Key Takeaways of Our Honda Passport vs. Pilot Comparison
The Honda Pilot is a three-row SUV, while the Passport has two rows.
Both models are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with similar power outputs.
In terms of Honda Passport vs. Pilot ride quality, the latter delivers a comfort-focused ride, while the former offers a firmer, rugged feel.
Each of these Honda SUVs comes with seven trims.
A Tale Between Two SUVs: Honda Pilot vs. Honda Passport
If you're shopping between the Honda Passport vs. Pilot at DARCARS Honda Fairfax, you may be wondering what the differences are. The Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV, while the Passport has two rows and seating for five. Either one can make your trips in Fairfax, VA, more enjoyable, whether you're running errands or embarking on a trip with the family. Here's a quick snapshot comparing the two SUVs.
2026 Honda Pilot
2026 Honda Passport
Engine
3.5L V-6
3.5L V-6
Transmission
10-speed automatic
10-speed automatic
Horsepower
285
285
Torque
262 lb-ft
262 lb-ft
Fuel Tank Capacity
18.5 gal
18.5 gal
Seating Capacity
7 or 8
5
Passenger Volume
154.9 - 158.4 cu ft
115.4 - 119.1 cu ft
Ground Clearance
7.3 - 8.3 in
8.3 in
Length
200.1 - 200.4 in
191.5 in
Width
78.5 in
79.4 in
Height
70.9 - 72 in
73.1 in
Min Cargo Capacity
18.6 cu ft
44 cu ft
Max Cargo Capacity
87 cu ft
83.8 cu ft
Max Towing Capacity
3,500 lbs (2WD)1
5,000 lbs (4WD)1
5,000 lbs1
Best EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb)
19 / 27 / 22 (2WD)2
19 / 25 / 21 (AWD)2
19 / 25 / 21 (AWD)2
2026 Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot Specs
Both of these midsize SUVs are motivated by the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces a hearty 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Each model also has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, though the Honda Pilot towing capacity varies depending on the drivetrain: 2WD models can tow up to 3,500 pounds,1 while 4WD iterations can tow the higher maximum of 5,000 pounds.1
If you've ever wondered, "Is the Honda Passport bigger than the Pilot?" we're here to answer that no – it's quite the opposite, actually. Probably the most notable difference between Honda Pilot and Passport models is their size: The Passport serves as the smaller midsize option with two rows, while the larger three-row Pilot seats up to eight people.
The Honda Passport interior dimensions reveal a higher amount of minimum cargo space, measuring 44 cubic feet behind the second row, compared to the 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row in the Pilot. However, the Pilot still has the upper hand when all the seats are folded, boasting up to 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume compared to the 83.8 cubic feet in the Passport.
2026 Honda Passport vs. Pilot Trim Levels
The 2026 Honda Pilot is available in seven trim levels, including:
Sport: Features the Honda Sensing safety suite, heated front seats, a power tailgate, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
EX-L: Adds a more premium feel with leather-trimmed seats, a stowable second-row center seat, and Parking Sensors
TrailSport: Provides more rugged capability with all-terrain tires, 18-inch Shark Gray wheels, underbody skid plates, and a standard trailer hitch receiver
Touring: Elevates your drives with a Bose® premium sound system, multi-zone audio, illuminated beverage holders, and a hands-free tailgate
Touring Blackout: Similar to Touring but adds 20-inch black alloy wheels, black Honda badges, and black wheel lug nuts
Elite: Comes with a Head-Up Display, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row outboard seats
Black Edition: Equipped with gloss black mirrors, dual gloss black exhaust finishers, and a unique exterior trim and leather interior
By taking advantage of our Honda Passport lease deals, you can enjoy one of its seven available trim levels, which include:
RTL: Brings essentials, like a power tailgate, Google built-in, wireless smartphone integration, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and heated front seats
RTL Towing: Mainly adds an integrated Class III Trailer hitch to the base model's list of features
RTL Blackout: Comes with blacked-out signature badges and 18-inch alloy wheels
TrailSport: Equipped with all-terrain tires, recovery hooks, skid plates, and an off-road-tuned suspension
TrailSport Blackout: Similar to the TrailSport but with 18-inch black alloy wheels, HPD center caps, and black Honda badging
TrailSport Elite: Boosts your travels with heated and ventilated seats, a Bose® premium sound system, and integrated rear sunshades
TrailSport Elite Blackout: Same as TrailSport Elite but adds black Honda badging, black alloy wheels, and HPD center caps
2026 Honda Passport vs. Pilot Safety Features & Technology
In addition to providing exceptional capability and family-hauling space, both the 2026 Honda Pilot and Passport are designed with safety in mind. They feature an Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure and other active and passive safety features, including multiple airbags and the Honda Sensing suite.
