The 2025 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame
The 2025 Honda Passport is a body-on-frame SUV that sits between Honda's compact CR-V and full-size Pilot in the lineup. It shares its platform with the Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a separate steel frame, a truck bed-style cargo area, and standard all-wheel drive. The Passport is designed for buyers who want SUV comfort with more off-road capability than a traditional crossover.
Honda positions the Passport as an adventure-focused vehicle. It comes with all-wheel drive as standard, higher ground clearance than most crossovers, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds depending on the trim. The 2025 model year carries forward the second-generation design that debuted in 2019, with updates to technology, trim options, and standard features.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Passport uses a truck frame and comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it more capable off-road than Honda's crossover models.
- Engine options include a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 262 horsepower, depending on trim.
- Trim levels for 2025 are Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring, with each adding features like leather seats, sunroof, and advanced safety technology.
- The Passport seats five passengers and offers a cargo area behind the rear seats, though it is smaller than a traditional SUV cargo hold.
- Starting price for the 2025 model begins in the low-to-mid $40,000 range for the base Sport trim, with higher trims reaching into the $50,000s.
Engine and transmission choices for 2025
The 2025 Passport offers two engine options across its lineup. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is available on all trim levels. The V6 is the more traditional choice and delivers the power and towing capacity the Passport is known for.
Honda also offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine on select trims, producing 262 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine also uses a 10-speed automatic and is designed for buyers who prioritize fuel economy over maximum power. The turbo engine is available on EX and higher trims. Both engines come with all-wheel drive as standard, and neither offers a two-wheel-drive option.
Fuel economy for the V6 is estimated at 21 miles per gallon city and 26 highway for two-wheel-drive models (the Passport only comes in all-wheel drive). The turbocharged four-cylinder is rated slightly higher, though real-world numbers depend on driving conditions and how often you use the vehicle's off-road features.
Trim levels and what each includes
The 2025 Passport lineup consists of four trim levels: Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The Sport is the base model and includes the 3.5-liter V6, all-wheel drive, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and Honda Sensing safety features. The Sport comes with cloth seats and manual windows and locks.
The EX trim adds power windows and locks, a power driver's seat, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, and upgraded interior trim. The EX-L includes leather seating, a power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. The Touring is the highest trim and adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a premium audio system, navigation, and additional luxury features.
All trims include Honda Sensing, which is Honda's suite of driver-information technologies. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. Higher trims add features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard.
Off-road capability and ground clearance
The 2025 Passport has 8.6 inches of ground clearance, which is higher than most crossovers but lower than full-size trucks. The truck-based frame gives it a more rigid structure than unibody SUVs, which can help when driving over rough terrain. The Passport comes with all-wheel drive with multiple driving modes, including a terrain management system that adjusts throttle response and traction control for different surfaces.
The Passport is not designed for extreme rock crawling or serious off-roading. Instead, it is built for light to moderate trails, unpaved roads, and outdoor recreation access. The approach angle (the steepness the vehicle can climb without hitting the front bumper) is 27.8 degrees, and the departure angle is 26.3 degrees. These numbers are respectable for a mid-size SUV but not exceptional compared to dedicated off-road vehicles.
Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the V6 engine when properly equipped. The Passport can tow a small boat, utility trailer, or camping trailer within this limit. Payload capacity (the weight the truck bed can carry) is around 1,500 pounds depending on configuration.
Interior space and seating
The Passport seats five passengers across two rows. The front seats are spacious and offer good visibility. The rear seats are adequate for adults on shorter trips but can feel tight on long drives, particularly in the middle position. Rear legroom is approximately 38 inches, which is less than a traditional three-row SUV but more than a compact crossover.
Behind the rear seats is a cargo area that measures approximately 28 cubic feet with the seats up. This is smaller than the cargo hold in a traditional SUV because the Passport's truck-based design includes a raised cargo floor. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to around 76 cubic feet. The cargo area has tie-down points and a power liftgate on EX-L and Touring trims.
Interior materials vary by trim. The Sport and EX use cloth upholstery, while EX-L and Touring offer leather. All trims include a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration. Climate control is automatic on EX and higher trims and manual on the Sport.
Safety features and crash test ratings
The 2025 Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and lane departure warning. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. A 360-degree camera system is available on higher trims to information with parking and off-road navigation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has tested previous Passport model years. The 2025 model shares the same platform and structure, so safety ratings are expected to be similar, though official 2025 ratings may not be available at launch. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also tested the Passport; check their website for the most current ratings for the 2025 model year.
Standard safety features include a rearview camera, stability control, and electronic brake distribution. All airbag counts and placement are typical for a mid-size SUV in this class.
Pricing and what affects the final cost
The 2025 Honda Passport Sport trim starts at approximately $43,000 to $44,000 before destination charges and taxes. The EX trim begins around $47,000, the EX-L around $51,000, and the Touring around $55,000. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) and do not include dealer markup, which varies by location and market demand.
Several factors affect the final price you pay. The choice between the V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engine adds cost on may be able to access trims. Optional packages like the Technology Package (which adds navigation and a premium audio system) or the Off-Road Package (which adds all-terrain tires and skid plates) increase the price. Destination charges, typically $1,200 to $1,400, are added by the dealer.
Incentives and financing offers change throughout the year and vary by region. Checking Honda's official website or contacting local dealers for current pricing and available incentives is the best way to understand what a 2025 Passport will cost in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Passport compare to the Honda Pilot?
The Pilot is a three-row crossover with more cargo space and seating for up to eight passengers. The Passport is a two-row truck-based SUV with better off-road capability and a more rugged design. The Pilot is better for families needing maximum space; the Passport is better for outdoor recreation and adventure.
Can the Passport tow a travel trailer?
Yes, the Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with a towing package. This is suitable for small to mid-size travel trailers, utility trailers, and boat trailers. Check the owner's manual for specific towing requirements and brake controller installation.
What is the difference between the V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines?
The V6 produces more horsepower (280 versus 262) and is standard on all trims. The turbocharged four-cylinder offers slightly better fuel economy and is available on EX and higher trims. Both engines have the same torque output and pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Does the 2025 Passport come in two-wheel drive?
No, all-wheel drive is standard and the only option available on the 2025 Passport. There is no two-wheel-drive version offered for this model year.
What warranty does Honda offer on the 2025 Passport?
Honda typically offers a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on new vehicles. Check with your dealer for the exact warranty terms and any extended warranty options available for the 2025 model year.