The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built for off-road driving

The Honda Passport is a body-on-frame SUV that Honda designed specifically for people who want serious off-road capability without the size of a full-size truck. It sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and the larger Pilot, and it shares its platform with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck. That shared foundation means the Passport has a real frame underneath, not just a car chassis with an SUV body bolted on — which matters if you plan to take it on rough terrain.

The Passport comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. It has a nine-speed automatic transmission and can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The interior seats five people, and the cargo area behind the rear seats holds about 76 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Honda updates the Passport every few years with new styling, technology, and engine refinements, so the year you choose affects what features are available.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport is built on a truck frame and comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it capable on unpaved roads and rough terrain in ways that car-based SUVs are not.
  • It seats five people and has a V6 engine with 280 horsepower, but it is not as large or as tow-capable as full-size trucks like the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado.
  • Honda offers the Passport in multiple trim levels — typically Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring — with higher trims adding leather seats, a sunroof, and more advanced technology.
  • The Passport's fuel economy ranges from roughly 19 to 21 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and which model year you own.
  • Used Passports hold their value reasonably well, and maintenance costs are generally in line with other Honda vehicles of similar size.

Trim levels and what each one includes

Honda sells the Passport in four main trim levels, though the exact names and features shift slightly from year to year. The Sport trim is the base model and includes all-wheel drive, the V6 engine, a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Honda's safety suite of collision warning and lane-keeping information. It comes with cloth seats and a manual transmission option is not available — the nine-speed automatic is standard across all trims.

The EX trim adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, a roof rack, and upgraded interior trim. The EX-L adds leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a sunroof. The Touring trim, the highest level, includes a premium audio system, a head-up display that projects speed and navigation onto the windshield, adaptive dampers that adjust suspension stiffness on the fly, and additional safety features. Pricing varies by model year and region, but the gap between trims is typically $3,000 to $5,000.

Off-road features and driving modes

The Passport's main selling point is its off-road capability. It has a higher ground clearance than most car-based SUVs — about 8.6 inches — and a body-on-frame design that can handle flex and twisting that would damage a unibody vehicle. The all-wheel-drive system is standard, and it includes a two-speed transfer case that lets you shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, or lock the center differential for maximum traction on rocks and sand.

Newer Passport models include Terrain Response modes — preset settings that adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and suspension damping for different surfaces. These modes include Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock. You do not have to use them; the Passport will drive normally in two-wheel drive on pavement without any special settings. But if you are heading into rough terrain, these modes make a real difference in how the vehicle behaves.

The Passport also has a shorter wheelbase than the Ridgeline truck it shares a platform with, which gives it a tighter turning radius and better approach and departure angles — the angles at which the front and rear bumpers clear obstacles when climbing or descending steep terrain. This matters if you plan to drive on rocky trails where a longer vehicle would get hung up.

Fuel economy and running costs

The Passport's V6 engine is not particularly fuel-efficient by modern standards. The EPA rates it at roughly 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway, for a combined average around 21. Real-world numbers vary based on how you drive — aggressive acceleration and towing will lower your mileage, while highway cruising at steady speeds will improve it. If you spend most of your time in stop-and-go traffic, expect to see numbers closer to 18 or 19.

Maintenance costs are straightforward. Oil changes run $40 to $75 depending on whether you use synthetic oil. Tire replacements cost $150 to $250 per tire, and brakes typically run $300 to $600 for a full set. Honda Passports do not have a reputation for major mechanical problems, and parts are widely available because the vehicle shares components with the Ridgeline and other Honda trucks. If you own the Passport out of warranty, budget roughly $1,000 to $1,500 per year for routine maintenance and unexpected repairs.

New versus used Passport buying considerations

A new Passport costs between $45,000 and $65,000 depending on trim level and current-year options, though prices vary by region and dealer. Used Passports from the past five years typically sell for $30,000 to $50,000 depending on mileage and condition. The Passport has been in production since 2019, so any used model you find will be relatively recent.

When shopping used, check the service history to see whether the previous owner did regular oil changes and maintenance. Look for signs of off-road use — scratches on the undercarriage, worn tires, or dents on the bumpers — which is not necessarily bad, but it tells you how the vehicle was driven. Test the all-wheel-drive system by shifting into four-wheel drive and four-wheel-lock on a safe surface to make sure the transfer case engages smoothly. Ask the dealer or seller whether the vehicle has ever been in an accident, and if so, what was repaired.

Comparing the Passport to similar vehicles

The Passport's closest competitors are the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Wrangler is smaller, lighter, and more capable on extreme terrain, but it has less interior space and a rougher ride on pavement. The Grand Cherokee is larger and more comfortable for daily driving, but it is built on a car platform and does not have the same off-road credentials. The Toyota 4Runner is larger and more expensive, but it offers a third row of seating and a reputation for extreme durability.

If you want a vehicle that can handle unpaved roads and rough terrain but spend most of your time on pavement, the Passport is a good middle ground. It is more capable than a standard SUV like the CR-V or Highlander, but more comfortable and fuel-efficient than a full-size truck. If you plan to do serious rock crawling or extreme off-roading, the Wrangler or 4Runner might be better choices. If you mostly need a comfortable family hauler that can handle the occasional dirt road, a car-based SUV will cost less and get better fuel economy.

Technology and infotainment features

All Passport models come with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can run navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze directly from your phone. The base system has an 8-inch screen; higher trims get a larger display. The system responds quickly to touch inputs and is generally straightforward to use, though some owners find the menu structure less intuitive than systems from other manufacturers.

Newer Passport models include wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle when parking, and a power liftgate that opens and closes at the push of a button. The Touring trim adds a head-up display and a premium audio system with more speakers and better sound quality. None of these features are essential for off-road driving, but they make daily use more convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Passport tow a boat or trailer?

Yes, the Passport can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is enough for a small boat or utility trailer. You will need a proper hitch installed and the right wiring harness for trailer lights. The Ridgeline truck it shares a platform with can tow more — up to 5,000 pounds — so if towing capacity is your main priority, the Ridgeline might be a better choice.

Is the Passport good for daily driving on pavement?

Yes. The Passport rides smoothly on highways and city streets, and the interior is comfortable for long drives. The main trade-off is fuel economy — you will get better mileage in a car-based SUV. But if you want the option to drive on unpaved roads without sacrificing daily comfort, the Passport handles both well.

What is the difference between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive mode?

Two-wheel drive sends power only to the rear wheels and uses less fuel. Four-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels for better traction on slippery surfaces like snow, mud, or sand. You can shift between them while driving, though Honda recommends stopping before engaging four-wheel-lock, which locks the center differential for maximum traction on rocks or extreme terrain.

How long do Passports typically last?

Honda vehicles are known for durability, and Passports with regular maintenance often reach 200,000 miles or more. The V6 engine is proven and reliable. Major repairs are uncommon in the first 100,000 miles if you keep up with oil changes and scheduled maintenance.

Does the Passport have a third row of seats?

No. The Passport seats five people across two rows. If you need a third row, the Honda Pilot is larger and offers seating for up to eight. The trade-off is that the Pilot is heavier and less capable off-road.