The Honda Passport and Pilot are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive towing capacity. However, there are some key differences between the two models that shoppers should be aware of before making a decision. In this article, we will compare the 2025 Honda Passport vs Pilot to help you decide which SUV is right for you. Also, take our quiz at the end of the paragraph to see which Honda SUV is perfect for your lifestyle and needs.
One of the most noticeable differences between the Passport and Pilot is their size. The Passport is slightly smaller than the Pilot, with a shorter wheelbase and overall length. This makes the Passport easier to maneuver in tight spaces, but it also means that it has less interior space than the Pilot. The Pilot has a more spacious interior, with more legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. It also has a larger cargo area than the Passport. The Passport’s smaller size also makes it more fuel-efficient than the Pilot. The Passport gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, compared to the Pilot’s 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Another key difference between the Passport and Pilot is their powertrains. The Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Passport’s engine is more powerful than the Pilot’s, but the Pilot’s engine has more torque. This gives the Pilot a slight advantage in terms of towing capacity. The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Both SUVs are available with all-wheel drive.
Comparing Power and Performance: Passport vs. Pilot
Engine Specifications
The Passport and Pilot both offer powerful V6 engines, but there are some key differences in their specifications. The Passport features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, while the Pilot boasts a slightly larger 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
While the engines have the same horsepower and torque ratings, the Pilot has a slight advantage in low-end power. This is due to its longer stroke, which increases the engine’s leverage at lower RPMs. As a result, the Pilot may feel more responsive when accelerating from a standstill.
However, the Passport’s engine is more efficient than the Pilot’s. It has a higher compression ratio (11.5:1 vs. 10.5:1) and uses Atkinson cycle technology, which reduces pumping losses and improves fuel economy. This makes the Passport a better choice for drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency.
| Engine | Passport | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 20/25 mpg | 19/26 mpg |
Evaluating Fuel Efficiency and Range
When it comes to choosing an SUV, fuel efficiency is a major consideration. The 2025 Honda Passport and Honda Pilot offer comparable fuel economy, but there are slight differences to note.
Fuel Economy
The 2025 Honda Passport’s base LX trim gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The upper trims, EX-L and Touring, slightly improve fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. In comparison, the 2025 Honda Pilot’s LX and EX trims have an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the EX-L and Touring trims achieve slightly better fuel economy at 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
| Trim | 2025 Honda Passport | 2025 Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| LX | 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway | 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway |
| EX-L | 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway | 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway |
| Touring | 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway | 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway |
Assessing Cargo Capacity and Interior Space
Cargo Capacity
When considering cargo space, both the Passport and Pilot offer ample room for your belongings. The Passport provides 41.2 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row of seats and 77.9 cubic feet with the second row folded down. On the other hand, the Pilot boasts an impressive 16.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 42.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and a generous 83.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat.
Interior Space
In terms of interior space, the Pilot takes the lead with seating for up to eight passengers across three rows. Its spacious cabin offers ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for all occupants. The Passport, on the other hand, is a five-seater, providing a more intimate and personal driving experience. However, both vehicles offer comfortable and well-appointed interiors with plenty of amenities to keep passengers entertained and comfortable on long journeys.
Third Row Comparison
Dimensions
The Pilot’s third row is considerably larger than the Passport’s, measuring 4.5 inches wider and 1.8 inches longer. This translates to more legroom, shoulder room, and headroom for third-row passengers.
Comfort
The Pilot’s third row is also more comfortable, featuring reclining seats with adjustable lumbar support. In contrast, the Passport’s third row lacks reclining capabilities and has less legroom. This makes the Pilot a better choice for families or those who frequently utilize the third row.
| Third Row Dimensions | Honda Passport | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Legroom | 32.6 inches | 36.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room | 48.0 inches | 52.5 inches |
| Headroom | 36.3 inches | 38.1 inches |
Advanced Technology Features Comparison
Honda Sensing Safety Suite
Both the 2025 Honda Passport and Pilot come standard with the Honda Sensing Suite of safety features. This suite includes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation.
Display and Infotainment System
The Passport has an 8-inch touchscreen display, while the Pilot has a 10.2-inch touchscreen. Both systems include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Pilot also has a Wi-Fi hotspot and a navigation system available as options.
Driver Assistance Features
Both the Passport and Pilot offer a variety of driver assistance features. These features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. The Pilot also has a head-up display available as an option.
