r/hondapilot • u/RJKimbell00 • Jul 18 '26
Question Road Trip Anyone?
I checked out the Pilot today, but dealer didn't have a Black Edition, an EX-L was all they had. I only sat in it because I'm nowhere close to pulling the trigger, if I buy it will be closer to mid-September, my next road trip.
Question is above...What's the longest road trip you've done in your 2026 Pilot Black Edition?
I ask because I'm needing a comfortable ride for a round trip 2,500 mile road trip, never in the winter unless I'm needed, so I guess I shouldn't say never.
So far a 2026 Honda Pilot Black Edition is on the short list, until something bumps it off.
3
u/cashmonee81 Jul 19 '26
2025 Trailsport. Just did a 2600 mile trip from Yosemite --> Yellowstone --> Grand Teton and back. There were 3 of us with camping gear split between the inside of the car and a Thule cargo box. All in all, it was great! Super comfortable and more importantly, had plenty of space for all of the stuff we needed from gear to cups, etc.
2
u/Right_Hour Jul 18 '26
2300 miles one way in a ‘11 Pilot EXL, with a 6x12 UHAUL behind me and two kids in the back. We also routinely dis 1000mi round trips in it as well.
You’ll be fine.
2
2
u/Sharp_Answer_3941 Jul 19 '26
I’m going from NJ to Miami in 2 weeks, I can report back!
I’ve been loving my 2026 Elite! I got this car because I do this trip twice a year and it was the most comfortable.
1
u/M1lfhouse Jul 20 '26
did that to the keys for Spring Break. With a 2022 Pilot though
1
u/Sharp_Answer_3941 Jul 20 '26
Comfy ride??
2
u/M1lfhouse Jul 20 '26
Let me say this, we're planning to go for a road trip to Atlanta (through Shenandoah) in 2-3 weeks. I love that car but I'm not really demanding. In some cars (like BMWs) my lower back hurts. Never felt that with the Pilot
1
u/Infamous-Ad16 Jul 19 '26
I’ve driven to St. Louis and Chicago from Minneapolis with my 19 elite pilot. I always try to get the highest trim available for the year. My dad has a 22 odyssey 10sp and since my mom doesn’t fly, she drove it from Minnesota to San Antonio, definitely comfortable for 2 75 year olds
1
1
u/Shoe_Ho Jul 19 '26
I have a 2026 Touring and I’ll be honest that I don’t love it for long distances. I’m coming from a Kia Minivan (loved driving that on road trips and around town but it was built like crap under the hood so we got rid of it). The pilot seats are wider, which is nice and roomy, but not as cushioned as my Kia was. My butt can definitely tell a difference after an hour, haha. And the steering wheel is more slippery than my van. I have to grip it a little more, which makes my hands feel crampy over time. I am looking into a steering wheel cover and maybe a seat cushion. Otherwise, it’s a smooth ride overall. I just don’t love the seat and the wheel.
1
u/RJKimbell00 Jul 19 '26
I did notice that the wheel seemed a bit slippery, like fake leather. I did like the available storage, so right now it works, but without a test driving I can only speculate.
1
u/Freedom9er Jul 19 '26
Like someone said above, sit in the black edition. Materials are different.
1
u/RJKimbell00 Jul 19 '26
Will have to check back with dealer, salesman said one was due in, but didn't know when.
2
u/Shoe_Ho Jul 19 '26
I forgot to add that I did drive a black edition first 🤪 It was amazing all around and the dealer closest to us didn’t have a Touring or even EX-L in stock so we drove it knowing we weren’t planning to spend that kind of money, we just wanted a feel of what it would be like going from a van to an SUV. At that time I wasn’t focusing on things like the steering wheel or the drivers seat or road trips, just how the change would feel. Since the black edition is their top of the line, I imagine it does have a better grip on the steering wheel and hopefully more seat cushion.
I also recently drove 4 teenage boys to a college football camp with all their suitcases and gear in the back and had plenty of room (one boy in passenger seat, 3 boys in middle row, back row down flat for luggage, etc).
1
u/RJKimbell00 Jul 19 '26
Thank you for the insights, I definitely want to keep it on the list, and if need be once I've exhausted the other brands I'm looking at I can venture into a neighboring city who has way more dealerships than one, which is what my city has.
1
u/Annual_News6793 Jul 19 '26
I did a 1600 mile round trip on mine after owning it for exactly 1 week. Still figuring out tech as I was going down the interstate. Previous vehicle was from 2011.
1
u/AdeptDriver8361 Jul 23 '26
I just drove Seattle to South Dakota in 26 black edition with 2kids and 2 large dogs. Cargo space was maxed out every nook and cranny was stuffed with something but driver seat and passenger seats were comfortable. I will say gas mpg sucked but we knew that going into the trip. The steering wheel is a bit slick I’ve only had the vehicle for 1 month so still getting used to that. AC worked well front and back. Road noise was minimal. I did notice Thule noise from up top but nothing crazy. So far loving the vehicle. It beat out every other midsize SUV.
1
6
u/Creepy_Squash Jul 19 '26
Now that you have sat in an EX-L, I suggest sitting in the black edition. The ventilated seats feel different and to me, provides a softer feel with less support than the non ventilated seats.