The 2024 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame

The 2024 Honda Passport is a mid-size sport utility vehicle that sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and its larger Pilot. It uses a truck-based frame rather than a car-based platform, which means it has a body-on-frame construction — the same approach used in pickup trucks. This design gives it more ground clearance and a higher towing capacity than most traditional SUVs.

Honda positions the Passport as an off-road-capable vehicle. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, and the higher trims include features like all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a terrain management system that adjusts engine and transmission behavior for different driving surfaces. The vehicle is roughly 190 inches long and seats five people.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Passport uses a truck frame and comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it more capable on rough terrain than car-based SUVs.
  • Engine options include a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower, paired with either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission depending on trim level.
  • Towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and payload capacity is around 1,500 pounds.
  • Trim levels range from Sport through EX-L, with higher trims adding features like leather seats, a power liftgate, and Honda's infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically falls between 19 to 22 miles per gallon combined, depending on driving conditions and transmission type.

Engine, transmission, and performance specs

The 2024 Passport uses a single engine choice: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is the same one found in the Honda Pilot and has been in Honda's lineup for years. It is paired with either a 6-speed automatic transmission on lower trims or a 9-speed automatic on higher trims. The 9-speed version generally delivers better fuel economy on the highway.

All-wheel drive is standard across all trims. The system can send power to the rear wheels when needed but defaults to front-wheel drive for better fuel economy during normal driving. Higher trims include a terrain management system with different modes — Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand — that adjust throttle response and transmission shift points to match road conditions.

Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when the vehicle is properly equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the bed or cabin — is approximately 1,500 pounds, though this varies slightly by trim and configuration.

Interior features and technology

The 2024 Passport seats five across two rows. Base Sport and EX trims come with cloth upholstery, while EX-L trims feature leather seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. All trims include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to mirror your phone's navigation, music, and messaging apps.

Climate control is standard, with dual-zone automatic temperature control on EX and EX-L trims. The EX-L adds a power liftgate, which opens and closes the rear hatch at the push of a button. Storage includes a center console with a sliding armrest and door pockets, though the cargo area behind the rear seats is modest compared to traditional SUVs — roughly 28 cubic feet with the seats up.

Safety features across all trims include a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping information. Higher trims add a blind-spot camera, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system that shows a 360-degree view of the vehicle when parking.

Fuel economy and real-world consumption

The EPA estimates the 2024 Passport with the 6-speed transmission at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway, for a combined rating of 21 mpg. The 9-speed transmission improves highway performance to 25 mpg, bringing the combined rating to 22 mpg. These are estimates, and real-world results depend heavily on driving habits, road conditions, and terrain.

Owners report that actual fuel economy often falls between 19 and 22 mpg combined in mixed driving. Off-road driving, towing, and frequent acceleration reduce efficiency. The Passport uses regular unleaded gasoline and has a 19-gallon fuel tank, giving it a theoretical range of around 400 miles per tank under ideal conditions.

Trim levels and what each includes

The 2024 Passport comes in four trim levels: Sport, EX, EX-L, and TrailSport. The Sport is the base model and includes all-wheel drive, the 6-speed transmission, cloth seats, and the 8-inch touchscreen. It also has all-terrain tires and skid plates, which are standard across the lineup.

The EX trim adds the 9-speed transmission, leather-trimmed seats, a power driver's seat, and dual-zone climate control. The EX-L includes everything from the EX plus a power liftgate, a sunroof, and upgraded interior trim. The TrailSport, added in recent years, focuses on off-road capability with all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, and a terrain management system with additional driving modes.

Off-road capability and terrain management

The Passport's truck-based frame and standard all-wheel drive make it more capable on unpaved surfaces than most traditional SUVs. The terrain management system on EX and higher trims includes four modes: Normal for everyday driving, Snow for slippery surfaces, Mud for soft terrain, and Sand for loose surfaces. Each mode adjusts how the engine and transmission respond to throttle input and how aggressively the transmission shifts.

The vehicle comes with all-terrain tires as standard, which have deeper treads and reinforced sidewalls compared to highway tires. Skid plates protect the undercarriage from rocks and obstacles. The TrailSport trim adds a locking rear differential, which forces both rear wheels to turn at the same speed — useful when one wheel loses traction in deep mud or over rocks.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most car-based SUVs but lower than full-size trucks. Approach angle — the steepness a vehicle can climb without the front bumper hitting — is 27.8 degrees on the Passport, and departure angle is 24.9 degrees.

Pricing and what affects the cost

The 2024 Passport's starting price varies by region and dealer, but base Sport models typically begin in the mid-$40,000 range. EX trims are usually several thousand dollars higher, EX-L trims add more, and TrailSport pricing depends on the specific package. Prices change throughout the model year and vary by location, so checking current listings from local dealers gives the most accurate picture.

Several factors affect the final price you pay: destination charges (typically $1,000 to $1,200), dealer markup or discount, any manufacturer incentives or rebates that may be running, and optional packages. Some dealers offer financing incentives, cash rebates, or lease deals that change seasonally. Checking multiple dealers and asking about current promotions can reveal significant savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Passport compare to the Honda Pilot?

The Pilot is larger, seats up to eight people, and has more cargo space. The Passport is smaller, seats five, and is built on a truck frame for better off-road capability. The Pilot is better for families needing maximum space; the Passport is better for those prioritizing off-road performance and maneuverability.

Can the Passport tow a small trailer?

Yes, the Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with a trailer hitch and brake controller. You will need to verify that your specific trim and configuration supports this capacity, as payload and towing limits vary. Check the owner's manual or window sticker for your vehicle's exact limits.

What is the difference between the 6-speed and 9-speed transmissions?

The 9-speed transmission offers better fuel economy, especially on highways, because it has more gears to keep the engine running at an efficient speed. The 6-speed is simpler and comes on lower trims. Both are reliable; the 9-speed is worth considering if you drive long distances regularly.

Does the Passport have a third row of seats?

No, the Passport seats five people across two rows. If you need a third row, the Honda Pilot is the next step up in Honda's SUV lineup and seats up to eight.

What warranty does the 2024 Passport come with?

Honda's standard warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Powertrain coverage extends to five years or 60,000 miles. Specific warranty terms may vary by region, so review the warranty booklet or ask your dealer for details.