2026 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of trim levels tailored to different powertrains, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ stood out with its standard panoramic glass roof and striking Matador Red Mica paint. It featured large 22-inch wheels, a prominent grille, and sleek bi-LED headlights. The rear boasted LED lighting and a small roof spoiler, while roof rails added practicality. Inside, the TX provided ambient lighting and suede trim, but the material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity.

The 2026 Honda Pilot underwent a makeover, adopting a more rugged, truck-like appearance with a larger grille and scuff plates. Standard roof rails added utility, while the interior saw upgrades like larger infotainment and instrument panels. Top trims featured diamond-quilted synthetic suede seats with contrasting stitching. The center console and door panels had a unique trim element that varied in appearance. Despite these changes, the Pilot maintained its reputation for practicality and tasteful design, with interior quality meeting or exceeding class expectations.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of powertrains, with the base model producing 317 horsepower from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid, however, delivered an impressive 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. Charging the battery took under three hours with a home charger. The TX provided multiple driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. The 550h+ offered a smooth and quiet ride, with a capable AWD system that adjusted power distribution as needed. Trail Mode enhanced traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2026 Honda Pilot retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on lower trims, with AWD available. The Pilot's acceleration was adequate, and the V6 engine provided a confident sound. The steering was revised for improved feedback, and the Pilot handled curves with confidence, though it wasn't sporty. The brake pedal effort was soft, suitable for a family SUV, but occasional downshifts caused minor lurches.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features like multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with recline function and ample headroom. Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Honda Pilot's cabin remained spacious and versatile, with a removable second-row center seat that could be stowed under the cargo floor. The second-row seats offered ample legroom and comfort, while the third row was accessible with a single button push. The third row provided adequate space for smaller adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 112.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The front seats offered generous storage, including a long tray and a giant center armrest bin.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with quick response times, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues arose. The backup camera was clear, and the Advanced Park system handled parking duties. The TX offered seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet for larger devices.

The 2026 Honda Pilot upgraded to a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument panel. The system was responsive and easy to use, with customizable shortcuts. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though the wireless charger required precise phone placement. The Pilot retained unique features like multiple camera angles and the Cabin Talk intercom system.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and more. The adaptive cruise control worked well, though it was slow to resume speed. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star NHTSA ratings, while the IIHS gave mixed scores.

The 2026 Honda Pilot's safety features included the Honda Sensing suite, with forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The Pilot's safety features generally worked well, though the forward collision warning was sensitive. The 2025 Pilot received high safety scores, and similar ratings were expected for 2026.