The 2020 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame

The 2020 Honda Passport is a body-on-frame SUV that sits between Honda's CR-V and Pilot in size. It shares its platform with the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a truck's structural foundation rather than a car-based design. This construction gives it more ground clearance and towing capacity than a traditional crossover, but also a stiffer ride on paved roads.

Honda positioned the Passport as an off-road-capable vehicle, not a luxury SUV. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 2020 model year was the second generation of the Passport — Honda brought the nameplate back in 2019 after a 17-year absence.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2020 Passport uses a truck frame and V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.
  • All-wheel drive comes standard; Honda does not offer a front-wheel-drive version of the Passport.
  • The Passport seats five passengers and has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
  • Three trim levels were available in 2020: Sport, EX-L, and Touring, with prices ranging from the mid-$40,000s to the mid-$50,000s before taxes and fees.
  • The 2020 model includes Honda Sensing safety features as standard, a suite of driver-information systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The 2020 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. This engine and transmission combination is the same one found in the Honda Ridgeline, so parts and service information overlap between the two vehicles.

Fuel economy for the 2020 Passport is rated at 18 miles per gallon in the city, 24 on the highway, and 20 combined by the EPA. These figures assume regular gasoline and all-wheel drive, which is the only drivetrain offered. The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, giving a theoretical range of around 390 miles on a full tank under highway conditions.

The Passport does not offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option. If fuel economy is a primary concern, the Honda CR-V (which achieves up to 28 mpg combined) or the Pilot (which achieves up to 27 mpg combined) may be worth comparing.

Interior space and seating

The 2020 Passport seats five passengers across two rows. The front seats are bucket-style, and the rear bench seat folds to create cargo space. With the rear seats up, the Passport offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear wheels. Folding the rear seats flat increases this to 76.5 cubic feet.

The cabin uses a mix of hard plastics and cloth or leather depending on trim level. The EX-L and Touring trims include leather upholstery, while the Sport trim uses cloth. All trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Passport does not offer a third row of seating. If you need to transport more than five people regularly, the Honda Pilot (which seats up to eight) is the alternative within Honda's SUV lineup.

Towing and payload capacity

The 2020 Passport has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory towing package. Without this package, towing is not recommended. The payload capacity — the weight the truck bed or cargo area can carry — is approximately 1,500 pounds, though this varies based on options and configuration.

To tow at the maximum 5,000-pound rating, you will need the towing package, which includes a Class III receiver hitch, wiring harness, and transmission cooler. This package is available on all three trim levels but is not standard on any of them. If you plan to tow regularly, confirm that the towing package is included before purchasing.

The Passport's towing capacity is lower than the Honda Ridgeline (which can tow up to 5,600 pounds) but higher than the CR-V (which can tow up to 1,500 pounds).

Off-road features and all-wheel drive system

The 2020 Passport includes an i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system that can send up to 100 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels when needed. This system is designed to improve traction on unpaved surfaces without requiring the driver to manually select a low-range gear or lock differentials the way traditional truck four-wheel drive systems do.

The Passport also comes with Terrain Response modes that adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction control for different driving conditions: Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. These modes are controlled through a dial on the dashboard and change how the vehicle responds to driver inputs and wheel slip.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most crossovers but lower than full-size trucks. The approach angle (the steepness a vehicle can climb without the front bumper hitting an obstacle) is 28.3 degrees, and the departure angle is 26.8 degrees. These angles matter if you plan to drive on steep or rocky terrain.

Safety features and Honda Sensing

All 2020 Passport models include Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-information features that comes standard across all three trim levels. This package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation.

The Passport received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in testing. It also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) award for crashworthiness in multiple categories, though it did not receive the Top Safety Pick designation.

Additional safety features available on higher trim levels include a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The EX-L and Touring trims include these features; the Sport trim does not.

Trim levels and pricing for 2020

The 2020 Passport came in three trim levels: Sport, EX-L, and Touring. Pricing started in the mid-$40,000s for the Sport trim and reached the mid-$50,000s for the Touring trim before taxes, destination charges, and dealer fees. Actual prices vary by location and dealer.

The Sport trim is the base model and includes all-wheel drive, Honda Sensing, the 8-inch touchscreen, and cloth upholstery. The EX-L adds leather seats, a power liftgate, and a 360-degree camera system. The Touring adds a power moonroof, a 12-speaker audio system, and additional interior trim upgrades.

Optional packages on all trims include the towing package (which adds the receiver hitch and transmission cooler), a navigation system upgrade, and various appearance packages. Dealer inventory and pricing for used 2020 models vary widely depending on mileage and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2020 Passport have a third row?

No. The Passport seats five passengers in two rows only. If you need a third row, Honda offers the Pilot, which seats up to eight passengers across three rows.

Can I get the 2020 Passport with front-wheel drive?

No. All-wheel drive is standard and the only drivetrain option for the 2020 Passport. Honda does not offer a front-wheel-drive version.

What is the difference between the Passport and the Ridgeline?

The Ridgeline is a pickup truck with an open cargo bed, while the Passport is a closed SUV. Both share the same engine and transmission, but the Ridgeline has higher towing and payload capacity. The Ridgeline seats five in the cab; the Passport also seats five but in an enclosed cabin.

How much can the 2020 Passport tow?

The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory towing package. Without this package, towing is not recommended. The towing package must be ordered when purchasing and is not standard on any trim level.

What is the fuel tank size?

The 2020 Passport has a 19.5-gallon fuel tank. With an EPA-estimated 20 miles per gallon combined, this provides a theoretical range of around 390 miles on a full tank under normal driving conditions.