Does the Honda Passport have the same engine as the Pilot?
Yes—the Honda Passport uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine as the Pilot, delivering similar horsepower and torque with Honda's 9-speed automatic transmission. Both models rely on Honda's J-series V6 and offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on trim.
Shared powertrain details
Here's what is commonly shared between the two models in recent years, reflecting Honda's strategy to base the Passport on the Pilot's drivetrain while delivering different passenger space and styling.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC (J-series)
- Horsepower: about 280 hp
- Torque: about 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain options: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Beyond the engine, both vehicles also share similar cooling, intake, and exhaust architecture typical of the J-series lineup, which helps maintain performance and reliability across trims.
What differences exist, if any?
Operational tuning and weight considerations
The underlying engine is the same, but Passport sits on a two-row platform and generally weighs less than the three-row Pilot, which can affect perceived acceleration and fuel economy. Trim-specific tuning, exhaust routing, and aerodynamic tweaks can also yield small differences in performance and mpg estimates.
What this means for buyers
For buyers focusing on power and reliability, the engine is effectively identical between Passport and Pilot in model years where both use the 3.5L V6. If you care about seating capacity or cargo space, that will drive the decision more than any engine difference.
Recent model year context
2020–2024/2025 snapshot
From 2020 onward, Honda kept the 3.5L V6 with 9-speed automatic in both models, with horsepower around 280 and torque around 262. All-wheel-drive availability exists for both, and both employ Honda's VCM on many trims. There have been no major engine swaps or turbocharged alternatives introduced for either model in this period.
Summary
In summary, the Honda Passport and Pilot share the same fundamental engine—the 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC from Honda's J-series—paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Differences between the models lie primarily in body style, seating, and tuning details, not in the core engine itself.
