Looking to upgrade to a new Honda that fits the whole family but finding yourself stuck between the Passport and the Pilot? We’ll help you navigate these two sister models and find the perfect fit. The 2026 Honda Passport and the 2026 Honda Pilot are easy to cross-shop because they share a similar Honda SUV foundation. Both use a V6 engine, both are available in rugged-looking trims, and both can make sense for buyers who want more space than a compact SUV. The real decision is not which one is \u201cbetter\u201d on paper. It’s whether you need the Pilot\u2019s three-row flexibility or the Passport\u2019s simpler two-row SUV setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The quick answer: choose the Honda Pilot if you need three rows, more passenger flexibility, and maximum family practicality. Choose the Honda Passport if you are sure five seats are enough, and you want a two-row Honda SUV with standard AWD positioning and a more adventure-focused personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pricing decision can be closer than many shoppers expect. Some Passport and Pilot trims sit close in MSRP, so the smarter move is to compare the exact trim, drivetrain, features, and invoice pricing before choosing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can always check the full Honda lineup<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buy the 2026 Honda Pilot if you need a true family SUV with three rows. It is the better choice if you regularly carry more than five people, need extra seating flexibility, or want the peace of mind of having a third row, even if you only use it occasionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buy the 2026 Honda Passport if you want a two-row SUV and do not want to pay attention to a third row you will rarely use. The Passport is better for shoppers who want a spacious five-seat Honda SUV with a more rugged feel and a simpler daily-use layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important difference between the Passport and the Pilot is not horsepower. It is not the transmission, either. Both models use a 3.5-liter V6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The decision usually comes down to seating and how much flexibility<\/strong> you want from the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pilot is a three-row SUV<\/strong>. Depending on trim, it seats seven or eight people, and that third row gives it a major advantage for families, carpools, road trips, and anyone who occasionally needs more than five seats. Even if the third row is not used every day, it can reduce remorse<\/strong> because the extra seating is there when life gets busier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Passport is a two-row SUV<\/strong>. It seats five, and its value lies in not trying to be a family hauler for eight. For many buyers, that is exactly the point. If you do not need a third row, the Passport offers a more straightforward layout with ample cargo space<\/strong> behind the second row and a more rugged SUV personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spec sheet shows why these two SUVs feel closely related. The Passport and Pilot both use a V6 engine with the same rated horsepower and torque. MPG, seating, cargo layout, towing configuration, and trim strategy<\/strong> are what separate them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: MPG and towing can vary by trim and drivetrain. For example, the Pilot TrailSport AWD has a lower EPA rating than 2WD Pilot trims, while Passport TrailSport models are rated differently from the Passport RTL. The key takeaway is that neither model is a fuel-economy-first<\/strong> SUV; both are V6 midsize SUVs built around space, strength, and versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For most shoppers, this section should decide the comparison before pricing even enters the conversation. The Passport and the Pilot may be mechanically similar, but they solve different daily problems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pilot\u2019s biggest advantage is its third row. If your household already has more than five people, or if you regularly carry extra people, the Pilot is the safer choice. It is also the better long-term bet if your needs may change over the next few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even when the third row is folded, the Pilot\u2019s interior layout gives you more flexibility. You can use it as a three-row SUV when needed and as a large cargo hauler when the seats are down. That flexibility is why the Pilot should be the default choice for buyers who are unsure<\/strong> whether five seats will be enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Passport makes the most sense when you know you do not need a third row. Its two-row layout keeps the decision simple: five seats, strong cargo space, AWD positioning, and a more rugged personality than a typical family-first SUV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not the best choice for a growing household that may need extra seating. But for buyers who want room for people, pets, gear, and weekend trips without moving into a larger three-row SUV, the Passport can feel like the cleaner fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pilot offers greater cargo flexibility because it has three rows that can be folded in various combinations. Its maximum cargo capacity reaches up to 113.7 cubic feet behind the first row, depending on trim. The Passport offers up to 104.