The 2025 Honda Passport is a three-row midsize SUV built on the same platform as the Pilot, with seating for up to eight passengers and a starting price around $48,000 before options and destination fees

Honda redesigned the Passport for 2025 with a new exterior, updated interior technology, and revised engine options. The vehicle sits between Honda's CR-V (smaller, more fuel-efficient) and Pilot (larger, more cargo space) in the company's SUV lineup. It competes directly with the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Kia Sorento in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2025 model year represents a significant refresh from the previous generation. Honda made changes to the front grille, headlight design, and overall body styling. Inside, the infotainment system now includes a larger touchscreen and updated software. The engine lineup changed as well — Honda moved away from the previous V6 engine toward a turbocharged four-cylinder option on some trims.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Passport seats up to eight people across three rows and starts around $48,000 before taxes, fees, and optional features.
  • Honda replaced the previous V6 engine with a turbocharged four-cylinder on most trims, which affects both fuel economy and towing capacity compared to earlier model years.
  • The interior redesign includes a larger touchscreen, updated climate controls, and revised dashboard layout, though cargo space remains similar to the previous generation.
  • Standard safety features include Honda Sensing (adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, automatic emergency braking), though availability varies by trim level.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically ranges from 21 to 28 mpg depending on driving conditions and which powertrain you choose.

Engine Options and Fuel Economy

The 2025 Passport uses a 3.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as its primary powertrain. This engine produces 280 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Honda rates the fuel economy at approximately 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, with all-wheel-drive versions averaging slightly lower at 20 city and 25 highway.

Towing capacity sits at 3,500 pounds with the standard engine, which is lower than some competitors in the segment. If towing is a primary concern, you may want to compare this directly against the Toyota 4Runner (5,600 pounds) or Jeep Grand Cherokee (6,200 pounds depending on trim). Real-world fuel economy often runs slightly lower than EPA estimates, typically in the 19 to 24 mpg range for mixed driving.

The turbocharged engine requires regular maintenance including oil changes every 10,000 miles and uses premium fuel on some trims (check your specific model's fuel door label). Turbocharged engines can cost more to repair if problems develop, though Honda's warranty covers the powertrain for three years or 36,000 miles.

Seating, Cargo Space, and Interior Layout

The Passport seats eight passengers across three rows: two in front, three in the middle, and three in the back. The middle and rear rows fold flat to create a maximum cargo area of 84.5 cubic feet. With all seats in place, behind-seat cargo space measures 16.9 cubic feet, which is tight for a family road trip with luggage.

The 2025 redesign moved the infotainment screen higher on the dashboard and increased its size to 10.2 inches on most trims. Climate controls are now touch-sensitive buttons instead of physical knobs, which some owners find less intuitive in cold weather or while wearing gloves. The steering wheel is now available with a power tilt-and-telescoping adjustment, making it easier to find a comfortable driving position.

Storage cubbies throughout the cabin include a center console bin, door pockets, and a small shelf above the glove box. The middle row has a center armrest with cup holders. If you frequently carry passengers and cargo simultaneously, the Passport's three-row layout means you will sacrifice cargo space when all seats are occupied.

Safety Features and Driver information Technology

Honda Sensing comes standard on all 2025 Passport trims. This suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. The system uses a camera mounted on the windshield and radar sensors to monitor the road ahead and surrounding traffic.

Additional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera (standard on all trims). Higher trims add a surround-view camera system that displays a 360-degree view of the vehicle on the infotainment screen, useful for parking in tight spaces. The Passport has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2025 model year, so crash test ratings are not yet available.

The automatic emergency braking system can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if it detects an imminent collision and the driver does not respond. In real-world use, this feature occasionally triggers on false alarms (shadows, road markings), though Honda has refined the sensitivity over recent model years.

Trim Levels and Standard Equipment

The 2025 Passport comes in four main trim levels: EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The EX is the base model and includes Honda Sensing, the 10.2-inch touchscreen, a power liftgate, and dual-zone climate control. Moving to EX-L adds leather upholstery, a power driver's seat, and a sunroof.

