Honda Pilot vs Passport: Which SUV Should You Buy?

Honda Pilot vs Passport
FeatureHonda PilotHonda Passport
Seating CapacityUp to 8 passengers (3 rows)Up to 5 passengers (2 rows)
Engine3.5-liter V6, 280 hp3.5-liter V6, 280 hp
Off-road CapabilityDecent for family tripsMore rugged, higher ground clearance
Cargo SpaceMore, with rear seats foldedSlightly less, but still very spacious
Infotainment8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear-seat entertainment8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Fuel Economy20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway20 MPG city / 25 MPG highway
Price Range$37,000 – $52,000$37,000 – $44,000
Best ForBig families, long road tripsSmaller families, adventure lovers
Driving ExperienceSmooth, comfortable, family-focusedSporty, agile, adventurous

Hello friends! Today, we’re going to talk about two awesome SUVs from Honda—the Honda Pilot and the Honda Passport. Now, I know choosing between them might seem confusing, but don’t worry, I’ll make it simple for you! By the end of this, you’ll know exactly which one suits you better. So, let’s dive into this friendly comparison of Honda Pilot vs Passport, and I’ll help you decide which one to go for!

The Basics: Honda Pilot and Honda Passport

Before we go into all the juicy details, let’s first understand what each of these vehicles is all about. The Honda Pilot is a full-sized, three-row SUV designed for families or people who need a lot of space. The Passport, on the other hand, is a two-row midsize SUV. It’s like the Pilot’s little brother—smaller but still super cool and fun to drive!

Both of these SUVs are built on the same platform, which means they have a lot in common under the hood. But the differences come in size, features, and what you plan to use them for. The Pilot is perfect for bigger families, while the Passport is great if you don’t need that third row of seats. Let’s break it down further!

Size and Space

Size is one of the first things you’ll notice when comparing these two. The Honda Pilot is larger. It has three rows of seating, meaning you can fit up to eight people in it (or seven if you choose captain’s chairs for the second row). So, if you have a big family or like going on trips with lots of friends, the Pilot gives you all the space you need!

The Passport, however, only has two rows of seats. It can fit five people comfortably, which is still pretty good. It’s more compact, so if you don’t need those extra seats, you’ll enjoy the smaller size for easier parking and maneuvering. Even though it’s smaller, the Passport still has a spacious cabin and plenty of cargo room. In fact, with the rear seats down, it offers almost the same cargo space as the Pilot.

Driving Experience: Honda Pilot vs Passport

Now let’s talk about what it’s like to actually drive these two SUVs. Both the Pilot and Passport come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that gives you about 280 horsepower. That’s plenty of power to feel confident on the highway, whether you’re merging onto a busy road or pulling out of a tricky parking spot.

But here’s the fun part—the Passport is a bit more sporty and adventurous! Because it’s smaller and lighter than the Pilot, it’s more agile, and you’ll probably feel a little more excitement behind the wheel. It’s also got better off-road capabilities, so if you’re someone who enjoys outdoor adventures like camping or hiking, the Passport might be the better fit. It comes with more ground clearance and has a tougher, more rugged look.

The Pilot is all about comfort and stability. It’s perfect for long road trips or daily commutes with the family. Even though it’s bigger, it’s super smooth to drive and has a nice, quiet cabin, which is great when you just want to relax and enjoy the ride.

Features and Technology

Both the Honda Pilot and Passport are loaded with tech features, but depending on what you’re looking for, one might suit you better than the other. Let’s start with the Pilot.

The Honda Pilot is designed to keep families entertained and connected. It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen that’s super easy to use, and you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can connect your smartphone to the system. This means you can play your favorite songs, use maps for directions, or even take calls hands-free. Plus, the Pilot offers features like a rear-seat entertainment system, which is a huge bonus if you have kids who need distractions on long drives. It’s also packed with safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, making sure everyone stays safe on the road.

The Passport has most of these same tech features, but without the family-focused extras like the rear-seat entertainment system. Instead, it’s geared more towards adventurers who want a straightforward, fun driving experience. You’ll still get the 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, and the same safety features as the Pilot, but everything feels a little more streamlined and sporty.

Style and Design

When it comes to looks, both of these SUVs have their own unique styles. The Honda Pilot is sleek and stylish, with a more traditional SUV design. It’s big and bold, but still has an elegant touch, making it perfect for families who want to look good while driving around town.

