Honda is one of the many brands to have multiple SUV models in its lineup. There’s the subcompact HR-V, compact CR-V, midsize Passport, and midsize Pilot. Though the Passport is smaller than the Pilot, it has a higher starting MSRP. The 2022 Honda Passport starts at $38,370 compared to the Pilot’s $38,080 starting MSRP, per U.S. News. Here’s how the two compare.

So why is the Honda Passport more expensive than the Honda Pilot?

There are few differences on paper between the two Honda SUVs. They have identical power figures and similar standard features. But the difference in MSP comes down to purpose.

The Pilot offers more seats compared to the Passport thanks to its larger size. But the Passport’s off-road appeal, more cargo space with the seats up, and a few more features to make it more of an adventure SUV. 

Honda Passport vs. Pilot: size and interior space

According to U.S. News, both models have the same wheelbase length at 111 inches. The Honda Pilot is seven inches longer than the Passport, which translates to more room inside.

Despite the price difference, the Pilot has room for eight passengers to the Passport’s five. There’s nearly identical room for passengers in the front and second row between the models. In the Pilot, there’s less leg room in the third row than there is in the second row (31.9 inches to 38.4).

In forgoing that third row of seats, the Passport ends up with a lot more cargo space with the seats in place. The maximum capacity is better in the Pilot—83.9 cubic feet to the Passport’s 77.7—but that changes if the seats are up. With the seats in place, the Passport’s 41.2 cubic feet of cargo room offers a lot more than the Pilot’s 16.5. 

The Passport is more geared for off-roading than the Pilot, and that’s reflected in some of its dimensions. Its ground clearance is slightly higher (7.5 inches to the Pilot’s 7.3) but approach and departure angles are quite different.

The Passport’s angle of approach is 20.1 degrees, 1.3 higher than the Pilot, and its angle of departure is 23.4 degrees, 2.5 degrees more than the Pilot. Its wheels are also two inches wider.

Specs and features of the two SUVs

The two models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Two of the three Passport trims, the TrailSport and Elite, come with standard all-wheel drive. It’s optional for the base EX-L model.

For the Pilot’s five trims, all-wheel drive is optional for the base EX-L, SE, and Touring models. The top trims (Elite and Black Edition) have standard all-wheel drive. 

With a smaller trim range, the Passport starts you off with many standard features. The base EX-L includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof. Technology features include an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a seven-speaker audio system. 

The Pilot offers many of the same features on its base EX-L but with a few differences, specifically no standard sunroof, power liftgate, or wireless smartphone charging. They both include the Honda Sensing Suite of driver aids like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, and a lane-keeping system.