With 2025 approaching, Honda continued to lead the reliable SUV market with its popular models, the Honda Pilot and the Honda Passport. Both of these vehicles are Honda jewels and are known for their versatility, reliability, and family-friendly features.
When it comes to owning a comfortably sized SUV, these two Honda builds are one of the best choices. While they share some common traits, the 2025 Passport and Pilot cater to different needs and preferences.
In this blog, we will explore the key differences between a Honda Passport and Pilot and help you decide which midsize SUV is the right fit for you.
Honda Passport Vs Pilot Specs
Both Passport and Pilot are midsize SUVs offering superior comfort, style, easy handling, and thrills to their users. However, despite a lot of similarities, these two Japanese-built rides differ from each other in more than one specification.
Below, we have a tabulated chart to help you take a quick glance at the key specifications of both models and see how much they are alike and how much they differ.
| Specification | 2025 Honda Passport | 2025 Honda Pilot |
| Engine | 3.5 L V6 | 3.5 L V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (AWD) | All-wheel drive (AWD), Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 to 5,000 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers | Up to 8 passengers |
| Fuel Economy (mpg) | 19 city / 24 highway | Up to 19 city / 27 highway |
| Cargo Space | 50.5 ft³, 100.7 to 100.8 ft³ with seat area | 118 ft³ behind first row up to 59.5 ft³ behind second row up to 21.8 ft³behind third row. |
| Ground Clearance | 8.1 inches | 7.3 inches |
| Length | 189 inches | 200 inches |
| Width | 79 inches | 79 inches |
| Height | 72 inches | 71-72 inches |
| Wheelbase | 110.9 inches | 113.8 inches |
| Curb Weight | 4,229 to 4,262 lbs | 4,306 to 4,685 lbs |
| Infotainment (standard) | 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 7.0-inch infotainment, a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto |
| Safety Features (Standard) | lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert | automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control |
| Starting Price | From $42,400 | From $39,900 |
Trims & Prices
Honda offers the new Passport in three trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition, with prices ranging from $42,400 to $48,470. Whereas the all-new Pilot is available in six trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition, ranging from $39,900 to $54,280.
Despite being a three-row SUV, the Pilot comes with a lower base price compared to the Passport for the new model year.
| 2025 Honda Pilot | 2025 Honda Passport |
| Sport: From $39,900 EX-L: From $43,200 Touring: From $47,200 TrailSport: $49,100 Elite: From $52,780 Black Edition: From $54,280 | EX-L: From $42,400 TrailSport: From $45,000 Black Edition: From $48,470 |
Exterior Size and Dimensions
Size is one of the primary measures when comparing two vehicles. Both Passport and Pilot are big rides, offering ample space for small and large groups. These two rides not only look alike but also hold almost similar dimensions. These vehicles boast similar width and height, with the Pilot being about 11 inches longer than the Passport.
The 2025 Passport features a more compact and rugged design. Its shorter length and narrower width make it easier to navigate through tight city streets and challenging off-road trails.
| Exterior Dimensions | Honda Pilot | Honda Passport |
| Overall length | 200 inches | 189 inches |
| Overall width | 79 inches | 79 inches |
| Overall height | 71-72 inches | 72 inches |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 110.9 inches |
| Ground clearance | 7.3 inches | 8.1 inches |
Interior Size and Dimensions
The 2025 Pilot offers more headroom and legroom across its three rows compared to the two rows of the 2025 Passport. However, when it comes to shoulder room and hip-room, Passport leads with minute variations in the offered numbers.
Overall, the Pilot has a larger interior given its three-row accommodations, making it ideal for families or anyone who needs extra room for passengers and cargo.
| Interior Dimensions | Honda Pilot | Honda Passport |
| Front Head Room | 40.5 in | 39.5 in |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in | 40.9 in |
| Front Hip Room | 58.4 in | 59.1 in |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.9 in | 62.0 in |
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in | 40.0 in |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.8 in | 39.6 in |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.4 in | 57.3 in |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.7 in | 61.9 in |
| 3rd Row Head Room | 39.3 in | – |
| 3rd Row Leg Room | 32.5 in | – |
| 3rd Row Hip Room | 44.6 in | – |
| 3rd Row Shoulder Room | 59.5 in | – |
Weight And Payload
The all-new Pilot has a curb weight of approximately 4,345 to 4,685 pounds, depending on the trim level. Its gross vehicle weight rating is around 5,986 pounds, and its payload capacity ranges from 1,301 to 1,641 pounds.
