2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's resemblance to a minivan and the exterior's lack of appeal were noted drawbacks.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, resulting in a similar design to the Ridgeline. The Passport's new styling aimed for a tougher look, especially in the TrailSport trim, which targeted off-road enthusiasts. The TrailSport offered a more rugged appearance with unique wheels and design elements, though its off-road capabilities were more aesthetic than functional. The Passport's interior was spacious, with quality materials and thoughtful design, making it a comfortable choice for road trips.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The engine was smooth and responsive, with a fuel efficiency of 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving. The Pilot's torque-vectoring AWD system and suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, though its off-road capabilities were limited by ground clearance and approach angles.

Similarly, the 2022 Honda Passport retained the same powertrain, delivering identical power and torque figures. The Passport's AWD system, i-VTM4, offered mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing its on-road performance. The Passport averaged 11.0 L/100 km in various driving conditions. While the Passport excelled on paved roads, its off-road performance was limited by wheel articulation. The SUV's brakes, though effective, lacked confidence during prolonged use, especially when towing.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The Pilot offered generous cargo space, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded. Storage solutions were abundant, enhancing its practicality for family use.

The 2022 Honda Passport offered easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. The interior featured comfortable seats with leather upholstery and heated options. The Passport's cargo space was generous, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with seats folded. The SUV's interior design prioritized storage, with a large centre console and door panel shelving, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice-recognition capabilities. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system was similar, with an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring offered navigation and a premium audio system. The system's navigation was clunky, prompting reliance on Apple CarPlay. Wireless charging was standard on most trims, though the Passport's tech offerings were not cutting-edge.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was functional but lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, though some areas were rated as "acceptable."

The 2022 Honda Passport also featured Honda Sensing, with additional safety features like a rear-seat reminder and seatbelt reminder. The system's lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist were intrusive, leading to their deactivation during testing. The Passport received similar safety ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, though it had room for improvement in certain areas.