Choosing between two great Honda SUVs can be tough. The 2021 Honda Passport and 2021 Honda Pilot are built on the same platform and share an engine, but they are designed for different buyers. This guide breaks down their key differences in size, seating, technology, and price to help you decide which Honda SUV is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and needs.
Engine and Performance: A Surprising Tie
When you look under the hood, you might be surprised to find that the 2021 Passport and Pilot are nearly identical. Both models are powered by the same reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine.
This engine delivers a solid 280 horsepower in both vehicles, providing plenty of power for daily driving and highway merging. You won’t feel a lack of acceleration in either SUV.
Both the Passport and Pilot also offer the choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). This means that when it comes to pure engine performance and drivetrain options, there is no winner. The choice between them must be made based on other factors.
The Deciding Factor: Seating and Interior Space
Here is where the two models truly go their separate ways. The most significant difference between the Passport and the Pilot is their size and seating capacity, which directly impacts their purpose.
The Honda Pilot is a classic three-row SUV designed for larger families. It offers seating for up to eight people, making it the clear choice for those who need to transport a big family or frequently carpool. The extra length of the Pilot is dedicated to that third row and additional cargo space behind it.
In contrast, the Honda Passport is a two-row midsize SUV that seats five people comfortably. By removing the third row, Honda created a vehicle with a massive cargo area behind the second-row seats, appealing to adventurers or small families who prioritize storage over passenger count.
| Feature | 2021 Honda Passport | 2021 Honda Pilot |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Passengers | Up to 8 Passengers |
| Vehicle Length | 190.5 inches | 196.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | 111 inches | 111 inches |
A Closer Look at Dimensions and Off-Road Capability
The size difference goes beyond just the interior. The Passport is shorter in length than the Pilot by six inches, making it slightly easier to park and maneuver in tight city spaces. Interestingly, both share the exact same wheelbase of 111 inches, which contributes to their stable and comfortable rides.
However, the Passport is built with a bit more adventure in mind. It boasts a higher ground clearance than the Pilot. This extra height gives the Passport an edge on rougher roads or in snowy conditions, reducing the risk of scraping the underbody of the vehicle.
The Pilot, while still a capable SUV, has a lower ground clearance, which is more typical for a family-focused vehicle prioritizing easier entry and exit for passengers, especially children.
Technology and Infotainment Features
Honda equipped both models with modern tech, but the way it’s packaged differs. The Passport offers a more streamlined and generous standard setup across its trims.
Every 2021 Honda Passport trim comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This makes it easy for any Passport buyer to connect their smartphone for navigation, music, and calls without paying for a higher trim level.
The 2021 Honda Pilot, on the other hand, comes with a basic 5-inch screen on its entry-level trim. To get the 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you must upgrade to a higher trim level. However, the Pilot has a unique advantage for families:
- An available advanced rear entertainment system.
- This system features a 10.2-inch high-resolution screen for back-seat passengers.
- It also includes a Blu-Ray player and built-in streaming apps to keep kids entertained on long trips.
Price, Trims, and Color Options
As expected, the larger Pilot generally comes with a higher price tag than the Passport. The 2021 Honda Passport’s price ranges from approximately $32,000 for the base Sport trim to around $44,000 for the top-tier Elite model.
The 2021 Honda Pilot starts slightly higher, at about $34,000 for the entry LX trim, and can go up to $49,000 for the luxurious Black Edition. The Pilot also offers more trim levels, giving buyers more choices to find the perfect combination of features and price.
Both vehicles offer a good selection of colors. The Passport is available in seven different paint colors, while the Pilot offers eight choices, including a few unique options like Black Forest Pearl and Steel Sapphire Metallic.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Honda Passport and Pilot
Which is bigger, the Honda Passport or Pilot?
The 2021 Honda Pilot is the bigger vehicle. It is six inches longer than the Passport to accommodate a third row of seats, allowing it to carry up to eight passengers compared to the Passport’s five.
Is the Honda Passport or Pilot better for families?
The Honda Pilot is generally better for larger families due to its eight-person seating capacity and available rear entertainment system. The Passport is an excellent choice for smaller families of five or less who prioritize cargo space over a third row.
Do the Passport and Pilot have the same engine?
Yes, both the 2021 Passport and 2021 Pilot use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. Performance-wise, they are very similar, and both are available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
What is the ground clearance of the 2021 Honda Passport?
The context provides conflicting numbers, but official Honda specifications place the 2021 Passport’s ground clearance at 8.1 inches for the AWD models. This gives it a slight advantage over the Pilot for handling rougher terrain.
Where are the Honda Pilot and Passport made?
Both the Honda Pilot and the Honda Passport are manufactured in the United States. They are proudly built at Honda’s assembly plant in Lincoln, Alabama.
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