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row and 44.0 cubic feet behind the second row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That means the Passport is still very useful as a two-row SUV, but the Pilot gives you more total flexibility if you need to move both people and cargo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Passport and Pilot are more similar here than many buyers expect. Both use the same engine and automatic transmission. That means the choice is not about one model being dramatically more powerful than the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Passport is positioned around the AWD, reinforcing its rugged two-row SUV identity. The Pilot offers 2WD on some trims and AWD on others, giving buyers a wider range of price points and drivetrain options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For towing, the Passport is rated at 5,000 pounds. The Pilot is rated at 3,500 pounds with 2WD and 5,000 pounds with AWD. If towing is central to your purchase, compare the exact trim<\/strong> and equipment before assuming the lower MSRP is the better deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fuel economy is not a huge separator, but it still belongs in the decision. The Pilot gets up to 19 city \/ 27 highway \/ 22 combined MPG in 2WD form. Most Pilot AWD trims are rated at 19 city \/ 25 highway \/ 21 combined, while the Pilot TrailSport AWD is rated at 18 city \/ 23 highway \/ 20 combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Passport is rated at 19 city \/ 25 highway \/ 21 combined MPG for RTL and 18 city \/ 23 highway \/ 20 combined MPG for TrailSport and TrailSport Elite. In practical terms, buyers choosing rugged TrailSport-style trims should expect slightly lower MPG than the most efficient versions of either SUV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Passport and Pilot are close enough in price that MSRP alone may not settle the decision<\/strong>. The better choice depends on whether you need the Pilot\u2019s third row, prefer the Passport\u2019s two-row AWD setup, or are comparing similar trims before asking a dealer for a quote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The MSRP figures<\/a> below are meant to help frame your shopping decision, not to replace a quote or an invoice price<\/a> check for the exact trim you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where the comparison gets interesting. If you only look at the starting MSRP, the Pilot appears slightly lower. But if you want AWD, the Passport can look more compelling in the entry AWD comparison. If you are comparing mid-range, TrailSport, or premium trims, the two SUVs can be close enough that invoice pricing becomes a more useful next step<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MSRP is the sticker price starting point. It helps you compare the Passport and Pilot<\/a> on paper, but it does not show the dealer invoice price<\/a> or the room that may exist between MSRP and a real buying offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\nQuick Answer: Should You Buy the Passport or the Pilot?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choose the 2026 Honda Pilot if:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Choose the 2026 Honda Passport if:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Real Difference: Third Row vs. Two-Row SUV<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2026 Honda Passport vs Pilot Specs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spec<\/strong><\/td> 2026 Honda Pilot<\/strong><\/td> 2026 Honda Passport<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead> Starting MSRP<\/td> $42,195<\/td> $42,400<\/td><\/tr> Seating<\/td> 7 or 8, depending on trim<\/td> 5<\/td><\/tr> Engine<\/td> 3.5L V6<\/td> 3.5L V6<\/td><\/tr> Horsepower<\/td> 285 hp<\/td> 285 hp<\/td><\/tr> Torque<\/td> 262 lb-ft<\/td> 262 lb-ft<\/td><\/tr> Transmission<\/td> 10-speed automatic<\/td> 10-speed automatic<\/td><\/tr> Drivetrain<\/td> 2WD or AWD, depending on trim<\/td> AWD in listed Passport trims<\/td><\/tr> EPA MPG<\/td> 19\/27\/22 for 2WD; 19\/25\/21 for most AWD; 18\/23\/20 for TrailSport AWD<\/td> 19\/25\/21 for RTL; 18\/23\/20 for TrailSport and TrailSport Elite<\/td><\/tr> Max towing<\/td> 3,500 lbs for 2WD; 5,000 lbs for AWD<\/td> 5,000 lbs<\/td><\/tr> Max cargo behind first row<\/td> Up to 113.7 cu ft<\/td> Up to 104.6 cu ft<\/td><\/tr> Best for<\/td> Families, three-row flexibility, maximum people\/cargo use<\/td> Two-row buyers, rugged style, five-seat SUV practicality<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Seating, Cargo, and Everyday Practicality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Pilot is better if people-carrying matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Passport is better if five seats are enough<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cargo space: Pilot has the flexibility advantage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Engine, AWD, Towing, and MPG<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
AWD and towing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
MPG<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
MSRP Comparison by Buyer Type<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Buyer type<\/strong><\/td> Passport option<\/strong><\/td> Pilot option<\/strong><\/td> How to think about it<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead> Lowest listed MSRP<\/td> EX-L \/ RTL AWD \u2014 $42,400<\/td> Sport 2WD \u2014 $42,195<\/td> The Pilot starts slightly lower, but the Passport gives you an AWD two-row setup from the listed entry point.<\/td><\/tr> Entry AWD comparison<\/td> EX-L \/ RTL AWD \u2014 $42,400<\/td> Sport AWD \u2014 $44,295<\/td> If AWD matters, the Passport starts lower in this comparison.<\/td><\/tr> Mid-range value<\/td> RTL Towing AWD \u2014 $45,650<\/td> EX-L AWD \u2014 $46,595<\/td> Close enough that invoice pricing could affect which one is the better deal.<\/td><\/tr> Rugged \/ TrailSport<\/td> TrailSport AWD \u2014 $48,650<\/td> TrailSport AWD \u2014 $50,395<\/td> Passport is the more focused two-row rugged SUV; Pilot adds three-row flexibility.<\/td><\/tr> Premium<\/td> TrailSport Elite AWD \u2014 $52,650<\/td> Elite AWD \u2014 $53,495<\/td> Very close; compare exact features and invoice pricing.<\/td><\/tr> Top listed trim<\/td> TrailSport Elite Blackout AWD \u2014 $53,850<\/td> Black Edition AWD \u2014 $54,995<\/td> Both are premium feature\/appearance choices, so the final decision should not be based on MSRP alone.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n MSRP Is Helpful, But Invoice Pricing Gives You the Better Comparison<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n