The Honda Passport has 76.5 cubic feet of total cargo volume, with 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet when those seats fold flat

The Honda Passport is a three-row SUV, but the third row is small and designed for children or occasional use. Most owners treat it as a two-row vehicle for cargo purposes. The middle row folds completely flat, which is where you get the full 76.5 cubic feet. Behind the rear seats alone — without folding anything — you have 39.3 cubic feet, which is enough for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment.

These numbers matter because they determine what you can actually carry on a regular basis. A full-size suitcase takes up roughly 4.5 cubic feet. A standard refrigerator is about 25 cubic feet. If you're comparing the Passport to other vehicles, these measurements let you know whether it will handle your actual needs or whether you should look at a larger SUV or truck.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport holds 39.3 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats up, which is suitable for weekly shopping and small trips.
  • Folding the middle row flat gives you 76.5 cubic feet total, enough for a weekend camping trip or moving boxes for a short distance.
  • The third row is small and takes up space; removing the middle row entirely gives you more usable cargo room than folding it.
  • Roof racks and cargo boxes can add another 10 to 15 cubic feet of external storage, though they reduce fuel economy slightly.
  • The Passport's cargo area is 39 inches wide at the widest point, which limits the width of items you can fit without tilting or removing seats.

Cargo dimensions and what they mean for packing

The Passport's cargo floor is 39 inches wide, 40 inches deep (from the rear bumper to the back of the front seats when the middle row is folded), and roughly 32 inches tall to the roof. These measurements tell you the shape of the space you're working with, not just the volume.

A standard 4x8 sheet of plywood is 48 inches long and 96 inches wide — it will not fit flat inside the Passport at all. A 4x4 sheet will fit lengthwise if you angle it, but it will take up most of the cargo area. Bicycles fit easily when the middle row is folded; you can typically fit two or three depending on their size. A large dog crate (the kind for a 70-pound dog) will fit behind the middle row when it's folded, but it will take up most of the space.

The cargo opening itself is 40 inches wide, which is narrower than many SUVs. This means tall, wide items like a rolled-up carpet or a large mirror need to be tilted or removed from their packaging to fit through the door.

How the third row affects cargo space

The Honda Passport's third row is a genuine third row, not a fold-flat bench. It has actual seats with seat backs and cushions. When all three rows are in use, cargo space behind the third row is minimal — roughly 10 cubic feet. This is enough for a small backpack or a couple of grocery bags, but not much more.

If you need cargo space and passengers, you have two practical options: use the first two rows and fold the middle row flat, or use the first and third rows and accept that the middle row is taking up space. Most owners find that folding the middle row flat is the better choice because it gives you a flat, continuous surface to load from the rear bumper almost to the front seats.

Removing the middle row seats entirely (they are not bolted down permanently) gives you even more usable space than folding them, because you eliminate the bulk of the folded seats. However, this is a two-person job and takes about 15 minutes per seat, so it's not something you do for a quick trip.

Roof racks and external cargo options

Honda sells a roof rack system for the Passport that mounts to the existing roof rails. A basic roof rack adds about 10 to 15 cubic feet of capacity when you add a cargo box on top. Roof boxes range from small (11 cubic feet) to large (18 cubic feet), and they cost between $200 and $600 depending on the brand and size.

Roof racks and boxes do reduce fuel economy. The EPA estimates that a roof rack alone reduces fuel economy by 2 to 4 percent, and a roof box can reduce it by 5 to 8 percent depending on highway versus city driving. This is because the added height and weight increase wind resistance.

Hitch-mounted cargo carriers are another option if your Passport has a trailer hitch. These sit behind the vehicle and can hold 10 to 20 cubic feet depending on the model. They do not affect fuel economy as much as roof boxes, but they do reduce rear visibility and make backing up more difficult.

Comparing the Passport to similar vehicles

The Honda Passport is in the mid-size SUV category. The Toyota 4Runner, which is larger, has 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 94.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, which is similar in size, has 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Chevrolet Blazer, which is slightly smaller, has 30.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 64.2 cubic feet with the second row folded.

If you regularly need to haul large items or move multiple passengers and cargo at the same time, the 4Runner offers more space. If you prioritize fuel economy and easier parking, the Blazer is more compact. The Passport sits in the middle and is a good choice if you want a balance between cargo capacity and everyday drivability.

Organizing cargo to fit more

The Passport's cargo area is rectangular and relatively flat, which makes it easier to organize than some SUVs. Soft-sided bags and bins pack more efficiently than hard-sided luggage because they conform to the space. Vacuum storage bags can reduce the volume of clothing and blankets by 50 percent or more, which is useful for long trips or seasonal storage.

Loading heavier items first and placing them toward the rear wheels distributes weight better and makes the vehicle handle more predictably. Securing items with cargo nets or tie-down straps prevents them from shifting during turns or sudden stops. The Passport has tie-down loops built into the cargo floor for this purpose.

If you're packing for a camping trip, a roof box works well for bulky items like tents and sleeping bags, while the interior cargo area holds heavier items like coolers and fuel cans. This distribution keeps the center of gravity lower than loading everything on the roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fit a full-size mattress in the Passport?

A full-size mattress is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. The Passport's cargo area is 39 inches wide, so a mattress will not fit flat. You can fit it if you stand it on edge or angle it diagonally, but it will take up nearly all the cargo space and you will need the middle row folded.

How much weight can the cargo area hold?

The Passport's payload capacity (the total weight it can carry in passengers and cargo combined) is around 1,500 pounds. The cargo area itself is not the limiting factor; the suspension and frame are. Distribute heavy loads evenly and do not exceed the vehicle's maximum loaded weight rating, which is listed on the driver's door jamb.

Does the Passport have a power liftgate?

Some model years and trim levels of the Passport include a power liftgate, but not all. Check your owner's manual or the window sticker from when the vehicle was new to confirm whether yours has one. If it does not, you can have one installed by a Honda dealer or aftermarket shop for $400 to $800.

Can I fit a stroller and luggage for a family trip?

Yes. A standard stroller is roughly 2 to 3 cubic feet when folded. With the middle row folded, you have 76.5 cubic feet total, which easily accommodates a stroller, several suitcases, and a car seat or two. Most families find the Passport sufficient for week-long trips without needing a roof box.

What is the difference between cubic feet and usable cargo space?

Cubic feet is the total volume, but usable space is what you can actually pack into it. The Passport's 76.5 cubic feet assumes a perfectly rectangular load with no wasted space. In reality, irregular shapes, the wheel wells, and the shape of the cargo opening mean you will use somewhat less than the stated volume.