Comparison Pilot or Passport? Which Honda SUV Wins?

[Admin]

If you're looking at a Honda SUV right now, chances are you've narrowed it down to two options: the 2026 Passport and the 2025 Pilot.​

While they share the same Honda DNA, they're built for very different buyers. One focuses on adventure and capability, while the other is all about family space and everyday practicality.

Engine and Performance:

Engine Size and Type: Both the Passport and Pilot are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Horsepower: The 2026 Passport produces 285 horsepower, while the 2025 Pilot delivers 285 horsepower.
Transmission: The 2026 Passport features a 10-speed automatic transmission, an upgrade from the previous 9-speed. The 2025 Pilot also utilizes a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Towing Capacity:

Passport: Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Pilot: Up to 3,500 pounds in standard configurations.



Fuel Efficiency:

Passport: Approximately 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
Pilot: Approximately 19 mpg city and 25-27 mpg highway.

Seating Capacity:

Passport: Seats up to 5 passengers.
Pilot: Seats up to 8 passengers.

Dimensions:

Passport: Offers a more rugged, off-road-focused design with a sportier vibe, making it ideal for adventure enthusiasts.
Pilot: Larger, three-row SUV designed for family comfort and versatility.

Cargo Space:

Passport: Provides ample cargo space suitable for adventure gear.
Pilot: Offers more cargo space, accommodating larger families and their belongings.

Safety Features:

Both models come equipped with Honda Sensing® safety suite, including collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.

Pricing:

Passport: Starting MSRP around $42,400.
Pilot: Starting MSRP around $40,200.

Pros and Cons:

Passport:
Pros: Higher towing capacity, rugged design, suitable for off-road adventures.
Cons: Seats fewer passengers, slightly lower fuel efficiency.

Pilot:
Pros: Higher passenger capacity, better fuel efficiency, more cargo space.
Cons: Lower towing capacity compared to Passport.

At the end of the day, neither SUV is objectively better. The real question is how you plan to use it.

If your weekends involve trails, camping trips and towing gear, the Passport is likely the better fit. If your life revolves around family road trips, carpool duty and maximizing passenger space, the Pilot is hard to beat. Honda did not build these SUVs to compete with each other.

They built them for two completely different lifestyles.

 

[evlover]

There haven't been many major complaints about the engine itself, but I've seen quite a few discussions in owner groups regarding Honda's VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) system, particularly on V6-powered models.

It doesn't affect every vehicle, but some owners have reported vibrations, premature engine mount wear, and other drivability quirks that they believe are related to the cylinder deactivation system as mileage increases. It's not necessarily a deal breaker, but if I were shopping for a used Pilot or Passport, I'd spend as much time researching long-term V6 ownership experiences as I would checking maintenance records.

I'd be curious to hear from 2023+ Pilot and Passport owners. Has anyone experienced VCM-related vibrations, unusual engine behavior, or premature engine mount wear after putting some serious miles on the vehicle?