2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh for a more rugged look and a 2020 Black Edition for a blacked-out appearance, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices ranging from $32,250 to $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000, except on the Elite and Black Edition trims where it was standard. The new Special Edition trim added features like black 20-inch alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, had a window sticker of $51,435, including destination charges.

The 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, but featured a shorter length and no third-row seat. Its new styling, similar to the Ridgeline, aimed for a tougher look. The Passport was available in three trims: EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite, with prices from $37,870 to $45,430, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. The TrailSport trim, new for 2022, targeted off-road enthusiasts with standard all-wheel drive, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and traction management driving modes. The TrailSport test vehicle, with Sonic Gray Pearl paint, had an MSRP of $44,095. The Passport's interior was spacious, with quality materials and unique TrailSport features like orange stitching and rubber all-season floor mats.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined power delivery. The Pilot's all-wheel-drive system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing traction. Fuel-saving technologies like variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start contributed to an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models, with the test vehicle averaging 21.5 mpg. The Pilot's suspension offered a comfortable ride and athletic handling, aided by the torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch wheels on the Black Edition. However, its off-road capability was limited by 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and 280 horsepower as the Pilot. The Passport's EPA rating was 22 mpg combined for FWD models and 21 mpg for AWD models, with the TrailSport test vehicle averaging 21.3 mpg. The Passport's i-VTM4 AWD system, standard on TrailSport and Elite trims, provided mechanical torque vectoring, distributing up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel. The Passport excelled on twisty roads, with firm, communicative ride and athletic handling. However, its off-road performance was limited by wheel articulation. The Passport's brakes, while effective, could heat up and vibrate during prolonged use, affecting confidence during mountain descents.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain’s chairs, standard on Elite and Black Edition trims, were nearly as comfortable as the front seats and slid forward for easier third-row access. The third-row seat, while adequate, was less comfortable for adults on long trips. Storage was abundant, with compartments in the door panels, center console, and front seatback pockets. The Pilot provided 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 83.9 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Honda Passport featured large, comfortable front seats with inboard adjustable armrests and good thigh support. Leather upholstery and heated front seats were standard, with the Elite trim adding ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, headroom, and a slightly elevated seating position, with large side windows enhancing the open feel. Storage options included a massive center console bin, door panel shelves, and rear door cupholders. The Passport offered 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 77.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Passport's utility and comfort made it a practical choice for daily use.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The system was adequate but had a small screen and limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with a 115-volt power outlet, HDMI port, and Cabin Talk feature, allowing the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the stereo speakers or headphones.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The TrailSport trim added navigation, while the Elite trim featured a 10-speaker premium sound system and HondaLink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The system had shortcut buttons for the Home menu, a Back button, a screen brightness button, and a stereo volume knob, but lacked a tuning knob. Apple CarPlay and Siri were preferred for navigation due to the Passport's clunky system. Wireless smartphone charging was standard, but the Passport's overall technology was not advanced, which might appeal to those seeking simplicity.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, the Pilot also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot's older version of Honda Sensing was functional but lacked refinement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Pilot a five-star overall rating, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it top ratings except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Honda Passport also included Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, a rear-seat reminder system, and a seatbelt reminder system. The Passport's driver-assist tech was effective but not smooth or refined. The NHTSA awarded the Passport five-star ratings in most categories, with a four-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal impact and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave the Passport top ratings in most respects, with an "acceptable" rating for front-passenger protection in a small overlap collision.