What the 2021 Honda Passport is and who it's built for
The 2021 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV designed for owners who want truck-like capability without a full pickup bed. It shares its platform and engine with the Honda Ridgeline truck but sits lower and handles more like a traditional SUV on pavement. Honda positioned it as a vehicle for people who spend weekends off-road or towing but need something that drives smoothly on highways and fits in standard parking spaces.
The Passport comes in three trim levels: Sport, EX, and Touring. All use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The base model starts around $46,000, though prices vary by year, location, and market conditions. The Touring trim, which adds leather seats, a power moonroof, and upgraded audio, runs roughly $10,000 more.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque across all trim levels.
- Real-world fuel economy ranges from 19 to 21 miles per gallon combined, depending on driving conditions and whether you use all-wheel or four-wheel drive.
- The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds and carry a payload of roughly 1,500 pounds, making it suitable for small trailers and moderate loads.
- Ground clearance of 8.6 inches and a standard all-wheel-drive system give it genuine off-road capability, though it is not a rock-crawler.
Engine performance and fuel economy
The 3.5-liter V6 is Honda's workhorse engine, proven across multiple vehicle lines. In the Passport it produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission handles both highway cruising and off-road driving, with a manual shift mode if you want more control on steep descents or rocky terrain.
Fuel economy depends on whether you choose all-wheel drive (standard on most trims) or four-wheel drive. EPA estimates for the 2021 model sit at 19 miles per gallon city, 24 highway, and 21 combined on all-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive models drop slightly to 18 city, 23 highway, and 20 combined. Real-world numbers often fall 1 to 2 miles per gallon lower, especially if you tow or drive in stop-and-go traffic. The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, giving you a range of roughly 400 miles per fill-up under typical conditions.
Towing and payload capacity
The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. This is enough for small utility trailers, jet skis, or a modest boat. Payload capacity—the weight you can carry in the bed area or on the roof—is roughly 1,500 pounds, though this varies slightly by trim and options package.
If you plan to tow regularly, the EX and Touring trims come with integrated trailer brake controllers, which make the process simpler. The Sport trim requires an aftermarket controller if you want integrated braking. Always check your owner's manual for the exact capacity with your specific configuration, as adding roof racks, passengers, or cargo reduces the available payload.
Off-road capability and ground clearance
Ground clearance of 8.6 inches is respectable for a mid-size SUV and enough for light trails, rocky forest roads, and stream crossings. The Passport comes standard with all-wheel drive; four-wheel drive is available on EX and Touring trims. Four-wheel drive includes a two-speed transfer case, which lets you lock the center differential for better traction on obstacles.
The Passport is not a Jeep Wrangler or a Toyota 4Runner—it is not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording. It excels at moderate trails, overlanding, and rough forest service roads. The independent front suspension gives it a smoother ride on pavement than a traditional truck frame, but it also limits articulation compared to solid-axle designs. If your adventures stay within national forests and established off-road parks, the Passport handles them well.
Interior comfort and technology features
The cabin is spacious for a mid-size SUV, with seating for five and a cargo area of 76.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Sport trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and a six-speaker audio system. The EX adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power moonroof. The Touring includes a 12-speaker audio system, navigation, and a power liftgate.
Storage is practical: the center console has a removable bin, door pockets are deep, and there is a small shelf above the dashboard. The rear seats fold flat, creating a nearly flat load floor. Cabin noise is well-controlled on highways, though the V6 engine is audible under hard acceleration. Climate control works effectively, and the heated seats warm up quickly in cold weather.
Safety ratings and standard features
The 2021 Passport earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars for frontal crash and rollover and four stars for side crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a "Good" rating in most crash tests, though it scored "Acceptable" in the small overlap front crash test.
Standard safety features across all trims include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and a rearview camera. The EX and Touring add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. All models come with seven airbags and electronic stability control. These systems work well in practice, though the automatic braking can be overly sensitive in some situations—you may find yourself adjusting the sensitivity settings in the driver information menu.
Common issues and maintenance considerations
The 2021 Passport is relatively new, so long-term reliability data is still accumulating. Honda's V6 engine has a strong track record across multiple platforms. The main reported issues are minor: some owners report a slight vibration at idle, and a few have experienced software glitches with the infotainment system that Honda addresses through updates.
Routine maintenance follows Honda's standard schedule: oil changes every 10,000 miles, transmission fluid checks at 60,000 miles, and spark plug replacement at 105,000 miles. If you use the vehicle for towing or off-road driving regularly, plan for more frequent brake and suspension inspections. Tire wear depends on driving style; aggressive off-road use will shorten tire life compared to highway driving. Budget for replacement tires every 40,000 to 50,000 miles under mixed use.
Trim comparison and value
| Feature | Sport | EX | Touring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6, 280 hp | 3.5L V6, 280 hp | 3.5L V6, 280 hp |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive standard | All-wheel or four-wheel drive | All-wheel or four-wheel drive |
| Touchscreen | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches with navigation |
| Leather seats | No | Yes | Yes |
| Moonroof | No | Yes | Yes |
| Heated seats | No | Yes | Yes |
| Audio system | 6 speakers | 6 speakers | 12 speakers |
The Sport trim is the value choice if you want the core Passport experience without premium features. The EX adds comfort upgrades that matter on long drives—leather seats, heated front seats, and a moonroof—for roughly $5,000 more. The Touring adds navigation and a better audio system, which some owners find worth the extra cost and others view as redundant given that most phones now handle navigation.
For off-road use, the EX with four-wheel drive is the practical sweet spot. It gives you the two-speed transfer case and locking center differential without the premium price of the Touring. If you spend most time on pavement and only occasional weekends off-road, the all-wheel-drive Sport or EX will handle it fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2021 Passport compare to the Toyota 4Runner?
The 4Runner is larger, heavier, and more capable off-road, with a solid rear axle and more ground clearance. The Passport is lighter, more fuel-efficient, and rides smoother on highways. The 4Runner costs more upfront and in fuel. Choose the Passport if you value pavement manners and the 4Runner if extreme off-road performance is your priority.
Can I use the Passport for daily commuting?
Yes. The Passport drives like a normal SUV on highways and city streets. Fuel economy is reasonable for its size and capability. The main trade-off is that it sits higher than a sedan, which some drivers prefer and others find unnecessary. Visibility is good, and the automatic transmission is smooth in traffic.
What is the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive on the Passport?
All-wheel drive is standard and sends power to all four wheels automatically based on traction needs. Four-wheel drive, available on EX and Touring, adds a two-speed transfer case that lets you lock the center differential for serious off-road traction. Four-wheel drive is worth the cost if you plan regular trail driving; otherwise, all-wheel drive is sufficient.
How much does it cost to maintain a 2021 Passport annually?
Routine maintenance—oil changes, filters, and fluid checks—typically runs $500 to $800 per year under normal driving. Off-road use, towing, or high mileage increases this. Tire replacement at 40,000 to 50,000 miles is a separate cost depending on the tire brand you choose.
Is the Passport good for towing a travel trailer?
The 5,000-pound towing capacity works for small travel trailers under 4,000 pounds dry weight. Larger trailers exceed the Passport's capacity. Always verify your specific configuration with the owner's manual, and consider that towing reduces fuel economy by 2 to 4 miles per gallon.