2026 Honda Pilot: Which Trim Is Best for Your Family in Helena, MT

2026 Honda Pilot vs. Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Toyota Highlander Compare the ultimate 3-row family SUV—the 2026 Honda Pilot—against top competitors like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Toyota Highlander. Engineered for everyday convenience and Montana family road trips, the Pilot delivers robust V6 power, versatile 8-passenger seating, and standard i-VTM4® AWD capability. Shop New Pilot Inventory View New Vehicle Specials The Ultimate 3-Row SUV Choice in Helena, MT The 2026 Honda Pilot sets the benchmark for 3-row crossovers with a smooth 285-horsepower V6 engine, standard 10-speed automatic transmission, and innovative passenger versatility. Designed to accommodate busy Helena families, the Pilot features standard 8-passenger seating with an available stowable second-row center seat—a feature not offered on the Toyota Highlander or Grand Highlander. Whether navigating winter snow on mountain passes or packing up gear for weekend trips across Big Sky country, the 2026 Honda Pilot offers standard Honda Sensing® safety, an expansive panoramic sunroof, and intuitive 12.3-inch touchscreen connectivity. Visit Mathaler Honda of Helena to test drive the Pilot today! Comparing Key Features & Specifications Feature / Spec 2026 Honda Pilot 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander 2026 Toyota Highlander Starting MSRP $43,890* ~$43,855 ~$39,520 Engine / Powertrain 3.5L V6 / 285 hp 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl / 265 hp 2.4L Turbo 4-Cyl / 265 hp Transmission 10-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic 8-Speed Automatic Max Towing Capacity Up to 5,000 lbs. Up to 5,000 lbs. Up to 5,000 lbs. Stowable 2nd-Row Seat Available Not Available Not Available Standard Safety Suite Honda Sensing® Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ Advanced Entertainment & Smart Tech Inside the 2026 Honda Pilot, intuitive modern technology keeps every passenger entertained. Featuring a standard 12.3-inch high-definition touchscreen display paired with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, connecting your devices is fast and effortless. Available features like an immersive Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system, wireless phone charging, CabinTalk® in-car intercom system, and multi-zone climate control ensure total comfort during long road trips across Montana. Flexible 8-Passenger Seating & Cargo Capacity Flexibility is where the 2026 Honda Pilot stands far ahead of the Toyota Highlander lineup. The Pilot offers a class-exclusive stowable 2nd-row center seat that can easily be removed and hidden under the rear floorboard when not in use—giving you instant captain's chair pass-through access. With up to 113.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity and comfortable 3rd-row seating designed for full-sized adults, the Pilot effortlessly handles large family trips and outdoor gear. Bold Exterior Design & Standard V6 Power Unlike standard 4-cylinder turbocharged powertrains in the Highlander and Grand Highlander, every 2026 Honda Pilot features a proven 3.5-liter V6 engine outputting 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Matched with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot delivers linear power delivery and up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity. Available i-VTM4® All-Wheel Drive dynamically directs torque to individual rear wheels, providing optimal traction on snowy roads, icy grades, and gravel trails surrounding Helena. Explore 2026 Honda Pilot Trim Levels Pilot Sport Starting MSRP: $43,890* ✓ 285-hp 3.5L V6 Engine ✓ 12.3-inch Color Touchscreen ✓ Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ ✓ Honda Sensing® Safety Suite ✓ Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control Pilot EX-L Starting MSRP: $46,190* ✓ Leather-Trimmed Seating ✓ Power Tailgate & Power Driver Seat ✓ Heated Front Seats ✓ CabinTalk® In-Car Intercom ✓ Wireless Phone Charger Pilot TrailSport Starting MSRP: $52,090* ✓ Off-Road Suspension (+1" Ground Clearance) ✓ i-VTM4® AWD with Trail Torque Logic ✓ Steel Skid Plates & Recovery Points ✓ TrailWatch™ Camera System ✓ All-Terrain Tires & 18" Black Wheels Ready to Experience the 2026 Honda Pilot? Visit Mathaler Honda of Helena to compare these 3-row SUVs in person or view our online inventory today. Explore Pilot Inventory Check Current Specials Frequently Asked Questions How does the 2026 Honda Pilot's engine compare to the Toyota Highlander? Every 2026 Honda Pilot comes standard with a naturally aspirated 285-hp 3.5L V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering smoother power delivery and higher overall horsepower than the 265-hp 4-cylinder engines in the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander. What makes the Pilot's 2nd-row seating unique compared to competitors? Select 2026 Honda Pilot trims feature an innovative multi-function 2nd row with a removable center seat that can be stowed beneath the rear floorboard, letting you alternate between 8-passenger capacity and captain's chair walkthrough access on demand. Can the 2026 Honda Pilot tow camper trailers and boats? Yes, when properly equipped with Honda's available AWD system, the 2026 Honda Pilot offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs., making it ideal for hauling trailers, boats, or outdoor recreation gear across Big Sky country.

When comparing Honda and Toyota, both brands are known for long-term reliability, but Honda really stands out by focusing on everyday comfort, smarter design, and real-world practicality —which is why so many drivers in Helena and surrounding areas like Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, and Missoula lean toward Honda for daily driving. In the truck segment, the Honda Ridgeline offers a more functional and versatile setup than the Toyota Tacoma, with a wider bed, a dual-action tailgate, and a lockable in-bed trunk that adds 7.3 cubic feet of secure storage—features you simply won’t find in the Tacoma—while also delivering a smoother, more comfortable ride thanks to its SUV-like design . It also provides more rear-seat space, making it a better option for families or daily commuters . When it comes to SUVs, the Honda CR-V continues to outshine the Toyota RAV4 in key everyday categories, offering significantly more cargo space (up to 76.5 cubic feet) and more rear legroom, which translates to better comfort for passengers and more room for gear . The CR-V is also widely praised for its smoother ride, quieter cabin, and more refined interior, making it ideal for commuting, road trips, and family use. While Toyota may have advantages in areas like towing, Honda consistently delivers where most drivers actually spend their time—on the road—with better ride quality, smarter storage solutions, more usable space, and intuitive technology like available Google built-in. Altogether, Honda vehicles strike a balance of comfort, efficiency, and practicality that makes them easier to live with day in and day out, especially for drivers across Montana looking for vehicles that fit both their lifestyle and their daily needs.

Honda has earned its reputation as “America’s mom car” brand by consistently delivering safe, reliable, and family-focused vehicles packed with smart, real-life features that make daily routines easier for drivers in Helena and surrounding areas like Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, and Missoula. Popular models like the Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, and Honda HR-V are designed with busy families in mind, offering advanced Honda Sensing safety technology, built-in Google integration for seamless navigation and voice control, and innovative features like CabinTalk that lets you easily communicate with kids in the back without turning around. The Odyssey stands out with its versatile 60/40 split third-row Magic Seat® that can fold flat into the floor for extra cargo space or even flip backward to face out of the rear hatch—perfect for tailgating or outdoor activities—while still offering comfortable third-row seating when you need it. Meanwhile, the Pilot adds even more flexibility with a removable middle seat in the second row that can be stored neatly in the rear cargo area, giving you quick access to either extra seating or open space for gear. Add in spacious interiors, easy-clean materials, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, excellent fuel efficiency, and available all-wheel drive for Montana’s changing seasons, and it’s easy to see why Honda continues to be the go-to choice for moms who need practicality, comfort, and confidence on every drive.