The 2018 Honda Passport is a midsize SUV built for both highway and light off-road use

The 2018 Honda Passport is a body-on-frame SUV that sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and its larger Pilot. It was designed to appeal to buyers who want genuine off-road capability without the size or fuel consumption of a full-size truck. The Passport shares its platform and engine with the Honda Ridgeline pickup, which means it has a truck-based structure rather than the car-based design of most modern SUVs.

Honda discontinued the Passport after 2002, then brought it back in 2019 as a completely new model. If you are looking at a 2018 model year, you are actually looking at the final year of the original generation, which ran from 1994 to 2002. The 2018 Passport you might encounter for sale is either a used vehicle from that original run or possibly a mislabeled 2019 model, since the relaunch happened for the 2019 model year.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 model year does not exist in the current Passport lineup; Honda discontinued the original Passport in 2002 and relaunched it as a new design starting in 2019.
  • If you are shopping for a used Passport from around 2018, you are likely looking at a 2019 or newer model from the second generation, or an older model from the original 1994–2002 run.
  • The reborn Passport uses a truck frame, a V6 engine, and standard all-wheel drive, making it capable on unpaved roads and trails.
  • Fuel economy on the newer Passport ranges from the mid-teens to low 20s miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and whether you choose two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy on the reborn Passport

The 2019 and newer Passport (the model you are most likely to find if shopping for a "2018") uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Power goes to the wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. All Passports come standard with all-wheel drive, though you can lock the transfer case for low-range four-wheel drive when driving off-road.

Fuel economy sits around 18 to 20 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with highway driving sometimes reaching the low 20s. City driving typically drops into the mid-teens. These numbers are typical for a truck-based SUV of this size and weight. If you are comparing the Passport to a car-based SUV like the CR-V or RAV4, expect the Passport to use noticeably more fuel.

Towing capacity and payload

The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which is enough for a small to mid-size boat, utility trailer, or travel trailer. The payload capacity (the weight you can carry in the bed or cargo area) is around 1,500 pounds, though this varies slightly by model year and trim level.

If you plan to tow regularly or carry heavy loads, check the specific model year's owner manual or window sticker, because these numbers can shift between years. The truck-based design gives the Passport a genuine advantage over car-based SUVs in this category, but it is still lighter-duty than a full-size pickup.

Off-road features and ground clearance

The Passport comes with a two-speed transfer case that lets you shift into four-wheel-drive low range, which reduces engine speed and increases torque for climbing steep terrain or navigating rocks and ruts. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most car-based SUVs but lower than a full-size truck or Jeep Wrangler.

The frame-based construction means the Passport handles body roll better than a car-based SUV when turning on pavement, and it can take rougher terrain without flexing the chassis. However, the Passport is not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording. It is built for forest roads, mild trails, and the kind of off-road driving you might do to reach a campsite or trailhead.

Interior space and seating

The Passport seats five people across two rows. The front seats are comfortable for long drives, and the rear seats fold flat to create a large cargo area. Behind the rear seats, you have 28 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, and 76 cubic feet with them folded.

The interior design emphasizes durability and function over luxury. Trim materials are straightforward — cloth or leather depending on the trim level — and the controls are laid out logically. If you are coming from a car or a car-based SUV, the Passport will feel more utilitarian and less refined, but many buyers prefer this honest approach to a truck-based vehicle.

Trim levels and standard features

The Passport comes in three main trim levels: TrailSport, EX-L, and Touring. The TrailSport is the entry-level trim and focuses on off-road capability, with all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential. The EX-L adds comfort features like leather seats and a power moonroof. The Touring is the top trim and includes a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, and premium audio.

All trims come standard with all-wheel drive, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims add features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and a power liftgate. The specific features available depend on the model year, so check the window sticker or owner manual for the exact vehicle you are considering.

Reliability and maintenance

The Passport shares its engine and transmission with the Honda Ridgeline, which has a solid track record for reliability. Honda's V6 engines are known for durability when maintained properly. Regular oil changes, fluid checks, and scheduled maintenance will keep the Passport running well into high mileage.

Common maintenance items include oil and filter changes every 10,000 miles, transmission fluid checks, and brake inspections. The all-wheel-drive system requires periodic transfer case fluid changes. Parts are widely available through Honda dealers and independent shops, and repair costs are generally moderate for a vehicle in this class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there actually a 2018 Honda Passport?

No. Honda discontinued the original Passport in 2002 and did not make one in 2018. The reborn Passport started with the 2019 model year. If a dealer or private seller is advertising a 2018 Passport, they may have mislabeled a 2019 model, or they may be selling an older model from the original generation.

How does the Passport compare to the Jeep Wrangler?

The Passport is more comfortable on highways and has better fuel economy, but the Wrangler is more capable on extreme terrain and has better resale value. The Passport is also more spacious inside and has a larger cargo area. Choose the Passport if you want a truck-based SUV for mixed driving with occasional off-road use; choose the Wrangler if off-road performance is your priority.

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

The Passport is truck-based and larger, with genuine four-wheel-drive low range and better towing capacity. The CR-V is car-based, more fuel-efficient, and better for everyday driving and families. The Passport is the choice if you want off-road capability; the CR-V is better if you prioritize comfort and efficiency.

Can I use the Passport for serious rock crawling?

The Passport is built for moderate off-road use — forest roads, light trails, and rough terrain. It is not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording. If you plan serious rock crawling, a Jeep Wrangler or a full-size truck is a better choice.

What should I check when buying a used Passport?

Check the service history to confirm regular maintenance was done. Look for rust underneath, especially if the vehicle has been used off-road. Test the four-wheel-drive system and transfer case in both high and low range. Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a Honda-familiar mechanic before you commit to buying.