2024 Honda Passport vs. 2024 Honda Pilot
1. Exterior Design
Honda Passport and Honda Pilot are two completely different crossover SUVs in terms of exterior design. Honda Passport offers the comfort of a car in an SUV body. A bland front and rear ends, angled wheel wells, and black bumper cladding are all that distinguish the Passport from the Pilot, while emphasizing off-road ability with skid plates front and rear, 7.5 inches of ground clearance, and a 20-inch wheel/tire package on top Elite trim levels that compares to the Pilot's 18-inch wheel/tire setups on those models. But, Passport's off-road element has been lessened since 2019, beginning with its adherence to the same light truck platform as the Pilot accompanied by the lack of all-wheel drive availability on lower trim levels. This is further exacerbated in the 2022 refresh with the unavailability of the two-speed AWD technology and the replacement of the torque vectoring rear differential with an inferior single-speed system. These changes have also decreased Passport's maximum towing capacity from 5000 to 3500 pounds, which is now on par with the Pilot. Essentially, the lack of all-wheel drive and decreased towing capacity have turned Passport into a lighter version of the same car that the Pilot is offering, and the platform sharing is reflected in the 2022 facelift, which consists mainly of grille and headlight changes. Both models have greatly needled the discontinuation of Honda's Acura division and the 2017 death of former Honda CEO Takeo Fukui as inspiration in losing their innovative spirit.
1.1. Stylish and modern exterior
In all honesty, most of the Pilots look more like a family car than any kind of 4x4. Therefore, if you are planning on buying the Honda Passport or the Pilot purely for its stylings and a more modern look, then I recommend the Passport. This is because the standard design will be similar to the higher models and it does have more of a modern 4x4 look to it compared to the generic family car look of the Pilot. This, combined with the modern design, a Passport will outperform a Pilot in terms of styling and exterior looks.
Now, moving on to the exterior of the Honda Passport and the Pilot to compare which is more stylish and modern. The base model of the Honda Passport has 20-inch alloy wheels and comes with LED lights on both the front and back. The grille is black from side to side and on the higher models, it comes with a chrome feature. The rear bumper of the Passport is "interesting" and it has integrated exhaust finishers. The 2022 model redesign has given the Passport a more modern look with a squarer stance and design compared to the previous version. As for the Honda Pilot, there are a lot of differences in style depending on which model you select. There are 2 different grille styles and they are unique to the model you select. The Pilot has either 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels, again depending on the model, and comes with LED lights as well. At the back of the Pilot, it looks a lot different from the Passport with a rounder design, and it has a gloss black tailgate feature.
1.2. Different grille designs
The diversity between the grille designs of the Honda Pilot and Passport can give you a good insight into what type of SUV may suit you better. The design of the more modern and stylish Passport may be chosen by younger, active families. The bold front-end design with the optional black wheels, roof rails, and skid plate gives you a rugged look on the Elite and Touring trims. Whereas the lower-end trims of the Sport and EX-L have 20-inch alloy wheels and a raised stance to help enhance off-road ability. The Honda Pilot grille should cater to a more mature and typical family. This mainly goes for the upper trim levels, which would be the Touring and Elite. It offers a blacked-out grille and black-painted wheels, creating a more modern and sleek look that people are relying on. The blacked-out look actually accents the rest of the body and helps make it look lower and wider. The lower trim levels of the LX, EX, and EX-L have a more thoughtful design with the triple bar chrome grille. This may suit more conservative drivers and is a subtle indication of the overall vehicle character. The more thoughtful and sophisticated design may make the Honda Pilot much more family-oriented.
1.3. Distinctive body lines
2024 Honda Passport and 2024 Honda Pilot have a very distinctive difference in terms of body lines. Honda Passport has a slightly shorter design with a max length of 190.5 inches, while Honda Pilot has a max length of 196.5 inches. Passport has a very sleek design with smoother lines on the front and rear of the car. Pilot has a more rugged and aggressive body line with wider panel gaps. On the front, higher trims of the Passport and Pilot feature full LED headlights with auto on/off and auto high beam. The bumper and grille design of the two cars differ with the Passport having a slightly more car-like appearance while the Pilot has a more rugged and aggressive appearance. Changes in the Passport's wheelbase (increased 2.5 inches) and shortened front/rear overhangs convey a more aggressive and athletic stance. Honda Pilot has a 22-inch wheel option, making it the largest wheel available on any Honda model. Passport has a standard 20-inch wheel. The rear of the car shows a wider difference in design with the Passport having a more lay-back rear hatch window which leads to a more swept-back tailgate. Under the tailgate, there is a hidden underfloor storage compartment which is a staple feature of the Passport.