The Passport, on the other hand, has a rugged, tough appearance. It looks like it’s ready for an off-road adventure at any moment! It’s got a higher ground clearance and a more aggressive design, which gives it a sporty vibe. So, if you’re someone who loves the idea of weekend adventures or just prefers a sportier look, the Passport will probably be more your style.

Honda Pilot vs Passport: Which One is Best for Families?

If you’ve got a family, especially a big one, the Honda Pilot is definitely the way to go. Its three rows of seating give you room for up to eight people, and it’s packed with features to keep everyone happy. Plus, the cargo space is huge, so you’ll have no problem fitting strollers, sports equipment, or groceries in the back.

The Honda Passport can also work for families, but it’s better suited for smaller families or couples who don’t need that third row. It’s more about adventure and flexibility than sheer space, so if you like to go on road trips or outdoor activities, it could still be a great family car for you.

Fuel Economy

Now, let’s talk about fuel economy, which is important whether you’re driving around town or heading out on a road trip. Both the Pilot and Passport have the same engine, so their fuel efficiency is pretty similar. The Honda Pilot gets about 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway. The Passport is slightly better because of its smaller size, giving you about 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway.

While the difference isn’t huge, the Passport is a little more fuel-efficient, which could save you some money over time, especially if you do a lot of driving!

Honda Pilot vs Passport

Honda Pilot vs Passport: The Price Difference

Of course, price is a big factor when deciding between these two SUVs. The Honda Pilot is the bigger, more family-oriented SUV, and that comes with a slightly higher price tag. It starts at around $37,000, depending on the trim level and options you choose. The top-of-the-line Pilot models can go up to $52,000 if you want all the bells and whistles.

The Honda Passport is a little more affordable, starting at around $37,000. Since it doesn’t have the third row or some of the extra family features, it’s slightly cheaper, but still comes with all the important things like the V6 engine, safety features, and tech.

Honda Pilot vs Passport: Which One Should You Buy?

Alright, here’s the big question: Which one should you buy?

If you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV with a ton of space, features for kids, and comfort for long drives, the Honda Pilot is your best bet. It’s made for families, road trips, and anyone who needs a lot of room to carry people and stuff. The third row and larger cargo area make it perfect for big groups, and it’s packed with features that make life easier for parents and fun for kids.

On the other hand, if you’re more about adventure, like the idea of a sportier SUV, and don’t need a third row, the Honda Passport is the one for you! It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, smaller families, or anyone who wants a tough, capable SUV that’s also fun to drive. It’s a bit more rugged and ready for off-road adventures, but still comfortable enough for daily commutes.

Honda Pilot vs Passport

FAQ: Honda Pilot vs Passport

1. What are the main differences between the Honda Pilot and Honda Passport?

The Honda Pilot is a larger, three-row SUV designed for families who need plenty of space, while the Honda Passport is a sportier, two-row midsize SUV made for adventurous drivers. The Pilot can seat up to eight people, making it perfect for larger families or groups, and offers more family-friendly features like a rear-seat entertainment system. The Passport, though slightly smaller, is ideal for those who love outdoor activities, with its rugged design and off-road capabilities. Both are powered by a strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, so you’ll get impressive performance with either choice!

2. Which one is better for families, the Honda Pilot or the Passport?

For families, especially larger ones, the Honda Pilot is a fantastic choice! With its three rows of seating, it can comfortably fit up to eight people, making it perfect for big family road trips or daily school runs. The Pilot also offers plenty of family-friendly features like a large cargo space, a rear-seat entertainment system, and lots of safety features. The Passport is better for smaller families or couples, as it seats five and has a sportier, more rugged design. But if your family loves adventure, the Passport could still be a great fit!

3. Which SUV is better for outdoor adventures, the Honda Pilot or the Passport?

The Honda Passport is definitely the better choice for outdoor adventures! Its rugged design, higher ground clearance, and strong off-road capabilities make it ideal for exploring trails, camping, and other outdoor activities. The Passport is built for fun and adventure, with enough space for your gear and a sporty driving experience. The Honda Pilot, while great for family road trips, is more focused on comfort and daily commuting. It’s a larger, more family-oriented SUV, so while it can handle some outdoor activities, the Passport is truly built for those who love the great outdoors!

