If you’re planning to buy a mid-size Honda SUV, you’ll likely be contemplating between the 2021 Honda Pilot and the 2021 Honda Passport. These two excellent Honda SUVs are similar in many ways, but you can see distinct differences between them if you look closely at their specifications and features. Check out this comprehensive comparison between the 2021 Honda Pilot and 2021 Honda Passport to determine which one better suits your needs and preferences.
Trim Levels and Prices
With its extensive trim lineup, the 2021 Honda Pilot provides plenty of options for SUV buyers. It’s available in seven trims levels, including the base LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and the range-topping Black Edition. Starting price tags range from $32,550 to $50,220 to accommodate a wide range of budgets. On the other hand, the 2021 Honda Passport comes in only four trims: the Sport, EX-L, Touring, and the top-of-the-line Elite. The entry-level model starts at $32,790, while the Elite costs at least $44,180.
Exterior
The Honda Pilot and Honda Passport may look similar at first glance. They’re both eye-pleasing vehicles that feature a cohesive styling, well-balanced proportions, and smooth lines. However, these two SUVs can be easily distinguished from one another. The Pilot looks more elegant with chrome trim on its grille and windows, while the Passport wears a black grille and bumpers for a more rugged appearance.
Both the Honda Pilot and Honda Passport have LED lighting, power-folding mirrors, and a roof spoiler. Nonetheless, the Passport has a number of additional exterior features, such as LED fog lights and standard 20-inch wheels. The Pilot may come with 18- or 20-inch wheels. Another noteworthy difference is that the Passport is a little shorter than its older brother, making it easier to maneuver in confined spaces.
Performance
The 2021 Honda Pilot and 2021 Honda Passport share the same engine, which is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, this engine is powerful enough to meet most driving needs, from cruising around town to towing for a camping trip. When properly equipped, both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Regardless of whether you choose the Honda Pilot or Honda Passport, you can expect to have a smooth and comfortable ride in most situations. These two SUVs are fitted with a well-tuned suspension system that absorbs uneven surfaces well and delivers stable handling around corners. However, the Pilot may provide a more confident driving experience with its stronger stopping power. It takes only 116 feet to come to a complete stop from 60 mph, while the Passport needs 130 feet.
If you frequently drive away from the pavement, the Honda Passport may be a better option. With a maximum ground clearance of 8.1 inches and an intelligent traction management system, this SUV is a relatively capable off-roader.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite using the same engine as its sibling, the Honda Pilot delivers slightly better fuel efficiency. It gives you 20/27 mpg (city/highway) with front-wheel drive, while the Passport returns 20/25 mpg with the same drivetrain.
Interior
The Honda Pilot is a three-row SUV with a seating capacity of eight, whereas the Honda Passport can accommodate up to five people in two rows. These two SUVs share many interior styling cues and components, but they both look and feel more upscale than most other vehicles in their segment. Their seats are supportive and comfortable and provide adequate legroom for most adults.
However, you should note that the Passport comes standard with remote start. This feature is only found on the higher trim levels of the Pilot. The Pilot, on the other hand, offers an optional panoramic glass roof and in-car PA system, which are both unavailable on the Passport.
Cargo Capacity
If you have a large family and routinely need to carry a lot of cargo, you may be better off getting the Honda Pilot. This SUV gives you 18.5 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats upright, 55.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 109.2 cubic feet with both the second-row and rear seats down. If you opt for the Passport, you’ll get 50.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats upright and up to 100.8 cubic feet with those seats folded.
Tech Features
The Honda Pilot comes standard with only a basic infotainment system with a 5-inch display, two USB ports, a seven-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, it has a long list of available tech features, including an 8-inch touch-screen display, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, a 10-speaker audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system, navigation, satellite radio, HD radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and HondaLink.
You’ll find a more extensive selection of standard tech features in the Honda Passport. This SUV offers an 8-inch touch-screen display, a seven-speaker sound system, a USB port, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. If you want a better in-vehicle experience, you can get optional features such as two additional USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 10-speaker audio system, a 115-volt power outlet, navigation, and satellite radio.
Safety Features
Both the Honda Pilot and Honda Passport earned a five-star overall crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is the highest possible rating. Also, both of these SUVs have plenty of active safety features to reduce your accident risk. The Pilot comes standard with a rearview camera, automatic high-beams, lane-departure alert, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and collision-mitigation braking. Available features include LED fog lights, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic warning, and parking sensors.
The Passport has about the same number of driver-assistance technologies as the Pilot. Its standard features include a rearview camera, forward-collision warning, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Rear cross-traffic warning, parking sensors, and blind-spot detection are optional.
If you want to know whether the 2021 Honda Pilot or 2021 Honda Passport is a better fit for you, come to Rydell Honda of Grand Forks for a test drive. Contact us today to make an appointment.
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