The 2025 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 Passport EX-L sits in the second tier of Honda's three-level Passport lineup (base Sport, mid-tier EX-L, and top-tier Touring). It shares its platform with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a body-on-frame construction rather than the unibody design used in most crossovers. This structural choice affects how it handles, what it can tow, and how it rides on pavement versus rough terrain.
The EX-L trim adds features like heated front seats, a power moonroof, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker audio system compared to the base Sport model. It also includes Honda Sensing, which is Honda's suite of driver information features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, and collision mitigation braking.
The 2025 model year represents a refresh of the Passport line, with updated styling, a revised interior, and changes to the powertrain and transmission. Understanding what changed and what stayed the same helps you decide whether this year's version meets your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Passport EX-L uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
- Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and payload capacity is around 1,500 pounds, making it suitable for small trailers and moderate hauling but not heavy-duty work.
- The EX-L trim includes heated seats, a moonroof, wireless smartphone integration, and Honda Sensing safety features as standard equipment.
- Real-world fuel economy typically ranges from 19 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions, transmission type, and whether you choose all-wheel drive.
- The truck-based platform means a stiffer ride on highways compared to car-based crossovers, but better approach and departure angles for off-road use.
Engine, transmission, and fuel economy for the 2025 model year
The 2025 Passport EX-L is powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This is the same displacement as the previous generation but with revised internal components and a new intake manifold design. The engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which is new for 2025 and replaces the previous 9-speed unit. The additional gear ratio is designed to improve both acceleration and highway efficiency.
Honda rates the 2025 Passport EX-L at 19 miles per gallon in the city, 24 on the highway, and 21 combined when equipped with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive versions are rated at 18 city, 23 highway, and 20 combined. These are EPA estimates; actual mileage varies based on driving style, terrain, traffic patterns, and how heavily you load the vehicle. Owners on forums and review sites typically report real-world figures in the 19 to 22 range, with highway driving yielding better results than city driving.
The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, which gives you a theoretical range of around 370 to 440 miles per tank depending on your transmission choice and driving conditions. The Passport uses regular unleaded gasoline, not premium, so fuel costs are lower than for some competing SUVs.
Towing and payload capacity
The 2025 Passport EX-L can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the factory towing package. This package includes a Class III receiver hitch, trailer wiring harness, and integrated trailer brake controller. Without the package, towing capacity drops to 3,500 pounds. The difference matters because the brake controller allows you to tow heavier trailers more safely by coordinating the trailer's brakes with the vehicle's brakes.
Payload capacity—the weight you can carry in the bed and cabin combined—is approximately 1,500 pounds for the EX-L trim. This is the weight of cargo, passengers, and any aftermarket equipment you add. Exceeding this limit can damage the suspension, affect handling, and void the warranty. If you plan to carry a roof rack, cargo box, or bike rack, those weights count against your payload allowance.
For context, 5,000 pounds covers small utility trailers, jet skis, ATVs, and modest boat trailers. It does not cover horse trailers, large enclosed cargo trailers, or heavy equipment. If you need to tow more than 5,000 pounds regularly, the Honda Ridgeline pickup or a full-size SUV like the Pilot would be better choices.
Interior features and technology in the EX-L trim
The 2025 EX-L interior includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need to plug in your phone every time you drive. The system also includes SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a backup camera as standard. The 10-speaker audio system is an upgrade from the base Sport's 6-speaker setup and provides noticeably better sound quality for music and podcasts.
Seating is leather-trimmed on the EX-L, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second row has a 60/40 split-fold design, allowing you to fold one side down while keeping the other up for passengers. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 37.6 cubic feet; with the rear seats folded, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet. Climate control is dual-zone automatic, so the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures.
Storage includes a center console with a sliding armrest, door pockets, and a small shelf above the glove box. The power moonroof on the EX-L opens and tilts, adding a sense of openness but reducing headroom slightly compared to the base model. All windows are one-touch auto up and down, and the power liftgate opens and closes at the push of a button.
