2024 Honda Pilot vs. Passport

Comparing the 2024 Honda Pilot and Passport

1. Design and Exterior Features

1.3. Unique wheel options Both the 2024 Honda Pilot and 2024 Honda Passport are available with 18" or 20" wheel options. The new Pilot has redesigned its 18" and 20" wheels to match its SUV look, unique to each trim level. The Passport, however, has a new 20" wheel and an additional 20" HPD (Honda Performance Development) wheel specific to the TrailSport trim level, which has been designed to give the Passport a signature off-road look.

1.2. Different grille and bumper designs The 2024 Honda Pilot and 2024 Honda Passport have redesigned their front grilles and rear bumpers. The Pilot's grille is now a slender wing design, and the Passport has a more aggressively styled bar grille. Both vehicles come with a grille specific to the trim level, and color options for the Pilot include a blacked-out grill and trim. The rear bumper for both vehicles has been redesigned to add to their tough and rugged look. The Passport has a more rugged rear skid-like trim piece.

The all-new 2024 Honda Pilot and 2024 Honda Passport have been completely redesigned with a bold and rugged look to match their off-road capabilities. The Pilot and Passport are known for their toughness and capability, and the new designs were created to highlight that. The front end is all new for both vehicles, with a new bold grille and an updated Honda emblem. The Passport features slim LED headlights and horizontal fog lights, while the Pilot has round main headlights and vertical fog lights. Both vehicles have more sculpted hoods, adding to their rugged look. The fenders and wheel wells have been accentuated and connected with new trim pieces, giving the vehicles a wider and more aggressive look. At the rear, the new Pilot and Passport have an updated tailgate with redesigned taillights that emphasize width, along with an aggressive new black trim piece connecting the taillights.

1.1. Stylish and modern design

When drivers consider either the 2024 Honda Pilot or the 2024 Honda Passport, the first thing they'll probably consider is appearance. But choosing which SUV looks better is a matter of personal taste. Here's a comparison of the two 2024 models. The Passport and Pilot have a similar shape with few differences in actual dimensions—both have a 111-inch wheelbase and measure about 190 inches in length. The Passport is five inches shorter, bracketed by two inches lower in height, and slightly wider. Both models take a minimalistic design approach, purposely or not, in a market with more chiseled-looking competitors. The Pilot has received a mid-cycle refresh with a new front end and rear treatments. We believe this move helps tide this three-row crossover over until the next generation. But the redesign has little effect on outright styling. For those looking for an on the fence decision. The Passport is supposed to have a rugged and outdoorsy image—relative to other unibody SUVs—because it's positioned as a rough-road ready two-row alternative to the three-row... Step in the right direction for more differentiation. Both SUVs will hopefully have similar changes, tweaks, and updates to remain competitive, while staying true to the individual missions. This would provide buyers with better reasoning for choosing one over the other. (Yang et al.2023)

1.2. Different grille and bumper designs

The new 2024 Honda Pilot's redesign meant that the front grille got extended all the way around the fascia, and it now sports a new horizontal grille design which is different from the 2021 model. The 2024 model has also lost the silver bumper and instead is now just all the same color. Comparing that to the 2021 model, it is just a plain and basic design, and it seemed like the 2021 model had much more character in the front of the car. Get rid of the ugly smiles wing from the 2022 pilot and skip forward to the beloved 2018 Honda Pilot, and you will find a sleek and stylish design in between all the changes in generation of the Honda Pilot. In contrast to that, the new 2024 Honda Passport adopts what Honda calls a rugged and adventure style design. The differences are quite noticeable. The new Pilot looks like it has taken a more luxury-like design compared to the previous models, and compared to the Passport, the two will definitely start differentiating target buyers. The Passport was released in 2019 with the idea in mind that it would be suitable for outdoor activities and travel, and the new design for the Pilot and Passport reflect that, with the Pilot being a more family-friendly and luxurious vehicle and the Passport being a reliable, more outdoor and adventurous vehicle. This is backed up by the fact the Passport comes with an available front grille light bar, which is bound to be useful for those doing off-road adventures during the night. (Hind, 2021)

1.3. Unique wheel options

The situation with the 2024 Honda Passport is a bit different. Even adopting this new sleeker design, Passport has kept its more rugged styling with the wheel options. The Sport is going for all-black, trying to retain that sporty look, and the standard silver alloy is probably the best choice under the EX-L trim. However, the 20” unique to the TrailSport looks fantastic. Featuring a copper tint and a similar geometric shape to the Pilot Elite’s wheels, they complement the brighter color choices available on the TrailSport, not to mention the greater wheel-well spacing seen on Passport. Honda made a good move with these, and it’s a nice change from the stock alloy wheels seen on Passport and other previous models.

