by Looking for a reliable, stylish SUV? Honda’s got two awesome options: the Honda Passport and the Honda Pilot. These midsize SUVs are perfect for different kinds of drivers. The Passport is a rugged, adventure-ready ride, while the Pilot is a spacious, family-friendly champ. In this Honda Passport vs Pilot comparison, we’ll break down their design, performance, features, safety, and price to help you decide which one fits your vibe. Let’s dive in!
Design and Size Comparison
Honda Passport: Rugged and Ready
The Honda Passport has a bold, tough look that screams adventure. Its sleek lines, chunky wheels, and higher ground clearance make it perfect for off-road trips or weekend getaways. It’s a two-row SUV, so it’s a bit smaller, measuring about 189 inches long. This makes it easier to park and zip through tight spots.
Inside, the Passport offers tons of room for five passengers. You get 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats, and up to 77.7 cubic feet when they’re folded down. It’s great for hauling camping gear or sports equipment!
Honda Pilot: Built for Families
The Honda Pilot has a softer, more polished look, designed with families in mind. It’s bigger—about 199 inches long—and has three rows of seats. This extra length gives it a roomier feel, with up to 158.4 cubic feet of passenger space and 87 cubic feet of cargo room when the second and third rows are folded.
The Pilot’s interior feels cozy and practical, perfect for road trips with kids or carpooling. If you need space for more people or stuff, the Pilot’s your go-to.
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Key Difference: Passport is smaller and sportier; Pilot is larger with a family focus.
Performance and Engine Options
Both the Honda Passport and Honda Pilot share a 3.5-liter V6 engine, so they’re powerful and reliable. But they feel a bit different on the road.
Honda Passport: Sporty and Agile
The Passport pumps out 280 horsepower, making it quick and fun to drive. It comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), which is awesome for tackling dirt roads or snowy streets. Its nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and its nimble handling makes it feel sporty for a midsize SUV.
Fuel efficiency? You’ll get about 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, which is decent for an AWD SUV. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, so you can haul a small trailer or boat with ease.
Honda Pilot: Smooth and Steady
The Pilot edges out slightly with 285 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic transmission for smoother shifts. You can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD, with FWD offering a bit better fuel economy (up to 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway). AWD models get about 19/25 mpg.
The Pilot’s ride is calm and comfortable, perfect for long drives or daily commutes. It also tows up to 5,000 pounds with AWD, matching the Passport’s capability.
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Key Difference: Passport feels sportier; Pilot is smoother and offers FWD for better gas mileage.
Interior Features and Comfort
Honda Passport: Cozy and Tech-Savvy
The Passport seats five and comes loaded with cool features, even in its base EX-L trim. You get an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to sync your phone for music or navigation. Heated front seats and leather upholstery keep things comfy, and the power tailgate makes loading gear a breeze.
The TrailSport trim adds rugged touches like all-terrain tires and orange stitching, while the Black Edition brings premium perks like a 10-speaker sound system and red ambient lighting.
Honda Pilot: Spacious and Family-Friendly
The Pilot can seat up to eight (or seven with captain’s chairs in higher trims). It’s got a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model, but higher trims like the EX-L get a 9-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Features like a CabinTalk in-car PA system (to chat with the back row) and a power tailgate make it super family-friendly.
Higher trims like the Elite add luxuries like heated and ventilated front seats, while the TrailSport offers off-road-ready features like the Passport’s.
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Cargo Space: Pilot has more (87 cu. ft. vs. 77.7 cu. ft.).
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Tech Edge: Passport’s standard 8-inch screen is bigger than the Pilot’s base 7-inch, but Pilot offers more family-focused gadgets.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a big deal for Honda, and both SUVs come with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist features. This includes:
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Automatic emergency braking
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Lane-keeping assist
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Adaptive cruise control
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Blind-spot monitoring (standard on most trims)
Both the Passport and Pilot earn five-star crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), so you’re in good hands. The Pilot adds a 4-inch head-up display on higher trims to keep your eyes on the road, while the Passport’s higher ground clearance gives extra confidence on rough terrain.
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Key Difference: Both are super safe, but the Pilot’s extra tech like the head-up display gives it a slight edge for families.
Price and Value
Honda Passport: Premium and Adventurous
The Passport starts at about $42,400 for the EX-L trim. It’s pricier because it comes standard with AWD and upscale features like leather seats. Higher trims like the TrailSport ($45,895) and Black Edition (around $48,000) add more style and off-road capability. If you want a sporty, well-equipped SUV for a smaller crew, the Passport offers great value.
Honda Pilot: Budget-Friendly and Spacious
The Pilot starts at $39,900 for the Sport trim, making it more affordable. With six trims (Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition), prices can climb to around $52,000 for the top-end Elite. The Pilot’s lower starting price and extra seating make it a better deal for big families.
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Key Difference: Pilot is cheaper to start, but Passport offers more standard features for the price.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choosing between the Honda Passport and Honda Pilot depends on your lifestyle:
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Solo drivers or couples: The Passport’s sporty vibe, smaller size, and standard AWD make it perfect for adventures or daily commutes.
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Off-road lovers: Go for the Passport TrailSport for its rugged suspension and all-terrain tires.
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Large families: The Pilot’s three rows and extra cargo space are ideal for kids, carpooling, or road trips.
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Budget shoppers: The Pilot’s lower starting price makes it a great pick if you need more space without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons
|
Feature |
Honda Passport |
Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
|
Pros |
Sporty handling |
Seats up to eight |
|
Cons |
Higher starting price |
Less agile |
|
Best For |
Adventure-seekers, smaller groups |
Big families, budget-conscious buyers |
Conclusion
The Honda Passport vs Pilot debate comes down to what you need in an SUV. The Passport is your go-to for sporty looks, off-road fun, and a compact size, while the Pilot shines for families with its extra seats and roomy cargo area. Both are reliable, safe, and packed with tech, making them stars in the Honda SUV lineup. Not sure which one’s your match? Visit your local Honda dealer to test drive both today and find the perfect fit!
