The 2023 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame

The 2023 Honda Passport is a body-on-frame SUV that sits between Honda's CR-V and Pilot in size. It shares its platform with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a truck's structural strength but SUV seating and cargo space. The Passport comes in four trim levels — Sport, EX, EX-L, and Trailsport — and seats five people across two rows.

Honda designed the Passport for owners who want genuine off-road capability without the full-size truck experience. It has a standard all-wheel-drive system, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle rides higher than most traditional SUVs and has more ground clearance, which affects how it handles on pavement and what you see from the driver's seat.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Passport uses a truck frame and V6 engine, making it heavier and less fuel-efficient than unibody SUVs like the CR-V, but more capable on rough terrain.
  • All-wheel drive comes standard on every trim level, and Honda offers an available i-VTM4 torque-vectoring system for better handling in snow and light off-road conditions.
  • The Passport seats five people and offers 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 153.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.
  • Real-world fuel economy ranges from 19 to 21 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and which transmission mode you use.
  • The 2023 model year introduced a new Trailsport trim with all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential for serious off-road use.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

Every 2023 Passport uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The engine pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels. There is no option for a smaller engine, a hybrid system, or front-wheel drive — Honda built the Passport as a single powertrain solution.

The EPA rates the 2023 Passport at 19 miles per gallon in the city, 24 on the highway, and 21 combined. Real-world mileage tends to fall between 19 and 21 mpg depending on how much highway driving you do and whether you use the available Intelligent Traction Management system, which can adjust power delivery for different road surfaces. The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, which gives a typical range of 370 to 470 miles per tank.

The transmission includes a manual shift mode and a tow/haul setting that holds gears longer during towing. The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is less than the Ridgeline truck but adequate for small trailers and jet skis.

Trim levels and what each one includes

The Sport trim is the entry point and includes all-wheel drive, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and Honda Sensing safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information. The Sport does not have leather seats, a sunroof, or heated front seats.

The EX trim adds heated front seats, a power moonroof, a power liftgate, and an upgraded audio system. The EX-L includes leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. Both the EX and EX-L can be ordered with a navigation system and a rear seat entertainment package.

The Trailsport, new for 2023, is built specifically for off-road use. It includes all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, a locking rear differential, a multi-terrain select system, and a unique exterior design with a roof rack and all-terrain styling. The Trailsport sits higher than other trims and uses a different suspension tuning. It does not include leather or a moonroof, focusing instead on capability over luxury.

All-wheel drive and off-road systems

The 2023 Passport comes with a standard all-wheel-drive system that automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels. In normal driving, it favors the front wheels for efficiency. When it detects wheel slip, it sends more power to the rear. This system works well on snow and gravel but is not designed for serious rock crawling or deep water crossings.

Honda offers an optional i-VTM4 torque-vectoring system on the Sport, EX, and EX-L trims. This system can send power to individual rear wheels, which improves handling on pavement and provides better traction on loose surfaces. The Trailsport includes a locking rear differential instead, which locks both rear wheels together for maximum traction when climbing rocks or navigating deep ruts.

The Intelligent Traction Management system, available on all trims, includes multiple terrain modes: Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. Each mode adjusts throttle response, transmission shifting, and traction control to suit the surface. The Trailsport adds a Rock mode for steep, rocky terrain. These systems do not replace proper off-road technique or recovery equipment, but they do make the Passport capable on trails that would stop a typical car-based SUV.

Interior space and cargo capacity

The Passport seats five people across two rows with no third-row option. The front seats are spacious and offer good visibility thanks to the high seating position. The rear seats are narrower than those in the Pilot and best suited for two adults or three children. Legroom in the back is adequate for short trips but tight for long drives.

Behind the rear seats, the Passport offers 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space. With the rear seats folded flat, that expands to 153.6 cubic feet. The cargo floor is lower than in the Pilot but higher than in a traditional sedan, which makes loading and unloading easier than a truck bed but requires more lifting than a low-slung car. The roof rails and available roof rack make it straightforward to add a cargo carrier or roof tent for camping trips.

The cabin includes a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on trim level, with physical knobs for volume and tuning. Storage cubbies are plentiful, and the center console includes a 12-volt outlet and USB ports. Climate control is automatic on the EX and EX-L trims and manual on the Sport.

Safety features and crash test results

The 2023 Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver information features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These systems use cameras and radar to monitor the road and can explore the brakes or adjust steering if they detect a potential collision.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2023 Passport an overall rating of four out of five stars. It scored five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it as Good in the moderate overlap front crash test and Acceptable in the small overlap test, but did not conduct a rollover test because the Passport's high center of gravity makes it inherently more prone to tipping than lower vehicles.

The Passport includes eight airbags, electronic stability control, and a backup camera as standard. Higher trims add a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, which is useful when parking or navigating tight trails.

Reliability and maintenance costs

The 2023 Passport shares its engine and transmission with the Ridgeline, which has a strong reliability record. Honda's V6 engines are known for durability, and the nine-speed transmission has been in use since 2014 with few reported issues. The truck-based frame is simpler and more robust than the unibody construction used in most SUVs, which can mean lower repair costs if damage occurs.

Routine maintenance includes oil changes every 10,000 miles, transmission fluid checks, and tire rotations. The all-wheel-drive system requires periodic inspection of the transfer case and differentials, especially if you use the vehicle off-road. Brake pads typically last 50,000 to 70,000 miles depending on driving style. Tire replacement costs vary, but all-terrain tires on the Trailsport are more expensive than the standard tires on other trims.

Honda's factory warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrain coverage extends to five years or 60,000 miles. Extended warranties are available through Honda dealers and third-party providers, though the Passport's reliability record means they are not essential for most owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2023 Passport compare to the Toyota 4Runner?

The Passport is smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than the 4Runner, which makes it better for daily driving and light off-roading. The 4Runner has a third row of seats and more towing capacity, but costs significantly more. The Passport is the better choice if you want genuine off-road capability without the size and expense of a full-size SUV.

Can the Passport handle serious rock crawling and water crossings?

The Passport is capable on moderate trails and can handle water crossings up to about 20 inches deep, but it is not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording. The Trailsport trim gets you closer to that capability with its locking differential and skid plates, but you will need aftermarket upgrades and proper technique for serious off-road use.

What is the difference between the i-VTM4 and the locking rear differential?

The i-VTM4 torque-vectoring system improves handling on pavement and provides traction on loose surfaces by sending power to individual rear wheels. The locking rear differential locks both rear wheels together for maximum traction on rocks and ruts. The Trailsport uses the locking differential; other trims can add the i-VTM4 as an option.

Is the Passport good for towing a travel trailer?

The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is enough for small travel trailers and utility trailers. Larger trailers will exceed its capacity. You will need a proper hitch installation and a weight-distribution system for safe towing, and fuel economy will drop noticeably when towing.

Does the 2023 model have any major recalls?

Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for the most current recall information, as new recalls can be issued after a model year begins production. As of early 2023, the Passport had no widespread safety recalls, but owners should register their vehicles with Honda to receive recall notices directly.