2. Interior Features
2.2 Advanced technology and connectivity options - The Passport and Pilot both have a similar set of technology and connectivity options. The Passport is integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, HDMI interface, Bluetooth streaming audio, a 2.5-amp USB charging port (1), and a 2.5-amp USB charging port (1), whereas the Pilot has 3 High interface Bluetooth streaming audio, with a variety of USB charging ports. One set is in the front with a 2.5-amp USB charging port (2) and a 1.0-amp USB audio interface (3), and the second row has 2.5-amp USB charging ports (2). Both cars have a 115-watt audio system with 7 speakers, including a subwoofer.
2.1 Spacious and comfortable cabin - The Passport and Pilot both have a spacious and comfortable cabin, but the Pilot is slightly bigger than the Passport with a difference of 6 inches of ground clearance and 0.6 inches of stretched length. The Passport offers 40.1 inches of headroom and 39.6 inches of legroom at the rear, both of which are 1.5 inches shorter than what the Pilot has to offer. The build of both cars has not changed from the previous 2023 editions. The seating arrangement remains the same for both cars with 8 seats for the Pilot and 5 for the Passport. The legroom in the rear seats of the Passport makes it harder for a person to get in and out of the vehicle. The Passport offers 115.9 cubic feet of passenger volume. The Pilot offers 152.9 cubic feet of passenger volume on trims LX, EX, and EX-L, whereas on the high-end trims of Touring and Elite, it offers 153.1 cubic feet of passenger volume and overhead storage is 11.3 cubic feet more than the Passport, which only has 2.5 cubic feet. Both cars have Tri-zone automatic climate control, which enables the passenger and the driver to personalize temperature settings, making it a quite comfortable experience. The audio and connectivity settings are all the same for the Passport and Pilot. Both have an 8-inch display with an electrostatic touch screen and a cabin talk feature. Elite trims and the Touring of the Pilot have increased the displays to 10.2 inches. An 8-inch touch screen with customizable app layout and system settings. The audio speaker system is much more vibrant in the Elite and Touring trims, offering a 590-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer in the Pilot.
2.1. Spacious and comfortable cabin
Conversely to interior technology, the Honda Pilot offers a bigger, more comfortable passenger area - especially for those in the third row. The Pilot offers 1521mm of hip room and 975mm of shoulder room in the third row compared to the Passport's less 1457mm of hip room and 949mm of shoulder room. The Pilot achieves this increase in cabin space through its boxy, traditional SUV style. The high ride height may make it harder for kids and older adults to climb into the back, and the high boot floor consumes some of the cargo area but it's an improvement for those who prefer more interior space. The Pilot's third row has a 60/40 split allowing the two seat seat up to be tumbled forward to give easier access to the third row. The Passport's seats have a similar split, but also add a handy pedal that automatically slides the seat forward for easier access to the rear. Both vehicles have cup holders and USB ports for charging in the third row. Both the Passport and the Pilot have a spacious cabin, offering more space and comfort than many competing SUVs. However, how much space and comfort is needed depends on the customer and what they're going to be using the vehicle for. The more rugged and practical customer will appreciate the added seat functionality and cargo area in the back of the Passport and may prefer to drop down to a 2WD Sport to save some money. For those prioritizing comfort and space, the Pilot may be a better option especially for families with older children or teenagers who are bigger and require more space.