Advanced Safety and Convenience Features
The Passport offers a rear seat reminder and a rear cross-traffic monitoring system with low-speed braking. The Pilot has a standard multi-angle rearview camera and a blind-spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert.
| Feature | Passport | Pilot |
|—|—|—|
| Rear seat reminder | Standard | Not available |
| Rear cross-traffic monitoring with low-speed braking | Standard | Not available |
| Multi-angle rearview camera | Not available | Standard |
| Blind-spot information system with rear cross-traffic alert | Not available | Standard |
Examining Safety Systems and Driver Assistance
Honda Sensing
The 2025 Honda Passport and Pilot both come standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features. Honda Sensing includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition.
Additional Safety Features
In addition to Honda Sensing, the 2025 Passport and Pilot offer a variety of other safety features, including:
- Anti-lock brakes
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control
- Airbags
- Tire-pressure monitoring system
Driver-Assist Features
The 2025 Passport and Pilot also offer a variety of driver-assist features, including:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Parking sensors
- Rear-seat reminder
Safety Ratings
The 2025 Honda Passport and Pilot have both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
| NHTSA Rating | IIHS Rating |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | Top Safety Pick+ |
Ride Quality and Handling: On-Road and Off-Road
On-Road Ride Quality
Both the Honda Passport and Pilot offer a comfortable and composed ride on paved roads. Their suspensions effectively absorb road imperfections, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience. While the Pilot has a slightly softer suspension, the Passport’s more taut setup gives it better handling dynamics.
Off-Road Ride Quality
The Pilot’s standard all-wheel drive and available off-road package make it more capable off the beaten path than the Passport. Its suspension has more travel, providing better ground clearance and allowing it to handle rough terrain more effectively. The Passport, on the other hand, is better suited for light off-roading, such as dirt roads and gravel paths.
Handling
The Pilot offers responsive handling for its size. Its steering is well-weighted and provides good feedback, giving drivers confidence in corners. The Passport, with its more agile handling, is even more fun to drive on twisty roads. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it more nimble, allowing for quicker lane changes and easier maneuverability in tight spaces.
Handling Comparison Table
| Feature | Honda Passport | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | Responsive, good feedback | Responsive, slightly less feedback |
| Body roll | Minimal | More noticeable |
| Agility | More agile | Less agile |
| Handling dynamics | Better | Good |
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2025 Honda Passport and Pilot are priced competitively within their class. The Passport is slightly more affordable, with a starting price of around $36,000, while the Pilot starts at approximately $40,000. Both vehicles offer a range of trims and options, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle to their specific needs and budget.
Passport Trims and Pricing
| Trim | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| EX | $36,000 |
| EX-L | $38,000 |
| TrailSport | $40,000 |
| Elite | $43,000 |
Pilot Trims and Pricing
| Trim | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| LX | $40,000 |
| EX | $43,000 |
| EX-L | $46,000 |
| TrailSport | $48,000 |
| Elite | $51,000 |
Value Proposition
Both the Passport and Pilot offer a strong value proposition for buyers seeking a capable SUV. The Passport is a great choice for those seeking adventure and off-road capability, while the Pilot provides more seating and a spacious interior for families and those who need more space.
Versatility and Trims Available
Versatility
The Honda Passport and Pilot both offer spacious cabins and versatile seating configurations. The Passport features two rows of seating with room for up to five passengers, while the Pilot boasts three rows and can accommodate up to eight. Both SUVs provide ample legroom and headroom, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants. Additionally, both models offer impressive cargo capacities, with the Pilot boasting a larger maximum capacity of 96.6 cubic feet compared to the Passport’s 77.9 cubic feet.
Trims Available
The Passport and Pilot are available in a range of trim levels, each offering its unique features and amenities. The Passport comes in the following trims: EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The Pilot’s trim levels include LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition.
EX
Both the Passport EX and Pilot EX offer a solid foundation with features such as a hands-free power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
EX-L
The EX-L trims of both the Passport and Pilot add leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof for enhanced comfort and luxury.
