The Honda Passport does not currently come in a hybrid version

Honda does not manufacture a hybrid model of the Passport. The Passport is available only with a conventional gasoline engine — a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower. If you are looking at Honda's lineup for a hybrid SUV option, you would need to consider a different model, such as the CR-V Hybrid or the Pilot Hybrid.

The Passport is positioned as Honda's mid-size body-on-frame SUV, designed for off-road capability and towing capacity. Those design priorities have led Honda to stick with the traditional V6 engine rather than develop a hybrid powertrain for this particular vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport comes only with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine; there is no hybrid option available.
  • The Passport's V6 engine produces 280 horsepower and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
  • Honda offers hybrid versions of other SUVs in its lineup, including the CR-V Hybrid and Pilot Hybrid, if fuel economy is a priority.
  • The Passport's fuel economy ranges from 19 to 21 miles per gallon depending on drivetrain (two-wheel or four-wheel drive) and driving conditions.

Passport fuel economy and emissions ratings

The Passport's EPA fuel economy estimates are 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway for two-wheel-drive models, or 19 city and 24 highway for four-wheel-drive models. Combined estimates fall between 21 and 22 miles per gallon. These figures are typical for mid-size SUVs with V6 engines and body-on-frame construction.

The Passport meets current federal emissions standards for light-duty vehicles. Its emissions classification and specific pollutant outputs depend on the model year and your state's regulations. States that follow California's emissions standards may have different requirements than federal baseline standards, so the exact emissions tier for a Passport varies by location and year.

Why Honda chose gasoline for the Passport

The Passport is built on a truck platform and designed to handle towing and off-road driving. Hybrid systems add weight and complexity, which can reduce towing capacity and ground clearance — both important for this vehicle's intended use. A conventional V6 delivers the torque and simplicity that buyers in this category prioritize.

Honda has invested its hybrid technology in models where fuel economy is the primary concern for buyers, such as the CR-V and Pilot. The Passport's market position is different: it competes on capability and off-road performance rather than on fuel efficiency.

Honda hybrid SUVs as an alternative

If you want a Honda SUV with hybrid technology, the CR-V Hybrid and Pilot Hybrid are your options. The CR-V Hybrid is smaller and more fuel-efficient, with EPA estimates around 40 miles per gallon combined. The Pilot Hybrid is larger and seats up to eight, with combined estimates around 27 to 28 miles per gallon.

Both hybrid models use Honda's two-motor hybrid system, which switches between electric and gasoline power depending on driving conditions. Neither offers the same off-road capability or towing capacity as the Passport, but both deliver significantly better fuel economy than the Passport's V6.

Passport emissions compliance by model year

The Passport's emissions performance varies slightly by model year. Newer model years (2023 and later) meet stricter federal standards than earlier years. If you are comparing Passports across different years or considering one for a state with specific emissions rules, check the vehicle's window sticker or the EPA's fueleconomy.gov website for the exact tier and pollutant ratings for that year and configuration.

All current-generation Passports meet Tier 2 or Tier 3 federal emissions standards, depending on model year. Some states impose additional requirements beyond federal baseline, so your state's rules may affect which model years are available for purchase or registration in your area.

Comparing the Passport to other mid-size SUVs

The Passport's V6 fuel economy is competitive with other body-on-frame SUVs in its class, such as the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. Both of those vehicles also rely on conventional gasoline engines and deliver similar or slightly lower fuel economy. If fuel economy is your main concern, a unibody SUV with a hybrid option — like the CR-V Hybrid — will outperform any body-on-frame SUV.

The trade-off is capability. Body-on-frame SUVs like the Passport are built for towing and off-road use. Unibody hybrids prioritize passenger comfort and fuel efficiency. Choosing between them depends on whether you need the Passport's specific strengths or whether a hybrid SUV's better fuel economy matters more to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Honda planning to release a Passport hybrid?

Honda has not announced plans for a hybrid Passport. The company has focused its hybrid development on the CR-V and Pilot, which are higher-volume models. Any future hybrid Passport would require significant platform changes and would likely not arrive for several years, if at all.

What is the Passport's towing capacity?

The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the proper equipment. A hybrid system would add weight and complexity, which is one reason Honda has not pursued a hybrid version for this vehicle. If towing is not a priority, a hybrid SUV like the Pilot Hybrid offers better fuel economy.

Does the Passport meet California emissions standards?

Yes, the Passport meets California's Light-Duty Vehicle emissions standards. However, the specific tier and pollutant ratings depend on the model year. Check the vehicle's EPA label or fueleconomy.gov for the exact classification for the year you are considering.

How does the Passport's fuel economy compare to the CR-V Hybrid?

The Passport delivers around 21 miles per gallon combined, while the CR-V Hybrid achieves approximately 40 miles per gallon combined. The CR-V Hybrid is significantly more fuel-efficient, but it is smaller and does not offer the Passport's towing capacity or off-road capability.

Can I get a Passport with all-wheel drive?

The Passport comes with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, not all-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive is standard on most trims. Four-wheel-drive models have slightly lower fuel economy (19 city, 24 highway) than two-wheel-drive versions (19 city, 25 highway).