What the 2025 Honda Passport is and who it's built for
The 2025 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV designed around off-road driving rather than highway comfort. It sits on a truck frame (shared with the Ridgeline pickup), has a body-on-frame construction, and comes standard with all-wheel drive and a locking rear differential — features you won't find on most competitors in this price range. Honda positions it as an alternative to the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner for buyers who want serious trail capability without the size or fuel consumption of a full-size truck.
The Passport appeals to people who actually use their vehicles off-road, not just those who want the appearance of ruggedness. If your driving is mostly highway and city streets with occasional dirt roads, a traditional crossover SUV will serve you better and cost less. But if you tow regularly, drive in snow, or spend weekends on unpaved terrain, the Passport's engineering makes a practical difference.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Passport uses a truck frame and locking rear differential, giving it genuine off-road traction that most mid-size SUVs cannot match.
- The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 280 horsepower and tows up to 5,000 pounds, but fuel economy sits around 19-21 mpg depending on driving conditions.
- Interior space is tight compared to three-row crossovers, with a second row that fits two adults comfortably and a third row suitable only for children or short trips.
- Pricing starts near $48,000 for the base TrailSport model and reaches $58,000 for the fully equipped Trailhead trim, placing it above comparable Wranglers but below 4Runners.
- Reliability data from Honda's track record suggests low repair costs and strong durability, though the Passport itself is too new for long-term owner reports.
Engine performance and fuel economy
The 2025 Passport uses a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This is the same engine found in the Honda Ridgeline and Pilot, so parts availability and repair costs should remain reasonable. The V6 is adequate for highway merging and moderate towing, though it's not quick by modern standards — 0 to 60 mph takes roughly 8 seconds.
Fuel economy is the trade-off for the truck-based design. The EPA rates the 2025 Passport at 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with all-wheel drive, which translates to roughly 21 mpg in mixed driving. That's worse than a comparable Jeep Wrangler (which achieves 22-23 mpg) but better than a Toyota 4Runner (which averages 18-20 mpg). If you drive mostly highway, you'll see numbers closer to 24 mpg; if you're in stop-and-go city traffic or towing, expect to drop to 17-18 mpg.
Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the standard transmission, which covers most boat trailers, small travel trailers, and utility trailers. That's less than the Ridgeline (5,500 pounds) and significantly less than a 4Runner (5,000 pounds for the base model, up to 5,600 for certain trims), so check your specific load before committing.
Off-road features and real-world capability
The Passport's off-road strengths come from its frame-based construction and standard equipment rather than engine power. All models include all-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and an electronic locking front differential on TrailSport and higher trims. These features let the vehicle maintain traction when wheels lose contact with the ground — something a traditional crossover cannot do. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is adequate for moderate trails but not exceptional compared to a Wrangler (10.8 inches) or 4Runner (8.9 inches).
Honda includes Terrain Response modes (Comfort, Normal, Gravel, Snow, and Mud) that adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and differential locking automatically. In practice, these modes work well for predictable terrain but don't replace driver skill on technical trails. The Passport also has an available all-terrain tire package that improves grip on rocks and sand, though the standard all-season tires are adequate for light off-roading.
Where the Passport falls short is approach and departure angles — the angles at which the vehicle can climb or descend without scraping the bumper. At 27.8 degrees approach and 25.1 degrees departure, these are respectable but not class-leading. A Wrangler Unlimited achieves 43.3 degrees approach and 37.5 degrees departure, making it far more capable on steep terrain. For forest service roads, sandy beaches, and moderate rock crawling, the Passport performs well. For serious rock crawling or extreme angles, a Wrangler is the better choice.
Interior space and comfort
The Passport seats five people across two rows, with a third row that's genuinely cramped. The second row offers decent legroom for two adults (about 38 inches), but the third row is best reserved for children or emergency seating on short trips. If you regularly carry five adults, a traditional three-row crossover like the Pilot or Highlander will be more comfortable.
Cargo space behind the third row is just 13.5 cubic feet, which is smaller than most compact SUVs. With the third row folded, you get 46.3 cubic feet, and with both rows folded, 76.5 cubic feet total. That's enough for camping gear or a week's worth of luggage, but not for serious hauling. The truck frame means there's no underfloor storage like you'd find in a crossover, so everything must fit within the visible cargo area.
The interior materials are durable rather than luxurious. Plastics dominate the dashboard and door panels, which is intentional — they're easier to clean after muddy trips and more resistant to damage. The standard infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offer a larger 9-inch screen. Climate control is automatic on most trims, and heated front seats come standard on TrailSport and above.
