The 2018 Honda Passport is a midsize SUV built on a truck frame

The 2018 Honda Passport is a midsize sport utility vehicle that Honda designed for buyers who want truck-like capability without a full pickup bed. It shares its frame and engine with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a body-on-frame construction rather than the unibody design of most SUVs. This structure gives it more ground clearance and off-road potential than typical family SUVs, though it also means a rougher ride on highways compared to vehicles built on car platforms.

Honda positioned the Passport as a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the Chevrolet Blazer. The 2018 model year was the first year Honda brought the Passport back to the U.S. market after a 17-year gap — the original Passport was sold from 1994 to 2002. The 2018 version borrowed styling cues from that original model while using modern engineering and safety systems.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
  • It comes in two trim levels for 2018: the base Sport trim and the higher-end EX-L trim, with different features and price points.
  • The Passport seats five passengers and has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
  • Standard safety features include Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-information technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information.
  • Fuel economy for the 2018 Passport is approximately 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway with front-wheel drive.

Engine, transmission, and performance specs

The 2018 Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is the same one used in the Honda Ridgeline and delivers adequate power for highway driving and moderate towing. The engine pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission that handles gear shifts smoothly in both city and highway driving.

The Passport comes standard with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is available as an option. The all-wheel-drive system includes a multi-mode selector that lets drivers choose between Normal, Snow, and Mud modes to adjust traction control for different road conditions. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most traditional SUVs but lower than full-size trucks.

Towing capacity maxes out at 5,000 pounds when the vehicle is equipped with the towing package. This makes it suitable for small trailers and boats but not for heavy construction equipment or large RVs. The payload capacity — the weight the truck bed can carry — is not applicable since the Passport has no truck bed.

Trim levels and what comes with each

Honda offered two trim levels for the 2018 Passport: Sport and EX-L. The Sport trim is the base model and includes the essentials: cloth seats, a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Honda Sensing safety features. It also has manual windows and locks, a basic audio system, and steel wheels.

The EX-L trim adds more comfort and convenience features. It includes leather-trimmed seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power moonroof, heated front seats, and automatic headlights. The EX-L also comes with aluminum wheels, a power liftgate, and a more advanced audio system. The price difference between the two trims was roughly $4,000 to $5,000 at the time of release, though used-market prices vary based on mileage and condition.

Interior space and seating

The Passport seats five passengers across two rows. The front seats are bucket-style with good side support, and the rear bench seat can fit three people, though two is more comfortable for longer trips. Headroom and legroom are adequate for most adults, though very tall passengers may find the rear seat tight on long drives.

Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 39.3 cubic feet. If you fold down the rear seats, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet, which is enough for luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment. The cargo area has tie-down hooks and a power liftgate on EX-L models. There is no under-floor storage like you would find in some SUVs, since the Passport is built on a truck frame.

Safety features and crash test ratings

The 2018 Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing, a package of driver-information technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping information, and road departure mitigation. These systems use cameras and radar to monitor the road and alert the driver to potential hazards. They can also explore the brakes automatically in some emergency situations, though the driver remains responsible for vehicle control.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2018 Passport a five-star overall rating. It scored five stars in frontal crash protection and rollover resistance, and four stars in side crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not conduct a full test battery on the 2018 model, so ratings from that organization are not available for this year.

Fuel economy and running costs

The 2018 Passport with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 26 miles per gallon on the highway, for a combined rating of 22 miles per gallon. The all-wheel-drive version drops slightly to 18 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined. These figures are typical for a midsize SUV built on a truck frame, though they are lower than unibody SUVs in the same size class.

The fuel tank holds 14 gallons, which gives a range of roughly 300 miles on a full tank in mixed driving. Maintenance costs for the 2018 Passport are moderate — oil changes, air filters, and brake service are straightforward and not significantly more expensive than other Honda vehicles. The timing chain does not require replacement at a specific interval, which reduces long-term maintenance costs compared to vehicles with timing belts.

Common issues and reliability considerations

The 2018 Passport was a new model for that generation, so long-term reliability data was limited in the years when ready following its release. However, because it shares its engine and transmission with the Honda Ridgeline, which has a strong reliability record, the Passport's powertrain is generally considered dependable. Most owners report trouble-free ownership in the first few years.

Some owners have reported minor issues with the infotainment system, including occasional touchscreen glitches and slow response times. A few have noted that the ride can be bouncy on rough roads due to the truck-based suspension, which is a trade-off for the higher ground clearance. Wind noise at highway speeds has been mentioned by some owners, though this is not uncommon in vehicles with this body style.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2018 Passport compare to a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited?

The Passport is more car-like and highway-focused, with a smoother ride and better fuel economy. The Wrangler Unlimited is more rugged and better for serious off-roading, with removable doors and roof panels. The Passport is better for daily driving; the Wrangler is better if off-road capability is your priority.

Can the 2018 Passport handle off-road driving?

Yes, the Passport is designed for light to moderate off-roading. The body-on-frame construction, all-wheel-drive option, and Mud mode give it genuine capability on unpaved roads and rough terrain. However, it is not as extreme as a Jeep Wrangler or full-size truck, and modifications are needed for serious rock crawling or deep water fording.

What is the difference between the Sport and EX-L trims?

The Sport is the base model with cloth seats and a smaller touchscreen. The EX-L adds leather seats, a larger touchscreen with smartphone integration, a moonroof, heated seats, and aluminum wheels. The EX-L costs more but offers more comfort features for long drives.

Does the 2018 Passport have Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is only available on the EX-L trim with the 8-inch touchscreen. The base Sport trim has a 5-inch screen without smartphone integration, though it does have Bluetooth for audio streaming.

What is the real-world fuel economy for the 2018 Passport?

Owners typically report 18 to 22 miles per gallon in mixed driving, which is close to the EPA estimates. Highway driving yields better mileage, while city driving and towing reduce it. Driving habits, terrain, and whether you use all-wheel drive all affect actual fuel economy.