Is a Honda Pilot or Passport bigger?

The Honda Pilot is larger overall, thanks to its three-row layout and longer footprint. The Passport is a smaller, two-row SUV that prioritizes cargo space behind the second row but doesn’t offer a third row. In short: if size means more seating and total interior volume, the Pilot is bigger.

The question of “bigger” depends on what you care about most: total exterior dimensions, seating capacity, or how much cargo you can carry with seats in use. Below is a detailed, practical comparison based on current 2023–2024 specifications.

Size and dimensions

Below figures reflect typical specifications for the 2023–2024 Pilot and Passport models. Measurements can vary slightly by trim and measurement method, but the overall picture remains consistent: Pilot is the larger, three-row family SUV, while Passport is compactly sized as a two-row offering.

• 
  Honda Pilot (2023–2024):
  Length ≈ 199.5 inches; Width ≈ 78.6 inches; Height ≈ 69.9 inches; Wheelbase ≈ 111 inches
  


• 
  Honda Passport (2023–2024):
  Length ≈ 197.5–198 inches; Width ≈ 78.5 inches; Height ≈ 69–70 inches; Wheelbase ≈ 111.6 inches
  

In practical terms, the Pilot sits a bit longer and taller than the Passport, translating to more interior space and a roomier cabin. The Passport’s footprint is smaller, emphasizing its two-row, more maneuverable design.

Conclusion: The Pilot is physically bigger in exterior dimensions, which generally translates to more interior room, especially for a full third row of seating.

Seating, cargo and practicality

To understand everyday usefulness, it helps to compare how many people you can carry comfortably and how much cargo is available with seats in use and folded.

• 
  Seating:
  Pilot seats up to 8 passengers (though some trims offer 7 with second-row captain’s chairs); Passport seats 5 in a two-row layout.
  


• 
  Cargo space with seats in use:
  Pilot offers more total interior room when the third row is folded or removed, but with the third row up, Passport typically has less cargo room behind the second row than Pilot has behind its third row.
  


• 
  Cargo space with seats folded:
  Pilot behind the second row and behind the front row generally yields a larger maximum cargo volume (about 109 cubic feet with all seats folded) than Passport (around 100 cubic feet with all seats folded).
  

Conclusion: If you need eight-passenger seating and the ability to carry large volumes of cargo with all seats folded, the Pilot is the bigger and more versatile vehicle. If you prioritize a two-row layout with strong cargo behind the second row and a smaller footprint, the Passport is the better match.

Driving feel and efficiency (at a glance)

In practice, the Pilot tends to be heavier and offers more seating options, which can affect fuel economy and handling characteristics compared with the more compact Passport. The Passport, while lighter and more agile for daily driving, sacrifices a third row and some overall cargo capacity in the process.

Bottom line: for sheer size and passenger capacity, the Pilot is bigger. For a smaller, easier-to-manage two-row SUV with solid cargo behind the second row, the Passport fits the bill.

Bottom line

Overall, the Honda Pilot is bigger than the Honda Passport in exterior dimensions, cabin space, and seating capacity. The Pilot’s three-row versatility supports more passengers and, with seats folded, substantial cargo room. The Passport remains a two-row option that emphasizes a more compact footprint while still offering strong cargo capacity behind the rear seats.

Summary

The Pilot is the larger, more spacious model, ideal for families needing three rows and maximum flexibility. The Passport is smaller and more maneuverable, with greater rear cargo space for a two-row layout. Choose the Pilot for maximum seating and overall space; choose the Passport for a smaller, easier-to-drive two-row with competitive cargo behind the second row.

What costs more, a Honda Pilot or a Passport?

The Honda Passport is generally more expensive than the Honda Pilot because it has a higher starting price and often comes standard with more premium features. However, the Pilot can become more expensive than the Passport in its higher trim levels, such as the Elite and Black Edition. 

• Passport's higher base price: The Passport starts at a higher price than the Pilot, partly due to its more robust standard features like leather upholstery and a larger touchscreen. 
• Pilot's higher-end trims: The Pilot has more trim levels available than the Passport, allowing for a higher price ceiling. Its most expensive trims can surpass the top-tier Passport models. 
• Pricing variations: The exact cost difference depends on the specific model year, trim level, and options chosen for each vehicle. 

