What's the Difference Between the 2019 Honda Passport vs 2019 Honda Pilot?

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As you prepare to take home a new SUV soon, your attention may be intently focused on Honda’s stylish options. In the midsize crossover SUV class, Honda has offered the Pilot since its launch in 2002. It is also reintroducing the Passport as a midsize SUV option. The Passport was a popular vehicle until Honda discontinued it in 2002, but it is now being relaunched and is seemingly a direct competitor to the Pilot. While these two SUVs are both included in the same vehicle class, they appeal to different buyers. With this in mind, it makes sense to analyze them closely and to identify their unique features and benefits.

Interior Features

Because the 2019 Pilot and the 2019 Passport are both included in the same vehicle class, you can reasonably expect exterior dimensions to be similar. However, the Honda Pilot has three rows that provide seating for up to eight people. The Passport for 2019 only has two rows with space for five passengers. The rear rows in both of these SUVs fold flat to generate more cargo space as needed. The interior features for the Pilot and the Passport vary depending on your preferred trim. Some of the more common features found across trims for both models include USB and aux ports, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, climate control, power-adjustable side view mirrors and more. The Honda Sensing Safety Suite is also available or standard in each trim.

Standout Exterior Design Elements

While there are notable differences between the 2019 Honda Pilot and the 2019 Honda Passport throughout the interior, the exterior design elements are also unique. The older Passport was a rugged vehicle that was ideal for work and play, and the 2019 Passport carries on this tradition with a modernized look. It has a dominant presence on the road with considerable height and girth. The grille is prominent, and it rises to a defined hood. Roof rails, eye-catching bumpers and robust wheels add to the look. On the other hand, the Pilot for 2019 retains a similar smooth and sophisticated profile as last year’s model had. It features well-placed contouring, a more significant grade on the hood’s slope and a smaller grille. Compared to the Passport, the Pilot sits lower to the ground.

Unwavering Performance

The 2019 Honda Pilot and the new Passport have a similar powertrain, but the Passport has a few additional features that add to its ability to perform well on your adventures. The base trim in the Pilot is a V6, i-VTEC 3.5-liter engine with variable torque management, an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Passport also comes with an i-VTEC, V6 engine. It stands apart from the Pilot because it includes several driving modes, an independent suspension across all four wheels, intelligent traction management and available all-wheel drive. While these are seemingly minimal differences on the surface, their combined impact creates a noticeable performance difference.

With Honda’s stellar reputation for designing and manufacturing quality vehicles that are loaded with quality materials and great features, it makes sense to narrow down your SUV options to the Pilot and the Passport. You can see that these two gorgeous SUVs share only a few similarities. By focusing on the features that make them unique, you can better determine which SUV is most preferable for your future experiences on the road. When you visit our Honda dealership, you can test drive these SUVs to gain first-hand experience for their capabilities.