Touring
The Passport Touring and Pilot Touring elevate the experience with features like a navigation system, premium audio system, and a 360-degree camera. These trims also come with additional safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Elite
The top-of-the-line Elite trims of the Passport and Pilot offer the most comprehensive features. These include heated and cooled front seats, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display. Additionally, the Elite trims come with advanced safety features such as traffic sign recognition and blind-spot monitoring.
| Trim | Passport | Pilot |
| ————— | ———————– | ————————- |
| EX | Hands-free power liftgate | Hands-free power liftgate |
| | Dual-zone automatic climate | Dual-zone automatic climate |
| | control | control |
| | 7-inch touchscreen infotainment | 7-inch touchscreen infotainment |
| EX-L | Leather upholstery | Leather upholstery |
| | Heated front seats | Heated front seats |
| | Panoramic moonroof | Panoramic moonroof |
| Touring | Navigation system | Navigation system |
| | Premium audio system | Premium audio system |
| | 360-degree camera | 360-degree camera |
| Elite | Heated and cooled front seats | Heated and cooled front seats |
| | Wireless charging pad | Wireless charging pad |
| | Head-up display | Head-up display |
Resale Value and Ownership Costs
Resale Value
The 2025 Honda Passport holds its value well, with an estimated residual value of 63% after three years. This is slightly higher than the industry average for midsize SUVs and comparable to the value retention of the Pilot (62%).
Ownership Costs
Fuel Economy
The 2025 Honda Passport offers better fuel economy than the Pilot. The Passport’s standard 3.5-liter V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/28 mpg highway, compared to the Pilot’s 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway with its 3.5-liter V6.
Insurance Costs
According to Insure.com, the average annual insurance premium for the 2025 Honda Passport is $1,250. The 2025 Honda Pilot has a slightly lower average premium at $1,210.
Maintenance Costs
Honda vehicles are generally reliable and have low maintenance costs compared to other brands. Expected maintenance costs for the 2025 Passport and Pilot should be similar, with regular oil changes, tire rotations, and brake services costing around $100-$200 per visit.
Depreciation
The 2025 Honda Passport is expected to depreciate slightly less than the 2025 Honda Pilot. The Passport’s higher resale value indicates that it loses less value over time.
Estimated Depreciation:
| Model | Depreciation after 5 years | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | Percentage | |
| Honda Passport | $15,000 | 33% |
| Honda Pilot | $17,000 | 35% |
Engine and Performance
The 2025 Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Passport, on the other hand, offers a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The 2025 Honda Pilot has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 1,625 lbs. The Passport, on the other hand, has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 1,568 lbs.
Interior Space and Comfort
The 2025 Honda Pilot offers more interior space than the Passport. The Pilot has a seating capacity of 8, while the Passport can accommodate up to 7 passengers. The Pilot also offers more cargo space than the Passport, with 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats compared to 16.5 cubic feet in the Passport.
Fuel Economy
The 2025 Honda Pilot has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Passport, on the other hand, has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Both the 2025 Honda Pilot and the Passport come standard with a suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot also offers available features such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display.
Technology
The 2025 Honda Pilot and the Passport both come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Pilot also offers available features such as a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a premium audio system.
Price
The 2025 Honda Pilot has a starting price of $39,150, while the Passport starts at $30,720. The price of both vehicles will vary depending on the trim level and options selected.
2025 Honda Passport vs. Pilot: Which is Right for You?
The Honda Passport and Pilot are two of the most popular SUVs on the market, and for good reason. Both vehicles offer a great combination of space, features, and value. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
The Passport is smaller than the Pilot, with a shorter wheelbase and overall length. This makes it easier to maneuver and park, and it also gives it a slightly better fuel economy. The Pilot, on the other hand, has more room for passengers and cargo, making it a better choice for families or those who经常 need to haul large items.
Another key difference between the two models is their powertrains. The Passport comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. The Pilot, on the other hand, comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, and both models offer all-wheel drive as an option.
When it comes to features, both the Passport and the Pilot offer a wide range of options. However, the Pilot comes with a few more standard features, such as a sunroof, leather seats, and a power liftgate. The Passport, on the other hand, offers a few more advanced features, such as a heads-up display and a surround-view camera system.
Overall, the Honda Passport and Pilot are both excellent SUVs that offer a great value for the money. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may make one a better choice for you than the other. If you need a smaller SUV with better fuel economy, the Passport is a great option. If you need a larger SUV with more room for passengers and cargo, the Pilot is a better choice.
People Also Ask
Which is bigger, the Passport or the Pilot?
The Pilot is bigger than the Passport. The Pilot has a longer wheelbase and overall length, and it offers more room for passengers and cargo.
Which has more horsepower, the Passport or the Pilot?
The Pilot has more horsepower than the Passport. The Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 290 horsepower, while the Passport’s 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 280 horsepower.
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Passport or the Pilot?
The Passport is more fuel-efficient than the Pilot. The Passport has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the Pilot has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