Honda Sensing safety features and driver information
Honda Sensing comes standard on the 2025 Passport EX-L and includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and collision mitigation braking. These systems use cameras and radar mounted in the windshield and front bumper to monitor the road ahead and your position in the lane.
Adaptive cruise control maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically slowing down if traffic slows and speeding back up when traffic clears. Lane keeping information gently steers the vehicle back toward the center of the lane if it detects you drifting without signaling. Forward collision warning alerts you with visual and audible warnings if a potential collision is detected, and collision mitigation braking can explore the brakes automatically if you do not respond in time.
These systems are designed to reduce driver fatigue on long highway drives and to catch mistakes before they become accidents. They are not a substitute for attentive driving, and you can disable them if you prefer. Some drivers find them helpful; others find them intrusive. Most modern vehicles now include similar systems, so the Passport is competitive in this regard but not unique.
Exterior dimensions, ground clearance, and off-road capability
The 2025 Passport EX-L measures 190.8 inches long, 76.4 inches wide, and 71.6 inches tall. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most car-based crossovers but lower than full-size trucks. Approach angle is 32 degrees, departure angle is 26 degrees, and breakover angle is 22 degrees. These angles determine how steep an incline you can climb, how far you can overhang a cliff without grounding the undercarriage, and how steep a hill you can crest without hitting the bottom.
The truck-based platform and higher ground clearance make the Passport more capable on unpaved roads, rocky terrain, and shallow water crossings than a car-based crossover. However, it is not a hardcore off-road vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner. It is better described as an on-road SUV with modest off-road capability. If you plan to do serious rock crawling, deep water fording, or extreme terrain, the Passport will disappoint. If you want to explore forest service roads, gravel tracks, and mild trails, it is adequate.
Fuel type, maintenance intervals, and warranty coverage
The 2025 Passport EX-L uses regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), not premium. This keeps fuel costs lower than vehicles that require premium fuel. The engine is naturally aspirated, meaning it does not use a turbocharger or supercharger, which generally means fewer moving parts and simpler maintenance.
Honda recommends an oil change every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Air filter replacement is recommended every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions. Transmission fluid does not have a scheduled replacement interval; Honda says it is designed to last the life of the vehicle, though some owners and independent mechanics recommend changing it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles as preventive maintenance.
The 2025 Passport EX-L comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The powertrain warranty extends to 5 years/60,000 miles and covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Rust perforation is covered for 5 years with no mileage limit. These warranty periods are standard for Honda and competitive with other manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2025 Passport EX-L compare to the Honda Pilot?
The Pilot is larger, seats up to eight people, and is built on a car-based platform for a smoother highway ride. The Passport is smaller, seats five, and uses a truck frame for better off-road angles and towing capacity. The Pilot is better for families needing three rows; the Passport is better for couples or small families who want truck-like capability.
Can you get all-wheel drive on the 2025 Passport EX-L?
Yes. Honda offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on the EX-L trim. All-wheel drive adds approximately $2,000 to the price and reduces fuel economy by about 1 mile per gallon. It provides better traction in snow and on loose surfaces but is not necessary for most drivers in dry climates.
What is the difference between the EX-L and the Touring trim?
The Touring adds a power adjustable steering column, a panoramic moonroof, a surround-view camera system, premium leather seats with ventilation, and a power liftgate with memory position. The Touring costs roughly $4,000 to $5,000 more than the EX-L. For most buyers, the EX-L offers the features that matter most without the premium price.
Does the 2025 Passport EX-L have a spare tire?
Yes. It comes with a full-size spare tire mounted on the rear door, not a compact spare. This is an advantage over many modern vehicles that use a small temporary spare or tire repair kits, because a full-size spare can be driven at highway speeds and does not require a trip to a tire shop when ready.
What is the real-world resale value trend for the Passport?
The Passport holds value reasonably well compared to car-based crossovers, typically retaining 55 to 65 percent of its original price after five years. Actual resale value depends on mileage, condition, accident history, and local market demand. Truck-based SUVs generally hold value better than unibody crossovers because they appeal to buyers seeking durability and capability.