The Honda Passport is a three-row midsize SUV built for buyers who want truck-like capability without a full pickup bed

Honda redesigned the Passport for the 2024 model year with a new platform, updated interior, and revised powertrain options. The vehicle sits between Honda's CR-V (smaller, more car-like) and Pilot (larger, more family-focused) in the lineup. It uses a body-on-frame construction similar to the Honda Ridgeline truck, which gives it genuine off-road geometry — a shorter wheelbase, higher ground clearance, and available all-terrain tires — rather than the unibody design of most competitors.

The Passport appeals to buyers who tow regularly, venture onto unpaved roads, or straightforward prefer the commanding driving position and rugged appearance of a truck-based vehicle. It seats up to eight passengers across three rows, though the third row is tight for adults on longer trips.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Passport uses a new platform shared with the Ridgeline truck and comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower.
  • Honda offers the Passport in Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, with prices starting around $48,000 for the base Sport model before destination charges.
  • Standard all-wheel drive comes on all trims; the vehicle can tow up to 5,600 pounds and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.
  • The interior redesign includes a new 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and available leather seating, with significantly more cargo space than the previous generation.
  • Fuel economy is estimated at 21 miles per gallon city and 26 highway for the 2024 model, though real-world results vary based on driving conditions and transmission behavior.

Engine, transmission, and towing capacity

The 2024 Passport is powered by a single turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This replaces the previous naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, which made 280 horsepower. The turbo engine delivers more low-end torque, which helps with towing and off-road performance, though some owners report that turbo lag is noticeable during certain acceleration patterns.

Power flows through a 10-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. Honda does not offer a manual transmission on the Passport. The all-wheel-drive system is standard across all trims and includes a multi-mode selector that lets you choose between Normal, Snow, and Mud modes. There is no low-range transfer case, which limits serious rock-crawling capability but keeps the vehicle lighter and simpler for everyday use.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, and the vehicle can carry up to 1,500 pounds of payload. These figures are lower than some full-size trucks but competitive with other midsize SUVs. You will need to add a trailer hitch if you plan to tow; Honda offers factory hitches rated for different weights.

Trim levels and pricing

Honda structures the Passport lineup in four trims: Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The Sport is the entry point and includes all-wheel drive, the turbocharged engine, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and Honda Sensing (the brand's suite of driver-information features). Pricing for the 2024 Sport starts around $48,000 before destination charges, though this varies by region and dealer.

The EX adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, roof rails, and all-terrain tires. The EX-L includes leather seating, a power-adjustable driver seat, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The Touring is the fully loaded version and adds a Bose premium audio system, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and a power moonroof. Pricing increases roughly $3,000 to $5,000 between consecutive trims, though dealer markups and regional pricing variations mean you should check local inventory for actual quotes.

Honda also offers a TrailSport variant (positioned between EX and EX-L) that emphasizes off-road styling with unique exterior trim, skid plates, and all-terrain tires, though it does not change the underlying suspension or drivetrain.

Interior space and cargo capacity

The redesigned interior is noticeably larger than the previous Passport. Rear legroom increased by 4.3 inches, and the cargo area behind the third row grew from 13.5 cubic feet to 18.8 cubic feet. With the third row folded, cargo space expands to 47.7 cubic feet, and with both rear rows folded, you get 94.8 cubic feet. These figures make the Passport competitive with the Pilot for everyday hauling, though the Pilot's unibody design means slightly more usable space in practice.

The new 11.6-inch touchscreen is standard across all trims and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is responsive and straightforward, though some owners note that the screen can be slow to wake from sleep. Climate controls are physical buttons rather than touch-sensitive, which most drivers find easier to use while driving. Wireless phone charging is available on EX-L and Touring trims.

The third row is genuinely tight for adults on trips longer than an hour or two. Honda designed it primarily for children or occasional use by smaller adults. If you regularly carry six or more passengers, the Pilot's larger third row may be a better fit.

Off-road capability and suspension

The Passport's body-on-frame construction and truck-based platform give it genuine off-road geometry. The vehicle has an 8.6-inch ground clearance (9.0 inches on TrailSport), a 104.3-inch wheelbase, and a 58.3-degree approach angle. These numbers mean the Passport can handle rough forest roads, rocky terrain, and water crossings better than unibody SUVs, though it is not a rock-crawler like a Jeep Wrangler.

The independent double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension are tuned for a balance between on-road comfort and off-road articulation. The Passport does not offer locking differentials or a disconnecting sway bar, which limits its capability in extreme conditions but keeps maintenance simpler and costs lower. All-terrain tires are standard on EX and higher trims and optional on Sport.

Real-world off-road performance depends heavily on tire choice and driver skill. The standard all-season tires on the Sport trim are adequate for light trails and snow, but dedicated all-terrain tires make a noticeable difference on rocky or muddy terrain. Honda's all-wheel-drive system is responsive and engages quickly, though it is not as sophisticated as some competitors' systems.

Fuel economy and real-world efficiency

The EPA estimates the 2024 Passport at 21 miles per gallon city, 26 highway, and 23 combined for all-wheel-drive models. These figures are based on the new turbocharged engine and 10-speed transmission. Real-world efficiency varies significantly based on driving conditions, driving habits, and whether you are towing.

Owners report that highway driving often yields results close to EPA estimates, while city driving and frequent towing can drop efficiency to 18 to 20 miles per gallon. The turbo engine's efficiency depends partly on how aggressively you use the throttle; gentle acceleration yields better mileage than spirited driving. If you tow regularly, expect efficiency to drop 2 to 4 miles per gallon depending on load and terrain.

The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), not premium, which keeps fuel costs lower than some turbocharged competitors. The fuel tank holds 21.8 gallons, giving a theoretical range of around 500 miles on a full tank under ideal highway conditions.

Safety features and driver information technology

Honda Sensing is standard on all Passport trims and includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, and road departure mitigation. These systems work well in most conditions, though some owners report occasional false alerts on poorly marked roads or in heavy rain.

The Passport earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 model year. It received five stars for frontal crash, side crash, and rollover protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet published ratings for the redesigned 2024 model, though the previous generation performed well in their testing.

Available safety features on higher trims include a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a power liftgate with programmable height. The head-up display on Touring models can show speed, navigation, and driver-information alerts without requiring you to look down at the dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the new Passport compare to the Toyota 4Runner?

The Passport is smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient, while the 4Runner is larger and more capable off-road. The Passport is better for daily driving and light trails; the 4Runner is better if you regularly tackle extreme terrain or need maximum third-row space. The Passport starts around $48,000; the 4Runner starts around $58,000.

Can I fit a full-size spare tire under the Passport?

No. The Passport comes with a compact spare tire mounted under the vehicle. Honda does not offer a full-size spare as a factory option, though some aftermarket suppliers sell roof-mounted or rear-mounted spare tire carriers if you want to carry a full-size wheel for remote travel.

What is the difference between the Passport and the Honda Pilot?

The Passport is truck-based, seats up to eight, and emphasizes off-road capability and towing. The Pilot is unibody-based, seats up to eight, and emphasizes comfort and interior space. The Pilot is better for families; the Passport is better for towing and light off-roading. The Pilot starts around $50,000; the Passport starts around $48,000.

Does the Passport have a sunroof on all trims?

No. A power moonroof is standard only on the Touring trim. The EX-L offers a panoramic sunroof as standard. The Sport and EX do not include a sunroof, though some dealers may have special-order options available.

What warranty does Honda offer on the new Passport?

Honda covers the Passport with a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The turbocharged engine is covered under the same powertrain warranty as the rest of the vehicle, with no separate coverage terms.