The Touring trim includes a hands-free power tailgate, a premium audio system, and navigation built into the infotainment system. The Elite adds a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display (projects speed and navigation onto the windshield), and additional interior trim upgrades. Each step up in trim adds roughly $3,000 to $5,000 to the base price.

Optional packages are available on higher trims, including all-wheel drive (standard on some trims, optional on others), a towing package, and various interior color and material combinations. The all-wheel-drive system is a part-time system that can be engaged or disengaged by the driver, useful for occasional off-road driving or winter weather.

Transmission and Drivetrain

All 2025 Passport models use a 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This transmission is the same unit found in the Honda Pilot and has a track record of reliability across multiple model years. The transmission includes a sport mode that holds gears longer for more responsive acceleration.

Front-wheel drive comes standard on base and mid-level trims. All-wheel drive is available or standard depending on trim level and can be engaged or disengaged using a dial on the center console. The all-wheel-drive system sends power to the rear wheels only when needed, which helps improve fuel economy when driving on dry pavement.

The Passport does not offer a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option for 2025. If fuel economy is your primary concern, the Honda CR-V hybrid may be worth considering, though it seats only five passengers and has less cargo space.

Warranty and Maintenance Costs

Honda covers the 2025 Passport powertrain (engine, transmission, drivetrain) for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The basic warranty covers the rest of the vehicle for the same period. This is shorter than some competitors — Toyota's Pilot comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty but a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Routine maintenance includes oil changes every 10,000 miles, air filter replacements every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions, and transmission fluid checks at regular intervals. Honda does not specify a transmission fluid change interval for the 10-speed automatic, though some owners and independent mechanics recommend changing it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles as preventive maintenance.

Tire replacement typically costs $150 to $250 per tire depending on the brand and where you purchase them. Brake pads usually last 40,000 to 70,000 miles. Repair costs for turbocharged engines can run higher than naturally aspirated engines if major work is needed, though routine maintenance is comparable to other vehicles in the segment.

How the 2025 Passport Compares to Competitors

The Toyota 4Runner is the Passport's closest competitor in terms of size and capability. The 4Runner seats eight, offers available hybrid powertrain, and has a higher towing capacity (5,600 pounds). However, the 4Runner typically costs $5,000 to $10,000 more and has lower fuel economy (around 18 to 22 mpg).

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is smaller than the Passport (seats five instead of eight) but offers more off-road capability and a plug-in hybrid option. The Grand Cherokee starts at a similar price point but has less interior space and cargo room.

The Kia Sorento is also a three-row midsize SUV with comparable seating and pricing. The Sorento offers a hybrid option and comes with a longer warranty (10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain), though it has slightly less cargo space than the Passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2025 Passport have a hybrid option?

No, Honda does not offer a hybrid version of the 2025 Passport. The only powertrain is the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. If fuel economy is a priority, the Honda CR-V hybrid is available, though it is smaller and seats only five passengers.

Can the Passport tow a boat or trailer?

Yes, the Passport can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the standard engine. This is enough for small boats, utility trailers, or lightweight campers. Larger trailers or boats would exceed this capacity. Honda offers a towing package on higher trims that includes a hitch receiver and wiring harness.

What is the difference between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on the Passport?

Front-wheel drive is standard on base trims and offers better fuel economy. All-wheel drive is available or standard on higher trims and sends power to all four wheels when needed, useful for snow, ice, or light off-road driving. All-wheel drive reduces fuel economy by approximately 1 to 2 mpg.

How many passengers can the 2025 Passport seat?

The Passport seats up to eight passengers across three rows: two in front, three in the middle, and three in the back. However, the third row is tight for adults on longer trips. Families with young children will find it more comfortable than families with teenagers or adults.

What warranty does Honda offer on the 2025 Passport?

Honda covers the powertrain for three years or 36,000 miles and the rest of the vehicle for the same period. This is shorter than some competitors. Extended warranties are available for purchase at the dealership, typically extending coverage to five years or 60,000 miles.