Why is a Passport more expensive than a Pilot?

The Honda Passport is more expensive than the Honda Pilot because it includes more premium standard features, is geared towards a sportier and more off-road-capable design, and has a higher starting trim level. For example, many Passport trims come with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and luxury amenities, whereas those features are often optional or standard only on higher-end Pilot trims. 
Key reasons for the price difference

• Standard features: The Passport comes standard with features like an 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and an intelligent traction management system. These are often found on more expensive trims of the Pilot, which starts with a lower base price. 
• Performance and design: The Passport has a sportier, more rugged exterior design and is built to be more agile and capable off-road, thanks to features like its shorter wheelbase and standard i-VTM4 AWD on more trims. The Pilot, while still capable, is a larger vehicle designed for more passenger-focused comfort and family use. 
• Engine and drivetrain: Both vehicles use the same 3.53.53.5-liter V6 engine, but the Passport comes with standard all-wheel drive on more trims, while AWD is often an optional upgrade on the Pilot. 
• Trim level and options: Although the Pilot has a wider range of trim levels, its higher-end trims can exceed the Passport's price, the base Passport model is priced higher than the base Pilot model due to the standard features included. 

Is the Honda Passport as reliable as the Pilot?

Both the Honda Passport and Pilot are generally considered reliable, sharing the same V6 engine and many of the same advanced safety features. The primary difference in reliability comes down to model year and specific trim, as newer models have updated engines and more standard safety equipment, while older models may have older engine and transmission configurations.
 
Reliability factors

• Shared components: Both models use the same 3.5L V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission in the latest versions, which bodes well for shared reliability and parts availability. 
• Safety features: Both come with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assistance technologies, and have earned strong safety ratings from organizations like the NHTSA. 
• Model year: Older models may have different engine and transmission options than newer ones, potentially impacting reliability. For example, older Pilots used a ZF9-speed transmission which was sometimes criticized for being less smooth than the new 10-speed automatic found in newer models. 
• Trim level: While both are reliable, factors like a specific trim's features, available options, and maintenance history can influence their individual reliability. 

Which one should you choose?

• For families or those needing more passenger space: The Pilot is the better choice due to its standard third-row seating. 
• For those prioritizing off-road capability: The Passport has a higher ground clearance and is better suited for off-road adventures. 
• For those who want a more engaging driving experience: The Passport may be a better choice due to its more agile feel. 
• For those who need more cargo space: The Pilot has more overall cargo space due to its longer body, but the Passport has a unique cargo area with a pull-out shelving system and a built-in storage area. 

Ultimately, the choice between the Pilot and Passport depends on your individual needs and priorities, but both are reliable choices.

What are the differences between a Honda Pilot and a Passport?

The main differences are that the Honda Pilot is a larger, three-row SUV designed for families, while the Passport is a shorter, two-row SUV with a more rugged and off-road-oriented design. The Pilot prioritizes passenger capacity, while the Passport emphasizes a sportier feel and more rugged styling. Both share a similar engine, but the Pilot has more seating and available tech, while the Passport offers a more agile, adventure-ready platform.
 
This video compares the features of the 2026 Passport and 2025 Pilot: 1mCar ConfectionsYouTube · Apr 13, 2025
Honda Pilot

• Best for: Families needing more passenger and cargo space. 
• Seating: Accommodates up to 7 or 8 passengers across three rows. 
• Cargo: Offers more overall cargo space, especially with the third row folded down. 
• Features: Provides more family-focused amenities, like a multi-function middle seat and available head-up display. 
• Design: Has a more subdued, traditional crossover design. 

Honda Passport

• Best for: Individuals or small families who prioritize a sportier, more rugged design with off-road capability. 
• Seating: Offers two rows with seating for up to 5 passengers. 
• Cargo: Has a large rear cargo area, with the 2026 model featuring a unique underfloor storage area. 
• Features: Features a tougher exterior, standard all-wheel drive, and is built on a more rugged light truck platform. 
• Design: Has a boxier, bolder, and more rugged appearance. 

You can watch this video to see a visual comparison of the Honda Pilot and Passport: 59sVagabond BuildsYouTube · Mar 29, 2025