Honda Pilot trim comparison
2026 Honda Pilot EX-L vs Touring
The Pilot EX-L starts at $44,495 while the Touring is $51,095. That $6,600 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.
The Touring adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $6,600 by itself. If not, the EX-L saves you the money.
The EX-L is the cleaner fit if FWD already covers the job. The Touring only earns the extra money when AWD is the reason you are shopping up.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the EX-L to the Touring is about $116/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $6,960 more by the time interest is counted. The real question is whether AWD changes your day-to-day use enough to justify paying above FWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
The EX-L and Touring are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $6,600 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,200 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 4 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | EX-L | Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $44,495 | $51,095 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,000/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,334 lbs | 4,658 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 113.8" |
| Length | 200.1" | 200.1" |
| Width | 78.5" | 78.5" |
| Height | 70.9" | 71.0" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Honda Pilot EX-L vs Touring Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Honda Pilot lineup, the Honda brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Pilot Touring cost than the EX-L?
The Touring starts at $51,095 compared to $44,495 for the EX-L. That is a $6,600 difference, or approximately $116/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Honda Pilot EX-L and Touring have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.5L V6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2026 Pilot EX-L come with AWD?
No. The EX-L comes standard with FWD while the Touring has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2026 Pilot EX-L or Touring safer?
Both share the same Honda Pilot platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Honda Pilot come with?
All 2026 Honda Pilot trims, including both the EX-L and Touring, come with Honda's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Honda Pilot Touring worth $6,600 more than the EX-L?
The $6,600 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2026 Honda Pilot trim gets better fuel economy, the EX-L or the Touring?
The EX-L is the more efficient of the two at 22 combined MPG, versus 21 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $6,600 Gets You
At $6,600 more, the Pilot Touring adds AWD. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the EX-L delivers the same core Pilot experience for less.
EX-L vs. Touring: Day-to-Day
AWD on the Touring means better grip in bad weather. If you live somewhere with mild winters, the EX-L's FWD may be fine.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Pilot EX-L gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $91 per year or $455 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the EX-L and Touring share engine and transmission, keeping the core Pilot experience consistent across trims.
Summary
The Pilot Touring costs $6,600 more than the EX-L (about $116/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 3 meaningful changes at $2,200 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Honda Pilot EX-L
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the EX-L best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Honda Pilot Touring
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Touring when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.