The 2019 Honda Passport Elite is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame

The 2019 Honda Passport Elite sits between Honda's compact CR-V and full-size Pilot in the lineup. It uses the same frame as the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a body-on-frame construction rather than the unibody design of most SUVs. This gives it more ground clearance and a higher towing capacity than similarly sized competitors.

The Elite trim is the highest standard trim level for the 2019 Passport. It comes with leather upholstery, a power moonroof, heated front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019 Passport Elite comes standard with all-wheel drive, a V6 engine, and leather seats, making it more equipped than lower trims.
  • Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, and the vehicle can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
  • Fuel economy is rated at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway with all-wheel drive.
  • The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, but does not include navigation built-in — you rely on your phone's maps.

Engine performance and fuel economy

The 3.5-liter V6 is the only engine offered in the 2019 Passport across all trims. It delivers adequate power for highway driving and moderate off-road use, though it is not designed for extreme terrain. The 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly in normal driving but can feel a step behind some newer 8 and 10-speed automatics when you need quick acceleration.

Real-world fuel economy depends on driving conditions. The EPA rates the all-wheel-drive Passport Elite at 19 city and 25 highway. Owners who drive mostly on highways often report numbers closer to 24 to 26 mpg, while those in stop-and-go city traffic typically see 17 to 20 mpg. Towing or driving with a full load will lower these figures by 2 to 4 mpg.

Interior features and comfort

The Elite trim includes leather-trimmed seats, which are heated in the front row. The driver's seat has 10-way power adjustment, and the steering wheel is heated as well. The cabin is quieter than the base Passport trim because of additional sound insulation, though it is not as quiet as luxury SUVs in the same price range.

The 8-inch touchscreen handles phone calls, music, and navigation apps through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There is no built-in navigation system, so you must use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze on your phone. The system responds quickly to touch inputs and does not require a subscription to function. Bluetooth pairing is straightforward, and most phones connect on the first try.

Cargo space is 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat, which is competitive with other mid-size SUVs. The rear seats fold nearly flat, making it practical for hauling larger items, though the cargo floor is higher than in unibody SUVs because of the truck frame underneath.

Safety ratings and driver information features

The 2019 Passport received a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with 5 stars in frontal crash and rollover tests and 4 stars in side crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not test the 2019 Passport, so no IIHS ratings are available for this model year.

Standard safety features on the Elite include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Lane keeping information and adaptive cruise control are available as part of the Honda Sensing suite, though they are not standard on the Elite trim. Blind spot monitoring is not offered on any 2019 Passport trim level.

Towing and off-road capability

The 2019 Passport Elite can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory towing package. Without the package, towing capacity drops to 3,500 pounds. The vehicle comes with a hitch receiver but not a hitch ball or wiring harness, so you must purchase those separately if you plan to tow.

Off-road features include all-terrain tires, skid plates protecting the undercarriage, and a locking rear differential on the Elite trim. Ground clearance of 8.6 inches is adequate for light trails and rough roads but not extreme rock crawling. The Passport is designed for weekend off-road driving rather than serious expedition use.

Common maintenance costs and reliability

The 2019 Passport uses the same V6 engine and transmission as the Honda Ridgeline, which has a track record of reliability. Oil changes are due every 10,000 miles, and spark plugs typically last 100,000 miles. Brake fluid should be flushed every two years regardless of mileage.

Routine maintenance costs are moderate compared to other mid-size SUVs. An oil change runs between $50 and $80 at a Honda dealership. Tire replacement, depending on the brand and type, typically costs $600 to $1,000 for a full set. Transmission fluid changes are recommended every 60,000 miles and cost around $150 to $200.

Comparing the Elite trim to other 2019 Passport trims

The 2019 Passport came in three trims: Sport, EX, and Elite. The Sport is the base model with cloth seats, a 5-inch touchscreen, and no moonroof. The EX adds a 7-inch touchscreen, power windows, and automatic headlights. The Elite adds leather seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, a power moonroof, and heated front seats.

All three trims come with all-wheel drive and the same V6 engine. The main differences are interior materials, screen size, and comfort features rather than performance. If you plan to keep the vehicle for more than five years, the leather seats and larger screen of the Elite may justify the higher purchase price, as they tend to hold up better to daily use than cloth and smaller screens in the Sport trim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 2019 Passport and the Honda Ridgeline?

The Ridgeline is a pickup truck with an open bed, while the Passport is an SUV with an enclosed cargo area. Both use the same frame and V6 engine. The Passport offers more interior space and weather protection, while the Ridgeline offers a larger cargo bed and higher towing capacity.

Does the 2019 Passport Elite come with all-wheel drive?

Yes, all-wheel drive is standard on every 2019 Passport trim, including the Elite. There is no front-wheel-drive option for this model year. The system automatically adjusts power between the front and rear wheels based on traction conditions.

Can I use regular gasoline in the 2019 Passport Elite?

Yes, the 2019 Passport Elite runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Using premium fuel does not improve performance or fuel economy, so it is not necessary unless your owner's manual specifically recommends it.

How many people can the 2019 Passport Elite seat?

The 2019 Passport Elite seats five people: two in front and three in the rear. The rear bench seat does not split, so all three rear passengers must get out if you want to fold the seat for cargo. There is no third-row seating option.

What warranty does the 2019 Passport Elite come with?

Honda's standard warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty extends to five years or 60,000 miles. Rust perforation is covered for five years with no mileage limit. These are manufacturer warranties; used vehicle coverage may differ depending on the dealer and purchase agreement.