The Honda Passport Elite is the mid-range trim of Honda's three-tier Passport lineup

The Honda Passport Elite sits between the base Sport trim and the top-tier Trailsport trim. It adds comfort and convenience features to the Sport's foundation without the premium pricing or specialized off-road equipment of the Trailsport. The Elite includes leather-trimmed seating, a power moonroof, a larger touchscreen infotainment system, and upgraded audio compared to the Sport.

The engine and drivetrain remain the same across all three trims: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Fuel economy, towing capacity (3,500 pounds), and payload capacity (1,500 pounds) do not change by trim level. What changes is what you touch, see, and hear inside the cabin, plus exterior styling cues.

Key Takeaways

  • The Elite trim adds leather seating, a power moonroof, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto over the base Sport model.
  • The Trailsport trim costs more and includes all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential that the Elite does not have.
  • Engine output, transmission, all-wheel drive, towing, and payload are identical across Sport, Elite, and Trailsport trims.
  • The Elite is the best choice if you want comfort upgrades without paying for off-road-specific equipment you may not use.

Interior features that distinguish the Elite from the Sport

The Elite's cabin uses leather-trimmed seats instead of cloth, and the driver's seat includes power adjustment with lumbar support. The Sport offers manual seat adjustment and cloth upholstery. Both trims include a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but the Elite's leather is easier to clean and typically feels more durable over time.

Climate control is dual-zone automatic in the Elite, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures independently. The Sport has manual air conditioning. The Elite also includes a power moonroof, which the Sport does not offer. The touchscreen in the Elite measures 8 inches and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; the Sport's screen is 7 inches and lacks smartphone integration.

Audio quality differs as well. The Elite comes with an eight-speaker system; the Sport has six speakers. Neither trim includes a premium audio brand like Bose, but the eight-speaker setup in the Elite produces noticeably fuller sound, particularly at highway speeds where road noise is high.

Exterior styling and what you see from outside

The Elite and Sport share the same body shape, wheelbase, and overall dimensions. The Elite adds body-color door handles and a body-color power moonroof frame, whereas the Sport has chrome door handles and a black roof frame. These are visual distinctions rather than functional ones.

Wheel design differs between trims. The Elite rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels with an all-terrain tire (Bridgestone Dueler A/T). The Sport also uses 18-inch wheels but with a highway-focused all-season tire. The Trailsport upgrades to more aggressive all-terrain tires and adds underbody skid plates that neither the Elite nor Sport includes.

How the Elite compares to the Trailsport trim

The Trailsport is designed for buyers who plan serious off-road use. It includes an electronic locking rear differential, which improves traction on rocks and uneven terrain by forcing both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. The Elite and Sport do not have this feature. The Trailsport also adds skid plates under the engine, transmission, and fuel tank to protect components from rocks and obstacles.

The Trailsport's suspension is tuned differently, with a slightly higher ride height and stiffer damping to handle rough terrain. The Elite and Sport have the same suspension setup. Tires on the Trailsport are more aggressive all-terrain tires designed for mud and rocks, whereas the Elite's tires are all-terrain but more street-friendly.

The Trailsport costs roughly $4,000 to $5,000 more than the Elite, depending on the model year and current pricing. If you do not plan to use the locking differential or skid plates, the Elite delivers better value because you avoid paying for equipment that will sit unused.

Safety and driver information features across trims

Honda's safety suite, called Honda Sensing, comes standard on all three Passport trims. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. The Elite does not add or remove any of these features compared to the Sport or Trailsport.

All trims include the same number of airbags, the same structural reinforcement, and the same electronic stability control. The difference in safety between trims comes down to driver behavior and visibility, not equipment. The Elite's power moonroof does reduce headroom slightly compared to the Sport's fixed roof, but the difference is minimal and does not affect safety ratings.

Fuel economy and real-world performance

The EPA estimates the Passport Elite at 21 miles per gallon city, 26 highway, and 23 combined. These figures are the same for the Sport and Trailsport. Real-world fuel economy depends on driving habits, terrain, and load, not trim level. Owners report that highway driving yields closer to 26–27 mpg, while city and mixed driving often falls to 19–21 mpg.

The 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque across all trims. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes roughly 7.5 to 8 seconds depending on conditions. The nine-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, though some owners note that it can be slow to downshift when merging on highways.

Warranty and maintenance coverage

Honda's factory warranty is identical across all Passport trims: three years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage, and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain. The Elite does not receive an extended warranty or additional coverage compared to the Sport. Maintenance intervals and recommended service are the same for all three trims.

Routine maintenance costs are comparable across trims because the engine, transmission, and drivetrain are shared. The Elite's leather seats may require periodic conditioning, and the power moonroof adds a potential repair cost if the motor or seal fails, but these are minor considerations over the vehicle's life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Elite worth the extra cost over the Sport?

That depends on how much you value leather seating, the moonroof, and smartphone integration. If you spend significant time in the cabin and want a more comfortable, connected experience, the Elite's upgrades justify the cost. If you view the Passport as a tool and spend most time outdoors, the Sport's cloth seats and smaller screen may be sufficient.

Can I add the Elite's features to a Sport model later?

Some features like the touchscreen can be retrofitted by a dealer, but others like the moonroof and leather seats are tied to the body and interior structure. It is generally more cost-effective to buy the trim you want from the start rather than upgrade piecemeal after purchase.

Does the Elite have better ground clearance than the Sport?

No. Both the Elite and Sport have the same ground clearance, suspension height, and approach and departure angles. The Trailsport has a slightly higher ride height, but the difference is minimal and not noticeable in everyday driving.

What tires come on the Elite, and can I change them?

The Elite comes with Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires in 18-inch size. You can replace them with any tire that fits the wheel size and load rating. Many owners upgrade to more aggressive all-terrain or all-season tires depending on their driving environment.

Does the Elite include all-wheel drive?

Yes. All-wheel drive is standard on every Passport trim, including the Sport and Elite. There is no front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive option for any model year of the Passport.