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Comparing The Honda Passport Vs. Pilot

Muller Honda of Gurnee Gurnee IL

Honda Passport vs. Pilot at a Glance


  • 3.5-liter V-6 engines with the same output values reside under the hoods of both the Honda Passport and Honda Pilot.
  • With many similarities, the main difference between the Honda Pilot and Passport comes down to exterior size and seating capacity.
  • Rugged capability is a defining characteristic of the Passport, while the Pilot offers more high-end appointments and family-focused equipment.
  • While there are slight differences, you'll find that both SUVs prioritize safety and driver assistance.

If you're looking for your next Honda SUV, our Honda Passport vs. Pilot comparison is a great place to start. While both of these sport-utes come equipped with the same engine and offer many similar appointments, you'll find that the smaller midsize two-row Passport caters more to adventure seekers, while the three-row Pilot is an exceptional family hauler. Join Muller Honda of Gurnee as we explore various categories to help you determine which SUV can best serve your driving interests.

Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot: Similar Specs Catering to Differing Needs

Honda Passport Honda Pilot
Engine 3.5L V-6 3.5L V-6
Horsepower 285 285
Torque 262 lb-ft 262 lb-ft
Drivetrain AWD FWD or AWD
Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) 19 / 25 / 211
  • 19 / 27 / 22 (FWD)1
  • 19 / 25 / 21 (AWD)1
Fuel Tank Size 18.5 gal 14.5 gal
Towing Capacity 5,000 lbs2 3,500 - 5000 lbs2
Summary

The Pilot and Passport have identical engines and output specs. However, where the Pilot has a more fuel-efficient front-wheel-drive configuration as standard, the Passport gives you road-gripping traction and a higher towing capacity right out of the gate.

Honda Passport vs. Pilot: Do You Prefer a Rugged Exterior Size or 3-Row Interior Dimensions?

Honda Passport Honda Pilot
Length 191.5 in 200.1 - 200.4 in
Body Width 79.4 in 78.5 in
Height 73.1 in 70.9 - 72 in
Ground Clearance 8.3 in 7.3 - 8.3 in
Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) 41.1 / 40.9 / - in 41 / 40.8 / 32.5 in
Max. Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) 40.5 / 40.7 / - in 40.5 / 40.2 / 39.3 in
Passenger Volume 115.4 - 119.1 cu ft 154.9 - 158.4 cu ft
Seating Capacity 5 7 - 8
Max. Cargo Space (Behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st Row) 44 / 83.8 / - cu ft 18.6 / 48.5 / 87 cu ft
Summary

When it comes to size, both SUVs have their advantages. The larger Pilot provides an additional row of seating and more overall cargo space while maintaining competitive passenger space, making it a great pick for families. Meanwhile, the two-row Passport is more agile with comfortable dimensions for up to five, catering to city drivers and off-road enthusiasts.

Passport vs. Pilot: What Are Your Must-Have Features?

Honda Passport Honda Pilot
Exterior & Performance
Wheels 18-in alloy 18- or 20-in alloy
Acoustic Windshield Y Y
Heated Side Mirrors Standard Available
Roof Rails Y Y
Power Tailgate Y Y
Off-Road-Tuned Suspension Available N
TrailWatch Available Available
Standard Drive Modes
  • Normal
  • Econ
  • Sport
  • Snow
  • Tow
  • Trail
  • Sand
  • Normal
  • Econ
  • Sport
  • Snow
  • Tow
Infotainment & Convenience
Touchscreen 12.3-in 12.3-in
Instrument Cluster 10.2-in digital 10.2-in digital
Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ Wireless Wireless
Standard Sound System 9-speaker 9-speaker
Available Sound System 12-speaker Bose® 12-speaker Bose®
CabinTalk In-Car PA System N Y
One-Touch Flat-Folding 2nd Row N Y
Comfort
Climate System 3-zone 3-zone
Standard Upholstery Leather & cloth Cloth
Standard Driver Seat 10-way power w/ lumbar 10-way power w/ lumbar
Driver-Seat Memory Standard Available
Heated Front Seats Y Y
Ventilated Front Seats Available Available
Summary

Of all available Honda models, these SUVs are some of the most well-equipped options. Though there's plenty of overlap in standard and available tech features and comfort appointments, the Pilot has additional family-focused amenities, such as a standard CabinTalk in-car PA system, while the Passport amps up adventure potential with more standard drive modes and an available off-road-tuned suspension.

2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Honda Passport: Safety Comes Standard Either Way

Honda Passport Honda Pilot
Collision Mitigation Braking System w/ Advanced Pedestrian Detection Y Y
Road Departure Mitigation System Y Y
Forward Collision Warning Y Y
Lane Departure Warning Y Y
Lane Keeping Assist System Y Y
Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Low-Speed Follow Y Y
Traffic Sign Recognition System Y Y
Traffic Jam Assist Y Y
Blind Spot Information System Y Y
Cross Traffic Monitor Y Y
Low-Speed Braking Control Y Available
Driver Attention Monitor Y Y
Auto High-Beam Headlights Y Y
Parking Sensors (4 Front & 4 Rear) Y Available
Rearview Camera Y Y w/ Dynamic Guidelines
Head-Up Display N Available
Summary

The Pilot and Passport are each equipped with the advanced Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies. While the Passport has a couple of additional standard features, the Pilot offers more cutting-edge safety options on higher trim levels, such as a Head-Up Display.

2026 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Honda Passport: Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the two-row Honda Passport if you value off-road capability or overall maneuverability.

Choose the three-row Honda Passport if you're in need of additional seating and family-oriented amenities.

Find Your Next 2- or 3-Row Honda SUV at Muller Honda of Gurnee

We hope our Honda Passport vs. Pilot comparison has helped you narrow down the search for your next SUV. Of course, the team here at Muller Honda of Gurnee is here if you're still trying to decide – we invite you to contact us with any questions about our inventory or these value-packed SUVs.

We also have Honda model research and comparisons elsewhere on our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is easier to park: the Honda Pilot or Passport?

For most, the Honda Passport will be easier to park compared to the Honda Pilot. At nearly nine inches shorter (lengthwise) than the Pilot, the new Passport will have an easier time parallel parking, and in tight garages, it will have less overhang. However, the Pilot is narrower than the Passport, so if door clearance is a concern, the Pilot may be a better choice.

Which is more affordable: the Honda Pilot or Passport?

While the Honda Pilot has a slightly lower starting MSRP than the Passport, the rugged midsize model is slightly more affordable when comparing the range-topping variants. Overall, both models are extremely similarly priced with many similar features, so we suspect your decision will come down to whether you need a three-row family vehicle or a two-row off-roader.

Should I choose the Honda Pilot or Passport for winter driving?

Both the Honda Pilot and Honda Passport can serve you well for winter driving with their standard Snow driving modes. On one hand, every Passport comes configured with road-gripping AWD, though it's also available for the Pilot. On the other hand, the Pilot is available with a heated windshield, while the available heated wiper zone for the Passport only warms the glass near the base (where the wipers rest).

Featured Customer Review for the Honda Pilot

Etalors

02/10/2026

 
 
 
 
 
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Great experience buying my new 2025 Honda Pilot Touring AWD, from Muller Honda. Their straight forward pricing and excellent dealing with Sales Associate Pieter, made this a very nice experience.

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1Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.

2Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.