The 2024 Honda Passport EX-L at a glance

The 2024 Honda Passport EX-L is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame, positioned between Honda's compact CR-V and full-size Pilot. The EX-L trim sits in the middle of the Passport lineup—above the base Sport and TrailSport models, but below the top-tier Trailsport. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

This model year represents the second generation of the Passport, which Honda redesigned for 2024. The EX-L trim focuses on comfort and convenience features rather than off-road specialization, making it a practical choice if you want the truck-based platform without the rugged-focused equipment of higher trims.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Passport EX-L comes standard with all-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
  • Standard features on the EX-L include leather upholstery, a power liftgate, heated front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • The EX-L seats five passengers and offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 76.5 cubic feet with seats folded.
  • EPA fuel economy estimates are 21 miles per gallon city and 26 miles per gallon highway with all-wheel drive.
  • The EX-L trim costs more than the Sport and TrailSport but less than the Trailsport, with a starting price that varies by region and dealer.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The 2024 Passport EX-L uses a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system includes a two-speed transfer case, which allows you to shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive while driving at speeds under 40 miles per hour.

The EPA estimates fuel economy at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway with all-wheel drive. Real-world fuel economy depends on driving habits, terrain, and load. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, giving you a theoretical highway range of around 480 miles on a full tank.

The Passport EX-L requires regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Honda recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

Interior features and seating

The EX-L interior is built around comfort and usability rather than off-road durability. Seating is leather-trimmed and heated in the front row, with a power-adjustable driver's seat that includes lumbar support. The rear bench seat is a fixed 60/40 split and does not recline, though it folds flat to expand cargo space.

Standard climate control is dual-zone automatic, allowing the driver and front passenger to set different temperatures. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and adjustable for both reach and tilt. An 8-inch touchscreen sits in the center of the dashboard and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both wired connections. A six-speaker audio system comes standard, though you can upgrade to a premium system.

Storage compartments include a center console with a sliding armrest, door pockets, and a small shelf above the glove box. Cup holders are positioned in the center console and on each door. The power liftgate opens and closes at the push of a button and can be programmed to stop at a specific height.

Cargo space and towing capacity

Behind the rear seats, the Passport EX-L offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding the rear bench flat expands this to 76.5 cubic feet. The cargo floor is flat and unobstructed, making it straightforward to load rectangular items. Tie-down cleats are built into the cargo area to find loads.

The Passport EX-L has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This includes a Class III hitch receiver, which comes standard. The vehicle is rated to carry a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds in the bed area behind the rear wheels. Towing and payload capacity assume the vehicle is in proper working condition and the load is distributed correctly.

Safety features and driver information

The 2024 Passport EX-L comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-information technologies. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera is standard, and a multi-angle camera system is available as an option.

The vehicle has eight airbags: dual front, front side-impact, and rear side-impact airbags. Electronic stability control and traction control are standard. The EX-L does not come standard with blind-spot monitoring, though this feature is available on higher trims or as an add-on package.

The Passport EX-L has not yet received a safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 model year, as ratings are released throughout the year. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not published ratings for this model year either.

Trim comparison and pricing

The Passport lineup for 2024 includes four trims: Sport, TrailSport, EX-L, and Trailsport. The Sport is the base model with cloth upholstery and fewer convenience features. The TrailSport adds all-terrain tires and skid plates for off-road capability. The EX-L, positioned in the middle, prioritizes comfort with leather seats and convenience features. The top-tier Trailsport combines the off-road equipment of the TrailSport with the comfort features of the EX-L.

Starting prices vary by region and dealer, and Honda does not publish manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) on a national level. You will need to contact local dealers for current pricing. Destination charges, taxes, and dealer fees are additional and vary by location.

Common options and packages

The EX-L can be ordered with several optional features and packages. A premium audio system upgrades the standard six-speaker setup. A multi-angle camera system adds front, side, and overhead camera views to the touchscreen. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available. A roof rack system can be added for carrying cargo on top of the vehicle.

Some dealers may offer packages that bundle multiple options together at a discounted price compared to ordering them individually. These packages vary by dealer and region, so ask about them when you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, all-wheel drive is standard on the EX-L trim. The system includes a two-speed transfer case that lets you shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive while driving at speeds under 40 miles per hour. There is no two-wheel-drive option for this trim.

How many people can sit in the Passport EX-L?

The Passport EX-L seats five people: two in front and three in the rear bench seat. The rear seat does not have individual captain's chairs, so the middle passenger sits on a bench between the two outer seats.

Can I connect my phone wirelessly to the touchscreen?

The 2024 Passport EX-L supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but both require a wired connection to the vehicle's USB port. Wireless connectivity for these systems is not available on this model year.

What is the difference between the EX-L and the Trailsport trim?

The Trailsport adds all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and off-road-focused suspension tuning compared to the EX-L. Both trims include leather seats and the same comfort features, but the Trailsport is designed for more aggressive off-road use. The Trailsport costs more than the EX-L.

How often does the Passport EX-L need maintenance?

Honda recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Tire rotation is recommended every 7,500 miles. A full maintenance schedule is included in the owner's manual, which covers fluid checks, filter replacements, and other service intervals based on mileage.