4. What kind of engine do the Honda Pilot and Passport have?

Both the Honda Pilot and Honda Passport come with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing about 280 horsepower. This engine provides both SUVs with plenty of strength for highway driving, towing, and even some off-road adventures in the Passport. Whether you choose the Pilot or the Passport, you’ll enjoy smooth, reliable power that makes driving enjoyable and stress-free. Honda’s V6 engine is known for its durability and excellent performance, ensuring that both SUVs will give you a confident and thrilling driving experience every time you hit the road!

5. How does the fuel economy compare between the Honda Pilot and Passport?

The Honda Pilot and Honda Passport have very similar fuel economy ratings because they share the same engine. The Pilot offers about 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, while the Passport gives you 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The Passport’s slightly smaller size gives it a minor edge in fuel efficiency, but overall, both SUVs provide great mileage for vehicles of their size. Whether you’re driving around town or taking a long road trip, you’ll appreciate the fuel economy of either the Pilot or the Passport!

6. Is the Honda Pilot or Passport better for long road trips?

For long road trips, the Honda Pilot is a dream come true! Its spacious interior, three rows of seating, and family-friendly features make it the perfect companion for cross-country journeys. With room for up to eight passengers, everyone can stretch out and relax, and the large cargo area is perfect for luggage, snacks, and any gear you need. The Honda Passport is also great for road trips, especially for smaller groups or couples who want a sportier driving experience. However, if space and comfort are your top priorities, the Pilot is the ultimate road trip vehicle!

7. Which one has more cargo space, the Honda Pilot or Passport?

When it comes to cargo space, the Honda Pilot has the edge! With its larger size and three rows of seating, the Pilot offers an impressive amount of space for all your belongings. You can easily fit large items like strollers, sports equipment, or even camping gear, especially when you fold down the rear seats. The Honda Passport also has a lot of cargo space for a midsize SUV, especially when the rear seats are folded down, but the Pilot’s overall capacity is greater. If you need lots of room for luggage, groceries, or gear, the Pilot is the perfect choice!

8. What is the price difference between the Honda Pilot and Passport?

The Honda Pilot is generally a little more expensive than the Honda Passport, starting around $37,000 for base models and going up to $52,000 for fully loaded versions. This price reflects its larger size, third-row seating, and extra family-oriented features. The Honda Passport, being a two-row SUV with a more adventurous design, is a bit more affordable, starting at $37,000 and maxing out around $44,000. Both offer incredible value for what they provide, but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option and don’t need the extra space, the Passport might be a better fit!

9. Which SUV has better safety features, the Honda Pilot or Passport?

Both the Honda Pilot and Honda Passport are packed with cutting-edge safety features! They come standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assist technologies designed to keep you and your passengers safe. This includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and more. Whether you choose the Pilot or the Passport, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that these SUVs are designed to protect you on the road. Both vehicles score high in safety ratings, so you can feel confident driving either one, whether you’re on a family road trip or an off-road adventure!

10. Which one should I choose: the Honda Pilot or Passport?

Choosing between the Honda Pilot and Honda Passport depends on what you need in an SUV. If you have a larger family or need lots of space for passengers and cargo, the Pilot is your best bet. It’s spacious, comfortable, and packed with features that make it a fantastic family vehicle. On the other hand, if you prefer a sportier, more adventurous SUV and don’t need the third row of seats, the Honda Passport is the way to go. It’s rugged, fun to drive, and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Either way, you’re getting an amazing vehicle!

So there you have it, friends—a breakdown of the Honda Pilot vs Passport! Both of these SUVs are amazing in their own way, but they cater to different types of drivers. If you’re a family person who needs space and comfort, go for the Pilot. If you’re a bit more adventurous and want something sporty and tough, the Passport is calling your name.

Whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong! Both are built with Honda’s legendary reliability, so you know they’ll last for years. Just think about what matters most to you—whether it’s space for people or excitement for the road—and you’ll have your answer!

Author

  • Alex Harper is a seasoned Product Analyst with over eight years of experience in researching and comparing consumer products across various categories. Specializing in home appliances, electronics, beauty and automotive, Alex dives deep into product specifications, user feedback, and industry trends to provide readers with honest and comprehensive reviews. When not exploring the latest gadgets, Alex enjoys attending trade shows and testing new technology firsthand.

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