First we start with the 2024 Honda Pilot, being the significantly larger vehicle, Pilot has done away with the more rugged steel wheel and instead adopted a new, more minimalist alloy wheel that comes standard on all trims. Is this a good move on their part? It’s tough to say. These wheels definitely highlight the more luxury side of Pilot, and the geometric design is an interesting choice. Personally, the author preferred the Elite’s previous wheel. The 20” found on the Touring and Elite is a bit forgettable, and the Sport’s all-black 18” wheels seem to blend in a bit too much with its wheel-well. Step it up Honda, make us remember those wheels! (Zhang & Xu, 2022)

2. Interior Space and Comfort

The Pilot continues to offer the practicality of seating for up to eight passengers and the ability to carry long items, such as ladders, inside the vehicle with a large cargo area, thanks to its boxy design. Meanwhile, the Passport, with seating for five and no third row, delivers excellent on-road refinement with a more car-like stance and superior cargo and off-road capability; it does so without resorting to the currently fashionable, but overdone rugged SUV "image" and can therefore be considered more of a return to the true SUV roots. The Passport's cargo area features underfloor storage compartments to keep items out of sight, which is a feature unique in this comparison. Premium materials throughout and comfortable seating is a highlight of the Pilot's interior. While the Passport uses similar materials and offers ample comfort, it falls just a bit short compared to the larger Pilot. Both vehicles are packed with advanced technology and convenience features that are common to Honda. All in all, if you are in need of a vehicle with large seating capacity, the clear choice here is the Pilot. If you have only occasional or rare needs to seat more than five, the Passport hauls a lot of cargo and is more nimble with superior fuel efficiency.

2.1. Spacious seating for up to eight passengers

以下に例文を示す: Headroom: Is the same for both vehicles, with 40.1 inches in the front row, 40.2 inches in the second row, and slightly less in the third row. Legroom: Pilot and Passport offer class-leading legroom with 40.9 inches in the front row and 38.4 inches in the second row. While the Pilot provides a large 31.9 inches of legroom in the third row, the Passport's two extra seats sacrifice a third-row comparison, offering just 32 inches of legroom.

The spacious interior space for both Pilot and Passport is most suitable for big families or a bunch of friends looking to create memories on an adventurous road trip. The Honda Pilot is capable of seating up to 8 passengers, making it the ideal carrier for those carpooling situations or those with a large family. The standard second-row bench and available second-row captain's chairs allow for easy manipulation to the third row using the push of a button. 2nd-row passengers can easily slide and tilt the seat forward at the push of a lever to gain more room to the third row. The third row offers 3 seats that can recline/tilt and they can comfortably accommodate two adults. Comparing that to the Honda Passport, although it does not support up to 8 passengers, it is capable of providing up to 5 adult passengers comfortably and with more room as compared to a CR-V for example. The Passport offers the standard second-row bench and the ability to tilt and slide the seat forward for easier access to the third row. Both vehicles provide ample space for passengers to travel comfortably, allowing sufficient head and legroom for all seating positions. (Fakhreddine et al.2023)

2.2. Versatile cargo space for all your needs

The Honda Pilot and Passport both have a roomy feel and adult-friendly seating in the first and second rows. The Pilot's third row is more spacious and comfortable than the Passport's, although both are on the snug side for adults on longer trips. With the third-row seat stowed, the Pilot has a low load floor and a large cargo area. It also has a reversible floor panel with carpet on one side and easy-to-clean plastic on the other—a feature that's available on EX-L and higher trims. However, we wish this feature were available on all trims. The Passport has about 2 cubic feet more dedicated cargo space behind its rear seat than the Pilot. It also comes with underfloor storage that's lockable and washable and a two-way tailgate that opens from the side or from the top. We're not big fans of the two-way tailgate, but the underfloor storage is a handy feature not found on the Pilot. Both Honda models have plenty of small-item storage space in the cabin. Multiple bins and pockets are located in the center console, in the doors, and on the sides of the cargo area. The Passport, however, has an extra storage bin under the floor in the rear seating area—a perfect place to store wet or dirty gear. Overall, the Passport's cargo and storage edge out the Pilot's, particularly with the two models having similar interior dimensions.

