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

The 2022 Honda Passport Elite is Honda's body-on-frame SUV, meaning it has a separate steel frame underneath rather than being built as one unified structure like most modern cars. This design makes it capable of towing and carrying heavier loads than unibody SUVs, and it handles rough terrain better because the frame absorbs impacts separately from the cabin. The Elite trim is the highest level available for the Passport that year, which means it comes with more features and comfort options than the base or mid-level trims.

Honda positioned the Passport as an alternative to the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner — vehicles designed for both highway driving and off-road use. The 2022 model year represents the second generation of the Passport, which was reintroduced in 2019 after a long absence from Honda's lineup.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2022 Passport Elite comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
  • Standard features on the Elite trim include leather upholstery, a power moonroof, heated front seats, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • The vehicle has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of around 1,500 pounds, making it suitable for trailers and cargo.
  • Fuel economy for the 2022 Passport Elite is approximately 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway, though real-world numbers vary based on driving habits.
  • The Passport Elite includes Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-information features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and collision mitigation braking.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The 2022 Passport Elite uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to either the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on which drivetrain you choose. The all-wheel-drive version is standard on the Elite trim.

Fuel economy depends on whether you have front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates the all-wheel-drive Passport Elite at 19 city and 24 highway miles per gallon. Front-wheel-drive models, which are less common on this trim level, achieve slightly better numbers. Real-world fuel economy often falls between these estimates and the actual highway figure, depending on how much city driving you do and your driving style.

The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, which gives you a driving range of roughly 300 to 400 miles per tank under mixed driving conditions. The Passport uses regular unleaded gasoline, not premium.

Interior features and comfort on the Elite trim

The Elite trim comes standard with leather-trimmed seats, which are heated in the front row. The driver's seat is power-adjustable with lumbar support, and the steering wheel is also power-adjustable. A power moonroof is included, and the cabin has dual-zone automatic climate control so the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures.

The infotainment system is an eight-inch touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to mirror your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls. The system also includes a backup camera and a multi-angle camera system that shows you different views when you put the vehicle in reverse or are parking. A nine-speaker audio system comes standard.

Storage includes a center console with a sliding armrest, door pockets, and a cargo area behind the rear seats. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo space, and the Passport has a roof rack for additional carrying capacity.

Safety features and driver information technology

The 2022 Passport Elite comes with Honda Sensing, a package of driver-information features designed to reduce the workload on long drives and help prevent collisions. This package includes adaptive cruise control (which maintains a set distance from the car ahead), lane-keeping information (which gently corrects if you drift out of your lane), and collision mitigation braking (which can explore the brakes if a collision is imminent).

Additional safety features include road departure mitigation, which alerts you if you're drifting toward the edge of the road, and traffic sign recognition, which reads speed limit signs and displays them on the dashboard. The vehicle also has standard electronic stability control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Passport Elite received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its testing, though specific crash test scores vary by category. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings are also available if you want to compare this vehicle to others in its class.

Towing and payload capacity

The 2022 Passport Elite can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is suitable for small to medium trailers, jet skis, or similar cargo. The vehicle comes with a trailer hitch receiver, though you may need to purchase a hitch ball and wiring harness separately depending on what you're towing.

Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the truck bed or cargo area — is approximately 1,500 pounds on the Elite trim. This is the combined weight of passengers, cargo, and any aftermarket additions like roof racks or roof boxes. If you're planning to carry heavy loads regularly, you should factor in the weight of passengers and any permanent additions to stay within this limit.

Towing capacity can be affected by options you choose, such as roof racks or heavier aftermarket wheels, so it's worth checking the specific window sticker for the vehicle you're considering to see the exact numbers for that configuration.

Exterior dimensions and ground clearance

The 2022 Passport Elite is 190.8 inches long, 76.4 inches wide, and 71.6 inches tall, making it a mid-size SUV that fits in standard parking spaces but is noticeably larger than compact SUVs. The wheelbase — the distance between the front and rear axles — is 109.4 inches, which contributes to its stable ride on highways.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most unibody SUVs but lower than full-size truck-based SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner. This clearance is sufficient for light off-road use, unpaved roads, and rough terrain, though it's not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording.

The Passport Elite comes standard with 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, which provide better grip on unpaved surfaces than standard highway tires. The all-terrain tires are noisier on pavement than highway tires but offer improved traction in mud, sand, and gravel.

Pricing and what's included in the Elite trim

The 2022 Passport Elite was the highest trim level available that year. The starting price for a new 2022 Passport Elite was in the mid-$40,000 range, though prices vary based on options, location, and whether you're buying from a dealer or private seller. Used 2022 Passport Elite models currently sell for less than the original price, depending on mileage and condition.

The Elite trim includes everything from lower trims plus leather upholstery, the power moonroof, heated front seats, the nine-speaker audio system, and additional comfort features. If you're comparing the Elite to other trims, the main differences are in interior materials and convenience features rather than mechanical components — all Passport trims use the same engine and transmission.

When shopping for a used 2022 Passport Elite, check the vehicle history report to see maintenance records, any accidents, and the number of previous owners. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is also a good idea before committing to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can the 2022 Passport Elite seat?

The Passport Elite seats five people: two in the front and three in the back. The rear seats are a bench seat rather than individual captain's chairs, so three adults can fit across, though it's snug. The rear doors open wide for straightforward entry and exit.

Is the 2022 Passport Elite good for off-roading?

The Passport is designed for light to moderate off-roading and rough terrain. The body-on-frame construction, all-terrain tires, and ground clearance make it capable on unpaved roads and rocky trails. However, it's not built for extreme off-roading like the Jeep Wrangler, and modifications would be needed for serious rock crawling or water fording.

What's the difference between the Passport and the Honda Pilot?

The Passport is built on a truck frame and designed for off-road capability, while the Pilot is a unibody SUV focused on comfort and passenger space. The Pilot seats eight people and has better fuel economy, but the Passport has higher ground clearance and better towing capacity. Choose the Passport if you want off-road ability; choose the Pilot if you prioritize interior space and efficiency.

Does the 2022 Passport Elite come with all-wheel drive?

Yes, all-wheel drive is standard on the Elite trim. Lower trims offer a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, but the Elite comes with all-wheel drive only. The system can send power to all four wheels when needed for traction on slippery surfaces.

What's the warranty on a 2022 Passport Elite?

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. If you're buying a used 2022 model, the warranty may have expired or have limited time remaining, depending on the vehicle's age and mileage.