Picking between Honda SUVs can be tough, especially when looking at the Pilot and Passport. Both offer comfort and power, but which one suits you best?
We’re here to help you compare the Honda Pilot vs. Passport. This guide will explain the main differences in size, seating, performance, and features.
We’ll cover everything from engine details to cargo room, showing you what each model offers.
By the end, you’ll understand how these two popular SUVs match up. Whether you need extra seats for the family or more off-road ability, we’ll help you decide which Honda SUV fits your needs.
Passenger and Cargo Space
Space is a key factor when choosing between the Honda Pilot and Passport. Let’s examine how these SUVs compare in terms of passenger room and cargo capacity.
Honda Pilot: Room for the Whole Family
The Pilot is built for bigger groups. It offers three rows of seating and comfortably seats 7-8 passengers.
Regarding cargo space, you get 112–114 cubic feet with all seats down. With the rear seats up, you still have about 50 cubic feet for your belongings.
Honda Passport: Compact but Roomy
The Passport offers a balance of passenger and cargo space. It has two rows of seating and can accommodate five passengers.
With the seats folded, cargo space is 101 cubic feet, and behind the rear seats, it is around 50 cubic feet.
Key Differences in Space
| Feature | Honda Pilot | Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7-8 passengers (Three rows of seating) | 5 passengers (Two rows of seating) |
| Cargo Space (Seats Folded) | 112–114 cubic feet | 101 cubic feet |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up) | About 50 cubic feet | Around 50 cubic feet |
The Pilot is larger overall, offering more total space. It has that extra third row, while the Passport gives more room in the second row.
The Pilot works better for large families, while the Passport suits smaller groups who need cargo room.
Which One Fits Your Needs?
Consider the Pilot if you often need seating for more than five people. The Passport might be your pick if you want a roomier feel for five passengers and don’t need the extra seats.
Both SUVs offer plenty of space for everyday use. Your choice depends on how many seats you need and how you plan to use your vehicle.
Powertrain and Performance
When comparing the Honda Pilot vs. Passport, engine power and performance play a big role. Both SUVs pack a punch, but there are some key differences to consider.
Engine and Transmission
The Honda Pilot has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with dual overhead cams. This powerplant produces 285 horsepower paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.
On the other hand, the Honda Passport uses a similar 3.5-liter V-6 engine but with a single overhead cam design.
It generates 280 horsepower and pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration and Fuel Efficiency
While the Pilot’s engine offers slightly more horsepower, the Passport gets up to speed faster.
Thanks to its lighter weight, the Passport can reach 60 mph quicker than its larger sibling.
Both SUVs perform similarly when it comes to fuel use. However, the front-wheel-drive Pilot has a slight edge in efficiency.
You might save more at the pump with the Pilot if you don’t need all-wheel drive.
Which is Right for You?
The Pilot’s engine might appeal to you if you want the latest tech and are willing to drive a slightly larger vehicle.
But if you like quick acceleration, the Passport could be the better choice. Both offer strong performance, so your decision might come down to other factors like size and features.
Off-Road Capabilities
For those who like to venture off the beaten path, the Honda Pilot and Passport offer versions for rougher terrain. Let’s look at how these SUVs handle when the pavement ends.
Honda Pilot TrailSport
The Pilot TrailSport is built to take on tougher off-road challenges. It comes with:
- A softer front anti-roll bar for better wheel articulation
- All-terrain tires for improved grip
- A torque-vectoring rear differential to help power through tricky spots
- 8.3 inches of ground clearance to clear obstacles
These features make the Pilot TrailSport ready for more serious off-road trips.
Honda Passport TrailSport
The Passport TrailSport is set up for lighter off-road fun. It includes:
- Retuned dampers and springs for a smoother ride on rough roads
- All-terrain tires for good traction
- 8.1 inches of ground clearance
This setup makes the Passport TrailSport good for mild off-road adventures and dirt roads.
Overall Off-Road Performance
The Pilot TrailSport has the edge when tackling tough terrain. Its more advanced features help it handle challenging conditions better.
However, the Passport is more handy due to its smaller size. This makes it a great choice for light off-roading and exploring backroads.
Your choice between these two depends on how serious your off-road plans are. The Passport might be enough for weekend warriors who stick to milder trails.
But the Pilot TrailSport could be better if you tackle tougher terrain.
Technology and Infotainment
In today’s world, the tech inside your car matters as much as what’s under the hood. Let’s see how the Honda Pilot and Passport stack up regarding screens, sounds, and smart features.
Honda Pilot: Tech-Forward
The Pilot offers a range of screen sizes to keep you informed and entertained.
Lower trims have a 7.0-inch display, while higher trims upgrade to a 9.0-inch screen. Top models feature a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
In some models, the Pilot includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for staying connected, which means less cord clutter in your car.
Regarding sound, the Pilot hits high notes with a 12-speaker premium audio system in top trims.
It also offers multi-zone audio and a rear entertainment system, perfect for keeping the whole family happy on long trips.
Honda Passport: Consistent Across the Board
The Passport keeps things simple with its tech offerings.
All trims come with an 8.0-inch display. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The Passport’s audio system tops out at ten speakers for music lovers. While not as extensive as the Pilot’s system, it still provides quality sound for your journeys.
Which Suits Your Tech Needs?
If you’re after the latest and greatest in-car tech, the Pilot offers more options. Its larger screens and wireless connectivity might appeal to tech-savvy drivers.
While not as cutting-edge, the Passport offers a consistent experience across all models. This could be a plus if you prefer simplicity in your car’s tech setup.
Your choice might depend on how much you value having the newest tech features in your SUV.
Both offer solid infotainment systems, but the Pilot takes things further for those who want more from their car’s technology.
Safety Features
Both the Honda Pilot and Passport take the job of keeping you and your family safe seriously. Let’s examine how these SUVs protect their passengers.
Standard Safety Technology
Both the Pilot and Passport come equipped with the Honda Sensing® suite. This package includes key safety features such as:
- Adaptive Cruise Control to maintain a safe distance from other cars Collision Mitigation Braking
- System to help avoid or reduce the impact of frontal crashes Lane Keeping Assist to keep you centered in your lane
These features work together to make your drive safer and less stressful.
Trim-Level Specific Safety
While both SUVs offer strong safety basics, the Pilot goes a step further in its higher trims. It includes extras like:
- Traffic Jam Assist, which helps with steering in slow-moving traffic.
- Driver Attention Monitor to alert you if you seem tired or distracted
While not offering these specific features, the Passport maintains a solid safety profile across all its versions.
Which is Safer?
Both the Pilot and Passport are designed with safety in mind. The Pilot might have an edge with its extra features in higher trims.
However, the Passport’s consistent safety package across all models means you don’t have to pay more for key safety tech.
Your choice might depend on whether you want the extra safety features the Pilot offers or are satisfied with the strong basics the Passport provides. Either way, you’re getting an SUV that prioritizes safety.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and Passport depends on your needs and preferences. Both SUVs offer solid performance, safety, and comfort, but each shines.
The Pilot is your go-to for extra seating and the latest tech features. It’s perfect for larger families or those who often drive with a full car.
While smaller, the Passport offers a roomy interior for five and is better suited for those who value agility and light off-road adventures.
Consider what matters most to you – passenger capacity, cargo space, off-road ability, or tech features.
Whether you choose the versatile Pilot or the graceful Passport, you’re getting a reliable Honda SUV that’s built to last and designed to keep you safe on the road.