Honda has introduced two crossover SUVs in the midsize and large categories to attract potential buyers who may be considering vehicles like the Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander. There exists a clear distinction between the two models from the same brand, and the decision is in your hands: will you choose the spacious 2025 Honda Pilot with three rows and seating for eight, or the refreshed 2024 Honda Passport that accommodates five passengers?
Each of these SUVs comes with its own strengths and areas that could be enhanced. Ultimately, one emerges victorious, based on factors such as technology, safety features, and interior space. This ranking sets out a comparison between the two models and advises on what to keep in mind if you are contemplating between the Pilot and Passport.
Which Version of Honda Passport Should I Opt For?
When compared to the Pilot, it is hard to label the Passport as budget-friendly. The entry-level Passport EX-L is priced at $43,295, which is relatively high because there is no basic model available like in the case of the Pilot, nor is there the option for front-wheel drive.
The EX-L configuration offers a wide array of features such as AWD, an 8.0-inch touchscreen equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a sunroof, a power tailgate, and 20-inch alloy wheels. For $45,895, the Passport TrailSport boasts all-terrain tires and a suspension system fine-tuned to enhance wheel articulation.
Both models come with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, provided by Honda.
Which Version of Honda Pilot Should I Go For?
The Pilot Sport is priced at $41,295 and includes features like heated front seats with power adjustment, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Most buyers will likely choose the $44,595 Pilot EX-L, known for its leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, 9.0-inch touchscreen, power tailgate, and 18-inch wheels. The TrailSport edition, focused on off-road capabilities and priced at $50,495, comes with all-terrain tires, an off-road suspension system, synthetic leather upholstery, off-road driving modes, and off-road camera views. The top-tier $55,675 Pilot Black Edition is equipped with various premium features including cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, navigation, 20-inch wheels, second-row captain’s chairs, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, a 10.2-inch digital instrument display, a surround-view camera system, a hands-free tailgate, black accents, and a head-up display.
Advantage: The Pilot offers a more cost-effective option despite its larger size.
Is the Honda Passport an Attractive SUV?
In terms of aesthetics, it appears somewhat ordinary. Although familiar, it maintains a neat appearance and creates an illusion of reduced size despite being approximately 190 inches long. The front end is characterized by a rectangular grille accompanied by headlights extending from it resembling wings. The key differentiator from the larger Pilot is noticed at the back, where the Passport features a continuous window line contributing to its compact appearance. TrailSport variants feature distinctive bumpers, grille designs, and wheel styles.
Internally, the Passport sports a practical layout adorned with dark plastics and leather in select trim levels. An expansive central console offering convenient small-item storage, a set of transmission controls akin to a saddle, and a central touchscreen flanked by sizable air vents are found inside. The 8.0-inch display outperforms the base screen in the Pilot but falls short of the upgraded screen size.
Is the Honda Pilot a Stylish SUV?
The Pilot represents an enhancement over the Passport. Exuding a longer and wider profile compared to the Passport, the Pilot features a honeycomb grille and sleek LED headlights supported by C-shaped air intake elements. The grille seamlessly transitions into robust fenders that lead to raised pillars at the rear mimicking the design cues reminiscent of the original Honda Passport, derived from the Isuzu Rodeo. The taillights are intricately integrated into a tailgate embossed with prominent branding in Honda’s contemporary design language.
Internally, the Pilot boasts a refined design approach. Base trims come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen positioned on top of the slim dashboard vents, while higher trims are furnished with a 9.0-inch touchscreen. Honda strategically positions buttons and knobs where they are easily accessible, deviating from the trend of burying controls within touchscreens or employing rocker switches and swipe mechanisms. Smartphones can be accommodated in dedicated compartments, and there is provision for wireless charging, alongside decorative twin-needle stitching on various versions. On initial observation, the interior may not seem drastically distinct from its predecessor, but it has been streamlined to offer a more user-friendly human-machine interface.
Advantage: The Pilot stands out due to its amalgamation of vintage and contemporary elements.
What are the dimensions of the Honda Passport?
