It’s nearly time for a refresh of Honda’s biggest vehicle in the US. The three-row Honda Pilot has just been spotted with camouflage on the nose and tail, disguising what appears to be minor changes to the nose and tail. We’re also expecting some upgraded features for the interior. But the big news here revolves around two details that strongly suggest this particular prototype is the first Pilot hybrid.
- Base Trim Engine
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3.5L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
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10-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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285 hp
- Base Trim Torque
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262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
- Fuel Economy
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19/27/22 mpg (FWD) | 18/25/21 mpg (AWD)
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
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19/27/22 mpg
New Grille, New H, New Bumpers
The first noticeable new difference is behind the fine screen that’s working to cover the nose. We can spot a new mesh pattern for the grille in there, with thicker sections than the one on the current Pilot. The side vents have also been reshaped to be more vertical. They look like they have lost the accent trim on the top of the current vents, but on this model it seems to be simply hiding under the camouflage.
Leaving the headlights uncovered is a clever trick to make us think there are no changes. But the top line is covered, along with the top of the grille. So Honda is making at least a small change there, probably to the top section, which is the turn signal on this vehicle.
Honda’s changes at the back appear to be equally small, but they are there. The rear reflectors have a new shape. The other difference is one that sends us down the hybrid rabbit hole. The new bumper has no cut-outs for a tailpipe. Hidden exhaust exits aren’t exactly new for Honda, but the current Pilot shows its pipes proudly.
Look at the tailgate for another sign as to why. That piece of black gaffer’s tape is hiding a badge of some sort, but what is it? Okay, we already know. It’s Honda’s hybrid badge, which seems to be confirmed by the large piece of aluminum you can see under the Pilot’s chassis. There’s nothing bulging out like that on the current model with its 3.5-liter gas engine, so we know it is a driveline change.
Honda Has Said ‘Large Size’ Hybrids Coming
Plus, Honda has already said it is going to be adding hybrid models. Earlier this year, CEO Toshihiro Mibe said that changes to regulations and trade policies are slowing EV take rates. To compensate, he said, Honda would be adding new hybrids including a new powertrain for large-size vehicles. It doesn’t get any larger than this at Honda.
That also explains why the Honda H badges are covered over. The new hybrids, Honda said in May, were going to use the new H logo that was originally designed exclusively for use on EVs. Since it’s not selling many EVs, it’s not going to let the logo sit around.
We can also see a heavily-disguised dashboard. That’s a solid sign that Honda is changing the look. We can’t tell exactly what is hiding under that cover, but it looks like the center screen will be larger than before. Possibly now with a bezel surrounding it.
Based on the Honda timeline, the refreshed Pilot is likely going to go on sale sometime in 2026. The hybrid could arrive later that same year, but it might take until 2027 to bring that one to market based on what Honda has said in the past.
The current Pilot, along with the closely-related Ridgeline, Passport, and Odyssey, all use a 3.5-liter V6. The most recent version of the engine makes 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A hybrid using this engine or one of Honda’s turbo-fours would boost power and fuel efficiency for the large family vehicles.
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