While most manufacturers are downsizing their engines and adding turbochargers, Honda has opted to fit the Passport with a large 3.5L V6 engine which produces 280 horsepower and 5000 lbs towing capacity. This engine ensures that the Passport feels powerful at the full RPM range. Power is sent to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. This means the Passport is quicker than most people would expect from a mid-sized SUV, and while the Passport doesn't come out and claim to be a sports car, it does provide relatively sporty driving characteristics when compared to most of its direct competitors.
The Passport is available in AWD with three trim levels EX-L, TrailSport and Black Edition. This SUV has an array of standard safety features including blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, lane keeping system, adaptive cruise control, and front/rear parking sensors.
The Passport is richly equipped, so even the entry level trim comes with plenty of equipment.
The EX-L trim is equipped with 20-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights, sunroof, heated side mirrors with power reverse tilt down, power liftgate, remote start, leather seats, proximity keyless entry and push-button start, three-zone automatic climate control, heated power front seats, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with 7-speakers audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and wireless phone charging.
The TrailSport trim includes additional convenience features, such as 18-inch aluminum wheels with rugged terrain tires, roof rails, compass, front wiper de-icer, power folding mirrors, voice activated navigation, and interior ambient lighting.
The Black Edition trim tops them all with hands-free liftgate, HondaLink connected services, vehicle tracker system, three-zone automatic climate control with rear seat controls, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming mirrors, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, and 10-premium speaker audio system.
Rugged Styling
Available All-wheel Drive
Powerful V6 Engine
Upscale Features
Smart Interior Design
Standard Honda Sensing Safety In All Trims
A new Black Edition trim replaces the Elite trim but otherwise the Honda Passport carries over with minimal changes.
The Honda Passport is in competition with other SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Bronco, and the Toyota 4Runner. Like those SUVs, it compromises a bit of space in favor of offering a more rewarding driving experience and more rugged styling. Nobody will confuse the Passport with a minivan unlike several other SUVs on the market, which simply concentrate on offering the most space for the money. Instead, Passport owners will find themselves in a vehicle that feels premium without necessarily having a premium price point.