Key Takeaways
- The Honda Pilot offers three rows of seating for up to eight passengers, while the Honda Passport provides two rows for five people.
- Both SUVs feature a 3.5L V6 engine, but the Honda Passport typically comes with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
- The Honda Passport offers a higher standard ground clearance of 8.1 inches, making it a preferred choice for off-road enthusiasts.
- The Honda Pilot provides more maximum cargo volume, reaching up to 87 cubic feet compared to the 83.8 cubic feet in the Honda Passport.
Dinsmore Auto Group Used Cars of Puyallup welcomes local drivers to explore the distinct advantages of our favorite midsize SUVs. When navigating the damp roads of Puyallup, WA, or heading out toward Mount Rainier, choosing between these two vehicles depends largely on your passenger needs and adventure style. Dinsmore Auto Group Used Cars of Puyallup is proud to offer a diverse inventory of these reliable Honda models to suit our South Sound community.
Is the Honda Pilot or Honda Passport better for large families?
The Honda Pilot is the superior choice for large families because it features a three-row cabin that accommodates seven or eight passengers. While the Honda Passport provides ample legroom for five adults, it lacks the third-row seating found in the larger Honda Pilot. Families in Puyallup often prefer the Honda Pilot for its versatile "Magic Slide" second-row seats and superior passenger volume.
How do the engine specs compare between the Honda Pilot and Passport?
The Honda Pilot and Honda Passport both utilize a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers dependable power for Pacific Northwest driving conditions. In most recent model years, the Honda Pilot produces approximately 285 horsepower, while the Honda Passport generates roughly 280 horsepower. Both vehicles share a torque rating of 262 lb-ft, providing the necessary grunt for merging onto Highway 512 or climbing steep local hills.
What is the towing capacity of these used Honda SUVs?
The Honda Passport and Honda Pilot share a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with All-Wheel Drive. This capacity is ideal for Puyallup residents who need to haul small boats to Lake Tapps or camping trailers into the Cascades. It is important to note that front-wheel-drive versions of the Honda Pilot are typically limited to a 3,500-pound towing maximum.
Which Honda SUV is better for off-roading in the Pacific Northwest?
The Honda Passport is generally considered better for off-roading due to its shorter wheelbase and higher standard ground clearance of 8.1 inches. This extra height allows the Honda Passport to clear obstacles on forest service roads more easily than the standard Honda Pilot, which sits at 7.3 inches. However, the Honda Pilot TrailSport trim levels bridge this gap by offering a specialized suspension and 8.3 inches of clearance.
Standard Off-Road Features Comparison
- Honda Passport: Standard Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system on most trims.
- Honda Pilot: Available i-VTM4 AWD, with specialized Trail Mode software on higher trims.
- Ground Clearance: The Honda Passport offers 8.1 inches standard; the Honda Pilot offers 7.3 inches standard.
- Body Length: The Honda Passport is approximately 10 inches shorter, offering better departure angles.
How much cargo space do you get in a used Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot provides up to 87 cubic feet of total cargo space when both the second and third rows are folded flat. Even with the third row in use, the Honda Pilot offers 18.6 cubic feet of storage, which is plenty for a grocery run in Puyallup. This makes it one of the most spacious options in the midsize SUV segment for those who prioritize hauling gear and luggage.
How much cargo space does the Honda Passport offer?
The Honda Passport offers a massive 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space directly behind the second row, expanding to 83.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Because the Honda Passport does not have a third row, it features a hidden under-floor storage compartment that is perfect for stowing wet hiking boots or emergency kits. South Sound drivers find this layout highly efficient for weekend trips where passenger count is low but equipment volume is high.
Interior Dimension Breakdown
- Honda Pilot Passenger Volume: Up to 158.4 cubic feet.
- Honda Passport Passenger Volume: 114.9 cubic feet.
- Honda Pilot Max Cargo: 87 cubic feet.
- Honda Passport Max Cargo: 83.8 cubic feet.
Which vehicle is easier to park in Puyallup, WA?
The Honda Passport is significantly easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces because it is about 10 inches shorter than the Honda Pilot. With a total length of approximately 189 inches, the Honda Passport fits more comfortably into standard parking stalls at the South Hill Mall. The Honda Pilot, measuring nearly 200 inches, requires a bit more care when navigating crowded downtown Puyallup streets.
Which Honda SUV has better fuel economy for Washington commutes?
The Honda Pilot and Honda Passport offer very similar fuel economy, typically averaging around 21 or 22 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Because the Honda Passport comes standard with AWD, its ratings are consistent across the lineup. The Honda Pilot can achieve slightly better highway mileage in its front-wheel-drive configuration, which is a factor for those commuting daily to Tacoma or Seattle.
Are the safety features different between these two models?
The Honda Pilot and Honda Passport both come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive technologies. This includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control to help protect drivers on Interstate 5. While the Honda Pilot sometimes features newer versions of these systems due to more recent redesigns, both SUVs consistently earn high marks for safety and crash protection.
DAG Used Cars of Puyallup understands that the choice between these two vehicles comes down to how you live your life in Washington. If you need the extra row for school carpools, the Honda Pilot is the clear winner. If you prefer a more agile, adventure-ready rig for two to five people, the Honda Passport is likely the better fit. Our team at DAG Used Cars of Puyallup is ready to show you both options side-by-side.
Dinsmore Auto Group Used Cars of Puyallup is your local destination for high-quality pre-owned vehicles. As a proud member of the Dinsmore Auto Group, we ensure every used Honda on our lot meets our rigorous standards for performance and reliability. Visit Dinsmore Auto Group Used Cars of Puyallup today to test drive these SUVs and find the perfect match for your Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
*Penned by AI, polished by humans