The 2022 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame, designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability

The 2022 Honda Passport sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and larger Pilot in the SUV lineup. It uses a body-on-frame construction — the same platform as the Honda Ridgeline truck — which gives it genuine off-road geometry rather than the car-based design of most crossovers. The Passport comes standard with all-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Honda positions the Passport for buyers who want SUV practicality but also plan to use rough terrain, towing, or backcountry access. It's not a full-size truck, but it's not a typical family crossover either. The 2022 model year represents the second generation of the Passport, which returned to the market in 2019 after a 17-year absence.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2022 Passport uses a truck frame and comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it capable on unpaved roads where most SUVs struggle.
  • Fuel economy ranges from 19 to 21 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions, which is lower than car-based crossovers but typical for body-on-frame vehicles.
  • Three trim levels are available — Sport, EX-L, and Trailsport — with prices starting around $48,000 and climbing to $55,000 for the top trim.
  • The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds and carry a payload of roughly 1,500 pounds, making it suitable for trailers and gear but not heavy commercial work.
  • Cargo space is 76 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is less than larger SUVs but more than most compact crossovers.

Engine, Transmission, and Towing Capacity

The 2022 Passport uses a single engine option across all trims: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is shared with the Ridgeline and Pilot, so parts availability and service costs are straightforward. Power goes to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode for situations where you want direct control — useful on steep descents or rocky terrain.

Towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds with the proper hitch setup, which covers most utility trailers, small boat trailers, and camping trailers. The payload capacity (what you can carry in the bed area behind the rear seats) is approximately 1,500 pounds, though this varies slightly by trim and options. If you regularly haul heavy loads or tow larger trailers, a full-size truck like the Ridgeline or an F-150 would be more appropriate.

Trim Levels and Standard Equipment

Honda offers three trim levels for the 2022 Passport: Sport, EX-L, and Trailsport. The Sport is the base model and includes all-wheel drive, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera, and Honda Sensing (the brand's suite of driver information features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information).

The EX-L adds leather upholstery, a power liftgate, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a larger 8-inch touchscreen. The Trailsport, introduced for the 2022 model year, focuses on off-road capability with all-terrain tires, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and an electronic disconnecting sway bar that reduces body roll on uneven ground. The Trailsport also includes a terrain management system with multiple drive modes for different surfaces.

All trims come with a power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area. Navigation is available as an add-on across all trims but is not standard on any of them.

Off-Road Features and Terrain Management

The 2022 Passport's off-road capability comes from its truck-based platform and available technology rather than extreme suspension articulation. The standard all-wheel-drive system uses a multi-plate clutch that can send power to the rear wheels when the front loses traction, and a low-range transfer case (standard on all trims) provides a 2.74:1 gear reduction for crawling over obstacles at low speed.

The Trailsport trim adds the most off-road features: an electronic locking rear differential that forces both rear wheels to turn at the same speed for maximum traction, an electronic disconnecting sway bar that can be disengaged to allow more suspension travel, and all-terrain tires with a more aggressive tread pattern. The terrain management system offers multiple drive modes — Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand — that adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction control to suit different surfaces.

The Passport has 8.6 inches of ground clearance and an approach angle of 31 degrees, which means it can climb steeper slopes than most crossovers. However, it's not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording. It's better suited to forest service roads, rough camping access, and moderate trail driving.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

The 2022 Passport achieves 19 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway according to EPA estimates, with a combined rating of 20 mpg. These figures explore to all trims and are based on regular gasoline. Real-world fuel economy varies based on driving habits, terrain, and load, but most owners report results within 1 to 2 mpg of the EPA estimate.

Maintenance costs are moderate for a vehicle in this class. Oil changes, air filter replacements, and brake service are straightforward and parts are widely available. The V6 engine is reliable and does not have known widespread issues in the 2022 model year. Tire replacement is a larger expense because the Trailsport comes with all-terrain tires, which cost more than standard highway tires and wear faster if used primarily on pavement.