2.2. Advanced technology and connectivity options
The Passport and the Pilot interior is laid out virtually identically, and the quality is also similar. However, there are major differences in the equipment levels of the two cars. The Pilot is very well equipped in all grades and includes features like the Honda Sensing safety suite and a comprehensive infotainment system and sat-nav. The 2022 model year Pilot featured the new Honda Connect infotainment system for the first time. It was a bit clunky and slow compared to rivals, but it was easy to use and well laid out. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the newer Pilot. The 2022 model came with an 8-inch touchscreen interface and a 7-speaker 215-watt audio system. However, this has been replaced by a 5-inch non-touchscreen radio with only a volume and channel selection button. The system is basic and clunky and isn't up to the standard that you would expect a brand-new car in 2021 to be. All UK spec Pilots have the addition of Garmin sat-nav system that takes over some of the infotainment duties. This is, however, an improvement over the infotainment system and is arguably easier to use. The US version of the Pilot Elite and above gets a 10-speaker 590-watt premium audio system. Voice recognition and built-in navigation are also included on those trims. The Pilot is also covered with USB ports with at least two in each row. Wireless charging and an HDMI port are available on the EX grade and above. The top-spec Elite also has a heated steering wheel and an automatic dimming rear-view mirror. A rear entertainment system is optional on the EX-L and standard on the aforementioned Elite. It includes a DVD player and a pair of 2nd-row headphones with a speaker mode. The system allows 2nd-row passengers to watch films, and the audio output can be played through the 2nd-row speakers or the rear audio system. The Passport is also well equipped but isn't available with quite as many features. All grades get the Honda Sensing suite and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto simulations. A 7-speaker audio system comes on the Sport and EX-L grades. The Sport also has the addition of tri-zone climate control and remote start. The EX-L will also have 2nd-row sunshades, a power tailgate, and a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat. The features on the Elite grade and above are why the Passport is a better value for money buy than the Pilot. These grades have a 10-speaker audio system, a wireless phone charger, heated 2nd-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The feature that comes on the Elite and doesn't on any grade of the Pilot is the CabinTalk in-car PA system. This allows the driver to speak to 2nd and 3rd-row passengers through the speakers or headphones. This feature is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Passport and adds a level of practicality and sophistication not found in many cars. The Passport does not have built-in navigation or a sat-nav system. Bluetooth and smartphone navigation will be needed to implement journeys in the Passport. Overall, although the Pilot was clearly very well equipped in its time, the equipment levels of the 2 cars are incomparable, and the Passport comes out on top.
2.3. Versatile seating and cargo configurations
If you are the type who needs superior versatility in your vehicle, the Passport is likely the best choice. This comes down to the seating configurations. All Passports come with a 60/40 split for the second row and the Elite models will also have a 60/40 split for the rear bench. The Pilot comes with the same 60/40 split for the second row, but with an 8 passenger configuration, the second row will have a 3 person bench making it feel less versatile. All but the Pilot LX have a 60/40 split for the rear bench, but those looking at the EX-L, Touring, or Elite models might be surprised to see that their desired models will only have a 60/40 split on one side of the bench, using powered folding on the other side. This might be a detail that is overlooked and only noted upon using the third row often. This is an important difference to note when comparing the seating and cargo configurations. Further exemplifying the differences in seat configurations are the available options with car seats and accessing the third row. Due to the second row captains chair configuration, the Pilot has more flexibility when using second row car seats. The ability for children to use the sliding and tilting function to access the third row is the selling point to get those drivers choosing the midsize SUV. Coming back to the Passport, with the lack of a third row, child passengers can find the second row car seat installations easier and parents won't have to worry about children losing or leaving belongings in the third row. Considerably less headache for those parents in that situation. The only real disadvantage to the Passport for passengers used to second row types of car seats is the lack of the sliding and tilting function to access the third row. This is not an issue for those using traditional backless booster seats or adults frequently using the third row.
2.4. Premium materials and finishes
The interior design of the Passport and Pilot relies on premium materials. Each uses soft-touch surfaces and tastefully applies piano black and brushed metal-look trim, lending an upscale feel to each cabin. Certain higher-trim elements, such as the Pilot Black Edition's red leather seats with contrast stitching, push the needle further. The increased use of sound deadening materials in both vehicles results in class-leading interior quietness, making it easier to take advantage of quieter cabin features like the available premium audio systems or the rear seat entertainment setup on the Pilot. The only notable interior feature variation in relation to materials is the Passport Elite's use of perforated, heated, and ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel — elements unavailable on a Pilot at any cost.
3. Performance and Efficiency
The Honda Pilot measures in at almost 10 inches longer and a bit taller than the Passport. This increase in size has helped the Pilot net a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Pilot also comes with a multi-angle rearview camera, a larger array of airbags, and an available Honda Sensing package on all trim levels. This package includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a few others. While the Passport does come with Honda Sensing, it is only available as standard on the top Elite trim. This increased safety has caused the Pilot to receive a top safety pick from the IIHS, while the Passport has yet to be rated. The Passport has something the Pilot doesn't: an available adventure package which can add running boards, a trailer hitch, fender flares, and roof rails. This package can help cater to those who are looking to take their SUV off-road. Both vehicles come with Honda's i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, which has proven to be a highly capable system in adverse weather and off-road conditions. The Passport has one final edge in the fact that it can tow up to 5,000 lbs compared to the Pilot's 3,500 lb capacity.
