Honda Passport Vs. Honda Pilot Compared
Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot at a Glance
- Size & Seating: The Honda Pilot is a larger three-row full-size SUV with seating for up to eight passengers, while the Honda Passport is a midsize two-row model that accommodates up to five.
- Engine: Both models feature a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The Pilot delivers slightly more horsepower, but both offer the same torque output for balanced performance.
- Drivetrain: The Pilot is available with either 2WD or AWD, offering flexibility based on driving needs. The Passport comes standard with AWD and adds the TrailSport trim, which features off-road-tuned suspension.
- Performance: When properly equipped, both SUVs offer a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Pilot, however, edges out slightly ahead in fuel efficiency.
Comparing the Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot reveals a story of two sibling SUVs with many similarities. Several key differences define the models, though.
At a glance, the Honda Pilot is your choice for a rugged yet efficient three-row model that blends safety, style, and value into one package – no wonder it continues to be one of the most popular three-row SUVs. The Passport, meanwhile, brings what the Pilot offers into a two-row package, with a slightly stronger focus on the adventurous side of things.
Both the Pilot and Passport have comfortable and spacious interiors, leading safety features, powerful performance, and the modern appointments that today's drivers demand. Determine which one is right for you by examining our 2025 Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot comparison guide below and test-driving both models at DARCARS Honda.
Honda Passport Vs. Honda Pilot Trims, Price & Standard Features
A noteworthy difference between the Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot is that the Passport has a slightly higher starting price than the Pilot. You may be surprised by this, since the Pilot has an extra row of seats and is the larger SUV. So, what creates this Pilot vs. Passport price difference? The trims and their standard appointments.
Specifically, while the 2025 Honda Pilot has the Sport trim with 2WD as its base model and the EX-L as a higher trim level, the Passport has the EX-L with AWD as its base trim.
When both models are configured in the EX-L trim with AWD, the price difference is reversed, and the Pilot takes on a slightly higher starting price than the Passport.
The full Pilot trim lineup includes the Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. The Passport narrows this down to just the EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition trims.
Do the details of the EX-L trim vary between the Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot? Not significantly. In the upgraded Pilot EX-L and base-configuration Passport EX-L, the following features are standard:
- 10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support
- Four-way power front passenger's seat
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Leather-trimmed seating
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Auto up/down front windows
- HomeLink® Remote System
Many of these features, like the leather-trimmed seats and wireless smartphone charger, do not come standard in the Pilot Sport. However, the Honda Pilot EX-L does offer a standard nine-speaker sound system to cover its three rows of seats, while the two-row Passport EX-L has a seven-speaker sound system.
With that said, Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot features also involve a 9-inch touch screen in the Pilot EX-L and above or a 7-inch touch screen in the first two trims. The Passport comes standard with an 8-inch touch screen across all trims.
Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot Specs
There isn't much to the Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot engine comparison, since both models include a standard 3.5-liter V-6 with 262 pound-feet of torque in all trims.
Of special note, though, is that the Pilot makes 285 horsepower, whereas the Passport delivers 280 horsepower. The Passport comes standard with AWD, however, while the Pilot requires an upgrade to get AWD. Another difference between Honda Pilot and Passport SUVs is that the Pilot has a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Passport features a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Still, Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot performance specs show that the Passport outruns the Pilot. Specifically, in TrailSport trims, Car and Driver tests found that the Passport has a 5.9-second 0-60 mph time,1 while the Pilot has a 6.9-second 0-60 mph time.2 The difference in acceleration is understandable when considering the larger, heavier build of the Pilot.
As for Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot fuel efficiency, the Pilot does win, but that's also because it has standard FWD, as opposed to the standard AWD of the Passport. When configured with AWD, however, both models deliver up to an EPA-estimated 21 MPG Combined.3
Compare the Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot Spec Sheets
| 2025 Honda Passport | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V-6 | 3.5L V-6 |
| Horsepower | 280 | 285 |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (standard) / AWD (available) |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 sec1 | 6.9 sec2 |
| EPA-Est. MPG Combined (FWD / AWD) | N/A / 213 | 223 / 213 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (FWD / AWD) | N/A / 5,000 lbs4 | 3,500 lbs4 / 5,000 lbs 4 |
Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot Towing Capacity
The Honda Passport and Pilot deliver the same maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and configured with AWD. However, the Pilot also has FWD. A Honda Pilot with FWD features a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.4
Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot Safety Features
This is perhaps the most evenly matched area of the Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot comparison. While the base-trim Pilot Sport does miss out on some of the base-trim Passport EX-L safety features, like standard front and rear parking sensors, comparing the different models' EX-L trims reveals a similar set of safety features.
Specifically, both the Passport and Pilot EX-L include the following:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
- Blind Spot Information System
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Cross Traffic Monitor
- Forward Collision Warning
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Rear Seat Reminder
While you can be equally confident in Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot ride quality, the Pilot does have a few extra driver assistance functions that the Passport doesn't, namely a Traffic Jam Assist, a Driver Attention Monitor, and Low-Speed Braking Control.
Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot Dimensions
The most significant difference between the Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot is arguably that the Passport is a two-row SUV and the Pilot is a three-row SUV. Naturally, the Pilot is bigger and has an interior with more room, but in exchange, the Passport has more standard ground clearance to traverse wild obstacles more effectively.
See their full measurements and capacities below, then contact DARCARS Honda in Bowie, MD, to schedule a test drive of the Pilot, Passport, or both SUVs.
Compare Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot Dimensions
| 2025 Honda Passport | 2025 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.1 in | 199.9 in |
| Width | 78.6 in | 78.5 in |
| Height | 72.2 in | Up to 72 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 in | 7.3 in (standard) / 8.3 in (TrailSport) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 or 8 |
| Passenger Volume | 114.9 cu ft | Up to 158.4 cu ft |
| Cargo Space (behind 1st / 2nd / 3rd row) | 77.7 / 41.2 / N/A cu ft | 87 / 48.5 / 18.6 cu ft |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd row) | 40.9 / 39.6 / N/A in | 41 / 40.8 / 32.5 in |
| Headroom (first/second/third row) | 39.5 / 40 / N/A in (w/ moonroof) | 39.1 / 39.2 / 39.3 in (w/ moonroof) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Honda Pilot and the Passport?
The Passport and Pilot are sibling SUVs with minor differences. The most notable difference between the Honda Pilot and the Passport is that the Passport is a two-row SUV, while the Pilot is a three-row SUV. There are other differences, such as the standard AWD of the Passport vs. the standard FWD of the Pilot, but overall, these Honda models are very similar.
How much bigger is the Pilot than the Passport?
The Honda Pilot is 10.8 inches longer than the Passport and has a bigger interior with three-row seating. However, their width is equal, with only 0.1 inches of difference. The Passport has more standard ground clearance than the Pilot in their base configurations, offering an extra 0.8 inches. The Pilot also has 9.3 cubic feet more cargo room behind the first row.
What is the difference between the Honda Pilot and Passport suspensions?
The Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot suspension types are the same. Both SUVs use a MacPherson front suspension and Multi-Link rear suspension to provide a balance of smoothness and ruggedness for all your adventures, road trips, and commutes. The biggest difference can be found in the TrailSport trim, which adds off-road-tuned suspension to the Passport but not to the 2025 Pilot.
Learn More About The Honda Passport And Pilot SUVs:
1This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/passport-2025.
2This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/pilot.
3Based on 2025 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.
4Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.