What you get in each Honda Passport trim

The Honda Passport comes in three main trim levels: Sport, EX, and EX-L. Each step up adds more comfort features, technology, and interior materials, but all three share the same engine, transmission, and core off-road capability. The Sport is the base model with essential features; the EX adds convenience upgrades; and the EX-L brings leather seating and premium audio. Your choice depends on which features matter most to you and your budget.

Honda updates the Passport lineup each model year, so the specific features and pricing change annually. The trim structure has remained consistent in recent years, but the details within each level shift—sometimes a feature moves up to a higher trim, or a new technology gets added across all models. If you're shopping for a specific year, check the official Honda website or your local dealer for that year's exact equipment list.

Key Takeaways

  • All three Passport trims use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission, so performance and fuel economy are identical across trims.
  • The Sport trim includes four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a touchscreen infotainment system, making it capable off-road from the start.
  • The EX adds heated front seats, a power moonroof, and upgraded interior trim compared to the Sport.
  • The EX-L is the premium option, featuring leather seating, a power liftgate, and a higher-quality audio system.
  • Trim availability and specific features vary by model year, so confirm the details for the year you're considering before making a decision.

Sport trim: core features and off-road readiness

The Sport is the entry-level Passport and includes the essential equipment that makes the vehicle capable on and off pavement. You get four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, all-terrain tires, aluminum skid plates to protect the undercarriage, and a locking rear differential. These are the real off-road tools—they're not cosmetic upgrades, and they're standard on every Passport regardless of trim.

Inside, the Sport has a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen (depending on the model year) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, manual air conditioning, and cloth seating. The interior is straightforward and durable rather than luxurious. You also get standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, and collision mitigation braking across all trims, because Honda includes these on every Passport.

The Sport works well if you want the Passport's capability without paying for features you won't use. Many owners choose this trim specifically because it strips away the premium materials and focuses on the vehicle's core purpose.

EX trim: comfort upgrades and convenience features

The EX adds several comfort and convenience features that make longer drives and daily use more pleasant. Heated front seats come standard, along with a power moonroof and upgraded interior trim materials. The infotainment screen is typically larger than the Sport's, and you get a few more storage cubbies and organizational features inside the cabin.

The EX also includes a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, which matters if you spend significant time behind the wheel. Exterior details like roof rails and a roof rack are often standard on the EX, whereas they may be optional on the Sport. The overall feel is more refined than the Sport without crossing into luxury territory.

The EX represents the middle ground—you're paying for real comfort upgrades that you'll notice every time you drive, but you're not paying for leather or premium audio systems you might not care about.

EX-L trim: leather, premium audio, and top-tier features

The EX-L is the highest trim level and brings leather seating surfaces, a power liftgate, and a premium audio system with more speakers and better sound quality than the base system. The leather is typically perforated on the front seats for better ventilation, and the overall interior has more stitching detail and higher-quality materials throughout.

You also get a larger touchscreen with navigation built in (rather than relying on your phone's GPS), a heated steering wheel, and upgraded climate control. The EX-L often includes a hands-free power liftgate, which is genuinely useful when your hands are full or you're wearing gloves. Some model years add features like a panoramic moonroof or upgraded exterior trim.

The EX-L costs noticeably more than the EX, so it makes sense if you value premium materials, want the best audio experience, and plan to keep the vehicle for many years. If you rarely use the back seats or don't care about leather, the EX usually offers better value.

Off-road capability across all trims

One of the most important things to understand is that off-road performance doesn't change between trims. The Sport, EX, and EX-L all have the same engine, transmission, four-wheel drive system, transfer case, locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires. The skid plates and underbody protection are identical. A Sport can go anywhere an EX-L can go.

The trim differences are about interior comfort and convenience, not capability. If off-road performance is your priority and budget is tight, the Sport gives you everything you need. If you want comfort features for highway driving or daily commuting, move up to the EX or EX-L.

How to compare trims side by side

The best way to see the real differences is to sit in each trim at a dealership. Touchscreen size, seat comfort, interior materials, and overall cabin feel are things you need to experience in person. A feature list on paper doesn't tell you whether you'll actually like the leather or whether the moonroof matters to you.

Honda's official website has a detailed feature comparison tool for each model year, and your local dealer can print out a spec sheet showing exactly what comes on each trim. Bring that sheet with you when you visit so you can check off the features as you walk through the vehicles. Pay attention to things like steering wheel controls, how the infotainment system responds to touch, and how much rear legroom feels like to you personally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sport trim really capable off-road, or do I need the EX or EX-L?

The Sport is fully capable off-road. All three trims have identical four-wheel drive systems, locking differentials, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. The only differences are interior comfort features like leather seats and moonroofs, which don't affect off-road performance at all.

What's the main reason to choose the EX over the Sport?

The EX adds heated front seats, a power moonroof, a larger touchscreen, and upgraded interior materials. If you drive in cold weather or spend a lot of time on the highway, these comfort features make a real difference. If you mostly use the Passport for weekend adventures and don't care about a moonroof, the Sport saves you money.

Does the EX-L have a different engine or transmission?

No. All three trims use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. The EX-L's upgrades are interior features like leather seating, premium audio, and a power liftgate. Engine performance and fuel economy are identical across all trims.

Can I add features from a higher trim to a lower trim?

Some features can be added as dealer-installed options or aftermarket upgrades, but it varies by feature and model year. A dealer can tell you which items are available as standalone options and which are only bundled with a specific trim. It's worth asking before you decide on a trim level.

Which trim holds its value best?

The EX and EX-L typically hold value slightly better than the Sport because they have more features that appeal to a broader range of used-car buyers. However, the difference is usually small—a few hundred dollars over several years. Choose the trim that fits your actual needs rather than trying to predict resale value.