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

The Honda Passport is a sport utility vehicle that Honda manufactures for the North American market. It sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and its larger Pilot in terms of size and capability. The Passport is designed to appeal to buyers who want a vehicle that can handle unpaved roads and rough terrain without sacrificing the comfort and technology you'd expect from a modern Honda.

The vehicle comes with either a V6 engine or, in newer model years, a turbocharged four-cylinder option. It seats five passengers and offers a cargo bed or enclosed cargo area depending on the model year. The Passport has a body-on-frame construction, which means the chassis and body are built separately — this design choice makes it more capable on rough terrain than unibody SUVs, though it typically means a slightly rougher ride on pavement.

Key Takeaways

  • The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV with body-on-frame construction, making it more capable on unpaved roads than most competitors in its price range.
  • It seats five people and comes with either a V6 engine or a turbocharged four-cylinder, depending on model year and trim level.
  • The Passport includes all-wheel drive as standard and offers multiple terrain modes to adjust how the vehicle handles different road conditions.
  • Fuel economy typically ranges from the mid-20s to low-30s miles per gallon depending on engine choice and driving conditions.
  • Honda offers the Passport in several trim levels, each adding features like leather seats, advanced safety technology, and upgraded infotainment systems.

Engine options and what they mean for performance

The Honda Passport has offered different engine choices across model years. Older Passports (2019–2021) came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces around 280 horsepower. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and delivers steady power for both highway driving and moderate off-road work.

Starting in 2024, Honda introduced a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as an option on certain trim levels. This engine produces similar horsepower to the V6 but achieves better fuel economy — typically gaining 3 to 5 miles per gallon in real-world driving. The trade-off is that turbo engines can require premium fuel and may have higher maintenance costs over time, though Honda's warranty covers the engine for the standard period.

Both engines come with all-wheel drive as standard. The Passport does not offer a two-wheel-drive option, which keeps the price higher than some competitors but ensures you have traction in wet or snowy conditions without paying extra.

Trim levels and what features come with each

Honda offers the Passport in multiple trim levels, typically starting with a base model and moving up through mid-range and premium options. The base trim includes essential features like a touchscreen infotainment system, backup camera, and Honda Sensing (a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information).

Higher trim levels add features such as leather upholstery, a power moonroof, heated front seats, a more powerful audio system, and upgraded navigation. The top trim may include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a premium sound system. Trim availability and specific features vary by model year, so checking Honda's current lineup or a dealer's inventory will show you exactly what comes with each level.

You can also add individual packages or options to most trim levels, allowing you to customize the vehicle to your priorities without paying for a higher trim if you only want one or two specific features.

Off-road capability and terrain modes

The Passport's body-on-frame design and standard all-wheel-drive system make it more capable on unpaved roads than most mid-size SUVs. It has a higher ground clearance than the CR-V and can handle moderate trails, rocky terrain, and deep ruts without damage to the undercarriage.

The vehicle includes multiple terrain modes — settings that adjust how the engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system respond to different surfaces. These modes typically include Normal (for pavement), Snow, Mud, and Sand. In each mode, the system adjusts throttle response, transmission shifting, and power distribution to the wheels to optimize traction. For example, Sand mode reduces engine braking and allows the wheels to slip slightly for better flotation on loose surfaces.

However, the Passport is not a hardcore off-road vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner. It is better described as a capable daily driver that can handle light to moderate off-road use. If you plan to tackle steep rocky terrain, water crossings, or extreme conditions regularly, a more specialized vehicle may be a better fit.

Fuel economy and real-world costs

The Honda Passport's fuel economy depends on which engine you choose and how you drive. The V6 model typically achieves 21 to 23 miles per gallon in combined driving (a mix of city and highway). The turbocharged four-cylinder, when available, improves this to around 24 to 26 miles per gallon combined.

These figures come from EPA testing, but real-world results vary based on driving habits, terrain, and weather. Highway driving yields better fuel economy than city driving, and using terrain modes or carrying heavy loads will reduce efficiency. Both engines require regular unleaded fuel, though the turbo engine may run more efficiently on premium fuel — check your owner's manual for your specific model year.

When budgeting for ownership, factor in fuel costs based on your local gas prices and how many miles you drive annually. A vehicle that gets 23 miles per gallon costs more to fuel than one that gets 30, but the Passport's capability and features may justify that difference depending on your needs.

Comparing the Passport to similar vehicles

The Honda Passport competes with vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and Chevrolet Blazer. Each has different strengths. The Jeep Wrangler offers more extreme off-road capability but is less comfortable on highways. The Toyota 4Runner is larger and more rugged but costs significantly more and gets worse fuel economy. The Chevrolet Blazer is similar in size but uses unibody construction, making it better for pavement but less capable off-road.

The Passport occupies a middle ground: it is more capable than a typical crossover SUV but less extreme than a dedicated off-road vehicle. It prioritizes comfort and technology while still offering genuine terrain capability. If you want a vehicle that can handle a camping trip on a rough forest road but also serves as your daily commuter, the Passport is designed with that balance in mind.

Comparing specific models side by side — looking at price, warranty, available features, and fuel economy — will help you decide whether the Passport or a competitor better matches your priorities and budget.

Maintenance, warranty, and ownership costs

Honda Passports come with a standard warranty that covers the engine, transmission, and most components for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrain coverage extends to five years or 60,000 miles. Some dealers offer extended warranties that cover additional years or mileage, which you can purchase at the time of sale or shortly after.

Routine maintenance includes oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and tire rotations at intervals specified in your owner's manual — typically every 5,000 to 10,000 miles for oil changes. The Passport uses common Honda parts, so maintenance and repairs are generally less expensive than some competitors. If you use the vehicle for regular off-road driving, you may need more frequent undercarriage inspections and fluid changes.

Insurance costs for a Passport are moderate compared to other mid-size SUVs. Actual premiums depend on your age, driving history, location, and the coverage levels you choose. Getting quotes from multiple insurers before purchasing will give you a realistic picture of total ownership costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Honda Passport tow a trailer?

Yes. The V6 Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. The turbocharged four-cylinder has a lower towing capacity — check your specific model year's specifications with Honda or a dealer. You will need the correct hitch class and a properly functioning brake system on the trailer.

How many people does the Passport seat?

The Passport seats five passengers: two in front and three in the rear. There is no third-row seating option. If you need to transport more than five people regularly, the larger Honda Pilot offers a third-row option.

Is the Passport good for winter driving?

The Passport's all-wheel-drive system and ground clearance make it reasonably capable in snow and ice, especially with winter tires. The Snow terrain mode adjusts traction control for slippery surfaces. However, winter tires are essential — all-wheel drive alone does not replace proper tires in cold weather.

What is the difference between the Passport and the Honda CR-V?

The Passport is larger, has body-on-frame construction, and offers more off-road capability. The CR-V is smaller, uses unibody construction, and prioritizes fuel economy and everyday comfort. The CR-V is better for families focused on highway driving; the Passport is better if you want occasional off-road use and a larger cargo area.

Does the Passport come in hybrid or electric?

As of now, Honda does not offer a hybrid or fully electric Passport. The vehicle is available only with gasoline engines. If fuel efficiency is your top priority, the turbocharged four-cylinder option offers better mileage than the V6, or you might consider the hybrid CR-V if you do not need the Passport's off-road capability.