Passport vs Pilot: Which Honda SUV Is Your Ultimate Winter Companion?
When it’s wintertime in North Carolina, you need a vehicle equipped for whatever the weather throws at you. For families looking for an SUV that brings to the table all-wheel drive capability, ground clearance, and room for the whole crew, the Honda Passport and Pilot check all the boxes.
Whether you’re heading to Asheville for a holiday getaway or simply need a vehicle that can handle icy mornings, the Pilot and Passport deliver. Visit us today at Barbour Hendrick Honda, and we’ll help you choose the best fit.
All-Wheel Drive Confidence: Real Snow and Slush Capabilities
Both the Honda Passport and Pilot are available with i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive, a system that automatically distributes power to the wheels with the most traction. But how do they compare in North Carolina driving conditions in the winter?
Passport AWD Highlights:
- Standard AWD on TrailSport Trim
- Intelligent Traction Management with Snow Mode
- Slightly More Focused on Off-Road Handling in Slick Conditions
Pilot AWD Highlights:
- Available AWD Across Trims (standard on TrailSport and Elite)
- Active Torque Vectoring for Improved Control on Twisty, Icy Roads
- Better Suited for Highway Stability During Winter Family Travel
For those frequently driving rural or uneven terrain during the winter, the Passport TrailSport is the go-to. But if your winter plans include a lot of interstate or highway time with the family in tow, the Pilot’s larger footprint and road-tuned AWD system give you added peace of mind.
Ground Clearance: Who Handles the Snowy Stuff Better?
When it comes to snow buildup or navigating slushy driveways, ground clearance can make or break your momentum.
- Honda Passport: 8.1 inches
- Honda Passport TrailSport: 8.3 inches
- Honda Pilot TrailSport: 8.3 inches
- Honda Pilot (non-TrailSport trims): 7.3 inches
The TrailSport trims of both SUVs come equipped with off-road-tuned suspensions and higher ground clearance, making them perfect for light snow or weekend trips to the mountains. If you’re prioritizing capability without stepping into a full-size truck, these TrailSport models are standout choices.
Interior Space for Winter Travel: Passengers and Cargo
Packing for winter in North Carolina often means more gear – jackets, boots, sports equipment, and more. Here’s how these SUVs stack up inside:
Honda Passport Interior Perks:
- Five-Passenger Seating
- 41.2 Cubic Feet of Cargo Space (behind 2nd row)
- Easy-to-Clean, All-Season Floor Mats (available)
- Perfect for Couples or Smaller Families Needing Gear Space
Honda Pilot Interior Perks:
- Seven- or Eight-Passenger Seating Options
- Up to 111.8 Cubic Feet of Cargo Volume (with all seats down)
- Available Cabin Intercom and Panoramic Moonroof
- Great for Larger Families, Carpools, or Holiday Road Trips
The Pilot is the clear winner if you’re traveling with more people or simply need more room. But if you want something slightly smaller with more space per passenger and fewer seats to fold, the Passport brings excellent utility in a tighter footprint.
Tech and Safety for Cold-Weather Confidence
Both models come equipped with Honda Sensing®, which includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist
Plus, both offer available heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and tri-zone climate control – features that make cold mornings more manageable.
You might also like: The Honda HR-V vs The Competition: A Compact SUV Showdown
Which SUV Is Right for You this Winter?
Choosing your Honda SUV comes down to priorities. For families that love the off-road and need rugged styling and gear space, the Honda Passport TrailSport is the answer. If maximum seating, highway stability, and family-friendly features are at the top of your list, choose the Honda Pilot (especially AWD Touring or Elite trims).
Find your winter match at Barbour Hendrick Honda in Greenville. Visit us or schedule your test drive online today.
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