When it comes to choosing between the Honda Passport vs Pilot, the decision can seem daunting. Both are exceptional SUVs, each offering unique features that make them stand out in the crowded market of midsize family vehicles. So, how do you decide which one is right for you? In this article, we will break down the key differences and similarities between these two models, considering factors like performance, design, space, technology, and pricing.
Introduction to Honda Passport vs Pilot
Choosing between the Honda Passport vs Pilot can be a tough decision for any car buyer. Both models come from a trusted brand that’s known for reliability, longevity, and solid performance. But there are some important differences that could make one model a better fit for your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family SUV or a rugged adventure-ready vehicle, the Honda Passport and Pilot are sure to meet your expectations in various ways.
So, let’s dive deeper and compare them in key categories that will help you make the best choice.
Honda Passport: A Brief Overview
The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV designed for adventure-seekers and those who need a bit more rugged capability. It’s slightly smaller than the Pilot but packs a punch in terms of performance and versatility. Known for its bold styling, the Passport offers a more athletic stance with a focus on off-road capability.
Key Features of the Honda Passport
- Off-road capability: All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Two-row seating: With seating for five, it’s ideal for smaller families or individuals who don’t need third-row seats.
- Generous cargo space: The Passport offers an impressive amount of cargo space for a two-row SUV.
Honda Pilot: A Brief Overview
On the other hand, the Honda Pilot is a larger, three-row SUV that’s designed to accommodate families who need extra seating and room for long road trips. With more passenger capacity and a focus on comfort, the Pilot is an excellent option if you have a growing family or frequently travel with groups.
Key Features of the Honda Pilot
- Three-row seating: The Pilot can comfortably seat up to eight passengers.
- Spacious interior: Provides more room for passengers and cargo compared to the Passport.
- Smooth ride: Prioritizes comfort, making it a great option for long journeys.
Design and Exterior Styling
When it comes to design, the Honda Passport and Pilot both offer a sleek, modern look but with different styles to suit different tastes.
- Honda Passport: The Passport has a more rugged and sporty design. It features a short, squared-off profile, making it look more compact and ready for off-road adventures. The raised ground clearance gives it a tough, off-road-ready vibe, perfect for drivers who love exploration.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot, being larger, has a more refined and family-friendly design. With a longer body and a more traditional SUV appearance, it gives off a feeling of sophistication and spaciousness. The bold front grille and smooth lines make it feel more elegant on the road.
Interior Comfort and Space
One of the biggest differences between the Honda Passport and Pilot lies in the interior.
- Honda Passport: The Passport offers a comfortable, two-row setup with spacious front and rear seats. While it can seat five, it offers excellent legroom and a cozy atmosphere for those who don’t need the extra third-row seating. Plus, its cargo space is generous, with up to 77.9 cubic feet when the second row is folded down.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot shines when it comes to space, offering seating for up to eight people. The third-row seats are perfect for children or smaller adults, while the first and second rows provide ample legroom. It also has a roomy cargo area, making it a great option for families that need both seating and storage.
Performance and Handling
When it comes to driving experience, both vehicles offer a solid performance, but they do so in different ways.
- Honda Passport: The Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing around 280 horsepower. This gives the Passport enough power for off-roading and tackling tough terrains while still offering a smooth ride on the highway. With a 9-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD, it handles well in most conditions.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot also features a 3.5-liter V6 engine with similar horsepower, but it leans more toward comfort and family-friendly driving. The Pilot’s suspension is tuned for a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and rough patches effortlessly. While it’s not as off-road focused as the Passport, it offers great all-around performance.
Fuel Efficiency: Which One Gets Better Mileage?
Fuel efficiency is always a concern for any car buyer, and both the Passport and Pilot offer competitive gas mileage for their respective categories.
- Honda Passport: The Passport achieves an average of around 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway when equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD). AWD models get slightly lower fuel economy.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot’s fuel economy is very similar, offering around 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway for FWD models. The AWD versions get slightly lower mileage, but it’s still competitive for a three-row SUV.
Safety Features: Which SUV Offers Better Protection?
Safety is always a top priority for Honda, and both the Passport and Pilot are equipped with advanced safety features to protect both drivers and passengers.
- Honda Passport: Standard features include Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assistive technologies such as adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and road departure mitigation.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot also comes standard with Honda Sensing, making it equally impressive in terms of safety. With its larger size, it offers additional safety features like rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring for a better all-around protection.
Technology and Infotainment
Both SUVs come with a full array of tech features to enhance convenience and connectivity.
- Honda Passport: The Passport features a 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to easily connect your smartphone to the vehicle. It also includes Bluetooth hands-free calling, a 7-speaker audio system, and an available navigation system.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot offers a similar 8-inch touchscreen, with options for rear-seat entertainment systems in higher trims. It also offers wireless charging and additional USB ports to keep everyone connected on the road.
Towing Capacity Comparison
If towing is an important factor for you, the Honda Passport has a slight edge over the Pilot.
- Honda Passport: With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Passport is better suited for hauling trailers, boats, or RVs. This makes it an excellent choice for those who need to tow frequently.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot can tow up to 3,500 pounds in its base configuration, but when equipped with the optional towing package, it can pull up to 5,000 pounds, making it a solid contender for towing needs.
Pricing and Value
When comparing the pricing of these two models, the Honda Passport starts at a lower price point than the Honda Pilot, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need the extra passenger space.
- Honda Passport: Prices for the Passport typically start around $37,000, with higher trims going up to $45,000 or more.
- Honda Pilot: The Pilot’s base price starts at around $38,000, with higher trims ranging from $45,000 to $50,000.
Honda Passport vs Pilot: Which One Has More Options?
The Honda Pilot offers more trim levels and configurations, giving buyers more flexibility in terms of customization. However, the Passport still provides a good range of trims with plenty of options for tech and safety features.
Pros and Cons of the Honda Passport
Pros:
- Rugged off-road capability.
- Great towing capacity.
- Generous cargo space.
Cons:
- Smaller than the Pilot, so less passenger space.
- Not as family-friendly as the Pilot.
Pros and Cons of the Honda Pilot
Pros:
- Three-row seating for up to eight people.
- More comfortable ride, ideal for families.
- Better fuel efficiency for a three-row SUV.
Cons:
- Larger size may be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Less rugged than the Passport for off-road adventures.
Conclusion: Which SUV Should You Choose?
When comparing the Honda Passport vs Pilot, it all comes down to your personal needs. If you’re someone who loves adventure, off-roading, and needs more cargo space, the Honda Passport may be the better choice for you. However, if you need a spacious family vehicle with three rows of seating and a smooth, comfortable ride, the Honda Pilot could be the perfect fit.
FAQs
Which is better for families: Honda Passport or Pilot?
The Honda Pilot is better suited for families due to its three-row seating and larger interior space.
Does the Honda Passport have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the Honda Passport comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it great for off-road adventures.
Is the Honda Pilot a good choice for towing?
Yes, the Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the towing package, making it a solid choice for hauling trailers.
Which SUV is more fuel-efficient: Honda Passport or Pilot?
The Honda Pilot offers slightly better fuel efficiency, especially with its front-wheel-drive configuration.
Can the Honda Passport be used for off-roading?
Yes, the Honda Passport is built for off-roading and offers a high ground clearance and all-wheel drive for better handling on rough terrain.
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