Honda Pilot XXL is being considered as a much longer three-row SUV with more third-row space, a possible V-6 hybrid system and reported production in 2032.
According to an article published by Automotive News, Honda may soon develop a much longer three-row SUV than the one it currently sells — the Pilot — called the Pilot XXL. The Honda Pilot XXL is being considered for production in early 2032. The Pilot XXL would be different from the existing Pilot. The primary reason for developing a larger vehicle would be to provide additional space in the third row. A person who was briefed about Honda’s plans provided the information contained in the article.
Honda has not announced a production model of the Pilot XXL; neither has it announced anything regarding the design and development process for this vehicle. Also, when asked to provide details about the reported project, such as the official name, specifications and pricing, Road & Track was told that Honda could not comment on rumors.
Honda Pilot XXL would give Honda more room behind the second row
The current Pilot is approximately 200 inches long and is considered to be a relatively large three-row crossover among many of its peers. Honda has relied on the Pilot to fulfill the needs of families requiring three rows of seating.
However, since the current generation of the Pilot arrived, the market has undergone significant changes. Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia have expanded their offerings of three-row SUVs.
Honda Pilot XXL would move into a larger SUV category
Some automakers, including Toyota, are building new versions of 3-row SUVs (i.e., Grand Highlander) with a focus on ensuring there is enough room in the third row for passengers. It appears that the proposed Honda Pilot XXL will use a different approach than many other automakers to separate itself from other 3-row SUVs. As per the article, the Honda Pilot XXL will measure about 8 inches longer than the present day Pilot; therefore, its overall size will be around 208 inches.
How much longer the Honda Pilot XXL could be
Therefore, Honda would have a greater amount of physical space available within the Honda Pilot XXL.
Although eight inches may seem insignificant on paper, utilizing this additional space allows Honda engineers to modify the interior design and cargo area of the Honda Pilot XXL. Engineers could utilize some of this additional space to increase the amount of legroom available to passengers in the third row while maintaining a similar level of cargo capacity as compared to the current Pilot.
Although the current Pilot features three rows of seating, larger competing vehicles have placed an increasing emphasis on providing adequate space for passengers in the third row.
For instance, Toyota developed the Grand Highlander as a larger alternative to the standard Highlander rather than merely creating another three-row variant of the same vehicle. According to the article, Honda plans to utilize a similar approach as Toyota when designing the Honda Pilot XXL. Honda plans to maintain the position of the Pilot in their lineup and introduce a significantly larger vehicle positioned above it. The Honda Pilot XXL will place Honda in a larger SUV category.
At present, the Honda Pilot is competing against many of the same type of three-row midsize SUVs as some of its competitors (such as Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander) that are built to transport families (children and/or adults) and their possessions. According to Automotive News, the all-new Honda Pilot XXL will compete directly with even larger three-row midsize SUVs (such as Toyota Grand Highlander and Ford Explorer).
Additionally, the eight additional inches would result in Honda being considerably longer than the current Pilot. The significance of this additional length increases when examining how the third row is utilized.
Although a three-row SUV can physically accommodate seven to eight passengers, most do not provide enough seating room for adult passengers to be comfortable in the back rows. This problem is exacerbated when cargo is placed in the Honda Pilot XL (the largest version of the Pilot) because there will be less space available for cargo in the area behind the third row. Honda will reportedly attempt to remedy this situation by extending the total length of the vehicle. In doing so, Honda will have another option for addressing the same problem without converting the Pilot into a full-sized, body-on-frame SUV.
Honda Pilot XXL could use a V-6 hybrid powertrain
Automotive News has stated that another significant part of Honda’s plan for the Honda Pilot XXL is the power train. The 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V-6 engine currently used by the Pilot, produces 285 hp and 262 ft/lbs of torque. It is mated to a 10 speed automatic transmission and it is the only power train option offered in the current version of the Pilot.
Honda plans on equipping the planned Honda Pilot XXL with an updated hybrid system. As per Automotive News, Honda is creating a larger vehicle hybrid system which combines a V-6 engine with multiple electric motors. The new hybrid system should provide better fuel economy than a conventional engine alone and also offer faster throttle response.
At its May 2026 global business briefing, Honda announced that it plans to launch fifteen new Honda and Acura hybrid models globally — primarily in North America — by 2030. Honda further stated that its next-generation hybrid system is designed to improve fuel efficiency by over ten percent while reducing system costs by thirty percent.
These percentages refer to Honda’s next-generation hybrid technology generally and should not be interpreted as definitive specifications for the Honda Pilot XXL.
Honda Pilot XXL could use electric all-wheel drive
The next-generation hybrid architecture developed by Honda may also allow them to utilize an electric motor for the rear axle. Honda has previously demonstrated this concept with its hybrid vehicles. Rather than relying on a traditional mechanical connection between the engine-driven front axle and the rear wheels, an electric motor can provide rear-wheel drive when necessary.
According to Honda, their next-generation hybrid development also includes a newly developed electric AWD unit that is designed to provide precise motor control. For a larger three-row SUV, this design may prove beneficial because it enables Honda to incorporate all-wheel drive into their hybrid system without solely relying on a conventional mechanical AWD layout.
However, Honda has not yet disclosed the exact configuration of the Honda Pilot XXL. The reported V-6 hybrid system for the Honda Pilot XXL referenced above is based on information concerning Honda’s future product plans rather than a specification sheet for a completed vehicle.
Honda Pilot XXL would share its platform with an Acura SUV
According to Automotive News, Honda is concurrently developing a larger Pilot-related Acura model alongside the Honda Pilot XXL. This model has been identified as the Acura XL — a new three-row flagship that would be positioned above the MDX. Automotive News previously reported that Acura’s larger SUV is anticipated to commence production in September 2029.