3.1. Powerful engine options
In comparison, the 2024 Honda Passport also offers the same 3.5-liter V6 as the Pilot, or an available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With the additional engine being an option, Passport Sport, EX-L, and Touring models come standard with the V6 and all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs. The AWD is boosted to an intelligent variable torque management system, similar to the one used in the AWD Pilot. The 2.0-liter engine is only available in the Sport and Elite AWD models and is said to be more powerful and torqueful than the V6, as well as an improvement in fuel economy. The 2.0-liter engine is stronger and more efficient than the V6, pumping out 280 hp and a whopping 292 lb-ft of torque. Despite this, the V6 in the Passport still remains an AWD alternative with a better towing capacity than most other SUVs in its segment.
The 2024 Honda Pilot offers a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive being an option. The Honda Pilot has a strong and reliable engine, with the 3.5-liter V6 pumping out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It has proven to be efficient, long-lasting, and has power where and when you need it. The Pilot's optional all-wheel-drive system with intelligent variable torque management is a setup that sends engine power to the outside rear wheel in a turn, helping to improve the vehicle's cornering and overall stability. The AWD system provides the Pilot with good handling on slippery surfaces and has acceptable off-road capabilities, although it is limited to light off-road duties due to its lack of a low-range gear for more serious off-road driving. With all this, the Pilot can still tow up to 5000 lbs, plenty for a family-sized boat, camper, or trailer.
3.2. Smooth and responsive driving experience
Overall, both Passport and Pilot were built on Honda's most sophisticated unibody platform, featuring a well-tuned suspension, heavy-duty sub-frame, and outstandingly rigid body construction. It ends there with the crossover utility ride verses the on-road focused vehicle. Solidifying Honda's commitment to developing vehicles that are fun to drive, both the 2024 Pilot and 2024 Passport are built to deliver a refined and responsive passenger car-like driving experience. An easy-to-drive nature is coupled with highly responsive steering and confident braking with ample pedal feedback to make for an enjoyable and comfortable driving experience. This isn't always the case with some vehicles in this segment as many manufacturers make overt attempts to create an SUV that drives like a truck. Step-moments, deceleration, and inclement weather control are further covered with an available intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD System featuring Intelligent Traction Management with available Snow, Mud, and Sand modes on both Passport and Pilot. In typical Honda fashion, the difference between both vehicles can be found in the details and the implementation of the aforementioned aims to enhance the vehicle in various weathers and is better served. This i-VTM4 and Intelligent Traction Management system is only available on Pilot Elite and Black Edition trims. High-end torque vectoring is managed by a highly sophisticated drive-by-wire AWD system where in various conditions and driving scenarios it is capable of sending from 60 to 70 percent of torque to the rear wheels and further distributing to the individual rear wheels dependent on the assessment of the driving condition. This will not fail to provide a seamless transition of power in acceleration and off the line torque with superior cornering and reduced understeer. Though this may sound quite technical, the end goal is to further enhance the Pilot driving experience by offering improved all-weather and all-conditions traction and handling. This does leave Passport providing a capable and competent on-demand 4WD system with torque sent through a single rear differential to the rear wheels under acceleration and low traction situations, automatically distributing pre-set torque levels to the front and rear axles when the intelligent traction management is selected. This is best suited to the Passport's mostly on-road conditions but is capable of handling some mild off-road excursions.
3.3. Fuel efficiency and eco-friendly features
Green Credentials: Both the Passport and the Pilot carry Honda's EcoAssist system and have standard Auto Stop-Start technology. EcoAssist is a Honda fuel efficiency technology that can help drivers get the most out of every liter of fuel. It is standard on the Touring trim of the Passport and on all trims of the Pilot and provides a pressable ECON button that calibrates the powertrain to operate more efficiently while enhancing fuel efficiency. The engine will respond differently to inputs on the throttle and the air conditioning system will have its output reduced. The Honda Info Center is an EcoAssist feature that allows drivers to view and learn how their driving habits affect the fuel consumption by displaying the fuel efficiency statistics. These technologies help drivers change their driving habits and conserve fuel while helping prevent fuel wastage by being unaware of vehicle fuel consumption. ECON mode also kicks in idle-stop technology quicker. Idle-stop is a feature that can shut off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill at stoplights or in traffic and then start the engine automatically when the driver releases their foot from the brake pedal. This reduces unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions. Combined with the cylinder deactivation feature, it is an easy and painless way of saving fuel. Both vehicles are designed to excel in these features to set a new benchmark for the fuel efficiency of large SUVs.