The Passport can accommodate five adults comfortably in its spacious two rows of individual and shared seats. This crossover SUV excels in this aspect; however, the front occupants might desire more lower back support during extended journeys. In the rear bench seat, there is 39.6 inches of leg space, and the seat can fit three individuals comfortably with a good angle to the seat base and backrest.
The Passport offers 41.2 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, which expands to 77.7 cubic feet when folded down. Additionally, there is concealed underfloor storage ideal for storing messy camping equipment or securing valuable electronics out of sight.
What are the dimensions of the Honda Pilot?
The Pilot is spacious, accommodating up to eight passengers along with a few pieces of luggage. The front seats are supportive and include power adjustments, lumbar support, and heating on most trims. Leather upholstery options are available, accompanied by a wireless charger placed in front of the gear lever. Honda has also integrated a storage nook in front of the passenger for items such as smartphones and sunglasses.
The Pilot’s second row features a bench seat divided into three sections, including a removable middle seat weighing about 25 pounds. This unique feature allows easy access to the third-row seats, which can comfortably accommodate two 6-foot passengers. The TrailSport variant features captain’s chairs instead.
Cargo capacity starts at 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 60.1 cubic feet when the second row is folded down. With all rear seats folded except for the front, the Pilot offers over 112 cubic feet of cargo space.
Advantage: The Pilot can accommodate more passengers and cargo compared to the Passport.
What is the performance like for the Honda Passport?
Despite its rugged appearance and features, the Passport’s standout quality is its softly tuned suspension and well-insulated cabin, making it a comfortable long-distance cruiser. It is sufficiently quick, courtesy of its 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine which delivers ample mid-range power and smooth revving. However, the 9-speed automatic transmission in the Passport can occasionally lag during gear changes.
Is 4WD available on the Honda Pilot?
While the base models come with front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is optional on every Pilot variant. The AWD system distributes power between the front and rear wheels, while also adjusting power distribution to the rear wheels for enhanced efficiency. The Pilot TrailSport utilizes hill descent control to aid in navigating downhill terrains. This version of the Pilot is designed to handle easy to moderate off-road trails and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
How does the Honda Pilot perform?
Equipped with a revised 285-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot boasts strong acceleration. The additional gear ratio enables a broad range of speeds and delivers precise downshifts. The Pilot offers up to seven driving modes, ranging from Sport to Snow to Tow, ensuring it can tackle various driving conditions with secure traction and impressive acceleration.
The Pilot excels in ride comfort and handling. Its responsive light steering coupled with comfortable ride quality, even on standard 18-inch tires, provides a reassuring driving experience, further enhanced with optional 20-inch wheels.
Advantage: The Pilot offers superior on-road performance, while the Passport benefits from its compact size.
Is the Honda Pilot fuel-efficient?
Compared to the Passport, the Pilot exhibits slightly better fuel efficiency, especially in the front-wheel-drive model which achieves EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined. Other Pilot variants can dip as low as 20 mpg combined, such as the TrailSport model.
Advantage: The Pilot delivers superior fuel efficiency.
How safe is the Honda Passport?
The Passport has been awarded an overall five-star rating by the NHTSA, with four stars for frontal impact and rollover protection. However, it did not receive a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to a “Marginal” rating in the updated side-impact test. Despite this, all Passport trims come with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, but there is no option for a surround-view camera system.
How safe is the Honda Pilot?
The IIHS has recognized the Pilot with a Top Safety Pick+ designation, matching the NHTSA’s five-star rating. All Pilot models are equipped with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The base model lacks front and rear parking sensors, which are included in other trims.
2025 Honda Pilot Touring AWD Front Exterior View
Which is the better choice: Honda Pilot or Honda Passport?
With a TCC Rating of 5.8 out of 10, the Honda Passport stands out as an above-average option, offering generous safety features and a spacious interior. However, the Honda Pilot emerges as the clear winner, boasting a larger size, improved infotainment system, more robust design, and enhanced fuel efficiency. It achieves a TCC Rating of 6.8 out of 10.
Image Source: Roman Korotkov / Shutterstock