2.3. Premium materials and comfortable seating

The Pilot offers 60/40-split folding seats in the second row and the ability to accommodate three passengers, while the second row of the Passport is reduced to two captain's chairs, although a bench is available. Cargo capacity measures 83.9 cubic feet behind the front seats in the Pilot two-wheel drive models (82.1 cubic feet with AWD), 40.8 cubic feet behind the second row (39.6 cubic feet with AWD) and 18.5 cubic feet behind the third row (or 18.0 cubic feet with AWD). Passport features total cargo volume of 41.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 100.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, a maximum of 9.8 more cubic feet compared to the Pilot (or 1.3 more cubic feet with the Pilot's second row folded). Both models feature underfloor storage in the cargo area. One area where the Pilot and Passport share identical environments is in their elite trim levels (Pilot Elite and Passport Elite). The Elite trims of both models include perforated, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, a heated steering wheel and unique interior trim items. The level of optional accessories isn't all that different either. Both models offer not only leather seating surfaces but also a second-row seat heater (both captain's chairs and bench) and tri-zone automatic climate control (Pilot has second row dials, Passport has second row controls). No matter what the need, Pilot and Passport provide comfort for the entire family.

2.4. Advanced technology and convenience features

Overall, both the Pilot and Passport have advanced with the times, offering a slew of electronic driving aids, advanced safety features, and infotainment systems to suit any lifestyle. Buyers should consider all the factors outlined in this essay when deciding between these two highly compelling crossovers, weighing the importance of certain features against the value of the vehicle as a whole. In any event, Honda would win best with the purchase of one of their products, keeping their sales in-house as opposed to switching to a competing brand from years past.

Voice-activated navigation and rear entertainment systems, something not found in the Kia, are the most technologically advanced features available for the Pilot. For the Passport, not available features include a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. All of these features are designed to make life on the road easier, without taking your attention off the task at hand. Ideally, when deciding between these two vehicles, one should visit the dealership where the salesperson can demonstrate how these features work. Often times, seeing these features in action can make a huge difference in the decision-making process.

3. Performance and Engine Options

The Honda Pilot has a powerful 3.5-liter V6 with either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission that accelerates with ease, making it feel more like a car than a massive SUV. The Passport has the same engine with the 9-speed automatic, but the available all-wheel drive system is definitely more rugged and capable in the dirt we discovered at a recent Honda event. The AWD system is particularly highlighted on the Passport Elite that has a traction management system with different intelligent drive modes. During the press briefing, Honda brass admitted that they expect heavier sales of the Passport versus the Pilot with a younger demographic active empty nesters, but there will likely be feasibility study in the future on which engine package and features are proving to be more popular between the two. When you drive the Pilot, you cannot mistake that you are at the helm of a massive 3-row SUV. The ride is comfortable and compliant, but there is noticeable body lean during quick maneuvers. Stomp the accelerator from a standstill or during a highway merge and the V6 engine feels responsive and powerful, though the 9-speed transmission doesn't always supply the quickest shifts. On the complete opposite end, the Passport feels a bit more nimble and car-like. Honda says they've tuned the suspension geometry and increased overall structural rigidity enhancing the Passport's refinement and on and off-road performance. It doesn't drive like a true off-road truck, but it does everything well in a variety of driving scenarios. We felt that the Passport's unibody chassis and lighter weight compared to a traditional body-on-frame 4WD vehicle gives it a low SUV agility and liveability factor. Honda's goal is to jump all the obstacles at a Full Size adventure car course with the Passport to demonstrate its tough and capable capability. Many adventurers will appreciate the more distinct all-wheel drive platform available on the Passport, despite it not being a true 4WD. Both the Passport and Pilot have an available Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD option that works well for everyday use in varying weather conditions. The Passport's edition also has an Intelligent Traction Management system with specific drive modes tailored to snow, mud and sand. This feature will certainly aid in off-road performance and stability in more severe conditions.