On the contrary, the Passport has an approximate curb weight range of 4,235 to 4,540 pounds, depending on its trim level. Its gross vehicle weight rating is around 5,802 pounds, and its payload capacity ranges from 1,270 to 1,567 pounds.
Overall, the Pilot has a higher curb weight and gross vehicle weight rating compared to the Passport, and it even offers more payload capacity.
| Weight/Payload | Passport | Pilot |
| Curb Weight | 4,235 to 4,540 pounds | 4,345 to 4,685 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 5,802 pounds | 5,986 pounds |
| Payload Capacity | 1,270 to 1,567 pounds | 1,301 to 1,641 pounds |
Towing Capacity
Another prominent difference between a Honda Passport and Pilot that, as a potential buyer, you should know is towing capacity. The Honda Passport offers a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds across its three trims. Whereas Pilot offers a towing capacity ranging from 3,500 pounds to 5,000 pounds across its six trims.
Performance and Off-Road Capability
Under the hood, the latest Pilot comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 258 hp directed to the front wheels. All-wheel-drive is available as an option. The V6 engine delivers linear throttle response, and the 10-speed automatic’s shifts are smooth. On the road, this magnificent car feels refined and offers confidence-inspiring steering and braking.
Surprisingly, the new Passport is also powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but it is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and channels 280 hp to standard all-wheel drive. Compared to Pilot, Passport is more zippy and offers a comfortable ride on most roads. Its steering is direct and pleasing, making your driving experience nimble.
Off-Road Capability
Both the 2025 Pilot and Passport are powered by a similar 3.5-liter V6 engine, but despite this, their performance and off-road capabilities differ.
The Pilot is designed with a primary focus on comfort and versatility. Its suspension is tuned for a smoother ride on paved roads, so it can only handle light off-roading. Its all-wheel-drive system comes with Intelligent Traction Management with modes for snow, mud, and sand. However, this SUV is more oriented towards maintaining stability and traction in adverse weather conditions.
On the contrary, Passport is more about outdoor exploration, making it the perfect choice for off-road enthusiasts. Its higher ground clearance of 8.1 inches and a more rugged suspension setup make it more than capable of handling challenging trails and rough terrain. It also comes with an Intelligent Traction Management system with Snow, Mud, and Sand modes that boost its off-road prowess.
Overall, Pilot is an excellent choice for in-city driving and those long highway travels, but refrain from taking it to those gut-wrenching outdoor explorations. Passport is your adventure buddy that can help you enjoy unexplored terrain while keeping you safe.
Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to gas mileage, both of these Honda models have almost similar fuel efficiency, with Pilot offering better mileage in its front-wheel drive configurations. You get up to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the new Pilot, whereas the new Passport gives you 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
The ratings of these models are quite good for midsize SUVs, making them practical choices for both city and highway driving.
| Miles Per Gallon (MPG) | Honda Pilot | Honda Passport |
| FWD | 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway) | – |
| AWD | 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway) | 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway) |
Exterior Design
The new Honda Pilot sports a refined and sophisticated exterior with a bold front grille and sleek LED headlights and taillights. Its aerodynamic shape, smooth lines, and spacious, boxy structure highlight its family-friendly and practical design. It comes in various wheel options, including 18-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels. Functional roof rails and a wide, power-operated tailgate add to its versatility.
In contrast, the latest Passport boasts a rugged and sporty design. It has a robust front grille and aggressive LED headlights and taillights. Its compact body features high ground clearance, and the rugged body cladding highlights its off-road capabilities. 20″ wheels with aggressive tread that enhance this vehicle’s adventurous appeal are standard. And the functional roof rails and a sporty rear spoiler just add to its style and utility.
Interior Design
On the inside, Pilot offers a spacious and comfortable space, featuring three rows of seating for up to eight passengers. Throughout the cabin there is usage of high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces, enhancing the overall luxurious feel.
And when you add a modern entertainment system along with additional features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a rear entertainment system, and various storage compartments, it is the perfect practical ride for daily use and long trips.
