What the Honda Passport is and who it's built for

The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV designed to handle both highway driving and rough terrain. It sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and larger Pilot, with a body-on-frame construction that gives it more ground clearance and towing capacity than unibody competitors. The current generation launched in 2019 and received a refresh for 2024, adding new styling, interior updates, and revised engine tuning.

Honda positions the Passport for buyers who want genuine off-road capability without the size or fuel consumption of a full-size truck. It appeals to people who tow trailers, camp regularly, or drive unpaved roads, but also need a vehicle that handles daily commuting and fits in standard parking spaces. The Passport competes directly with the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner, though it's smaller and less expensive than the 4Runner.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024–2025 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, with a starting price around $48,000 before options and destination fees.
  • Standard all-wheel drive and a multi-mode terrain management system let you shift between Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes without leaving the driver's seat.
  • The Passport comes in four trim levels—Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring—each adding comfort features, but the core off-road hardware is the same across all trims.
  • Fuel economy ranges from 19–21 mpg combined depending on driving conditions, which is typical for vehicles in this class but lower than unibody SUVs like the CR-V.
  • Lease and finance terms vary by dealer and credit profile, so comparing offers from multiple Honda dealers can save thousands over the loan or lease period.

Engine, transmission, and real-world performance

The Passport's 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine is the same one used in the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline, so parts and service are widely available. The transmission is tuned for off-road driving, with the ability to hold lower gears on steep descents and shift smoothly when climbing.

Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the standard hitch, which covers most boat trailers, small travel trailers, and utility trailers. The payload capacity—the weight you can carry in the bed or cargo area—is around 1,500 pounds, which is less than a pickup truck but adequate for camping gear and tools. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes roughly 7.5 seconds, which is moderate for the class and not a selling point if you prioritize speed.

Fuel economy is 19 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined on the EPA estimate. Real-world numbers often run 1–2 mpg lower, especially if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or use the terrain modes frequently. If fuel cost is a primary concern, a unibody SUV like the CR-V or RAV4 will save money at the pump, but you lose the off-road hardware.

Off-road features and terrain management

The Passport's terrain management system is the core reason buyers choose it over softer SUVs. You rotate a dial on the dashboard to select Normal, Snow, Mud, or Sand mode. Each mode adjusts throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control settings to match the surface. Snow mode softens throttle input to prevent wheel spin on ice. Mud mode keeps the engine in a higher gear to maintain momentum through soft ground. Sand mode disables some traction control to let the wheels dig in rather than slip.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most unibody SUVs but lower than a Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner. The approach angle—how steep a hill the front bumper can climb without scraping—is 28 degrees. The departure angle is 26 degrees. These numbers matter if you regularly drive rocky or deeply rutted trails, but for light off-roading, camping access roads, and snow driving, the Passport is more than capable.

The all-wheel-drive system is standard and uses a multi-plate clutch to send power to the rear wheels when needed. There is no low-range transfer case like a Wrangler has, which limits extreme rock crawling but keeps the transmission simpler and the vehicle lighter. For most owners, this trade-off is acceptable because they rarely encounter situations where low-range is necessary.

Interior, technology, and comfort features

The 2024 refresh updated the interior with a new dashboard design, larger infotainment screen, and revised seat upholstery. The base Sport trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and cloth seats. The EX adds a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a power moonroof. The EX-L includes leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker audio system. The Touring adds a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a Bose premium audio system.

Cargo space is 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is less than the Pilot but more than the CR-V. The rear seats fold flat and the cargo floor is low, making it straightforward to load camping gear or tools. There is no power liftgate on any trim, so you open and close the tailgate by hand.

Climate control is dual-zone automatic on EX and higher trims, allowing the driver and front passenger to set different temperatures. Rear passengers get manual controls or no controls depending on the trim. The cabin is quieter than previous generations, with improved sound insulation around the doors and roof.

Safety ratings and driver-information technology

The Passport earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2024 testing. It received five stars for frontal crash, four stars for side crash, and five stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet published ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 Passport earned "Good" ratings in most crash tests.

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. These features are standard on most competitors in this price range, so the Passport is competitive but not ahead of the field.