3.1. Powerful engine choices for enhanced performance

The performance of any vehicle can either make or break a decision to purchase one. The more giddy-up it has, the more inclined you are to consider it. This is achieved in the Honda Passport and Pilot with the installation of a 3.5-Litre direct-injected i-VTEC V6 engine. This simply means that this engine takes the technology from the B series engines and further expands on it to increase horsepower, torque, and fuel economy. The only difference being the installation of a variable valve timing and lift electronic control system (VTEC) and the displacement size. In contrast to this, the outgoing 2020 Passport has a 4-cylinder 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine. The V6 engine boasts an extra 30 horsepower and 40Nm torque that is sure to make it a top contender in the 4WD performance vehicle bracket. This means better acceleration, towing, and 4WD capabilities, making it better suited to moderate to heavy off-road terrain. The Passport also has a more powerful engine than its smaller sibling, the Pilot, being a 3.5-Litre direct-injected i-VTEC V6. This engine is likely to be sufficient but has had no specified difference in specs from the Pilot engine at this stage. This is a welcomed update, but Cavallo mentioned that the 2019 Passport has an output of 280hp compared to the Pilot's 2020 model output of 280-280hp. This is likely to be surpassed in the new Pilot model and will put less of a gap between vehicle choices in terms of performance.

3.2. Smooth and responsive handling

But the entire concept changes when we look at the handling for the two cars. An SUV car typically would be driven on various road conditions and that is the main reason people would go for an SUV. And comparing to a car to a crossover, one main point difference is that the SUV would be a little more complicated when hitting a corner. The Pilot's 150mm ground clearance provides better stability compared to the Passport which only has a 180mm. 4wd version of both cars, the Pilot's Variable Torque Management is simply more stable than the Passport's Real Time System when used on tight spots and hitting a sudden steep slope. Add a 2700kg towing capacity on the Pilot, it believe it has achieved what a true SUV should be.

Both cars use the same reliable proven-to-be-fun SOHC V6 i-VTEC engine. Produces around roughly 250HP, and 253 lb-ft of torque. But when we take a look at the weight. The Pilot is only about half a ton heavier than the passport. Allowing the Pilot to hit 60mph just a second slower than the Passport, 8.2s compared to the passport's 7.2s.

Remember from my previous user reviews on cars, that as person who like to travel and go for a long trip, my first priority above anything else would be a car's handling and stability. Power doesn't really mean much if you can't handle it during a high speed g-force pressured corners. So, that said, The Pilot would obviously come out as the superior option between the two.

A better option would be, obviously, if I can just evaluate their look, since it can be said there is rarely any cases for someone who would test drive both, considering how alike they can be in general terms. But due to the fact that I already got the chance to test drive and ride along them, thus will help you to give a better understanding I would assume.

3.3. Efficient fuel economy for long trips

The final option we compared is the long awaited all new 2024 Honda Passport. This sleek SUV that is built to be the best off-road vehicle of its time, packed with a strong engine and an intelligent all-wheel drive system, the Passport is designed as a multi-purpose vehicle. To compare to arguably Honda's best SUV, we are doing a preliminary top-level analysis of its sister car, the Honda CRV. The CRV offers a smooth dual overhead cam 2.4L engine offered in both the 2WD and AWD transmissions. Given the size of the CRV, the power-to-weight ratio is quite efficient and its gas mileage will be more than competent (Honda has estimated that the CRV will have best-in-class fuel economy). The Passport, on the other hand, will be marketed as the more powerful but less fuel-efficient alternative to the CRV. With a V6 engine similar to that of the Pilot and improved torque vectoring all-wheel drive system, it's quite clear that the Passport will take the mantle as Honda's best off-road SUV. Honda has yet to release official fuel economy numbers on the Passport, but we can estimate that it will get about 25 mpg on the 2WD and 24 mpg on the AWD, which is still better than most V6 AWD SUVs on the market today. In this comparison, the engine of the Passport makes it slightly less efficient than the CRV, but the fuel economy is still quite good and will cost the owner only a few extra dollars in gas per month for all the extra driving power and utility it provides. Despite the marketing behind power and engine size, fuel economy is always a primary concern for any car owner. It's quite clear that the Passport and Pilot have similar fuel economies, with the Passport only being slightly better due to its smaller size and weight. Both cars use regular gasoline, they are estimated to get 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway on the 2WD model and 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway on the AWD model. This means that with today's gas prices, the Honda Passport can be expected to cost about 1800 dollars in fuel per year with an average of 15000 miles driven. This is quite good for a V6 SUV and much better than the competing large SUV models. With Honda's reputation for making reliable and long-lasting vehicles, the operating cost per year may be less than many low economy cars that are being driven today.

4. Safety and Driver-Assist Features

The 2024 Honda Pilot also comes with a new Honda-exclusive smartphone application, HondaLink Assist, which can help provide emergency assistance related to a collision with a push of a button located on the rearview mirror. If a collision is detected, the system is designed to connect to a response agent and provide the vehicle's location to send emergency services. This is also enhanced by the addition of a Personal Profile, allowing multiple individuals to connect their mobile device with the Pilot and receive vehicle notifications and personal radio presets.