Standard Honda Sensing technologies include:
Collision Mitigation Braking System
Road Departure Mitigation System
Forward Collision Warning
Lane Departure Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control
The main difference between the two is that the Pilot offers a Head-Up Display on the top trim.
Should You Choose the Honda Passport or Pilot?
The new Honda Pilot is a prime choice for drivers in Virginia with growing families, who often carry more than five people at a time, or who require a large amount of cargo space when needed.
The new Honda Passport, on the other hand, is more suitable for adventurers who prioritize off-road capability and only need two rows of seating.
Still on the fence between the Pilot vs. Passport? Below is a quick pros and cons list of each SUV to help you decide.
Honda Passport Pros & Cons
Pros
More cargo space behind the second row
More off-road rugged styling and specs
Shorter length makes it easier to manuever
Cons
Only seats 5 passengers
Does not offer 2WD
Less maximum cargo capacity
Honda Pilot Pros & Cons
Pros
Standard 3-row seating
Higher MPG with 2WD
Larger maximum cargo capacity
Cons
Larger size makes it less maneuverable
Reduced cargo space with the third row up
Lower standard towing capacity
What Reddit Users Say About the Honda Pilot vs. Honda Passport
If you want real-world opinions, check out what previous and current owners of these two models have to say about their experiences:
reirone
"The Passport has a sportier and more aggressive character when driving, sits a little higher than the 23 Pilot, and has a slightly more rugged feel to the suspension. It’s also the more mature vehicle, based on the platform from the prior generation; the featureset is refined and most issues have been resolved. The 23 Pilot is all new, with a smoother suspension (except the Trailsport, which is similar to the Passport), larger and more spacious, but ultimately less athletic in acceleration and transmission tuning. It’s also a first model year for the new platform, so expect some idiosyncrasies and issues. If you want fancy features like wireless carplay or HUD, the 23 Pilot Elite is your only option. Otherwise, available features are relatively on par. Source: I have a 22 Passport Elite and a 23 Pilot Elite. I really like both, and I think you would be very happy with either. I highly recommend you drive both to decide which suits your driving style and which is more comfortable for you."
"I think it’s how often I need a third row. Cause the answer is simple the Pilot is bigger and can fit more people with third row seating. Its more of a how often are you gonna use it. If not at all and you just need a bigger SUV than a CRV, then Passport, if you actually have a bigger growing family with 5 people and sometimes need to carry extra kids or people then Pilot."
Compare the Honda Pilot vs. Passport at DARCARS Honda Fairfax
Explore the differences between the Passport vs. Pilot yourself at DARCARS Honda Fairfax. Both of these well-equipped SUVs share many of the same features and capabilities, but only one may be the better fit for your driveway.
Come by for a tour of both, and while you're here, our sales professionals can discuss any available Honda Pilot lease deals and Passport offers to help you decide between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Honda Passport have the same engine as the Pilot?
Yes, the Honda Passport and Pilot share the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
Is the Honda Pilot longer than the Passport?
When it comes to the Honda Pilot vs. Passport dimensions, the Pilot is longer than the Passport, measuring up to 200.4 inches in its TrailSport trim. In contrast, the Passport measures 191.5 inches.
What is the difference between a Honda Pilot and a Passport?
There are a few differences between the Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot. The Pilot seats seven or eight people, whereas the Passport is a two-row SUV with five seats. The Honda Passport towing capacity is 5,000 pounds across its trim levels when properly equipped, while the Honda Pilot requires AWD to pull the same amount.
Is the Pilot bigger than the Passport?
The three-row Pilot is bigger than the two-row Passport overall. Passenger volume in the Pilot is between 154.9 and 158.4 cubic feet, and up to 119.1 cubic feet in the Passport.
Featured Customer Review
Carl Remalia
09/28/2024
I had a great experience at DARCARS Honda of Fairfax thanks to the outstanding customer service provided by Sam. He went to extraordinary to ensure I got exactly what I needed. He understood I wanted a certain color and performed searches outside of business hours to help locate exactly what I was looking for. Sam had a great attitude and continued to stay in contact with me to ensure that were working hard to meet my requirements. Based on his great attitude and customer service I ended up purchasing the 2025 Black Edition Pilot and I am very happy with my purchase. If you want someone who is willing to work to meet your needs and has a great attitude about it please request Sam to be your salesperson. Thanks for everything and I pray you continue to have great success at DARCARS Honda of Fairfax.
1Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
2Based on 2026 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.