Pricing, trim levels, and what each one includes

The 2024 Passport starts at approximately $48,000 for the Sport trim before destination fees and taxes. The EX is around $52,000, the EX-L is around $56,000, and the Touring is around $60,000. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP), and actual prices vary by dealer, location, and current incentives. Some dealers offer discounts, while others charge above MSRP if demand is high.

The Sport trim is the entry point and includes all-wheel drive, the terrain management system, the 8-inch touchscreen, and basic safety features. It is the choice for buyers who want off-road capability without paying for leather seats or premium audio. The EX adds comfort features like the larger touchscreen and power moonroof, making it the most popular trim. The EX-L and Touring are for buyers who prioritize interior luxury and are willing to pay for it.

Destination and delivery fees are typically $1,295 for the Passport, though this varies by region. Taxes and registration are separate and depend on your state and local rules. When comparing prices, always ask the dealer for the out-the-door price, which includes all fees, so you can compare apples to apples.

Lease versus purchase: which makes sense

Leasing a Passport typically costs $500 to $700 per month for a 36-month lease with 12,000 miles per year, depending on the trim and your credit profile. Leasing makes sense if you want a new vehicle every three years, prefer predictable monthly payments, and don't drive more than 12,000–15,000 miles annually. Lease payments cover maintenance and warranty, so repair costs are minimal.

Buying with a loan typically costs $600 to $900 per month for a 60-month loan at current interest rates, depending on your down payment and credit score. Buying makes sense if you plan to keep the vehicle longer than five years, drive more than 15,000 miles annually, or want to modify it for off-roading. After the loan is paid off, your only costs are insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

Interest rates for auto loans vary widely based on credit score, loan term, and the lender. Banks, credit unions, and Honda Financial Services all offer financing. Getting pre-approved by your bank or credit union before visiting the dealer gives you a baseline rate to compare against the dealer's offer. Even a 0.5% difference in interest rate adds up to hundreds of dollars over a five-year loan.

How the Passport compares to its main competitors

The Jeep Wrangler is the Passport's closest competitor in terms of off-road capability and price. The Wrangler has a lower starting price (around $38,000 for the base model) but offers less interior space and lower towing capacity. The Wrangler is better if you prioritize extreme off-roading and don't need much cargo space. The Passport is better if you want more comfort, a larger interior, and more towing power.

The Toyota 4Runner is larger, more expensive (starting around $58,000), and has a stronger reputation for durability in extreme conditions. The 4Runner is heavier, less fuel-efficient, and harder to park in tight spaces. It's the choice for buyers who plan to keep the vehicle for 200,000+ miles and regularly drive in harsh environments. The Passport is better for buyers who want off-road capability without the size and cost premium.

The Honda CR-V is smaller, more fuel-efficient, and cheaper (starting around $35,000), but it has no terrain management system and lower ground clearance. The CR-V is better for buyers who prioritize fuel economy and daily comfort over off-road performance. The Passport is better for buyers who actually use off-road features and want genuine capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a Passport on serious rock crawling trails?

The Passport can handle moderate off-roading—forest roads, sandy beaches, and muddy trails—but it lacks the low-range transfer case and extreme approach angles of a Wrangler or 4Runner. For serious rock crawling, you would be better served by a Wrangler or 4Runner, or by modifying a Passport with aftermarket suspension and skid plates.

What is the warranty on a 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. This is standard across the industry. Extended warranties are available from Honda and third-party providers, though they vary in coverage and cost.

How much does it cost to maintain a Passport annually?

Routine maintenance—oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks—costs roughly $150 to $300 per year depending on driving habits. Major services like transmission fluid changes or brake pad replacement run $300 to $800 depending on what needs work. Actual costs vary by dealer and region, so getting a quote from your local Honda service department is the most accurate approach.

Does the Passport come in hybrid or electric?

No. Honda does not offer a hybrid or electric version of the Passport. The V6 gasoline engine is the only powertrain available. If fuel economy is a priority, the CR-V hybrid or RAV4 hybrid are better choices, though they sacrifice off-road capability.

Can I tow a large travel trailer with a Passport?

The Passport's 5,000-pound towing capacity covers most travel trailers under 4,500 pounds dry weight. Larger trailers exceed the limit and require a truck. Check your trailer's dry weight and loaded weight before assuming the Passport can handle it, because exceeding the towing limit voids the warranty and creates safety risks.