The Honda Passport Sport is a compact SUV built for both city driving and light off-road use

The Honda Passport Sport is a mid-size SUV that sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and larger Pilot models. It's designed as a body-on-frame vehicle, meaning the cargo area is built separately from the main frame — a construction style that makes it more capable on rough terrain than most everyday SUVs. The Passport Sport comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower.

This vehicle appeals to buyers who want genuine off-road capability without the size or fuel consumption of a full-size truck. Unlike crossovers that sit on a car platform, the Passport Sport's frame-based design allows it to handle unpaved roads, water crossings, and steep grades more reliably. At the same time, it's narrow enough to fit in standard parking spaces and short enough to fit in most garages.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport Sport uses a body-on-frame design with all-wheel drive standard, making it more capable off-road than crossover SUVs.
  • It seats five passengers and offers 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, suitable for camping gear or outdoor equipment.
  • The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
  • Standard safety features include Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-information technologies like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information.
  • Fuel economy averages around 21 miles per gallon combined (city and highway), typical for vehicles in this class and weight range.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The Passport Sport's 3.5-liter V6 is the same engine found in Honda's Pilot and Ridgeline, proven in thousands of vehicles over many years. It pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly in both city traffic and highway driving. The engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque — enough power to merge confidently on highways and tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Real-world fuel economy depends on driving habits and terrain. On highways at steady speeds, owners report closer to 23 to 24 miles per gallon. In city driving with frequent stops, expect 18 to 20 miles per gallon. Off-road driving or towing reduces efficiency further. The Passport Sport uses regular unleaded gasoline and has a 19.5-gallon fuel tank, giving a typical highway range of around 450 miles between fill-ups.

Interior space and seating

The Passport Sport seats five people across two rows. The front seats are bucket-style with manual or power adjustment depending on trim level, and they offer good side support for highway driving. The rear bench seat fits three passengers comfortably for short trips, though legroom is tighter than in the larger Pilot.

Cargo space totals 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat, and 39.3 cubic feet with seats up. That's enough for a week's worth of camping gear, a mountain bike, or groceries and luggage for a family road trip. The cargo floor is flat and straightforward to load, and tie-down points are built into the frame for securing loose items. An under-floor storage compartment holds smaller items out of sight.

All-wheel drive and off-road capability

All-wheel drive comes standard on every Passport Sport trim level. The system automatically sends power to all four wheels when the front wheels lose traction, then returns to front-wheel drive for better fuel economy on paved roads. This is different from a manual four-wheel-drive system where you choose when to engage it.

The Passport Sport's ground clearance of 8.6 inches and approach angle of 37 degrees allow it to climb steep hills and cross shallow water without getting stuck. The suspension uses independent double-wishbone front and multi-link rear, tuned to absorb bumps on rough roads while staying stable on highways. Skid plates protect the engine and fuel tank from rocks and debris. For serious off-road work, the Passport Sport is more capable than a CR-V but less extreme than a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner.

Safety features and driver information

Honda Sensing comes standard on all Passport Sport models. This suite includes adaptive cruise control (which maintains your distance from the car ahead), lane-keeping information (which gently steers you back if you drift), collision mitigation braking (which can explore the brakes if a crash is imminent), and road departure mitigation (which alerts you if you're drifting off the road). These systems reduce driver fatigue on long trips and provide an extra layer of protection in emergency situations.

The Passport Sport also includes eight airbags, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera as standard. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims. The vehicle earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, though specific crash test scores vary by impact type.

Trim levels and standard features

The Passport Sport is offered in three main trim levels: Sport, EX, and EX-L. The base Sport trim includes all-wheel drive, the V6 engine, Honda Sensing, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and power windows and locks. The EX adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an upgraded audio system. The EX-L includes leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a sunroof, and a navigation system.

Optional packages on higher trims add features like a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and premium leather. Roof rails come standard for mounting cargo carriers or roof racks. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds across all trims when equipped with the available towing package.

Maintenance costs and reliability

Honda vehicles generally have lower maintenance costs than many competitors because parts are widely available and labor rates are competitive. Routine maintenance — oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks — follows Honda's recommended schedule, typically every 10,000 miles for oil changes. Brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant have longer intervals, sometimes 30,000 miles or more.

The V6 engine and 9-speed transmission have proven reliable across Honda's lineup, with most owners reporting no major issues in the first five years. Tires typically last 40,000 to 50,000 miles depending on driving conditions and road surfaces. Owners should budget for tire replacement, brake service, and battery replacement (usually around 100,000 miles) as normal wear items.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Passport Sport compare to the Honda CR-V?

The CR-V is smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient, making it better for daily commuting. The Passport Sport is larger, has a body-on-frame design, and comes with more off-road capability standard. If you plan to drive on unpaved roads or need more cargo space, the Passport Sport is the better choice. If you prioritize fuel economy and straightforward parking, the CR-V makes more sense.

Can the Passport Sport tow a trailer?

Yes, with the available towing package the Passport Sport can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This is enough for a small utility trailer, jet ski, or lightweight boat. You'll need a proper hitch installation and brake controller for trailers over 1,500 pounds. Check your owner's manual for specific towing requirements and weight distribution rules.

What's the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive?

The Passport Sport uses all-wheel drive, which automatically engages the rear wheels when needed but stays in front-wheel drive most of the time for better fuel economy. Four-wheel drive (found on vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler) is manually selected and locks all four wheels together for maximum traction in extreme conditions. All-wheel drive is sufficient for light off-road driving and winter weather.

How many miles can a Passport Sport typically last?

With regular maintenance, most Honda vehicles last 200,000 miles or more. The Passport Sport's V6 engine and transmission are designed for longevity. Keeping up with oil changes, fluid replacements, and addressing repairs promptly significantly extends the vehicle's lifespan. Many owners report their Passports running reliably well past 150,000 miles.

Is the Passport Sport good for winter driving?

Yes, all-wheel drive and ground clearance make it capable in snow and ice, though winter tires are essential for safety. The standard all-wheel drive system automatically adjusts power to wheels that are slipping, and the higher ride height helps it navigate deeper snow. Electronic stability control helps prevent skids. Winter tires provide better grip than all-season tires in cold weather.