The Honda Passport RTL is the mid-range trim of Honda's three-row SUV

The Honda Passport RTL sits between the base Sport trim and the top Touring trim. It adds features like a power liftgate, heated front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto over the Sport. The RTL costs more than the Sport but less than the Touring, making it the middle option for buyers who want more comfort without paying for the highest trim.

The Passport itself is a body-on-frame SUV designed for both highway driving and light off-road use. The RTL trim balances everyday convenience with capability. If you are shopping for a Passport and trying to decide between trims, understanding what the RTL includes helps you figure out whether the extra cost is worth it for your needs.

Key Takeaways

  • The RTL trim adds a power liftgate, heated front seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration compared to the base Sport trim.
  • All Passport trims use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and standard all-wheel drive, so engine power and drivetrain do not change between trims.
  • The RTL includes roof rails and all-weather floor mats as standard, which the Sport trim does not.
  • Pricing varies by model year and your location, so you should check current dealer inventory and pricing in your area.

What features come standard on the RTL trim

The RTL adds comfort and convenience features that the Sport does not include. Heated front seats warm up in cold weather without you having to run the engine longer. The power liftgate opens and closes with a button press or foot gesture, which is useful when your hands are full. An 8-inch touchscreen replaces the smaller screen in the Sport, and it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can mirror your phone for navigation and music.

The RTL also comes with roof rails for carrying cargo carriers or roof racks, all-weather floor mats to protect the interior, and a rearview camera as standard. The interior trim uses higher-quality materials than the Sport, and the seats have more padding. Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera, and USB ports are standard across all Passport trims, but the RTL's larger screen makes them easier to use.

Engine, transmission, and drivetrain across all trims

Every Passport, regardless of trim, uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces the same horsepower and torque whether you buy a Sport or a Touring. All Passports come with standard all-wheel drive—there is no front-wheel-drive option. This means the RTL drives the same as the Sport and Touring for power and handling.

The difference between trims is comfort, convenience, and interior features, not performance. If towing capacity, fuel economy, or engine power matters to your decision, those specs are identical across all three trims. The RTL's value comes from features like the larger screen and heated seats, not from any mechanical upgrade.

Interior space and seating

The Passport seats up to seven people across three rows, and this capacity is the same on the RTL as on other trims. The second and third rows fold flat to create cargo space. The RTL does not offer more legroom or a different seating configuration than the Sport—the difference is in seat comfort and materials.

The RTL's seats have thicker padding and the interior uses softer-touch plastics on the dashboard and door panels. If you spend long hours driving or regularly carry passengers, the RTL's more comfortable seats may matter to you. The third row is best suited for children or shorter trips, as it is tight for adults on long drives regardless of trim level.

Technology and infotainment on the RTL

The 8-inch touchscreen on the RTL is the main technology upgrade over the Sport. It responds faster than smaller screens and shows more information at once. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you use your phone's maps, music, and messaging apps through the Passport's system. You can control these features with the touchscreen, steering wheel buttons, or voice commands.

The RTL includes a backup camera and parking sensors, which help when reversing or parking in tight spaces. Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling are standard. The system does not include a built-in navigation system—you rely on your phone's maps app through CarPlay or Android Auto. If you prefer a built-in GPS map that works without your phone, the Touring trim offers Honda's proprietary navigation system.

Exterior features and styling

The RTL and Sport share the same body shape and overall design. The main exterior difference is that the RTL comes standard with roof rails, which the Sport does not. These rails let you attach a roof basket, cargo box, or bike rack. The RTL also includes all-weather floor mats, which protect the interior from mud and moisture better than standard mats.

Both trims have the same wheels, grille, and lighting design. If you want a different wheel style or exterior color, those options are usually available across all trims. The Touring trim adds some unique exterior trim pieces and a different grille design, but the RTL looks very similar to the Sport from the outside.

Price and value comparison

The RTL costs more than the Sport but less than the Touring. The exact price depends on the model year, your location, current incentives, and dealer pricing. New vehicle prices change frequently, so you should check current listings from Honda dealers in your area to see actual prices.

Whether the RTL is worth the extra cost over the Sport depends on what matters to you. If you value heated seats, a larger touchscreen, and roof rails, the RTL offers good value. If you rarely use those features and want to save money, the Sport trim covers the basics. If you want the Touring's built-in navigation and premium audio system, you will pay more but get additional features the RTL does not have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RTL have all-wheel drive?

Yes. All Passport trims, including the RTL, come standard with all-wheel drive. There is no front-wheel-drive option on any trim level. The all-wheel-drive system is the same across all trims.

Can I add features from the Touring trim to an RTL?

Some features can be added as dealer-installed options or aftermarket upgrades, but not all. Built-in navigation and the premium audio system are tied to the Touring trim and cannot be added to an RTL. You should ask a Honda dealer what upgrades are available for the RTL in your area.

Is the RTL good for off-road driving?

The Passport is designed for light off-road use like dirt roads and mild trails, and the RTL handles this the same as other trims since the engine and drivetrain are identical. The RTL does not include off-road-specific features like skid plates or all-terrain tires, but you can add those as aftermarket upgrades if you plan to do serious off-roading.

What is the difference between the RTL and Touring?

The Touring adds a built-in navigation system, a premium audio system, a sunroof, and additional interior trim upgrades. The Touring also includes some exterior styling differences. Both have the same engine and drivetrain. The Touring costs more but offers more luxury features.

How many people can the RTL seat?

The RTL seats up to seven people across three rows. The third row is best for children or short trips, as it has limited legroom for adults. All Passport trims have the same seating capacity.