The 2025 Honda Passport Black Edition is a mid-size SUV with a blacked-out exterior package and standard all-wheel drive
The 2025 Honda Passport Black Edition is Honda's three-row SUV positioned between the smaller CR-V and the larger Pilot. The Black Edition trim adds darkened exterior trim, black wheels, and a black roof to the base Passport, giving it a more aggressive appearance than other trims. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and seats five passengers across two rows.
This is not a luxury vehicle or a high-performance off-roader — it is a practical family SUV with a truck-based frame and a V6 engine. The Black Edition appeals to buyers who want the Passport's capability but prefer the visual styling of the darkened package without paying for higher trims that add features they may not need.
Key Takeaways
- The Black Edition comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.
- Exterior features include a black roof, black 18-inch wheels, and darkened trim that distinguish it from the base Passport trim.
- The cabin seats five with a second-row bench seat or optional captain's chairs, and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Honda's standard safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and collision mitigation on all 2025 Passport models.
- The Black Edition sits in the middle of the Passport lineup by price, below the EX-L and Touring trims but above the base model.
Engine, Transmission, and Fuel Economy
The 2025 Passport Black Edition 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 and standard all-wheel drive. The transmission sends power to all four wheels through a real-time all-wheel-drive system that can shift power between the front and rear axles as road conditions change.
Fuel economy for the Black Edition is rated at 21 miles per gallon in the city, 26 on the highway, and 23 combined when using regular unleaded gasoline. These figures are typical for a mid-size SUV with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, which gives a driving range of roughly 425 miles on a full tank under mixed driving conditions.
The Passport is not a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle — it runs on gasoline only. Honda does not offer a hybrid version of the Passport for the 2025 model year.
Exterior Styling and the Black Edition Package
The Black Edition distinguishes itself through a package of darkened exterior elements. The roof is painted black, the 18-inch wheels are finished in black, and the trim pieces that would normally be chrome or silver on other trims are blacked out. This includes the door handles, window trim, and roof rails. The body itself is available in multiple colors — the black exterior styling is an accent package, not a requirement.
The Passport's overall shape is boxy and upright, with a design that echoes Honda's truck heritage. It has a higher ground clearance than the CR-V and a more rugged stance than the Pilot. The Black Edition's darkened trim reinforces this truck-like appearance without changing the vehicle's actual dimensions or capability.
Interior Space, Seating, and Comfort Features
The Black Edition seats five passengers in two rows. The front row has two bucket seats with power adjustment and lumbar support. The second row is a bench seat that fits three passengers, though the middle position is narrower than the two outer seats. Some buyers choose the optional captain's chairs for the second row, which replaces the bench with two individual seats separated by a console — this reduces seating capacity to four but increases comfort for the two rear passengers.
The cargo area behind the second row holds 39.3 cubic feet of space. If you fold the second-row seats flat, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet. This is enough for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, but not as much as the larger Pilot, which offers 84.9 cubic feet with seats folded.
Standard comfort features on the Black Edition include dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and adjusts for both reach and tilt. Heated front seats are standard, and a heated steering wheel is available.
Safety Features and Driver information Systems
All 2025 Passport models, including the Black Edition, come standard with Honda Sensing — a suite of driver information and safety technologies. This includes adaptive cruise control (which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead), lane-keeping information (which gently corrects if you drift out of your lane), and collision mitigation braking (which applies the brakes if a collision is imminent and you have not responded).
The Passport also includes a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems help you see what is behind and to the sides of the vehicle when reversing or changing lanes. Forward collision warning alerts you if the vehicle ahead is stopping suddenly.
The Black Edition does not include a surround-view camera system or a 360-degree parking camera — those are available on higher trims. It also does not have automatic parking information, which is available on the Touring trim.
Towing Capacity and Off-Road Capability
The 2025 Passport Black Edition can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. This is enough for a small utility trailer, jet ski trailer, or lightweight boat. The vehicle is not designed for heavy-duty towing — if you need to pull more than 5,000 pounds regularly, a full-size truck or the larger Pilot (which can tow up to 5,000 pounds) would be better choices.
The Passport has a body-on-frame construction, which means the cabin sits on top of a separate steel frame. This design gives it more ground clearance and a higher approach angle than unibody SUVs like the CR-V. However, the Black Edition does not include all-terrain tires, electronic locking differentials, or skid plates — features that would make it more capable on rough terrain. It is suitable for unpaved roads and light off-road driving, but not for serious rock crawling or extreme conditions.
Pricing and How the Black Edition Compares to Other Trims
The 2025 Passport lineup includes the base model, the Black Edition, the EX-L, and the Touring. The Black Edition is positioned as a mid-range option — it costs more than the base model but less than the EX-L and Touring trims. The price difference between trims is typically $2,000 to $4,000, though this varies by location and dealer.
The base model Passport has a silver roof and standard trim, making it less visually distinctive than the Black Edition. The EX-L adds leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and additional comfort features. The Touring is the highest trim and includes a surround-view camera, automatic parking information, and premium audio. If you want the Black Edition's styling without paying for the EX-L's leather and power liftgate, the Black Edition is the logical choice. If you want those comfort upgrades, the EX-L or Touring may be worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Black Edition come with all-wheel drive standard?
Yes. All 2025 Passport models, including the Black Edition, come with all-wheel drive as standard. There is no front-wheel-drive option for any trim level.
Can I get the Black Edition with captain's chairs instead of a bench seat?
Yes. The captain's chairs option is available on the Black Edition and replaces the three-person bench seat with two individual seats separated by a console. This reduces seating from five to four passengers but increases comfort for rear occupants.
What is the difference between the Black Edition and the EX-L trim?
The Black Edition adds the blacked-out exterior package and black roof. The EX-L adds leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and additional interior features. The EX-L does not include the black exterior styling unless you order it as an option. Both have the same engine and transmission.
How much cargo space does the Black Edition have?
The Black Edition has 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with the seats up, and 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. This is less than the Pilot but more than the CR-V.
Is the Passport good for towing?
The Black Edition can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is suitable for small trailers and lightweight boats. It is not designed for heavy-duty towing. If you regularly need to tow more than 5,000 pounds, a full-size truck or the Pilot would be better choices.