The interior of the Honda Passport is more inclined towards adventurous appeal. It features durable materials and a rugged design that smartly complements its exterior design. You will find many luxurious touches across different trims, like leather-trimmed seats, a wireless charging pad, and a premium audio system.
Honda makes it even better with underfloor storage compartments and a configurable rear seat layout, allowing you easy accommodation for your items.
Seating and Interior Space
The Pilot is a three-row SUV offering seating space for up to eight passengers, whereas the Passport is a two-row SUV that can accommodate only five people.
The Pilot’s interior is designed for maximum comfort and flexibility. Its third row is equally suitable for kids and adults, making it a practical choice for larger families or people who frequently travel with groups.
On the other hand, Passport, despite lacking the third row, offers ample headroom, legroom, and hip room. As there are only two rows, you get more cargo space behind the second row, making it ideal for people looking for more storage in their ride.
Cargo Capacity
With the latest Passport lineup, you get about 50.5 cubic feet of standard cargo area behind the second row across all trims. This increases to about 100.8 cubic feet with the second row folded.
Whereas with Pilot, you get 18.6 cubic feet (seats upright) / 21.8 cubic feet (seats folded down) behind the third row, 48.5 cubic feet (seats upright) / 59.5 cubic feet (seats folded down) behind the second row, and 87.0 cubic feet (seats upright) / 111.8 cubic feet (seats folded down) behind the first row.
Overall, Pilot is not only bigger in length; it also offers more cargo volume.
| Cargo Volume | 2025 Passport | 2025 Pilot |
| First Row | 77.7 cubic feet (seats upright) / 100.8 cubic feet (seats folded down) | 7.0 cubic feet (seats upright) / 111.8 cubic feet (seats folded down) |
| Second Row | 41.2 cubic feet (seats upright) / 50.5 cubic feet (seats folded down) | 48.5 cubic feet (seats upright) / 59.5 cubic feet (seats folded down) |
| Third Row | – | 18.6 cubic feet (seats upright) / 21.8 cubic feet (seats folded down) |
Color Options
Honda provides a range of color options to Passport and Pilot buyers for personalizing their purchase’s appearance both inside and out. Some of the colors come with a cost included in your car purchase, while for others you will have to pay extra.
The extra cost on both of these impressive Honda SUVs generally ranges from $395 to $595, depending on the model and color you choose.
In addition, some of the offered colors are exclusive to certain trims, but their availability can vary by model and dealership.
| Color Options | Honda Pilot | Honda Passport |
| Exterior | Crystal Black PearlLunar Silver MetallicModern Steel MetallicObsidian Blue PearlPlatinum White PearlRadiant Red MetallicSonic Gray Pearl | Crystal Black PearlLunar Silver MetallicModern Steel MetallicObsidian Blue PearlPlatinum White PearlRadiant Red MetallicSonic Gray Pearl |
| Interior | Black Cloth or LeatherGray Cloth or LeatherBeige Cloth or Leather | Black Cloth or LeatherGray Cloth or Leather |
Technology
Both Pilot and Passport come with a similar range of standard tech features, like an updated 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Honda Sensing safety suite.
Passport offers many available features, like wireless phone charging, a hands-free power tailgate, and a premium audio system. Whereas Pilot offers additional options like a rear entertainment system, a CabinTalk in-car PA system, and more advanced driver-assist technologies.
The higher trims of the Pilot deliver a more luxurious experience with high-end features like ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, and an upgraded infotainment system with a larger screen.
Safety
Honda offers a comprehensive suite of safety features across both the Pilot and Passport. The Honda Sensing Suite is standard across both rides, featuring Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).
To make Passport’s off-road expedition safer, the ride comes with features like hill descent control and improved traction management systems designed for rough terrain.
Conclusion
In summary, the Honda Pilot and Passport are excellent SUVs, with each having their own strengths and catering to different types of buyers. If you need a family-friendly SUV with three-row seating, advanced features, and a primary focus on comfort, the Pilot is your ride. However, if you prioritize off-road capability, cargo space, and ruggedness, Passport is for you.
Only through an exploration of the differences between a Honda Passport and Pilot can you make a well-informed decision as per your lifestyle and preferences.
