2025 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Honda Passport
2025 Honda Pilot vs. 2026 Honda Passport
If you’re in the market for a Honda SUV, you might wonder how the Passport and Pilot differ. Although they share a platform, powertrain, and many interior features, they serve different needs. In short, it comes down to factors like buyer’s lifestyle, family size, and favorite pastimes and pursuits. One of these crossovers may be preferable for somebody who regularly transports six or more passengers, while the other might be the preference of an adventurous single or couple with a taste for adventures off the beaten path. This page aims to break down the differences of these two excellent midsized utility vehicles to help clarify which is better for a given buyer.
Design and Seating
The most obvious distinction between the Pilot and Passport is their design and seating layout. The Pilot
is a traditional three-row crossover with seating for up to eight passengers, although some
configurations have middle-row captain’s chairs instead of a bench seat, limiting capacity to seven.
This additional seating makes it a top choice for larger families or anyone who regularly needs to fit
more than five people. The Pilot’s design is essentially more conservative and spacious with an emphasis
on accommodating people and their belongings.
The Passport has a more rugged appearance with a
boxier shape, a more aggressive grille design, and a bit more emphasis on styling – for instance, with
the wheel designs. Its two-row layout seats up to five, catering to couples, small families, or solo
adventurers who value ample cargo space and muscular styling over additional seats.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
Due to its larger size, the Pilot offers greater interior space. It provides excellent flexibility with
its third-row seating and up to 111.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space when the second and third rows
are folded. Even with all seats upright, it still provides exceptional storage capacity for everyday
needs.
While it’s a bit smaller, the Passport still offers impressive cargo room for a two-row
crossover. Behind the second row, it provides 44 cubic feet of space, and folding the rear seats gets
you 83.8 cubic feet. If you don’t need a third row but still want generous cargo capacity, the Passport
is an excellent choice.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, both the Pilot and Passport are equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 285
horsepower paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. As far as the driveline, three Pilot trims
come standard with Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system: the TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition. The
rest get standard front-wheel drive, with a towing capacity up to 3,500 pounds, but are eligible to
upgrade to AWD, which allows for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Passport is strictly
AWD: every trim is equipped with it by default and is capable of the same 5,000-lb. towing limit as a
Pilot with AWD.
Overall, the Pilot is designed for everyday cruising and family comfort, whereas
the Passport is built to navigate more rugged terrain. With the durable TrailSport trim (which is in the
lineup for both models), you’ll receive a grouping of useful off-road enhancements, such as underbody
skid plates, recovery hooks, and chunky all-terrain tires. What’s more, every Passport boasts 8.3 inches
of ground clearance, a full inch more than the Pilot has, with the exception of the TrailSport trim.
Technology and Amenities
Both models come with Honda’s latest infotainment system, but the Passport is packed with more standard features than its larger sibling. While the Pilot comes with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, every Passport trim gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard as well, but with the Pilot you’ll need to upgrade to a higher trim for wireless connectivity, which comes standard in the Passport. The Pilot does, however, have some more family-focused equipment, such as the CabinTalk in-car PA system and a removable second-row middle seat. No matter which model you choose, you can count on the excellent Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assist technologies being standard kit.
Which One Is Right For You?
The choice between the 2025 Pilot and the 2026 Passport comes down to your priorities and preferences. If you need maximum passenger space and family-oriented features, the Pilot is the better fit. But if you prefer a more rugged two-row with an added dose of off-road flair, the Passport will likely win you over. Either way, you’ll be getting a capable, well-equipped Honda crossover built to go the distance in style.
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Disclaimer
We make every effort to provide accurate information but please verify options and price with management before purchasing. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. All financing is subject to approved credit from participating lender. Dealer installed options are additional. Stock photo colors, options and trim levels may vary. Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. Published price subject to change without notice to correct errors and omissions or in the event of inventory fluctuations. Vehicle offers/prices expire at the end of each business day. Vehicles may be in transit to dealer. Vehicle photos may not match exact vehicle. Please call to confirm availability status. All prices exclude taxes, title, tags, and electronic titling fee. All prices include a $800 dealer processing fee (Not required by law). MSRP includes destination and handling.
NHTSA Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s New Car Assessment Program (www.nhtsa.gov/ratings). Model tested with standard side airbags (SAB).
*Based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery pack age/condition, and other factors.
**Fuel Economy Ratings: 2026 Honda Prologue: 113 city / 94 highway / 104 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating for EX & Touring FWD trims. 108 city / 90 highway / 99 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating for EX & Touring AWD trims. 104 city / 87 highway / 95 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) for Elite AWD trim. Based on 2026 EPA ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe will vary based on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, powertrain condition and other factors.
