The 2022 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame

The 2022 Honda Passport is a body-on-frame SUV that sits between Honda's CR-V and Pilot in size. It shares its platform with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a truck's structural rigidity and towing capacity rather than the car-like handling of a unibody SUV. The Passport comes in four trim levels — Sport, EX, EX-L, and Trailsport — with prices starting around $46,000 for the base Sport model and reaching approximately $52,000 for the Trailsport.

Honda designed the Passport specifically for owners who want genuine off-road capability without the size and fuel consumption of a full-size truck. It has a standard all-wheel-drive system, a body-on-frame construction, and available all-terrain tires. The vehicle seats five passengers and offers 77.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 109.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2022 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
  • All 2022 Passport models come standard with all-wheel drive and Honda Sensing, a suite of driver information features including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping information.
  • The Trailsport trim adds all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential designed for off-road driving.
  • Real-world fuel economy ranges from 19 to 21 miles per gallon combined, depending on driving conditions and which transmission you have.
  • The 2022 model year includes a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

Every 2022 Passport uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The combination delivers adequate acceleration for highway merging and moderate towing, though the Passport is not designed for heavy hauling.

Fuel economy depends on driving conditions and transmission type. The EPA estimates 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway for a combined 21 mpg. Real-world driving typically shows 19 to 21 mpg combined, with highway driving yielding better numbers than city driving. The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) and has a 19-gallon fuel tank, giving it a range of roughly 400 miles per tank under mixed driving.

Towing capacity and payload

The 2022 Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the available towing package, which includes a Class III receiver hitch, transmission cooler, and engine oil cooler. Without the towing package, the vehicle is not rated for towing. This capacity is moderate for the class and suitable for small trailers, jet skis, or utility trailers, but not for large boat trailers or horse trailers.

Payload capacity — the weight the truck bed can carry — is approximately 1,500 pounds, though the exact figure depends on which trim and options you choose. If you plan to carry heavy cargo regularly, check the window sticker of the specific vehicle you are considering, as payload varies based on equipment and configuration.

Standard features and technology

All 2022 Passport models include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The system supports voice commands and includes a backup camera. Higher trims add features like a power moonroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

Honda Sensing, the brand's driver information package, comes standard on every 2022 Passport. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. The EX-L and Trailsport trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Navigation is available on EX-L and Trailsport models but is not standard on Sport or EX.

Off-road capability and the Trailsport trim

The 2022 Passport's truck-based platform gives it genuine off-road capability that most unibody SUVs cannot match. All models have all-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, which allows you to lock the center differential for better traction on rough terrain. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, and the approach and departure angles are designed to handle steep inclines without scraping the bumpers.

The Trailsport trim, new for 2022, adds features specifically for off-road use: all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates protecting the engine and fuel tank, a locking rear differential, and all-terrain-specific traction control modes. If you plan to drive regularly on unpaved roads or rocky terrain, the Trailsport is worth the premium over the base Sport model. For highway-only driving, the Sport or EX trim provides the same off-road platform without the specialized tires and protective equipment.

Interior space and comfort

The Passport seats five across two rows, with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. Front seats are spacious and supportive, with good visibility thanks to large windows and a relatively upright driving position. The cabin is quieter than many truck-based SUVs, though road and wind noise are more noticeable than in unibody competitors like the CR-V.

Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 77.8 cubic feet, which is adequate for groceries, luggage, and sports equipment. With the rear seats folded flat, you gain 109.3 cubic feet of total cargo volume. The rear seats do not fold completely flat — there is a slight angle — which can make loading long items awkward. Storage cubbies in the doors and center console provide additional space for smaller items.

Safety ratings and crash test results

The 2022 Passport received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side crash protection. Rollover resistance received four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Passport a "Good" rating in moderate overlap front crash tests and a "Good" rating in side crash tests.

These ratings place the Passport in the middle of the mid-size SUV segment for safety. The standard Honda Sensing suite of driver information features — particularly the collision mitigation braking and lane keeping information — helps prevent accidents before they occur. If safety is your primary concern, compare these ratings directly with other mid-size SUVs in the same price range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Passport and the Honda Pilot?

The Passport is smaller, seats five, and uses a truck frame, making it better for off-road driving. The Pilot is larger, seats up to eight, and uses a car-like unibody frame, making it more comfortable for highway driving and family trips. The Pilot also has better fuel economy. Choose the Passport if off-road capability matters; choose the Pilot if you need three rows of seating.

Does the 2022 Passport have a third row of seats?

No. The Passport is designed as a five-passenger vehicle with two rows only. If you need a third row, the Honda Pilot or a larger SUV from another manufacturer would be a better fit.

Can I use the Passport for serious rock crawling or extreme off-roading?

The Passport is capable on moderate off-road terrain — dirt roads, light trails, and rocky surfaces — especially with the Trailsport trim. However, it is not designed for extreme rock crawling or high-speed desert racing. If you plan serious off-road adventures, consider a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner instead.

What is the warranty on a 2022 Passport?

Honda provides a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty covering the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Specific coverage details vary by component, so review your owner's manual or contact a Honda dealer for complete warranty information.

Is the 2022 Passport good for towing a travel trailer?

The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the towing package, which is suitable for small travel trailers in the 3,000 to 4,500-pound range. Larger trailers will exceed the towing capacity. Always verify the dry weight and loaded weight of any trailer you plan to tow, and confirm that the Passport's payload capacity can handle the tongue weight.