Safety features and crash test results
The 2025 Passport includes Honda Sensing, a suite of driver information features standard on all trims. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These systems work well in normal driving but can be overly sensitive on rough terrain, so most off-road drivers disable them before heading into the backcountry.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet published crash test results for the 2025 Passport, so comparisons to competitors are not possible. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has also not tested the current generation. This is normal for new model years — testing typically occurs 6 to 12 months after market launch. Previous generations of the Passport performed adequately in NHTSA testing, earning four and five-star ratings in most categories, though it was not an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
In real-world accidents, the Passport's truck frame provides good protection in frontal and side impacts, though the higher center of gravity (compared to a crossover) increases rollover risk. The vehicle's weight and size also mean it poses more risk to smaller vehicles in a collision, which is a consideration if you drive in dense urban areas.
Pricing and trim levels
The 2025 Passport lineup includes four trims: TrailSport, TrailSport S, Trailhead, and Trailhead S. Pricing starts at approximately $48,000 for the base TrailSport and reaches $58,000 for the Trailhead S, though exact prices vary by region and dealer. These figures do not include destination charges (typically $1,395) or any dealer markup.
The TrailSport is the entry point and includes all-wheel drive, the locking rear differential, Terrain Response modes, and Honda Sensing. Moving to TrailSport S adds a power liftgate, upgraded interior trim, and a larger infotainment screen. The Trailhead trim adds leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and additional convenience features. The Trailhead S is the top model with premium audio and additional luxury appointments.
For most buyers, the TrailSport S represents the best value — it adds meaningful features over the base model without the premium pricing of the Trailhead trims. If you plan to use the Passport primarily for off-roading, the base TrailSport has everything you need. If you want a more comfortable daily driver, step up to TrailSport S or higher.
Reliability and long-term ownership costs
Honda's reputation for reliability extends to the Passport, which shares its engine and transmission with the Ridgeline and Pilot — both vehicles with strong durability records. The truck-based frame is simpler than a crossover's unibody construction, which generally means fewer complex systems to fail. Owners of previous Passport generations report low repair costs and high mileage potential, with many vehicles exceeding 150,000 miles without major issues.
Maintenance costs are moderate. Oil changes run $50 to $75, tire rotations are $30 to $50, and brake service is in line with other mid-size vehicles. Parts are widely available through Honda dealers and independent shops, so you won't face the supply constraints that plague some specialty vehicles. Insurance rates are typical for a mid-size SUV in this price range — expect to pay $1,200 to $1,600 annually depending on your age, location, and driving history.
Resale value has historically been strong for Honda products, and early data suggests the 2025 Passport will follow that pattern. Expect to recover 55 to 65 percent of the purchase price after five years, assuming average mileage and good condition. This is better than many competitors but slightly lower than the Wrangler, which holds value exceptionally well.
How the 2025 Passport compares to alternatives
The Passport's main competitors are the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Toyota 4Runner. The Wrangler is more capable on extreme terrain, with better approach and departure angles and a removable top that appeals to enthusiasts. It also achieves slightly better fuel economy. However, the Wrangler starts at a similar price ($47,000 for the base model) and has a reputation for wind and road noise that some owners find distracting on highways.
The Toyota 4Runner is larger, with a third row that's actually usable for adults and more cargo space. It also has a stronger reputation for durability in extreme environments. However, it starts at $57,000 and achieves worse fuel economy (18-20 mpg). The 4Runner is the choice if you need genuine seven-seat capacity and plan to keep the vehicle for 200,000 miles. The Passport is better if you want a more nimble vehicle that's easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
If you don't need serious off-road capability, a traditional crossover like the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander offers more interior space, better fuel economy, and lower prices. These vehicles handle light snow and gravel roads adequately but lack the locking differentials and terrain response systems that make the Passport capable on technical trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 2025 Passport handle serious rock crawling?
The Passport is capable on moderate trails with rocks and ruts, but it's not optimized for extreme rock crawling. The approach and departure angles are adequate for forest service roads and moderate obstacles, but a Wrangler's superior angles make it better for steep terrain. For serious rock crawling, consider a Wrangler or 4Runner instead.
What's the difference between TrailSport and Trailhead trims?
TrailSport is the base model with all essential off-road features and standard Honda Sensing. Trailhead adds luxury features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and premium audio. For off-road use, TrailSport is sufficient; for daily driving comfort, Trailhead is worth the extra cost.
How does the Passport's fuel economy compare to a Wrangler?
The Passport achieves 19-24 mpg depending on driving conditions, while a Wrangler Unlimited typically achieves 22-23 mpg. The difference is modest — expect to spend roughly $200 to $400 more annually on fuel with the Passport, depending on your driving patterns.
Is the third row usable for adults?
The third row has only 28 inches of legroom, which is tight for adults on trips longer than 30 minutes. It's best suited for children or emergency seating. If you regularly carry five adults, a traditional three-row crossover will be more comfortable.
What warranty does Honda offer on the 2025 Passport?
Honda includes a three-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on all 2025 Passports. This is standard for the industry and covers defects in materials and workmanship, though it does not cover routine maintenance or wear items like brakes and tires.