Again with the Ford Explorer | Carscoops

The three-year-old SUV receives a mid-life update featuring a new grille, revised wheels, and potentially hybrid power options.