Fuel Efficiency: Passport and Pilot are pretty close in competition when it comes to fuel efficiency. The Passport with FWD has the best EPA-estimated (20 city/25 highway/22 combined) fuel economy ratings of any midsize two-row SUV. The AWD Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims with a 9-speed automatic transmission have an EPA-estimated 19 city/24 highway/21 combined rating. The Pilot was designed to achieve excellent fuel economy ratings and still have superior driving performance. This was accomplished with a more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology, which is standard on all trims.
4. Safety and Convenience
The Passport and Pilot deliver refined and connected drive feel, with superior ride quality and confident handling with the increased application of Honda's second-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure on both vehicles; and both models target top-in-class collision safety ratings.
Driver-assist technologies When you get into the Passport or Pilot, it's a getaway from the hustle and bustle. But even a weekend at the river or a quick trip to the store can turn hairy in traffic. That's why both vehicles come available with sophisticated new intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system and the Honda intelligent Traction Management system, providing up to improved all-weather traction and performance capabilities.
The Passport and Pilot also target top-in-class safety ratings and feature structural advancements and extensive passive safety features, including Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure for improved frontal collision protection.
Honda has always been dedicated to safety and the brand is towards the continuous improvement of the safety of their vehicles, for the peace of mind of consumers and their most precious cargo. Both the Passport and Pilot come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, designed to enhance situational awareness and, in some cases, help avoid a collision or lessen its severity. Honda Sensing features include: - Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) - Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) - Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) - Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
4.1. Honda Sensing® suite of safety features
Some of us are bad drivers, plain and simple. We routinely ignore speed limits, tailgate other drivers, and put ourselves and others in dangerous situations with our poor decision making. And even the safest drivers among us can benefit from an extra set of eyes on the road - another preventive measure against potential accidents. Honda's comprehensive Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies provide just that. They put into practice the third approach to safety, striving to assist the driver in preventing a crash or lessening its severity. Honda Sensing is offered in a variety of trims on all our cars, and is now standard equipment on the 2019 Honda Passport - helping the vehicle in question earn a 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick. So just what are the features included in this driver-assist package? First and foremost is the Collision Mitigation Braking System which can help bring your Honda to a stop by automatically applying brake pressure when the system determines that a frontal collision is unavoidable. The Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) next. Using a small camera which is located above the rearview mirror as well as a series of sensors, RDM can determine whether you cross over detected lanes without signaling, and can provide steering assistance to help you return to your lane or provide braking to prevent you from leaving the roadway entirely.
4.2. Driver-assist technologies
With an attractive cluster of driving companions, that many drivers find profitable when providing accurate information on the condition of the car is good and of high quality, the 2024 Honda Passport is updated with features that benefit the driver. The safety features of the 2024 Honda Passport are especially equipped with a range of levels, each level having its own standard feature package. Each level provides different services, but considering the price of each level is necessary. On the lower level, there is Honda Sensing, a continuing series that includes a standard radar unit, a replacement of the conventional MID with a 7-inch digital display, and a lane-departure warning system with the assistioneer. The higher feature is expected to respond to various crash test awards from last year, featuring the ACE body structure and a standard seatbelt reminder system for the driver and front passenger. The standard features on the high level include a park sensor system at the rear or front side.
4.3. Convenient amenities and storage solutions
The 2024 Honda Pilot and Passport have both been designed with a variety of great amenities, making the most of available space. The Pilot has an electronic gear selector for a more convenient center console, available wireless charging for your mobile device, a hands-free power tailgate that you can activate with a swipe of the foot, and a panoramic sunroof that opens the cabin with style. The Passport offers a 10-way power driver's seat, and available heated front and rear seats, which can help you and your passengers stay warm during winter months. Both models also offer tri-zone automatic climate control, an information display, and door windows with an auto function. In addition, the Passport offers a push button shifter, and available sunroof, simplistic yet easy to use shifter and controls are great for those who emphasize form and function. When it comes to providing space for your things, both models offer plenty of versatility thanks to a variety of grocery hooks, storage bins, cargo nets and tie-down anchors. The Passport scores some extra points for unique concealed underfloor storage in the rear cargo area, and the availability of a hands-free power tailgate. With the third row folded, the Pilot comes out on top for carrying capacity, 4.5 cubic feet more than the Passport, and has an additional 2.8 cu.ft. if you include the space behind the Passport's raised second row seat. Both models are easier to park than the three-row Pilot, because of the shorter length, and the Passport's multi-angle rearview camera. This can make all the difference when trying to fit in that tight spot at work.