The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame, designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability

The Honda Passport sits between the smaller CR-V and the larger Pilot in Honda's SUV lineup. It uses the same platform as the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck, which gives it a body-on-frame construction rather than the unibody design of most crossovers. This means it has a separate steel frame underneath, making it more rigid for towing and more capable on rough terrain.

The current generation Passport launched in 2019 and has been updated through 2024. It seats five passengers and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Honda positions it as an SUV for buyers who want truck-like toughness without a pickup bed, and who plan to use that toughness — whether that means towing a trailer, driving unpaved roads, or straightforward wanting a vehicle that feels more substantial than a typical crossover.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport uses a truck frame and all-wheel-drive system, making it more capable off-road than Honda's CR-V crossover but less spacious inside.
  • It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
  • Trim levels range from Sport through EX-L, with higher trims adding features like leather seats, a power liftgate, and upgraded infotainment systems.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically falls between 18 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and which transmission generation you own.
  • The Passport competes directly with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Toyota 4Runner, though each vehicle prioritizes different strengths.

Engine, transmission, and towing capacity

Every Passport comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Honda has used this same powertrain across multiple model years with only minor updates, so performance is consistent whether you are looking at a 2019 or 2024 model.

Towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds when the vehicle is properly equipped with the towing package. This includes a Class III hitch receiver, transmission cooler, and upgraded cooling systems. Without the package, towing is not recommended. The Passport does not offer a hybrid or turbocharged engine option — the V6 is the only choice.

Fuel economy varies based on driving conditions and model year. Most owners report between 18 and 22 miles per gallon combined, with highway driving typically yielding better numbers than city driving. The 2022 and later models saw minor efficiency improvements, but the difference is not dramatic.

Trim levels and standard features

The Passport comes in four trim levels: Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The Sport is the base model and includes all-wheel drive, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and Honda Sensing safety features as standard. Cloth seats and manual seat adjustment are typical at this level.

The EX adds heated front seats, a power driver's seat, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and a power moonroof. The EX-L includes leather upholstery, a power liftgate, a 12-speaker audio system, and navigation. The Touring, the highest trim, adds a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and premium leather.

All trims include Honda Sensing, which covers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. This suite of safety features is standard across the entire lineup, not reserved for higher trims.

Off-road capability and terrain management

The Passport's truck-based platform gives it genuine off-road strengths. The body sits higher than a crossover, ground clearance is 8.6 inches, and the all-wheel-drive system includes a two-speed transfer case on higher trims. This allows drivers to shift into low-range gearing for steep descents or rocky terrain, something most crossovers cannot do.

Honda offers an i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management) all-wheel-drive system that can send up to 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels when needed. On the road, this system defaults to front-wheel bias for fuel economy. Off-road, it adjusts power distribution based on wheel slip and terrain conditions.

The Passport is not a rock-crawler like a Jeep Wrangler, and it lacks the locking differentials and extreme suspension articulation of a Toyota 4Runner. It is designed for light to moderate off-road use — forest service roads, sandy beaches, and rough camping access — rather than technical rock crawling.

Interior space and cargo capacity

The Passport seats five across two rows with no third-row option. Rear legroom is adequate but not generous, measuring 38.1 inches. The trade-off for the truck-based platform is that interior volume is lower than the Honda Pilot, which is longer and has a third row.

Cargo space behind the rear seats is 39.3 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet. These numbers are competitive with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited but smaller than the Pilot or 4Runner. The cargo floor is relatively flat and straightforward to load, and the power liftgate on higher trims makes closing the hatch easier when your hands are full.

The interior design emphasizes durability over luxury. Surfaces are hard plastic rather than soft-touch materials, which makes cleaning easier and means the cabin can handle muddy boots and outdoor gear without showing wear as quickly.

Fuel economy and running costs

The EPA estimates the Passport at 18 miles per gallon city and 24 miles per gallon highway for a combined rating of 20 miles per gallon. Real-world numbers vary — some owners report closer to 18 combined in mixed driving, while highway-heavy drivers sometimes see 22 or 23. Towing and off-road driving both reduce fuel economy.

Insurance costs are moderate for the class. The Passport is not a luxury vehicle, so repair costs are reasonable, and parts availability is good since Honda uses common components across its lineup. Maintenance intervals follow Honda's standard schedule: oil changes every 10,000 miles, transmission fluid checks at regular intervals, and no major surprises in the first 100,000 miles for most owners.

Resale value has remained strong, particularly for well-maintained examples. The Passport appeals to a specific buyer — someone who wants truck capability without a truck bed — and that consistent demand supports used prices better than some competitors.

How the Passport compares to its main competitors

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the closest competitor in terms of off-road philosophy. The Wrangler offers removable doors and roof panels, more extreme off-road capability, and a more iconic design. However, it has lower fuel economy, a smaller interior, and a less refined on-road experience. The Passport prioritizes on-road comfort while keeping genuine off-road ability.

The Toyota 4Runner is larger, offers a third row, and has a reputation for legendary durability and off-road prowess. It is also significantly more expensive, heavier, and less fuel-efficient. The 4Runner is built for buyers who plan serious backcountry use; the Passport is built for buyers who want that option without paying for it if they do not use it.

The Honda CR-V is smaller, more fuel-efficient, and cheaper, but it uses a unibody design and front-wheel-drive base. It is better for families prioritizing cargo space and everyday practicality. The Passport is the choice if you want a truck-like feel and genuine all-terrain capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Passport handle serious off-roading?

The Passport is capable on light to moderate terrain — forest roads, sand, and rough camping access — but it is not designed for technical rock crawling or extreme conditions. It lacks locking differentials and the suspension articulation of a 4Runner or Wrangler. If you plan mostly on-road driving with occasional rough roads, it is well-suited. If you need extreme off-road capability, the 4Runner or Wrangler is a better match.

How much can the Passport tow?

The Passport is rated to tow 5,000 pounds when equipped with the towing package. This includes a transmission cooler and upgraded cooling systems. Without the package, towing is not recommended. Check the owner's manual for your specific model year, as ratings can vary slightly.

Does the Passport have a third row?

No. The Passport seats five passengers across two rows only. If you need a third row, the Honda Pilot is the next step up in Honda's lineup, though it uses a crossover platform rather than a truck frame.

What is the difference between the Passport and the CR-V?

The Passport uses a truck frame and all-wheel drive as standard, while the CR-V is a unibody crossover with front-wheel drive as base. The Passport is better for off-road use and towing; the CR-V is more fuel-efficient and has more cargo space. The Passport feels more like a truck; the CR-V feels like a car.

How reliable is the Passport?

The Passport has a solid reliability record. It uses proven Honda components, and most owners report few major issues in the first 100,000 miles. Regular maintenance following Honda's schedule is important, as with any vehicle. Check owner forums and reliability databases for specific model years if you are considering a used purchase.