The 2025 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame
The 2025 Honda Passport is a three-row sport utility vehicle that Honda positions between its smaller CR-V and its full-size Pilot. It sits on the same platform as the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a body-on-frame construction rather than the unibody design of most SUVs. That frame-based approach gives it more ground clearance and a higher towing capacity than comparably sized competitors.
Honda offers the Passport in four trim levels for 2025: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, and Touring. Each trim adds features and capability — the TrailSport, for instance, includes all-terrain tires, skid plates, and all-wheel drive as standard. The base Sport model starts with front-wheel drive and can be upgraded to all-wheel drive.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Passport uses a truck frame and seats up to eight people across three rows, with the third row best suited for children or occasional use.
- Engine options are a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with no hybrid or electric variant offered.
- Towing capacity ranges from 5,000 pounds on front-wheel-drive models to 5,600 pounds on all-wheel-drive models, depending on trim.
- The TrailSport trim is designed for off-road use and includes terrain management modes, all-terrain tires, and underbody protection as standard equipment.
- Fuel economy for 2025 models is estimated at 20 to 23 miles per gallon combined, varying by drivetrain and trim level.
Engine, transmission, and fuel economy
Every 2025 Passport uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Honda does not offer a hybrid version of the Passport, and there is no plug-in electric variant.
Fuel economy depends on whether you choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive models are rated at approximately 21 miles per gallon in the city, 26 on the highway, and 23 combined. All-wheel-drive models drop to about 20 city, 25 highway, and 22 combined. The TrailSport and Touring trims, which come standard with all-wheel drive, fall into the lower range. These are EPA estimates and real-world mileage varies based on driving habits and conditions.
Seating, cargo space, and interior layout
The Passport seats up to eight people: two in front, three in the second row, and three in the third row. The second row has captain's chairs on higher trims or a bench seat on the Sport trim. The third row is narrow and best suited for children; adults will find it cramped on longer trips.
With all three rows in use, cargo space behind the third row is minimal — around 10 cubic feet. Folding the third row flat gives you roughly 47 cubic feet, and folding both the second and third rows opens up approximately 87 cubic feet. The Passport has a roof rack rated for 150 pounds of cargo.
Trim levels and standard features
The Sport trim is the entry point and includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and Honda Sensing (Honda's suite of driver information features). All-wheel drive is available but not standard on this trim.
The EX-L adds a power liftgate, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. The TrailSport is built for off-road use and comes standard with all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and terrain management modes that adjust throttle and transmission behavior for different surfaces. The Touring is the highest trim and adds leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a premium audio system, and a hands-free power tailgate.
All-wheel drive and off-road capability
All-wheel drive is standard on the TrailSport and Touring trims and optional on the Sport and EX-L. The all-wheel-drive system is not full-time; it engages automatically when the front wheels lose traction. On the TrailSport, you also get Terrain Management, which includes modes for Snow, Mud, and Sand. These modes adjust engine response, transmission shift points, and brake behavior to maintain traction in those specific conditions.
The TrailSport also includes a locking rear differential, which forces both rear wheels to turn at the same speed — useful when one wheel is on a slippery surface and the other is on solid ground. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches across all trims. The TrailSport adds skid plates under the engine and fuel tank for protection on rocky terrain.
Safety features and driver information technology
Honda Sensing comes standard on all 2025 Passport trims. This package includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. Higher trims add features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Passport earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in its most recent testing cycle, though specific crash test results vary by category. It also received a "Good" rating in most crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, though the small overlap front crash test received a "Marginal" rating.
Towing and payload capacity
Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds on front-wheel-drive models and 5,600 pounds on all-wheel-drive models. This assumes you have the proper hitch installed and are towing within the vehicle's weight limits. Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the bed or cabin — is approximately 1,500 pounds, though this varies slightly by trim and configuration.
If you plan to tow regularly, you will need to factor in the weight of your trailer, cargo, and passengers when calculating how much you can safely carry. The owner's manual contains detailed towing guidelines specific to your trim and drivetrain.
Pricing and model year changes
Pricing for the 2025 Passport starts at approximately $48,000 for the Sport trim with front-wheel drive, though prices vary by region and dealer. The EX-L, TrailSport, and Touring trims cost progressively more. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices; actual prices depend on local market conditions, dealer inventory, and any current incentives.
For 2025, Honda made minor updates to the Passport's exterior styling and added new color options. The interior layout and core mechanical systems remain largely unchanged from the previous generation. If you are comparing 2025 models to older model years, the main differences are cosmetic and in available technology packages rather than fundamental capability changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Passport compare to the Honda Pilot?
The Pilot is larger, seats up to eight with more comfortable third-row legroom, and uses a unibody frame. The Passport is smaller, has a truck frame for better towing and ground clearance, and is better suited for off-road use. The Pilot is the better choice for families prioritizing passenger comfort; the Passport is better if you want truck-like capability in an SUV package.
Can the Passport tow a small travel trailer?
Yes, the Passport can tow trailers up to 5,000 to 5,600 pounds depending on drivetrain. A small travel trailer typically weighs 2,000 to 4,000 pounds, so most fall within the Passport's capacity. You will need a proper hitch installed and should verify the exact weight of any trailer you plan to tow against your vehicle's payload and towing limits.
Is the third row really usable for adults?
The third row is narrow and has limited legroom, making it uncomfortable for adults on trips longer than an hour or so. It works well for children or as occasional seating for short drives. If you frequently need to seat six or more adults comfortably, the larger Pilot is a better choice.
Does the 2025 Passport have a hybrid option?
No, Honda does not offer a hybrid or electric version of the Passport. The only powertrain is the 3.5-liter V6 with the 10-speed automatic transmission. If fuel economy is a priority, the front-wheel-drive models achieve slightly better mileage than all-wheel-drive versions.
What is the difference between the TrailSport and other trims?
The TrailSport is specifically designed for off-road use and comes standard with all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, terrain management modes, and underbody skid plates. Other trims are better for on-road driving and daily use. If you plan to drive on unpaved roads or rough terrain regularly, the TrailSport's standard equipment justifies its higher price.