Honda Will Explore Larger Pilot XXL SUV Production

The automaker is considering a longer three-row SUV to better compete against rival brands in the U.S. market.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Car Types

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an elongated, abstract automotive silhouette, representing vehicle design strategy. — Honda is evaluating production of a larger, extended-length Pilot XXL SUV for the U.S. market, aiming to compete with rival three-row models by 2032. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Honda is reportedly evaluating the development of a new three-row SUV, internally referred to as the Pilot XXL, which could reach production in early 2032. The proposed model would be approximately eight inches longer than the current 200-inch Pilot.

Why it matters

The company aims to challenge competitors that offer multiple three-row vehicle options in the U.S. market. A larger SUV could assist in repositioning the brand as Honda shifts its focus toward a new lineup of hybrid-forward models.

The proposed Pilot XXL would extend the current 200-inch Pilot by eight inches to accommodate more interior space. Last year, the Toyota Grand Highlander segment saw 138,000 units sold.

The players

Honda

This global automotive manufacturer is known for producing vehicles such as the Pilot and CR-V.

Acura

Acura is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Honda.

The details

The potential vehicle would be twinned with a new Acura flagship SUV as part of a larger plan to refine the company's product portfolio. This initiative follows the cancellation of previous broad electric vehicle plans as the manufacturer pivots toward hybrids.

Honda plans to introduce a new CR-V model in 2027.
The Pilot XXL could enter production in early 2032.

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Roadmap

The potential development of an extended SUV mirrors a broader industry trend toward maximizing interior capacity to capture the growing family-hauler segment. By targeting a larger footprint, Honda seeks to bridge the gap between its current offerings and established benchmarks set by rivals like Toyota.

Potential buyers may see a new three-row option that increases interior cargo and passenger capacity compared to the standard Pilot. The introduction of this model in 2032 would likely influence future dealership inventory and family-vehicle pricing.

The takeaway

Large SUVs remain a crucial battleground for automakers looking to capture families who prioritize maximum interior dimensions. Consumers should monitor upcoming hybrid-forward lineups as manufacturers refine their vehicle offerings for the next decade.