Honda Pilot vs Passport: Fuel Economy and Performance Comparison
You feel the difference the moment you press the accelerator — one SUV is built for family hauling, the other for a sportier, more agile ride. Both the Honda Pilot and Passport share a V6 heart, but how they deliver power and use fuel tells a different story. Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast, a weekend adventurer, or a family driver looking for the perfect balance, this comparison breaks down the numbers and real-world feel.
TL;DR
The Honda Passport and Pilot are nearly identical under the hood, sharing the same 3.5-liter V6 engine. However, the Passport is lighter and slightly quicker, while the Pilot offers better highway fuel economy in front-wheel-drive configurations. Fuel efficiency is so close that it shouldn’t be the deciding factor — the real choice comes down to seating capacity and driving character. Both can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Key Takeaways
- Same Heart, Different Soul: Both SUVs use a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but the Passport produces 280 horsepower while the Pilot puts out 285 hp .
- Fuel Economy is a Wash: In AWD form, both get 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, with combined ratings of 21 mpg . The Pilot’s 2WD models achieve slightly better highway numbers at 27 mpg .
- Passport is Slightly Quicker: The lighter Passport (4,236 lbs) feels more responsive, while the Pilot (4,660 lbs) can feel a bit underpowered in real-world driving .
- Transmission Difference: The Passport uses a 9-speed automatic, while the Pilot features a 10-speed automatic .
- Towing Capacity: Both can tow up to 5,000 pounds with AWD — a win for weekend adventurers in either vehicle .
Under the Hood: Shared DNA, Different Tuning
Here’s the thing about Honda’s V6 engine — it’s been around for a reason. Both the 2025 Passport and the 2025 Pilot use a 3.5-liter V6 engine that runs on regular unleaded fuel . This engine has earned a reputation for reliability and longevity that Honda owners have come to trust .
Power Output Comparison:
| Specification | Honda Passport | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight | 4,236 lbs | 4,418 lbs |
| Seating | 5 passengers | 8 passengers |
The horsepower difference is small — 5 hp in favor of the Pilot — but the Passport’s lighter weight gives it a noticeable advantage in acceleration. The Passport’s 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds is among the quickest in its class , while the Pilot manages 7.1 seconds . That half-second difference might not seem like much, but you feel it when merging onto a busy highway.
Fuel Economy: The Numbers Tell the Story
When it comes to fuel economy, the differences are minimal. Both SUVs are powered by the same engine, and their EPA ratings reflect that.
City Driving
Both the Passport and Pilot get 19 mpg in the city across most trims . The only exception is the Pilot TrailSport, which drops to 18 mpg due to its off-road tires and added weight .
Highway Driving
This is where the Pilot shows a slight edge — in 2WD form, the Pilot achieves 27 mpg on the highway, compared to the Passport’s 24 mpg . However, when both SUVs are equipped with AWD, the highway numbers are nearly identical: the Pilot gets 25 mpg, while the Passport gets 24 mpg .
Combined MPG
The combined ratings tell a similar story. In AWD form, both the Passport and Pilot get 21 mpg combined . The Pilot’s 2WD versions achieve 22 mpg combined .
It’s worth noting that the 2025 Passport uses a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the 2025 Pilot uses a 10-speed automatic . The extra gear in the Pilot likely contributes to its slight highway advantage. The 2026 Passport has been updated to a 10-speed automatic as well .
Performance: How They Actually Drive
On paper, these SUVs look almost identical. Behind the wheel, they feel different.
The Passport: Sportier and More Agile
The Passport is the lighter, more nimble SUV. At 4,236 pounds, it’s about 180 pounds lighter than the Pilot . That weight difference, combined with a shorter wheelbase, gives the Passport a sportier feel. Reviewers praise its “punchy acceleration” and smooth transmission . It’s the choice for drivers who want SUV practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
One MotorTrend reviewer noted that the Passport RTL accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, slightly quicker than the TrailSport’s 7.7-second result .
The Pilot: Capable but Less Lively
The Pilot is built for families, and its driving character reflects that. Some reviewers have described it as “bordering on underpowered” due to its 4,660-pound weight . The 10-speed automatic transmission requires you to press the gas pedal firmly to access peak power, making the Pilot feel less responsive than its smaller sibling .
That said, the Pilot isn’t slow. It handles highway merging and passing just fine — it just doesn’t have the same urgency as the Passport. For most family driving situations, the Pilot’s performance is more than adequate.
Real-World Impact: Which One Fits You?
The choice between these two comes down to your priorities.
| Feature | Honda Passport | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 MPH | 6.8 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| City MPG (AWD) | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Highway MPG (AWD) | 24-25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Highway MPG (2WD) | N/A (AWD standard) | 27 mpg |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs (AWD) |
| Seating | 5 | 8 |
| Best For | Adventure seekers, couples, small families | Growing families, carpooling, road trips |
Chart: Fuel Economy Comparison
The chart below shows the EPA fuel economy ratings for the Honda Passport and Honda Pilot across different configurations.
FAQ: Your Fuel Economy and Performance Questions, Answered
Which Honda SUV has better fuel economy, the Passport or the Pilot?
Fuel economy is nearly identical. In AWD form, both get 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (the Passport gets 24 mpg highway in some trims). The Pilot’s 2WD versions achieve 27 mpg on the highway, giving it a slight edge .
Is the Honda Passport faster than the Pilot?
Yes. The Passport is lighter and quicker, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds compared to the Pilot’s 7.1 seconds .
Do the Passport and Pilot have the same engine?
Yes, both use a 3.5-liter V6 engine. However, the Passport produces 280 horsepower while the Pilot produces 285 horsepower .
How much can the Passport and Pilot tow?
Both can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with all-wheel drive. The Pilot’s 2WD models are limited to 3,500 pounds .
Which SUV is better for road trips, the Passport or Pilot?
The Pilot offers more seating (8 vs 5) and slightly better highway fuel economy in 2WD form. The Passport has more cargo space behind the first row and a sportier drive. It depends on whether you need the extra seats .
Why does the Pilot TrailSport get worse fuel economy?
The Pilot TrailSport and Passport TrailSport get 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway due to their off-road tires, added weight, and increased ride height .
The Honda Passport and Pilot are two sides of the same coin. Both are powered by Honda’s reliable 3.5-liter V6, and both deliver fuel economy that’s nearly identical. The real choice comes down to what you need from an SUV. The Passport offers a sportier drive and plenty of cargo space for two-row adventures. The Pilot delivers three-row seating for growing families and slightly better highway efficiency.
Which SUV fits your lifestyle better? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
For further reading on Honda SUVs and specifications:
