Midsize SUV Comparison
Honda Pilot vs. Passport: Which Midsize SUV is Right for You?
Are you looking for the ultimate Hackettstown carpool machine, or a rugged adventurer ready for Mount Olive trails? Let's break down the differences.
Honda Pilot vs. Passport: Which Midsize SUV is Right for You?
Still deciding if you need a midsize SUV at all? Explore our complete guide to the Best Honda SUV for Families in Warren County to see our compact options.
If you are looking for a midsize SUV in Northwest New Jersey, chances are you've narrowed your search down to two heavyweights: the Honda Pilot and the Honda Passport. Both offer exceptional reliability, standard V6 power, and the capability to handle brutal New Jersey winters. But while they share a lot of DNA, they serve two very different lifestyles.
The Honda Pilot: The 3-Row Family Hauler
When it comes to sheer passenger volume, the Honda Pilot is the undisputed champion. As a 3-row SUV, the Pilot can comfortably seat up to eight passengers. If your weekends consist of loading up the Hackettstown high school sports teams, running neighborhood carpools, or packing in extended family for a trip to the Poconos, the Pilot is designed for you. Beyond its seating capacity, the Pilot is slightly longer, providing a smoother highway ride and massive interior cargo space. Even with a full house, it remains remarkably easy to drive, making it a staple for local families who prioritize comfort and space.
The Honda Passport: The 2-Row Rugged Adventurer
If you don't need a third row of seats, the Honda Passport offers a completely different vibe. Built on a slightly shorter wheelbase, the 5-passenger Passport drops the third row in favor of a massive, cavernous rear cargo area and a more aggressive stance. The Passport is purpose-built for the weekend warrior. With higher ground clearance, standard all-terrain tires on the TrailSport trim, and a slightly punchier off-road tuned suspension, it is the perfect vehicle for hitting the hiking trails near the Delaware Water Gap or navigating rutted dirt roads in Mount Olive.
Performance & Power
Under the hood, both vehicles share nearly identical powertrains. They are powered by Honda's legendary 3.5L V6 engine (delivering over 280 horsepower) and feature the available i-VTM4® All-Wheel-Drive system. This means that whether you choose the Pilot or the Passport, you are getting a vehicle perfectly equipped to handle unplowed Warren County roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Honda Passport or Pilot get better gas mileage for commuting on I-80?
Because they share the same V6 engine, the fuel efficiency is nearly identical. However, the slightly more aerodynamic shape of the Honda Pilot gives it a microscopic edge on the highway. An AWD Honda Pilot typically earns an EPA-estimated 25 MPG on the highway, while the rugged, boxier Passport AWD earns around 24 MPG highway. Both are excellent choices for commuting on I-80 or Route 46.
Which is better for towing a boat in NJ, the Pilot or Passport?
Both SUVs are incredibly capable towers. When equipped with AWD and the proper Honda towing package, both the Honda Pilot and the Honda Passport offer a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This is more than enough power to tow a 22-foot boat up to Lake Hopatcong or haul a camper for the weekend. The choice comes down to passenger needs, not towing power.
Do both SUVs have Honda Sensing safety features?
Yes. Both the Pilot and the Passport come standard with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, making either choice an incredibly safe option for your family on busy New Jersey highways.
