Honda is preparing to enter the premium large three-row SUV market with an all-new flagship model designed to compete directly with vehicles like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Ford Explorer. According to industry sources, the automaker is developing what it calls the Pilot XXL, an extended version of its current Pilot SUV that will stretch eight inches longer and feature a hybrid powertrain.

What Makes This SUV Different

The current Honda Pilot competes in the mid-size three-row category alongside the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander. However, shoppers seeking maximum space in a three-row configuration have noticed that the Pilot lacks the generous third-row legroom found in larger competitors. The Pilot XXL addresses this gap by adding significant length, which translates into meaningfully more space for passengers in the third row and additional cargo capacity overall.

This eight-inch stretch might sound modest, but when compared to current segment leaders, it gives Honda an opportunity to differentiate its offering. The Grand Highlander and Explorer both currently provide superior third-row comfort despite being similar in overall length to the standard Pilot. Honda’s extended design will eliminate that disadvantage, making it a compelling option for families and buyers who prioritize passenger accommodation.

Hybrid Technology and Performance

Like the upcoming Nissan Rogue Hybrid that is reshaping the affordable SUV market, the Pilot XXL will emphasize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. Honda has announced a broader initiative to deploy 15 new hybrid models globally by 2029, part of which includes next-generation hybrid systems promising at least 10 percent better fuel economy and 30 percent lower production costs.

The Pilot XXL’s hybrid system is expected to pair a V-6 engine with multiple electric motors to boost both fuel economy and acceleration response. Electronic all-wheel drive capability will likely be available through an electric motor mounted to the rear axle, similar to the existing hybrid Honda CR-V setup. This approach gives buyers the efficiency benefits of hybrid technology while maintaining the power and handling characteristics SUV owners expect.

Production Timeline and Platform Sharing

Honda plans to begin production of the Pilot XXL in early 2032 at one of its North American facilities, though the specific plant location has not been confirmed. The company is even considering building an eighth manufacturing facility on the continent to produce this new model alongside related products.

Interestingly, the Pilot XXL will share its platform with an upcoming Acura three-row flagship SUV called the Acura XL, which is scheduled to launch in 2029. Acura’s version will target the luxury segment and compete with higher-end offerings like the Buick Enclave and Lexus TX, allowing Honda to reach different customer demographics with essentially the same underlying architecture.

Pricing and Market Expectations

The standard Honda Pilot currently starts just under $44,000, positioning itself at the higher end of the mid-size three-row market. Given the Pilot XXL’s larger size, hybrid powertrain, and premium positioning, industry analysts expect pricing to reach closer to the $50,000 mark, though Honda has not officially announced figures.

Honda’s internal projections suggest robust market appetite for this vehicle, with the company forecasting annual sales exceeding 40,000 units. This optimistic outlook reflects broader consumer trends showing sustained demand for spacious, rugged-looking SUVs over smaller crossovers and sedans. Even luxury brands are now developing SUVs to meet this demand, indicating how fundamental the shift toward larger utility vehicles has become.

What This Means for Shoppers

The Pilot XXL announcement signals Honda’s commitment to competing across the full spectrum of three-row SUV buyers. Current Pilot owners seeking more space will have an upgrade path within the Honda family, while buyers considering Grand Highlanders or Explorers will gain another compelling option when shopping.

For those making purchase decisions over the next several years, the existence of this planned model may influence timing. If maximum third-row space is your priority and you can wait until early 2032, the Pilot XXL could offer better value and capability than today’s alternatives. However, shoppers needing an SUV immediately have excellent choices available right now.

The emphasis on hybrid technology across Honda’s lineup also reflects the automaker’s confidence in electrified powertrains as a path forward, even as the industry debates electrification strategies. This positions the Pilot XXL as a future-focused vehicle that maintains the efficiency standards buyers increasingly expect without requiring a full battery electric conversion.