The 2024 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built for both highway driving and light off-road use

The 2024 Honda Passport is a three-row SUV that seats up to eight people and comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. The Passport is designed to handle unpaved roads and rough terrain better than most family SUVs, but it is still primarily a vehicle for everyday driving on paved streets.

Honda positions the Passport between its smaller CR-V and its larger Pilot. If you are considering a 2024 Passport, you are likely weighing it against other mid-size SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Chevrolet Traverse. The Passport's main selling points are its towing capacity, ground clearance, and approach angle — the angle at which the front bumper can climb without scraping — which matter if you plan to drive on rough terrain.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Passport comes in TrailSport, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels, with prices starting around $48,000 before taxes and destination fees.
  • All 2024 Passport models use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine; the main differences between trims are interior features, comfort upgrades, and technology packages.
  • The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and its all-wheel-drive system includes a terrain management mode for unpaved surfaces.
  • Real-world fuel economy ranges from 20 to 23 miles per gallon depending on whether you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive and how you drive.
  • The 2024 model year includes Honda Sensing, a suite of driver information features, as standard equipment on all trims.

Trim levels and what each one includes

The 2024 Passport is sold in four trim levels: TrailSport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The TrailSport is the base model and focuses on off-road capability with all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential. It has a manual transmission option, which is rare in modern SUVs. The EX adds comfort features like a power liftgate and a larger touchscreen but removes some of the off-road-specific hardware.

The EX-L includes leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a more advanced infotainment system. The Touring is the highest trim and adds features like a 12-speaker audio system, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. If you plan to use the Passport primarily for off-road driving, the TrailSport offers the best value. If you prioritize comfort and technology, the EX-L or Touring makes more sense.

Engine performance and fuel economy

Every 2024 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Honda does not offer a turbocharged or hybrid option for the Passport, so this is your only engine choice across all trim levels.

Fuel economy depends on your drivetrain. Front-wheel-drive models average 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway, for a combined rating of 23 miles per gallon. All-wheel-drive models average 20 city, 25 highway, and 22 combined. Real-world numbers tend to run slightly lower, especially if you drive in stop-and-start traffic or use the all-wheel-drive system's terrain modes frequently. The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline, not premium.

Off-road capability and terrain modes

The 2024 Passport's all-wheel-drive system includes a terrain management mode that adjusts throttle response, transmission shifting, and traction control for different surfaces. The system has settings for normal driving, sand, mud, and rock. When you select one of these modes, the vehicle automatically adjusts how power is sent to each wheel and how aggressively the traction control intervenes.

The TrailSport trim includes a locking rear differential, which forces both rear wheels to spin at the same speed — useful when one wheel loses traction. The Passport also has a higher ground clearance than most family SUVs, sitting 8.6 inches above the pavement. Its approach angle (the steepness it can climb without the front bumper hitting) is 28 degrees, and its departure angle (the steepness it can descend without the rear bumper hitting) is 26 degrees. These numbers matter if you plan to drive on steep, rocky trails, but they are less important for light off-roading like forest service roads.

Towing capacity and cargo space

The 2024 Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the optional towing package. This is enough for a small boat, utility trailer, or travel trailer under 5,000 pounds. Without the towing package, the Passport can still tow 3,500 pounds. Towing capacity depends on the total weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo, so you cannot always reach the maximum if the vehicle is fully loaded.

Cargo space behind the third row of seats is 39.3 cubic feet. With the third row folded, you get 77.9 cubic feet. With both the second and third rows folded, the Passport offers 153.9 cubic feet of space. This is comparable to other mid-size three-row SUVs, though less than some full-size models like the Chevrolet Tahoe.

Safety features and driver information technology

Honda Sensing, the company's suite of driver information features, comes standard on all 2024 Passport trim levels. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. The system uses cameras and radar to monitor the road ahead and can explore the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent.

The Passport also includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera as standard. Higher trims add features like a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, which is helpful when parking or navigating tight spaces. The Passport has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as of early 2024, so independent safety ratings are not yet available.

Interior design and technology

The 2024 Passport's interior is designed around a large touchscreen that controls infotainment, climate, and vehicle settings. Base models use an 8-inch screen, while higher trims get a 10.2-inch screen. Both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow you to mirror your smartphone's apps on the vehicle's display.

The Passport seats up to eight people across three rows, though the third row is best suited for children or short trips. The second row has captain's chairs (individual seats) on higher trims, which provide more comfort but reduce flexibility if you need to fit a third passenger in that row. The front seats are power-adjustable on all trims except the TrailSport, and higher trims add heating and ventilation.

Pricing and what affects the final cost

The 2024 Passport's starting price is approximately $48,000 for the TrailSport trim before taxes, destination fees, and any dealer markups. The EX starts around $52,000, the EX-L around $57,000, and the Touring around $62,000. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices, and actual prices vary by location, dealer, and current market conditions.

Several options can increase the price. The all-wheel-drive system adds roughly $2,000 to $2,500 depending on trim. The towing package costs around $1,000. Paint colors other than the standard white cost extra, typically $500 to $700. Destination fees, which cover the cost of shipping the vehicle from the factory to the dealer, typically range from $1,200 to $1,500. Some dealers charge additional markups during periods of high demand, so it is worth shopping around and comparing prices across multiple locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2024 Passport compare to the Honda Pilot?

The Pilot is larger, seats up to eight people more comfortably, and is better for families who prioritize interior space and comfort. The Passport is smaller, more focused on off-road capability, and has a lower starting price. If you plan to use the vehicle primarily for highway driving and occasional light off-roading, the Passport is the better choice. If you need maximum interior space and comfort, the Pilot is worth considering.

Can I get the Passport with a hybrid or turbocharged engine?

No. The 2024 Passport is only available with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Honda does not offer a hybrid or turbocharged version. If fuel economy is a priority, the front-wheel-drive model will give you slightly better mileage than the all-wheel-drive version.

Is the third row suitable for adults on long trips?

The third row is tight for adults and is best used for children or for short trips. Legroom in the third row is limited, and the seat cushion is relatively thin. If you regularly need to transport five or more adults, the Pilot or a full-size SUV like the Chevrolet Tahoe would be more comfortable.

What is the difference between the TrailSport and the EX trim?

The TrailSport is designed for off-road driving and includes all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential. The EX prioritizes comfort and convenience with features like a power liftgate and a larger touchscreen. The TrailSport is cheaper and better if you plan off-road use; the EX is better if you want a more comfortable daily driver.

Does the 2024 Passport come with all-wheel drive standard?

No. The base TrailSport and EX trims come with front-wheel drive as standard. All-wheel drive is available as an option on all trims and adds approximately $2,000 to $2,500 to the price. If you live in an area with snow or plan to drive on unpaved roads regularly, all-wheel drive is worth the extra cost.