Honda and Acura vehicles are expected to utilize the same underlying platform; however, they would serve distinct segments of the market. Acura’s version would appeal to consumers seeking larger luxury SUVs; whereas, the Honda Pilot XXL would remain a mainstream Honda offering.
From an engineering perspective, this relationship is logical. A shared platform allows Honda Motor Company to distribute engineering and manufacturing expenses among two vehicles rather than creating distinct architectures for Honda and Acura.
Additionally, Acura’s model is expected to employ Honda’s newer hybrid technology — thus positioning it as part of a larger trend toward electrified powertrains.
Therefore, the Honda Pilot XXL would serve a unique role within Honda’s lineup — rather than merely representing a larger Pilot solely for purposes of increasing its size.
Honda Pilot XXL production could exceed 40,000 units annually
Honda perceives opportunity for another large SUV in the United States. The production target established by Honda provides further evidence of how seriously they are evaluating this segment. According to Automotive News, Honda plans to produce over 40,000 units of the Honda Pilot XXL annually if the program proceeds as planned.
This production volume represents an extensive investment — not merely an experimental low-volume endeavor. Honda will require a considerable U.S.-based consumer base to sustain this level of production.
Evidence exists that indicates that the market is sufficiently large. Data compiled by Automotive News and presented in Motor Illustrated shows that U.S. large-crossover sales reached 1,302,585 vehicles in 2025 — representing an increase of 9.2 percent from 2020.
A larger SUV would also enable Honda dealers to fill a void between their existing Pilot and their more expensive Acura products. A consumer requiring more passenger and cargo space than afforded by the current Pilot would then have another Honda alternative without having to switch brands. This is particularly significant for consumers desiring three rows of seating but not wishing to purchase a minivan.
Honda Pilot XXL production may involve a new Honda plant
Honda has yet to select a manufacturing facility for the proposed SUV. Honda currently operates seven vehicle assembly facilities in North America and has been evaluating whether to construct another facility. The potential eighth facility may ultimately contribute to producing both larger Honda and Acura SUVs; however, there is no confirmation that either model will ultimately be produced at this facility.
The reported production timeline provides Honda with ample time to make this determination. The Honda Pilot XXL is not expected to commence production until early 2032. The Acura version would be introduced prior to this date; with production scheduled for 2029.
This three-year disparity could enable Honda to introduce their Acura vehicle first and subsequently introduce their related Honda Pilot XXL utilizing essentially identical architecture.
Also Read: Honda Passport vs Pilot: You Are Paying $2,500 More for the Wrong Reason
Honda Pilot XXL pricing remains unknown
No official pricing information exists for the Honda Pilot XXL. The base price for the current Pilot is slightly less than $44,000; whereas a larger SUV equipped with a new V-6 hybrid system would be positioned higher in Honda’s lineup. Car and Driver has estimated that a production version of the Honda Pilot XXL could potentially reach nearly $50,000; however, this represents an outside estimate — not a Honda estimate.
The ultimate price will depend upon multiple unknown variables — including standard equipment, trim levels, all-wheel-drive configurations, market conditions in 2032, etc.
It is premature to compare a future Honda Pilot XXL directly with today’s pricing — as vehicle costs and Honda’s product strategy can evolve substantially over six years.
Honda would be entering a segment that has already evolved upward in terms of size. The unique aspect of the reported project is not merely that Honda desires an additional three-row SUV; rather it is the size of the proposed Honda Pilot XXL.
Even though the current Pilot is a relatively large family crossover; Honda’s reported plan would increase its length by approximately eight inches. This would position the Honda Pilot XXL closer to the largest unibody three-row crossovers and afford Honda additional space to address third-row comfort and cargo capacity.
Toyota has previously pursued this strategy with their Grand Highlander — which is positioned above their Highlander model. Honda could pursue similar strategies while employing their own hybrid technologies and a shared platform with Acura.
Therefore, the Honda Pilot XXL would serve a unique role within Honda’s lineup — rather than merely representing a larger Pilot solely for purposes of increasing its size.
What Honda has confirmed about the Honda Pilot XXL
There exists an essential differentiation between Honda’s confirmed hybrid strategy and reports of details concerning the Honda Pilot XXL.
Honda has confirmed their next-generation hybrid development — their plans for fifteen new Honda and Acura hybrid models globally by 2030 — improved fuel economy by over ten percent for their new hybrid system — and reduced system costs by thirty percent.
Additionally, Honda has discussed their new electric AWD technology.
However, Honda has not officially announced their Honda Pilot XXL model — nor their eight-inch increase in length — their target production date of early 2032 — their annual volume of over 40,000 units — nor their utilization of a V-6 hybrid system. Reports detailing these items derive from individuals knowledgeable of Honda’s plans and company planning materials.
This differentiation is important because the vehicle is several years away from commencing production — assuming Honda proceeds with this program. If approved by Honda, the Honda Pilot XXL program would enable them to offer a larger three-row SUV with considerably more room than their current Pilot — as well as a hybrid powertrain developed specifically for larger vehicles — while also offering a mainstream counterpart to Acura’s forthcoming flagship model — thereby expanding Honda’s presence in one of the largest SUV segments in the U.S. market.
For consumers finding the third row or cargo area of their Pilot too confining — an additional eight inches would represent the most significant modification.
Although the Honda Pilot XXL remains a reported program — not a confirmed production vehicle — if these plans move forward as described by Automotive News — Honda could provide their largest family SUV yet on North American roadways at the beginning of the next decade.