The 2024 Honda Pilot comes with Honda Sensing, a full suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies designed to keep occupants safe. This includes next-generation safety enhancements, such as Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Low-Speed Braking Control. The 2024 Pilot is also the first Honda SUV to come with TJA, which helps reduce driver stress in congested traffic by helping keep the vehicle centered in its lane and a set following distance behind a vehicle detected ahead. The 2024 Pilot is also the first Honda to offer a new Pedestrian Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist feature, an advancement of the current emergency steering to avoid or mitigate a collision with a pedestrian. This new system uses the CMBS system to identify pedestrians and provide steering input to steer the vehicle away from a pedestrian detected in the vehicle's path. Other Honda Sensing features include Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Road Departure Mitigation.

4.1. Comprehensive suite of advanced safety features

These are the safety features of both the Honda Passport and Honda Pilot cars. However, the 2024 Honda Pilot also includes Auto High Beams and Blind Spot Information System, which serve as extra precautions against accidental collisions. With the all-new 2024 Honda Pilot model, a large suite of safety features including areas to help you improve and correct your driving, as well as features to assist in avoiding accidents or minimizing severity. The 2024 Honda Pilot and Passport safety technology features are advanced fundamental design, an approach that seeks to reduce or eliminate sources of danger, provide convenient ways for the driver, and help increase driver awareness and avoidance of potential hazards. The end goal is the prevention of accidents and mishaps, and ultimately better protection for everyone on the road.

Both the 2024 Honda Pilot and Passport models are designed to provide drivers and passengers with unprecedented security and peace of mind. Both vehicles were created to give people the tools they need to have fun and save. A comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies helps towards the objective, serving as ever-vigilant eyes and a watchful co-pilot on the road to help you avoid accidents. Mobile Collision with Pedestrian Detection (Advances from CMBS with FCW and Pedestrian Detection), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

4.2. Intelligent driver-assist technologies for added confidence

One of the main elements that sets the 2024 Honda Passport apart from the Pilot is the driver-assist technologies that come standard on each trim of the Passport, while significantly additionally ready Pilots just have the full bundle on discretionary Elite trims. Both despite everything have similar major Honda Sensing safety features, for instance, adaptive cruise control and forward impact advised, which have been exhibited to basically help dodge accidents and abatement their reality. The Pilot Touring and Elite similarly have the lane keep system, in any case the system isn't available on any non-Elite/Degree Pilots. As referenced, the Passport Elite goes with a comparative Honda Sensing features, anyway the essential differentiation is absolutely the state of the Lane Keep and adjusted cruise control system. For any person who has experienced the system from the Pilot and is happy with it, this can be an essential block to the Passport in choosing to exchange. This remains constant for some Pilot owners who acknowledge both of these as a fundamental piece of their general driving experience.

4.3. Top safety ratings and reliable performance

In terms of safety, the Pilot received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, as did the Passport. Both extended their vehicle warranty to 3 years on the factory battery, and five years of rust through coverage with the warranty on the Pilot maxing out at 5 years/60k miles. This is compared to the average vehicle warranty of 3 years on the factory battery, 5 years of powertrain coverage, and 5 years of rust through coverage. Both of the Honda vehicles have a few extra perks on their warranties such as 24-hour roadside assistance. With the 2020 Pilot and Passport, Honda Sensing comes standard on all models. From the EX trim on up to elite, both Honda vehicles come with both two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The EX model features Honda Sensing and intelligent traction control with a price tag of $30,000, which is nearly $8,000 less than the starting price of the 2020 Acura MDX, which has a similar setup to the Honda Pilot in terms of safety and all-wheel drive capabilities, but at a much higher cost. This option for AWD is good for driving up those trips to the mountains, but also features torque vectoring for heavy rain or snow conditions. With snow or mud modes, and a heavy-duty transmission, it offers superior off-road performance compared to other all-wheel drive systems. Torque vectoring can send up to 70% of torque to either rear wheel and 100% of that to either side of the rear axle. Because of this, the Passport was able to receive a "Best in Class" all-wheel drive award from Kelley Blue Book. With multiple terrains for different seasons, from snow, to sand, to dirt, pavement, and even snow and sand modes where the systems are programmed for rough terrain, the Passport can take you anywhere.

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