I would definitely remove them.

 

Off

 

I would take them off.
I have them on my 2000 Acura 3.2TL and had them put on sisters 2007 Ridgeline.
But they are Body colored.

 

I've seen dealers install body side molding in positions that will not protect the vehicle from door dings. These look perfectly positioned so it's a shame they are not body colored. Can they be painted without removing them?

 

The problem with painted (color matched) body side moldings is that is someone does open their door into them, it will cause a chip in the paint!

With the "raw" rubber (unpainted) ones, they can take hits, no problem..

 

Encouraged by dealerships to see body side moldings as a "looks" accessory instead of functional accessory, I think a lot of folks including myself are gradually forgetting what they are meant to do - Protect the vehicle from door dings!

 

Yep and as a FYI, I dislike the look of them and have never installed them, and 6+ years later...ZERO door dings...!

 

I vote remove.

 

Functionally probably great but I agree with everyone else. They really look strange. Gotta' go. And not to pry, but... any particular reason you took the first photo in a cemetery?

 

The matte black molding looks worse on other Passport colors. I can't imagine why the designers didn't offer it in non-painted, body colored plastic.

 

I would have them removed.

 

Provided they remove them AND reimburse you for their cost I too vote get rid of them.
Otherwise I'd learn to ignore them. Perhaps the next owners will appreciate them.

 

OP wanted them put on. Why should the dealership reimburse for that?

 

I'm in the minority, but I think they look OK, given they match the rocker panel and wheel well moldings. Probably what Honda designers thought, something a little different. I'd keep them for the door protection. Some Honda history here - I had an '05 Acura TL and now my '24 PP, and on both I had the color matching side moldings put on and they look great. But way back when, I also had a '92 Accord and an '84 Prelude, and both came with a dark gray (Prelude may have been black) side molding that looked just fine. It's kinda just what you get used to.

 

First, I would like to thank all of you for your input. It's been very interesting reading through your thoughts and experiences.
Just to clarify the process, I did not order the body side moldings with the Passport purchase. I called the dealership two weeks later and spoke directly with the parts department. The parts person asked me what color, and I replied, crystal black Pearl (not just “black” but “crystal black Pearl”). I also offered the vin number to ensure the color was right and he said he did not need it that he had the right item. He then gave me the price and our conversation ended. When the parts person asked me for a color and I responded with a specific body color, I have no reason to believe that I would receive anything but that color. Did I do my own research, no. I didn't think it was required for an OEM part through the dealership. I guess I was wrong.
When I picked up the Passport, instead of going to the cashier to pay and get my key, the service advisor walked me out to my Passport. I think he was just as surprised with the matte black as I was. Neither of us had an immediate liking to the aesthetics. He did not charge me at that time but told me to spend a couple of days with the vehicle and decide if I wanted to keep them.
Anyway, it's over now. I called yesterday and made an appointment for today to have them removed. I originally got them to protect the sides of the Passport. I've never had them on other vehicles but with all the crazies out there today I thought it might be a good thing. I agree with most of you on the forum and did not like the looks of them. I guess I'll worry about dings if and when they happen. The dealership was able to remove them without any issues for the paint and the vehicle looks much better without them. The dealership took full responsibility for the mix up and I ended up with 0 out of pocket cost.
Again, I would like to thank all of you for your comments.

 

This is late as you've had them removed already. When I read your post before seeing the picture, my mind was already made up to say "remove". After seeing the picture they look good! They even look good on the video someone posted with a lighter colored 2026 PP. I'm not a big fan of the exterior styling of the 26 PP for the same reason I think the molding looks good. It's a more off-road rugged styled vehicle (not my cup of tea). But I think those black matt molding fit with the off-road look, in my opinion.

 

Have you considered ordering the body side moldings for the Pilot? Those come in crystal black pearl. It's not an option for the orange or green. But the common Honda colors are available. They look to be the same shape.

 

26 PP uses 23+ Pilot doors, so it's a good chance they'll work.