Insurance costs are typical for a mid-size SUV in this price range. Comprehensive and collision coverage will vary by your location, driving record, and the insurer, but the Passport is not considered high-risk or expensive to insure compared to performance vehicles.

Interior Space and Cargo Configuration

The Passport seats five passengers across two rows. The front seats are comfortable for long drives and offer good visibility. The rear seats are adequate for adults on shorter trips but are tighter than a full-size SUV like the Pilot. Rear legroom is 38.3 inches, which is enough for most people but not generous.

Cargo space behind the rear seats is 28 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded flat, that expands to 76 cubic feet — less than the Pilot's 83 cubic feet but more than most compact crossovers. The cargo area has tie-down points and a power outlet, which is useful for camping gear or work equipment. The rear seats do not fold completely flat due to the truck-based design; there's a slight step where the seat back meets the cargo floor.

Storage cubbies are plentiful: door pockets, a center console with a sliding armrest, and under-seat storage in the rear. The touchscreen interface includes a wireless charging pad on the EX-L and Trailsport trims.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

The 2022 Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These features are designed to reduce the severity of accidents rather than prevent them entirely. The system can be toggled on or off, and most drivers find it non-intrusive on highways.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2022 Passport an overall rating of four out of five stars. It scored five stars in frontal crash and rollover tests but four stars in side crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it "Good" in most crash tests, though it did not receive the top "Superior" rating for crash avoidance features.

Standard safety equipment includes eight airbags, electronic stability control, and a backup camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims. The truck-based platform and higher seating position provide good visibility compared to lower-slung crossovers.

Reliability and Common Owner Concerns

The 2022 Passport is based on proven Honda platforms and engines, and early owner reports indicate good reliability. The V6 engine and nine-speed transmission have been used in other Honda vehicles for several years without widespread problems. The all-wheel-drive system is straightforward and does not have known issues specific to the Passport.

Some owners have reported minor issues with the touchscreen interface being slow to respond, and a small number have experienced problems with the electronic locking rear differential on the Trailsport trim. These are not systemic failures but isolated complaints. The truck-based suspension can transmit more road noise and vibration than a car-based crossover, which some owners notice on rough pavement.

Honda's warranty covers the Passport for three years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage, and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain. This is standard for the industry and does not stand out as particularly generous or limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2022 Passport compare to the Honda Pilot?

The Pilot is larger, seats up to eight people, and is designed primarily for on-road comfort and family hauling. The Passport is smaller, seats five, and is built for off-road capability. The Pilot gets better fuel economy and has more cargo space. Choose the Passport if you plan to use rough terrain; choose the Pilot if you need maximum seating and cargo room.

Can the Passport handle serious off-roading?

The Passport is capable on forest service roads, moderate trails, and rough camping access, especially the Trailsport trim. It is not designed for extreme rock crawling, deep water fording, or technical trails that require high suspension articulation. It's a capable weekend adventure vehicle, not a hardcore off-road rig.

What is the difference between the Trailsport and the other trims?

The Trailsport adds a locking rear differential, electronic disconnecting sway bar, all-terrain tires, terrain management system, and skid plates. These features improve off-road traction and capability. If you plan to use rough terrain regularly, the Trailsport is worth the extra cost. For on-road driving only, the Sport or EX-L will serve you well.

Is the Passport good for towing a travel trailer?

Yes, the 5,000-pound towing capacity covers most travel trailers under 20 feet. Verify your specific trailer's dry weight and tongue weight before purchasing. The V6 engine has adequate power, but the truck-based suspension will feel the load more than a full-size truck would. Heavier trailers or frequent long-distance towing might be better suited to a full-size truck.

How much does a 2022 Passport cost?

Prices for the 2022 Passport start around $48,000 for the Sport trim and reach approximately $55,000 for the Trailsport. Actual prices vary by location, dealer, and available incentives. Used 2022 models typically sell for $5,000 to $10,000 less than new, depending on mileage and condition.