Key Takeaways
- The Passport seats five passengers across two rows, with the front seats offering more adjustability than the rear, which is designed for shorter trips or younger passengers.
- Storage compartments include a center console bin, door pockets, and a cargo area behind the rear seats, but the cabin does not have as many small cubbies as some competing SUVs.
- The infotainment system uses either a touchscreen (depending on model year and trim) or physical buttons, and connects to your phone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- Climate control is typically a dual-zone system on higher trims, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures independently.
- Visibility from the driver's seat is good in most directions due to the high seating position, though the rear quarter panels create a blind spot typical of SUVs this size.
Seating Arrangement and Comfort
The Passport seats five people: two in front and three in back. The front seats are power-adjustable on most trims, with lumbar support that lets you customize lower back firmness. The driver's seat typically includes height adjustment, which is useful because the Passport's high ride height means you can position yourself to see over the hood without sitting too high.
The rear bench seat is narrower and sits lower than the front, making it better suited for children or for adults on shorter drives. Legroom in the back is adequate but not generous—a six-foot passenger will have their knees closer to the seat in front than they would in a three-row SUV. The rear seats fold flat to expand cargo space, and they fold in a 60/40 split, meaning you can lower one side while keeping the other upright.
Seat materials vary by trim level. Base and mid-range trims use cloth upholstery that resists staining and is straightforward to clean—a practical choice for an SUV marketed toward outdoor use. Higher trims offer leather or leather-trimmed seats, which feel more refined but require more maintenance if you're regularly loading muddy gear.
Dashboard Layout and Controls
The dashboard is horizontal and relatively straightforward, with the steering wheel positioned close to the driver and controls within straightforward reach. The instrument cluster—the gauges directly behind the steering wheel—is analog on most model years, showing speed, fuel level, engine temperature, and warning lights. Some newer trims include a digital display that can show additional information like fuel economy or navigation directions.
Climate controls sit in the center of the dashboard below the infotainment screen. On dual-zone systems, the driver and front passenger each have separate temperature dials, and there are separate controls for fan speed and air distribution. Physical buttons and dials dominate this area, which means you can adjust temperature or fan speed without taking your eyes off the road.
The center console houses a storage bin with a removable divider, useful for keeping small items organized. Cup holders are positioned in the console between the front seats and in the rear doors, though the front cup holders are somewhat shallow and may not grip larger bottles securely on rough terrain.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Passport's infotainment system depends on the model year and trim. Newer versions include a touchscreen display (typically 7 or 8 inches) that handles audio, climate, and navigation. Older or base-trim models use a simpler system with physical buttons and a smaller screen, or no screen at all.
Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means you can connect your smartphone and use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, as well as music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music. The connection is usually wireless on higher trims and wired on base trims, though wired connections are generally more stable on rough roads.
Audio quality varies by trim. Base models include a standard AM/FM radio and speakers that are adequate but not high-fidelity. Higher trims may include a premium audio system with more speakers and better sound processing. All models include Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Storage and Cargo Space
Behind the rear seats, the Passport offers a cargo area that expands when you fold the rear bench. With the seats up, cargo space is limited to what fits in the area behind the rear passengers—roughly the size of a large cooler or a couple of duffel bags. Folding the rear seats flat creates a much larger, roughly rectangular cargo area suitable for camping gear, luggage, or outdoor equipment.
The cargo area includes a tonneau cover on some trims, which is a retractable shade that keeps items out of sight and protects them from sun and weather. The floor has tie-down loops for securing cargo, which is useful if you're carrying loose items on rough terrain.
Door pockets on all four doors provide additional storage for smaller items like sunglasses, documents, or snacks. The front doors have deeper pockets than the rear, and all pockets have a textured surface to prevent items from sliding around.
Climate Control and Air Quality
The Passport uses either a single-zone or dual-zone climate system depending on trim level. Single-zone systems let the driver set one temperature for the entire cabin. Dual-zone systems let the driver and front passenger set different temperatures independently, which is useful if one person runs cold and the other runs warm.
Air distribution can usually be directed to the windshield (for defrosting), the dashboard vents (for face-level cooling), or the floor vents (for foot-level heating). Most systems also include a recirculation mode that cycles the cabin air rather than drawing in outside air, useful if you're driving through dust or pollution.
The cabin air filter—the component that cleans incoming air—is replaceable and should be checked every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on driving conditions. If you frequently drive on dusty roads, you may need to replace it more often.
Visibility and Sightlines
The Passport's high seating position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead and to the sides. The windshield is large and slopes back at a moderate angle, and the side windows are tall, so you can see pedestrians and other vehicles without much head movement.
The rear window is smaller and sits higher, which limits your view directly behind the vehicle. Most Passports include a backup camera that displays on the infotainment screen when you shift into reverse, showing you what's directly behind and to the sides. This is essential for parking and backing up, especially in tight spaces.
The rear quarter panels—the sections of body between the rear doors and the rear wheels—create a blind spot typical of SUVs this size. Checking your mirrors and turning your head before changing lanes or backing up is necessary, and some trims include blind-spot monitoring that alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot.
Materials and Durability
The Passport interior prioritizes function over luxury. The dashboard, door panels, and lower console are hard plastic, which resists scratches and is straightforward to wipe clean—important for an SUV that may see mud, sand, or salt water. The steering wheel and upper dashboard use softer-touch materials that feel more refined but are less durable if exposed to extreme heat or UV light.
Seat fabrics on base and mid-range trims are designed to resist staining and are often treated with a protective coating. Leather on higher trims is more susceptible to cracking in very hot or very cold climates if not conditioned regularly, but it is easier to clean than cloth if you spill liquids.
Trim pieces around the windows and doors are typically plastic or brushed aluminum, depending on trim level. These are durable but can rattle if they loosen over time, particularly on rough roads. Most rattles can be fixed by a dealer by tightening fasteners or adding shims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit a car seat in the back of a Passport?
Yes. The rear bench seat is wide enough to fit two car seats side by side, though the middle position is narrower and may be tight. Check your car seat's manual for the width requirement, and test the fit before purchasing. The rear seat belt system is standard, and most car seats anchor using either the seat belt or the LATCH system (lower anchors and tether clips).
Does the Passport have a sunroof?
Some trims include a power sunroof, but it is not standard on all models. Check the trim level and options list for your model year to confirm. A sunroof reduces headroom slightly and adds weight, which affects fuel economy.
What phone features work through the infotainment system?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you access navigation, music, and messaging apps from your phone through the Passport's screen. You can make and receive calls through the system's speakers and microphone. Voice commands work with Siri (Apple) or Google Assistant (Android), letting you control some functions without touching the screen.
Is the interior quiet on the highway?
The Passport is moderately quiet at highway speeds, but it is not as sound-insulated as luxury SUVs. Wind noise around the windows and tire noise from the road are noticeable, especially at speeds above 65 mph. Thicker insulation in higher trims reduces this somewhat, but the Passport's design prioritizes durability over acoustic refinement.
How do I clean the interior if it gets muddy?
The hard plastic surfaces can be wiped down with a damp cloth or vacuumed. Cloth seats can be vacuumed and spot-cleaned with upholstery cleaner. Leather seats should be wiped with a soft cloth and conditioned periodically. Avoid using harsh chemicals on plastic trim, as they can cause discoloration or cracking.