2020 Honda Passport vs 2021 Honda Pilot

2020 Honda Passport
2020 Honda Passport
$31,990MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Passport
$31,990MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$31,990

MSRP

$32,550

Average price

$24,711

Average price

$28,167

Listings

153

Listings

1228

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Irritating transmission

2020 Honda Passport Reviews Summary

Honda has brought back the Passport name for its latest SUV offering. The two-row crossover is an upmarket take on transport that proves just as comfortable on the road as it is on the trail. Though the model doesn’t break the Honda mold, it has a lot to like, including off-road capability and thoughtful interior functionality.

2021 Honda Pilot Reviews Summary

It’s been seven years since Honda last redesigned the Pilot, the automaker’s popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. In most ways, age has been kind to it, but to love a 2021 Honda Pilot you must first live with one. Unlike some competitors, the styling is not a strong suit. Rather, it is the Pilot’s interior, powertrain, driving dynamics, and simple but useful technology that makes you appreciate it each and every day. Well, that, and the cheap lease payment.
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Engine

3.5L 280 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

8

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

280 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

25

MPG Highway

27
2020 Honda Passport
2020 Honda Passport
$31,990MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Passport
$31,990MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Pilot
$32,550MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$31,990
$32,550
Average price
$24,711
$28,167
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.8
4.6
Expert reviews

8.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Poor fuel economy
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Irritating transmission
Summary
Honda has brought back the Passport name for its latest SUV offering. The two-row crossover is an upmarket take on transport that proves just as comfortable on the road as it is on the trail. Though the model doesn’t break the Honda mold, it has a lot to like, including off-road capability and thoughtful interior functionality.
It’s been seven years since Honda last redesigned the Pilot, the automaker’s popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. In most ways, age has been kind to it, but to love a 2021 Honda Pilot you must first live with one. Unlike some competitors, the styling is not a strong suit. Rather, it is the Pilot’s interior, powertrain, driving dynamics, and simple but useful technology that makes you appreciate it each and every day. Well, that, and the cheap lease payment.
Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.5L 280 hp V6
3.5L 280 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
8
Horsepower
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
280 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
20
20
MPG Highway
25
27
Look and feel
2020 Honda Passport
8/10
2021 Honda Pilot
7/10

The 2020 Honda Passport was a testament to Honda's consistent design philosophy, offering a familiar yet appealing aesthetic that resonated with loyal Honda buyers. Its exterior design suggested a rugged and athletic demeanor, distinguishing it from its siblings, the Pilot and CR-V. The Passport's elevated ground clearance further emphasized its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those seeking adventure. Inside, the Passport's cabin was a blend of practicality and sophistication, featuring high-quality materials and a spacious layout that mirrored the Pilot's interior. The Elite trim level boasted luxurious features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a moonroof, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance rugged styling with family-friendly functionality. Despite efforts to refresh its exterior design, the Pilot's appearance remained somewhat polarizing. The model offered a wide range of trims, including the new Special Edition and the upscale Black Edition, each with unique styling elements. Inside, the Pilot provided ample space for up to eight passengers, with comfortable seating and a host of convenience features. The Black Edition, in particular, stood out with its exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents. However, the Pilot's interior design leaned towards a minivan-like feel, which, coupled with its exterior styling, might not have appealed to everyone.

Performance
2020 Honda Passport
8/10
2021 Honda Pilot
8/10

The 2020 Honda Passport was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and capable driving experience across various terrains. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with FWD models achieving 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, while AWD models slightly underperformed. The Passport excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its torque-vectoring AWD system and multiple drive modes, including Snow, Sand, and Mud. It also boasted a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, surpassing many of its competitors.

Similarly, the 2021 Honda Pilot featured the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, offering identical horsepower and torque figures. The Pilot's nine-speed automatic transmission and available torque-vectoring AWD system contributed to its agile handling and responsive performance. Fuel-saving technologies like variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start helped the Pilot achieve a combined 22 mpg in AWD configurations. The Pilot's suspension system provided a comfortable ride, while its steering and braking systems enhanced driving enjoyment. However, its off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and all-season tires, making it less suitable for challenging terrains.

Form and function
2020 Honda Passport
10/10
2021 Honda Pilot
9/10

The 2020 Honda Passport was a practical choice for those seeking a spacious and versatile SUV. Its right-sized dimensions offered excellent visibility and ample seating for four adults, with no third-row option. The Passport excelled in cargo space, providing 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and the most under-floor storage in its class. The interior featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a large center console and secondary shelf space. The Passport's climate control and seat functionalities were user-friendly, ensuring comfort for all occupants.

In comparison, the 2021 Honda Pilot catered to larger families with its three-row seating configuration, accommodating up to eight passengers. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, while the second-row captain's chairs offered additional comfort and convenience. The Pilot's cargo space was generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage compartments and a power tailgate for easy access to the cargo area.

Technology
2020 Honda Passport
9/10
2021 Honda Pilot
5/10

The 2020 Honda Passport offered a straightforward infotainment system, with higher trims featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with responsive pinch, swipe, and tap functionality. Standard features included Bluetooth, a USB port, and a seven-speaker audio system, while higher trims added a 10-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system was similar, with most trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included Bluetooth, satellite radio, and HondaLink connected services. The Touring trim added navigation, a premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. While the system was adequate, it lacked a tuning knob and required specific voice commands for successful operation.

Safety
2020 Honda Passport
9/10
2021 Honda Pilot
7/10

The 2020 Honda Passport prioritized safety, earning high marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection.

Similarly, the 2021 Honda Pilot featured the Honda Sensing package as standard, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot's safety ratings were favorable, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS. However, the Pilot's safety systems were less refined compared to newer models.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Passport is 8.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Pilot scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Honda Passport is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of performance, practicality, and safety features.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Passport is 8.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Pilot scores 7.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Honda Passport is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of performance, practicality, and safety features.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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