2026 Honda Pilot

Discover the 2026 Honda Pilot Near Forest City, NC

The 2026 Honda Pilot is the three-row family SUV built for the specific demands of western North Carolina family life — a 285 HP 3.5-liter V6 that handles the grades between Forest City and Asheville confidently, available AWD for Rutherford County's rainy seasons and occasional mountain snow, seating for up to eight passengers, and the TrailSport off-road variant that gives families genuine access to the area's Blue Ridge trail network. For families in Rutherford County who need a capable, reliable, long-haul SUV that earns its keep through every season, the 2026 Pilot makes a strong case. Forest City Honda is the Rutherford County community's Honda dealership — a locally staffed team serving Forest City, Rutherfordton, Shelby, Marion, Boiling Springs, and Ellenboro since 2005 with the same commitment to honest, personal service summarized in our motto: 'Big Enough To Serve You! Small Enough To Care!'

The 2026 Pilot receives updated trim specifications and continues the fourth-generation platform's substantial improvements over its predecessor — more capable off-road capability in TrailSport, more refined interior materials across the lineup, and a technology package centered on Google built-in integration that puts live navigation and voice control into the SUV in a way that doesn't require phone tethering. The Pilot's cabin reflects serious family SUV thinking: the available second-row walk-in feature improves third-row access without removing seats, and the available 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto keeps adult passengers connected on long family drives to the Outer Banks or the Tennessee Smokies.

2026 Honda Pilot Trim Levels

The 2026 Pilot lineup spans Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite trims. The Sport provides the entry-level Pilot with the V6, standard AWD availability, and three-row seating. The EX-L adds leather, a larger display, and premium comfort. TrailSport is the outdoor-adventure variant with all-terrain tires, skid plates, i-VTM4 AWD, TrailSport-specific dampers, and unique interior and exterior styling — the Pilot for families who use the Blue Ridge Parkway access roads and western North Carolina's hiking approaches regularly. The Touring delivers rear entertainment, captain's chairs, and premium audio. The Elite is the fully loaded Pilot with every available feature including ventilated front seats and a panoramic moonroof.

2026 Pilot Performance, Capability, and Technology

The 285 HP 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission gives the 2026 Pilot a 5,000-lb tow rating when properly equipped — suitable for the boat and camper combinations common among Rutherford County outdoor recreation buyers. The Pilot's standard Honda Sensing safety suite across all trims means every family in every Pilot gets comprehensive driver assistance technology regardless of budget. The TrailSport's i-VTM4 AWD provides torque vectoring that actively distributes power between the rear wheels for improved traction and cornering on the dirt roads and forest approaches that punctuate outdoor family use in western North Carolina.

Why Choose Forest City Honda for Your 2026 Pilot

The Pilot's TrailSport variant has particular relevance in western North Carolina's outdoor market — and our Forest City Honda team understands the specific capability that distinction provides. We'll match your family's usage, towing needs, passenger requirements, and budget to the right Pilot trim. Browse our 2026 Pilot inventory, view current Pilot offers, or contact our team at (828) 286-2614.

Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Honda Pilot

• What engine does the 2026 Honda Pilot use? The 2026 Pilot uses a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 producing 285 HP and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
• What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Honda Pilot? A properly equipped 2026 Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lbs — sufficient for the boats and campers common among western North Carolina outdoor recreation buyers.
• What is the 2026 Pilot TrailSport? The TrailSport is the off-road-focused Pilot with all-terrain tires, skid plates, Honda's i-VTM4 AWD with torque vectoring, TrailSport-specific suspension tuning, and unique interior and exterior styling for families who use western North Carolina's trails and forest access roads.
• How many passengers does the 2026 Pilot seat? The 2026 Pilot seats up to eight passengers across three rows with standard bench seating, or seven with available second-row captain's chairs that improve access to the third row.
• Is AWD standard on the 2026 Honda Pilot? AWD is available on EX-L and above, and standard on TrailSport, Touring, and Elite trims. The base Sport trim offers FWD standard with AWD as an option.
• Does the 2026 Pilot have Google built-in? Yes. Upper Pilot trims feature Google built-in integration through the 10.2-inch touchscreen, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access built into the infotainment system.
• What safety features come standard on the 2026 Pilot? Standard Honda Sensing® driver assistance is included on every trim — featuring Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control. All Pilot trims include the complete Honda Sensing suite standard.
• How do I see the 2026 Pilot at Forest City Honda? Visit 284 Daniel Road in Forest City, call (828) 286-2614, or contact our team online to schedule a test drive.

Discover the 2026 Honda Pilot at Forest City Honda — Rutherford County's Honda dealership since 2005. Visit us at 284 Daniel Road in Forest City, call (828) 286-2614, or reach out online to schedule your test drive today.