The 2026 Honda Pilot is here with a refresh—and today we’re taking a full family-focused tour to see if it still deserves the title “King of the Carpool Lane.”
In this video, I’m testing the Pilot the way a real family would: three car seats installed, a full-size stroller in the trunk, and a deep dive into the features that actually matter to parents. From the updated 12.3” infotainment screen to the incredibly versatile second-row bench with a removable middle seat, the Pilot continues to be one of my most recommended midsize SUVs for families.
But it’s not perfect. We’re also talking about the things I wish Honda would change—like the lack of ceiling vents and a third row that’s best treated as a two-seater.
If you’re deciding between a midsize SUV and a full-size SUV, this video will help you figure out if the Honda Pilot has enough space and flexibility for your family.
If this is your first time here—hi! I’m Kelly, The Car Mom. I review cars specifically for moms and families. I’m a mom of four and a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and my goal is to help you find the best car for your real life.
👇 Let me know in the comments:
What do you think of the 2026 Honda Pilot refresh?
Car seats used in this video:
Graco SlimFit 3LX → https://amzn.to/3P07a9z
Chicco KeyFit Max → https://amzn.to/4l9bpeU
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:15 Exterior refresh
02:10 Driver area & storage
04:10 New 12.3” infotainment screen
06:00 Second row bench & 3-across car seats
09:30 Removable middle seat (Pilot’s best feature)
12:00 Third row review
15:00 Trunk space & stroller test
17:00 Final thoughts
I fit comfortably in the 3rd row of a 2025 along with a friends 12yr old. Im 5'7 about 130lb
here for kelly not for the car vote up if you agree.
Does the Stanley cups fit in the middle cup holders?
No ceiling vents irks me. Come on Honda
Loving these new Hondas! We have an older CRV and looks like it only gets better.
Nice review of the Pilot and what it still could use as options. NIce Job!
I have a 2020 Honda pilot and can’t decide if my next car should be another Pilot or the Odyssey!! (3 kids in car seats)
mom of 4 one on the way. honda pilot is nice thanks.
Great review. I want to love this vehicle but the lack of ceiling air vents is disappointing 😔 I live in the South and it's HOT 🥵 most of the year, I gotta keep my kids cool. Maybe a full refresh with more updated tech will happen soon 🤞🏾
Drop the trunk down and you don’t need the third row down for a Costco haul. Road trip, yes, Costco will fit great though! Lay the middle row middle seat down for arm rests and extra cup holders also. We love our Pilot!
You need to crush and snort one less Adderall before taping your videos.
And I feel like you just talked me out of the pilot 🤣. Thank you for this review!!!
You are amazing 🔥
Bad design choices all around. Uncompetitive with the Koreans.
Damn, can I get that jacket!?
That screen though, it's like they just stuck it on the dash as an afterthought…
I sat in one at my local auto show. Seems very family friendly, no frills, practical, easy to use. Just wish it had a carseat friendly tilt, and that the front cockpit area was a little more exciting looking. The Korean twins definitely have this beat in that regard. Basically no wow factor with this model.
Does this video not have right channel audio or am I having a stroke?
This is nice in 10 years I can afford this lol. I’m glad they brought back the more squarish body.
I've got a 2025 Pilot EX-L and love it! Only one human kid but we've got a big dog who takes up a full row so he gets the third row to himself 😂
And it's a nice upgrade from my 2015 CRV which we still have but has been downgraded to our secondary car (aka what my husband mostly drives haha).
By far the best 3-row midsize on the market because of the V6 alone. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
Love your videos. The audio is goofy in this video. Anyone else?
If thats the same tech and trim as what's in the CRV, Civic, and Accord then then this is a no brainer. Plus you know you get Honda reliability with it… This will sell well for Honda!