The 2023 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame

The 2023 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 foundation rather than a car-based design. This matters if you're comparing it to other mid-size SUVs, because the truck frame gives it different handling, towing capacity, and off-road capability than unibody competitors.

Honda positioned the Passport as an adventure-focused vehicle. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, has an 8-inch ground clearance, and offers a locking rear differential on higher trims. The 2023 model year continued largely unchanged from 2022, with the same engine, transmission, and interior layout.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and pairs it with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
  • All-wheel drive comes standard; the TrailSport and Trailsport Touring trims add a locking rear differential for off-road traction.
  • Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, and the payload capacity is around 1,500 pounds depending on configuration.
  • The Passport seats five passengers and offers a 77.8-cubic-foot cargo area behind the rear seats, expandable to 109.3 cubic feet with seats folded.
  • Trim levels for 2023 are Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, and Trailsport Touring, with pricing starting around $48,000 before destination charges.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The 2023 Passport is powered by a single 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Honda did not offer a turbocharged or hybrid option for the 2023 model year.

Fuel economy is rated at 21 miles per gallon in the city, 26 on the highway, and 23 combined for two-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive versions (which is all 2023 Passports) are rated at 20 city, 25 highway, and 22 combined. The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline, not premium. The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons.

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 7.5 seconds. The engine is the same unit used in the Ridgeline and Pilot, so parts availability and service history are well-established at Honda dealerships.

Trim levels and what each one includes

The 2023 Passport came in four trim levels: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, and Trailsport Touring. The Sport is the base model and includes all-wheel drive, a 5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and Honda Sensing (the brand's suite of driver-information features). Cloth upholstery and 18-inch wheels are standard.

The EX-L adds leather upholstery, a power liftgate, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a power moonroof. The TrailSport introduces off-road-focused features: a locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a terrain management system with multiple drive modes. It also includes a roof rack and a different exterior design with a more aggressive grille.

The Trailsport Touring is the highest trim and adds a 9-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker audio system, wireless charging, and heated front seats. All trims include a standard backup camera and Honda Sensing, which covers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and collision mitigation braking.

Towing and payload capacity

The 2023 Passport has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This assumes you're using the factory hitch and have the vehicle loaded within its weight limits. Payload capacity—the weight you can carry in the bed or cabin—is approximately 1,500 pounds, though this varies slightly depending on trim level and options installed.

These numbers are lower than full-size trucks but competitive with other mid-size SUVs. If you plan to tow regularly, confirm the specific configuration with a Honda dealer, because adding options like a roof rack or third-row seating can reduce payload slightly. The Passport does not come with a factory-installed hitch; you'll need to purchase and install one separately if you plan to tow.

Interior space and seating

The Passport seats five passengers across two rows. There is no third-row option, which distinguishes it from the larger Pilot. The front seats are spacious, and the rear bench seat has adequate legroom for adults on shorter trips, though the Passport is not designed for frequent rear-seat passengers on long drives.

Behind the rear seats, the cargo area provides 77.8 cubic feet of space. With the rear seats folded flat, that expands to 109.3 cubic feet. The cargo floor is relatively flat, making it easier to load and unload gear compared to some competitors. The liftgate opens to a height of 77.4 inches, which is tall enough that most people won't need a step stool to load roof-mounted cargo.

Interior materials on the Sport and EX-L trims are a mix of hard plastics and cloth or leather. The TrailSport and Trailsport Touring add more soft-touch materials and upgraded upholstery. All trims include a 12-volt power outlet and USB ports; higher trims add wireless charging.

All-wheel drive and off-road capability

All 2023 Passports come with all-wheel drive as standard. The system is always engaged and automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels based on traction. You cannot switch to front-wheel-drive-only mode to save fuel.

The TrailSport and Trailsport Touring trims add a locking rear differential, which forces both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. This is useful in low-traction situations like sand, mud, or rock crawling, because it prevents one wheel from spinning freely while the other loses grip. The terrain management system on these trims includes modes for different surfaces: Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. Each mode adjusts throttle response, transmission shifting, and traction control to suit the terrain.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches on all trims, which is adequate for light off-road use but not exceptional compared to dedicated off-road SUVs. The Passport is designed for adventure driving on maintained trails and rough roads, not extreme rock crawling or deep water fording.

Safety features and driver information

Honda Sensing comes standard on all 2023 Passport trims. This package includes adaptive cruise control (which maintains a set distance from the car ahead), lane-keeping information (which gently steers you back into your lane if you drift), collision mitigation braking (which applies the brakes if a collision is imminent), and road departure mitigation (which alerts you if you're drifting off the road).

All trims include a backup camera. Higher trims add a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, which is useful when navigating tight spaces or parking. The Passport earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in crash testing, though specific subcategories vary.

Blind-spot monitoring is available on EX-L and higher trims. Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers are standard on all trims. The Passport does not offer a surround-view camera or night vision on any trim level.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2023 Passport compare to the Honda Pilot?

The Pilot is larger, seats up to eight passengers (with a third row), and has more cargo space. The Passport is smaller, lighter, and more focused on off-road capability. The Pilot is better for families needing extra seating; the Passport is better for couples or small groups who prioritize adventure features and maneuverability.

Can the 2023 Passport handle serious off-roading?

The Passport is capable on moderate trails and rough roads, especially with the TrailSport's locking differential and terrain modes. It is not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording. If you need serious off-road performance, a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner would be better choices.

What is the real-world fuel economy?

EPA ratings are 22 combined for all-wheel-drive models. Real-world results vary based on driving habits, terrain, and load. Owners typically report 19 to 23 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with highway driving closer to the EPA estimate and city driving lower.

Does the Passport come with a spare tire?

Yes, all 2023 Passports include a full-size spare tire mounted on the rear. This is different from many modern SUVs that use a compact spare or tire-repair kit, making the Passport more practical for remote driving.

Is the Passport good for towing a small trailer?

Yes, the 5,000-pound towing capacity is sufficient for small utility trailers, boat trailers under 5,000 pounds, or small travel trailers. You will need to purchase and install a factory-approved hitch separately. Confirm the specific trailer weight with a Honda dealer before purchasing.