Real-world MPG for the Honda Passport

The Honda Passport gets between 19 and 23 miles per gallon depending on whether you drive mostly on highways or in the city, and which model year and engine you have. Highway driving yields better fuel economy — closer to 23 mpg — while city driving drops it to around 19 mpg. The 2024 Passport with the 3.5-liter V6 engine is EPA-rated at 19 city / 23 highway / 21 combined mpg.

These numbers assume you're driving under normal conditions with regular maintenance. Real-world results vary based on your driving habits, terrain, how much weight you're carrying, and whether you're towing. A Passport that spends most of its time in stop-and-go traffic or climbing hills will see lower numbers than the EPA estimate.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Honda Passport is rated at 19 city / 23 highway / 21 combined mpg, making it typical for mid-size SUVs in its class.
  • Highway driving produces noticeably better fuel economy than city driving, so your actual mpg depends heavily on where you drive.
  • Towing, rough terrain, and carrying heavy loads will lower your fuel economy below the EPA estimate.
  • Keeping your tires properly inflated and maintaining regular service helps you stay closer to the EPA numbers.

How the Passport compares to similar SUVs

The Passport's fuel economy sits in the middle range for mid-size SUVs. The Jeep Grand Cherokee gets similar numbers (around 19–23 mpg depending on the model), while the Toyota 4Runner typically runs slightly lower at 18–22 mpg. The Chevrolet Blazer edges slightly ahead at 20–26 mpg on newer models. None of these vehicles are designed for fuel efficiency — they prioritize capability and towing capacity instead.

If fuel economy is your primary concern, a smaller crossover SUV like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 will deliver noticeably better mileage, often in the 26–33 mpg range. The trade-off is less towing capacity and off-road capability, which is why buyers choose the Passport in the first place.

Why the Passport uses more fuel than smaller SUVs

The Passport is heavier and more powerful than compact crossovers, which means it burns more fuel to move down the road. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 280 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds — capabilities that require a larger, less efficient engine. The vehicle's body shape and size also create more wind resistance at highway speeds compared to a sleeker sedan or smaller crossover.

The Passport's design prioritizes off-road performance and durability over fuel economy. The body-on-frame construction, all-terrain tires, and suspension setup that make it capable on rough terrain all add weight and rolling resistance, which directly reduces mpg.

Factors that lower your Passport's fuel economy

Towing is the single biggest fuel economy killer. When you're pulling a trailer, expect your mpg to drop by 20–30 percent or more, depending on the trailer's weight and aerodynamics. A 5,000-pound trailer at highway speeds can cut your fuel economy nearly in half.

Driving in the mountains or on hilly terrain forces the engine to work harder, lowering your mpg. Carrying heavy cargo in the bed or cabin also increases fuel consumption. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, so checking your tire pressure monthly helps maintain the EPA estimate. Aggressive driving — rapid acceleration and high speeds — burns significantly more fuel than steady, moderate driving.

Cold weather reduces fuel economy because the engine takes longer to reach operating temperature and fuel doesn't burn as efficiently in cold air. Winter fuel blends also contain different additives that can lower mpg slightly.

How to get better fuel economy in your Passport

Keep your tires inflated to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire itself. Underinflated tires are one of the easiest ways to lose mpg without realizing it. Check pressure monthly and before long trips.

Maintain your vehicle on schedule: clean air filters, fresh oil, and properly functioning fuel injectors all help your engine run efficiently. A clogged air filter or worn spark plugs force the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.

Reduce excess weight by removing items from the bed or cabin that you're not using. Every 100 pounds of extra weight reduces fuel economy slightly. Avoid roof racks and cargo carriers when you don't need them, since they increase wind resistance.

Drive at steady speeds on the highway rather than accelerating hard or braking frequently. Cruise control on flat terrain helps maintain consistent speed. Anticipate stops so you can coast to a gradual halt instead of braking hard at the last moment.

Understanding EPA fuel economy ratings

The EPA tests vehicles in a laboratory under controlled conditions: moderate speeds, no towing, proper tire pressure, and new engine oil. Real-world driving is messier. You might see numbers higher or lower than the EPA estimate depending on your specific situation.

The EPA label on the window shows three numbers: city (stop-and-go driving), highway (steady speeds), and combined (a blend of both). The combined number is what most people use for planning, but it's weighted more toward highway driving than your actual commute might be. If you drive mostly in the city, your real mpg will likely be closer to the city number.

Fuel economy across Passport model years

The Passport's fuel economy has remained relatively stable since its return to the market in 2019. The 2019–2023 models are all rated at 19 city / 23 highway / 21 combined mpg. The 2024 model maintains the same rating. Honda has not made significant engine changes that would alter these numbers, though minor updates to transmission efficiency and aerodynamics happen gradually across model years.

If you're comparing used Passports, the model year matters less than the actual condition of the vehicle. A well-maintained 2019 Passport should deliver the same fuel economy as a 2024 model, assuming similar driving conditions and maintenance history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I improve my Passport's mpg by switching to premium fuel?

No. The Passport's engine is designed to run on regular 87-octane fuel, and using premium will not improve fuel economy. Premium fuel is only necessary if your owner's manual specifies it or if you hear engine knock (a pinging sound during acceleration). Using premium when it's not required wastes money without any benefit.

What mpg should I expect if I tow with my Passport?

Expect a significant drop — typically 20–30 percent lower than the EPA highway rating. If you normally get 23 mpg on the highway, towing might drop you to 16–18 mpg depending on the trailer weight and road conditions. Heavier trailers and mountainous terrain make the drop even steeper.

Is the Passport's fuel economy worse than older Honda SUVs?

The current Passport is actually more efficient than the original model from the 1990s and early 2000s, which got around 16–18 mpg. Modern engines, transmissions, and aerodynamic improvements have made it better, even though it's still not as efficient as smaller crossovers.

Does all-wheel drive lower the Passport's mpg?

The Passport comes standard with all-wheel drive, so there's no two-wheel-drive option to compare. The EPA rating of 19/23/21 already accounts for the all-wheel-drive system. If you're comparing to other vehicles, all-wheel drive typically reduces fuel economy by 1–2 mpg compared to front-wheel drive due to increased weight and drivetrain friction.

Will a tune-up improve my Passport's fuel economy?

A routine maintenance tune-up — new air filter, spark plugs, and oil change — can help you maintain the EPA estimate, but it won't improve fuel economy beyond that. If your Passport is getting noticeably worse mpg than it used to, a tune-up might restore it to normal. Major issues like a failing oxygen sensor or clogged fuel injector can reduce mpg significantly, and fixing those will bring you back to baseline.