What the 2019 Honda Passport is and who it's built for

The 2019 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV designed to split the difference between a truck and a traditional SUV. It shares its frame and engine with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck but adds a closed cargo area, a third row of seating, and a more car-like interior. Honda positioned it as an alternative to vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner — vehicles aimed at buyers who want off-road capability without the full truck experience.

The Passport arrived in 2019 after a 17-year absence from Honda's lineup (the original Passport ran from 1994 to 2002). The new version targets owners who plan to use their vehicle for both daily driving and weekend outdoor activities, whether that means towing a trailer, navigating rough terrain, or straightforward carrying more cargo than a sedan allows.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
  • It comes standard with all-wheel drive and includes Honda's Real Time AWD system, which can send power to the rear wheels when traction is needed.
  • The Passport seats five passengers across two rows and offers approximately 76 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
  • Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, which is lower than full-size trucks but sufficient for small trailers and recreational equipment.
  • The 2019 model year introduced the Passport with three trim levels: Standard, EX, and EX-L, each adding features like leather seating, a power liftgate, and upgraded audio systems.

Engine performance and fuel economy

The 2019 Passport's 3.5-liter V6 is the same engine found in the Honda Ridgeline and delivers 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. This output is adequate for highway driving and moderate towing but not exceptional compared to competitors. The engine pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission that handles both city and highway driving.

Fuel economy for the 2019 Passport ranges from 19 miles per gallon in the city to 25 on the highway, according to EPA estimates, with combined ratings around 21 to 22 mpg depending on driving conditions and whether you're towing. These numbers are competitive for a vehicle of this size and weight, though not class-leading. Real-world fuel consumption often runs slightly lower than EPA estimates, particularly if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or use the all-wheel-drive system in conditions requiring extra power delivery.

All-wheel-drive system and off-road capability

All 2019 Passports come standard with all-wheel drive using Honda's Real Time AWD system. This setup automatically shifts power between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions, road surface, and throttle input. Unlike some competitors that require the driver to manually select a low-range transfer case, the Passport's system operates without driver intervention in most situations.

The Passport has a ground clearance of 8.6 inches and an approach angle of 38 degrees, which means it can handle moderate off-road trails, gravel roads, and uneven terrain better than a standard sedan or crossover. However, it is not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording. The vehicle's unibody construction (shared with the Ridgeline) prioritizes comfort and on-road handling over the ruggedness of a traditional body-on-frame truck like the 4Runner.

Interior space, seating, and cargo capacity

The 2019 Passport seats five passengers across two rows. The front seats are individually adjustable on higher trim levels, and the rear bench seat folds flat to expand cargo space. Behind the rear seats, you have approximately 76 cubic feet of cargo volume. With the rear seats folded, that expands to around 153 cubic feet, which is substantial for a mid-size vehicle but less than a full-size truck bed.

The cabin uses a mix of hard plastics and cloth or leather upholstery depending on trim level. The EX and EX-L trims add features like a power liftgate, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The infotainment system on 2019 models includes a 7-inch touchscreen on the Standard trim, with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available but not standard on all trims.

Trim levels and standard features

Honda offered the 2019 Passport in three trim levels: Standard, EX, and EX-L. The Standard trim includes all-wheel drive, a 7-inch touchscreen, a backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6-speaker audio system. It is the entry point to the lineup and covers the essentials for buyers prioritizing value.

The EX trim adds an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power liftgate, heated front seats, and a 10-speaker audio system. The EX-L, the highest trim, adds leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and additional interior refinements. All trims include Honda Sensing, a suite of driver information features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, and collision mitigation braking.

Towing and payload capacity

The 2019 Passport has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. This is sufficient for small utility trailers, jet skis, or lightweight recreational equipment but falls short of what you can tow with a full-size truck. The payload capacity (the weight you can carry in the cargo area) is approximately 1,500 pounds, which is reasonable for camping gear, tools, or other equipment.

If you plan to tow regularly or carry heavy loads, you should verify that your specific use case falls within these limits. Exceeding towing or payload capacity can damage the transmission, suspension, and brakes. Honda's official owner's manual provides detailed guidance on proper hitching, weight distribution, and brake controller installation.

Safety features and crash test ratings

The 2019 Passport includes Honda Sensing as standard across all trim levels. This package includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, road departure mitigation, and collision mitigation braking. The vehicle also has a backup camera, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2019 Passport an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it "Good" in most crash test categories, though it did not receive the institute's highest "Top Safety Pick" award. These ratings place it in the middle range for mid-size SUVs, neither exceptional nor poor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2019 Passport compare to the Jeep Wrangler?

The Passport is larger, more comfortable for daily driving, and has better fuel economy. The Wrangler is more capable off-road and has a removable top, but it is noisier on the highway and less refined. Choose the Passport if you want an SUV that handles both highway and light off-road use; choose the Wrangler if off-road performance is your priority.

Can the 2019 Passport tow a travel trailer?

Yes, but only smaller trailers. The 3,500-pound towing limit works for lightweight travel trailers, utility trailers, or small boat trailers. Larger travel trailers typically exceed this capacity. Always check your trailer's dry weight and add cargo weight to may support you stay within the limit.

What is the difference between the EX and EX-L trims?

The EX-L adds leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and minor interior upgrades. Both have the same engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive system. If leather and interior refinement matter to you, the EX-L is worth considering; otherwise, the EX offers most of the features at a lower price.

Does the 2019 Passport have a third row of seats?

No. The Passport seats five passengers across two rows only. If you need a third row, the Honda Pilot is Honda's alternative, though it is larger and less off-road focused.

What maintenance costs should I expect?

The 2019 Passport uses common Honda parts and follows a standard maintenance schedule: oil changes every 10,000 miles, tire rotations, and periodic fluid checks. Repair costs are generally moderate compared to luxury brands but higher than some competitors. Honda's reliability record is strong, so major repairs are less common than with some other brands.