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Why is the Passport more than the Pilot?

The Passport is Honda’s more rugged, two‑row alternative to the Pilot, built to cater to outdoor-minded buyers while sharing DNA with the family-focused Pilot. It isn’t simply a shorter version of the Pilot; it’s a distinct model aimed at different needs—cargo versatility, off‑road readiness, and a two‑row layout that prioritizes practicality over third-row seating.

In this article, we examine how the Passport and Pilot diverge in seating, cargo, capability, and target buyers, and why that matters for people choosing between them. We’ll explain where each model shines and who is likely to benefit most from each purchase.

Seating, cargo, and interior philosophy

Two rows versus three rows

Honda designed the Passport as a two‑row SUV with a strong emphasis on cargo loading and everyday usability, while the Pilot is built to accommodate larger families with a three‑row layout.

The Passport seats five and prioritizes rear cargo space and easy access to the cargo area, making it practical for gear and equipment on weekend trips.

The Pilot offers seating for seven or eight, depending on configuration, with a third row that can be folded away to expand cargo when needed.

Both models share related engineering, but the Passport’s interior is tuned for straightforward utility and rugged appeal, whereas the Pilot emphasizes spaciousness and passenger comfort for multiple rows.

In short, the Passport trades extra passenger capacity for simplified two‑row practicality and dedicated cargo access, while the Pilot leans into family versatility with more seating options.

Capability and everyday practicality

Adventure‑ready versus road‑built comfort

Beyond seating, the two SUVs diverge in how they handle daily life and adventurous outings, with the Passport leaning toward outdoor ready capability and the Pilot prioritizing a smoother, more refined ride for families.

All‑wheel-drive availability exists on both, but the Passport is commonly pitched as more capable in light off‑road and varied terrain conditions, thanks to styling cues and tuning that emphasize traction and sturdiness.

The Pilot typically emphasizes ride comfort, cabin quietness, and long‑haul practicality for family trips, with a focus on interior versatility across three rows.

Towing capability is similar on well‑equipped trims for both models, generally up to around 5,000 pounds, but real‑world usage may feel different depending on seating and cargo load.

Ultimately, the Passport offers a more rugged, outdoor‑oriented feel with practical cargo access, while the Pilot delivers a more passenger‑centric, comfortable experience for larger households.

Who should buy which model

Passport buyers

Ideal buyers are outdoor enthusiasts and practical buyers who want a rugged look, straightforward two‑row seating, and ample cargo space for gear, bikes, or camping equipment without needing a third row.

People who regularly carry bikes, boards, camping gear, or other bulky equipment and want easy access to a large cargo area behind a two‑seat row.

Shoppers who value a more energetic, adventure‑ready image and prefer fewer passengers in exchange for more cargo flexibility.

For this group, the Passport’s combination of rugged styling, outdoor readiness, and two‑row practicality aligns with active lifestyles that don’t require a full eight‑seat capacity.

Pilot buyers

Ideal buyers are families or groups who regularly travel with several passengers and need flexible seating, a roomy interior, and long‑haul comfort for road trips and carpools.

Families that need up to eight seats or value the ability to switch between people‑hauling and cargo‑loading on demand.

Shoppers who prioritize interior space, third‑row versatility, and a smoother on‑road experience for daily commuting and longer trips.

For this group, the Pilot remains the go‑to option because its three‑row layout and spacious interior better match multi‑person mobility and family travel needs.

Summary

The Passport is more than the Pilot because Honda intentionally positioned it as a rugged, two‑row alternative that emphasizes cargo room and outdoor capability, while the Pilot stays focused on family versatility with a three‑row setup. Sharing core engineering and a common engine, the two models cater to different lifestyles: Passport for gear‑driven adventures and Pilot for passenger‑centric everyday life. Buyers should choose based on whether they value extra seating and refined family space or cargo accessibility and outdoor readiness.

How much is the Passport compared to the Pilot?

The 2025 Honda Pilot starts at a lower price of around $39,900 MSRP, while the 2025 Honda Passport starts at about $42,400 MSRP. The Pilot is more budget-friendly and offers more trim levels, including a base model with cloth seats, whereas the Passport has a higher starting price because its base trim includes premium features like leather upholstery and standard all-wheel drive, making it a more expensive option for a two-row SUV.

This video compares the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite with the 2025 Honda Pilot Elite to discuss their pricing: 46sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Apr 13, 2025
Price comparison: Honda Pilot vs. Passport

Honda Pilot: The Pilot generally has a lower starting price, with the 2025 model starting at approximately $39,900. Its range of trims, from the base LX to the top-tier Elite, allows for a lower entry price point, but the top trims can exceed $50,000.
Honda Passport: The Passport has a higher starting price, with the 2025 model starting around $42,400. This is because its base trim comes with more standard features, such as leather upholstery and standard all-wheel drive.

Key reasons for the price difference

Standard features: The Passport includes more premium features standard on its base model, such as leather seats, which are only available on higher trims for the Pilot.
Standard all-wheel drive: The Passport comes with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) on all trims, while the Pilot's starting model is front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD is an available option that adds to the price.
Trim levels: The Pilot has a wider range of trim levels, which gives it a lower starting price but also a higher price cap for its most loaded trims.

Is Honda Pilot or Passport more reliable?

Both the Honda Pilot and Passport are very reliable, with both models earning high marks for quality and reliability from sources like J.D. Power. The choice between them should be based on your needs, as the Pilot is a larger, three-row SUV for families, while the Passport is a rugged, two-row SUV with a focus on off-road capability and sportier handling. Both are equipped with standard safety features like the Honda Sensing suite and have earned similar high safety ratings.
Honda Pilot

Best for: Families and drivers who need extra passenger and cargo space.
Features: Three rows of seating for up to 8 passengers, larger cargo capacity, and a smooth, comfortable ride.
Performance: Strong V6 engine and often preferred for on-road performance and comfort.

Honda Passport

Best for: Individuals or small families who prioritize off-road capability and a sportier feel.
Features: Two-row seating for up to 5 passengers, a more rugged exterior, and enhanced ground clearance.
Performance: Agile handling and a more adventure-ready design, while still being capable on paved roads.

Is the Passport higher than the Pilot?

The Pilot also generally has more advanced features and a higher price point than the Passport. Additionally, the Passport is more suited for off-road adventures, where the Pilot is a more traditional three-row crossover SUV.

How is the Passport different from the Pilot?

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

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.