The 2025 Honda Passport is a three-row midsize SUV that splits the difference between a truck and a family vehicle
The 2025 Passport seats up to eight people across three rows, uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and comes in four trim levels: Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. It shares its platform with the Pilot but sits lower and has a more rugged exterior. Reviewers and owners consistently praise its towing capacity (up to 5,000 pounds), comfortable second-row seats, and straightforward infotainment system. The main complaints center on third-row legroom, fuel economy in the mid-20s mpg range, and a starting price around $48,000 for the base Sport trim.
If you're deciding between the Passport and competitors like the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, or Toyota Highlander, the Passport appeals most to buyers who want a V6 engine standard (not optional), don't mind a tighter third row, and value the truck-like driving position. It's less fuel-efficient than most rivals but more powerful.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Passport comes standard with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive on most trims, which reviewers note makes it feel more truck-like than sedan-like compared to competitors.
- Second-row comfort and cargo space behind the second row are strengths; third-row legroom is tight and best suited for children or short trips.
- Real-world fuel economy runs 21–24 mpg combined for most owners, lower than the Highlander or Sorento but acceptable for the engine size.
- Pricing starts around $48,000 for the Sport trim and climbs to $58,000+ for the Touring, putting it in the middle of the midsize SUV range.
- Common owner complaints include wind noise at highway speeds, a stiff ride on rough roads, and limited cargo space when all three rows are in use.
Engine, Transmission, and Driving Feel
The 2025 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Reviewers describe acceleration as adequate but not quick—0 to 60 mph takes roughly 8 seconds—and note that the engine sounds coarse under hard acceleration. The transmission shifts smoothly in normal driving but can hunt between gears on the highway.
Owners and reviewers consistently mention the truck-like driving position: you sit higher than in a Highlander or Sorento, and the steering feels heavier. The ride is firm, which some owners appreciate for highway stability and others find jarring on potholed roads. All-wheel drive comes standard on EX and higher trims; the base Sport is front-wheel drive only. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which reviewers note is useful but not class-leading—the Highlander tows 5,000 pounds as well, while some competitors max out lower.
Interior Space, Comfort, and Seating
The Passport seats up to eight: two in front, three in the second row, and three in the third row. Reviewers and owners praise the second-row seats as roomy and comfortable, with good legroom and recline. The third row is the weak point: it's tight for adults and best suited for children or occasional use. One owner noted that with the third row up, cargo space shrinks to 10 cubic feet; folding the third row opens it to 47 cubic feet, and folding both rear rows gives 87 cubic feet.
The front seats are comfortable for long drives, and the dashboard layout is straightforward—large buttons, straightforward-to-read gauges, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Reviewers note that the infotainment system is not cutting-edge but is intuitive and rarely freezes. Cloth upholstery comes on the Sport and EX; leather is standard on EX-L and Touring. Wind noise at highway speeds is a recurring complaint, with owners reporting it becomes noticeable above 65 mph.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
The EPA rates the 2025 Passport at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models; all-wheel-drive versions drop to 20/25/22 mpg. Real-world owner reports cluster around 21–24 mpg combined, depending on driving habits and terrain. This is lower than the Highlander (21–27 mpg combined) and Sorento (22–28 mpg combined), but the Passport's V6 standard engine makes direct fuel-economy comparisons tricky—most competitors offer four-cylinder options.
Maintenance costs are moderate. The Passport uses a 10,000-mile oil-change interval, and reviewers note that Honda parts and service are widely available and reasonably priced. Insurance quotes from owners typically fall in the mid-range for the class—not the cheapest, not the most expensive. Depreciation is average for the segment; three-year-old Passports hold roughly 55–60% of their original value.
Safety Features and Crash Test Results
The 2025 Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road-departure mitigation. Reviewers note that these systems work well but can be overly sensitive—lane-keeping information sometimes corrects for normal lane position, and the collision warning occasionally triggers in heavy traffic. The systems can be toggled off individually, which owners appreciate.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet published full crash-test results for the 2025 model year as of early 2025. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not rated the current generation Passport. Reviewers and owners report that the Passport feels solid in everyday driving, with good visibility from the raised seating position, though the wide rear pillars can create blind spots when changing lanes.
Reliability and Owner Satisfaction
The Passport shares its V6 engine and transmission with the Pilot, which has a solid reliability track record. Early 2025 owner reports are limited, but owners of 2023 and 2024 models report few major issues. Common minor complaints include rattles in the dashboard, occasional infotainment glitches that resolve with a software update, and premature wear on brake pads. One owner reported a transmission fluid leak at 15,000 miles, but this appears isolated.
Owner satisfaction scores are mixed. Some owners love the truck-like feel and V6 power and say they would buy again. Others regret the fuel economy and tight third row and wish they had chosen a Highlander or Sorento. Owners who use the third row regularly tend to be less satisfied; those who treat it as a two-row vehicle with occasional extra seating are more positive. Resale demand is steady but not strong—the Passport is less popular than the Highlander or Sorento in the used market.
How the 2025 Passport Compares to Rivals
| Feature | 2025 Passport | 2025 Highlander | 2025 Sorento | 2025 CX-9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 (280 hp) | 3.5L V6 (295 hp) | 2.5L turbo (281 hp) | 2.5L turbo (227 hp) |
| Seating | Up to 8 | Up to 8 | Up to 7 | Up to 7 |
| EPA Combined MPG (AWD) | 22 | 23 | 24 | 23 |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Starting Price (approx.) | $48,000 | $40,000 | $35,000 | $38,000 |
| Third-Row Legroom | Tight | Adequate | Adequate | Adequate |
The Passport is pricier than the Sorento and CX-9 but less expensive than a fully loaded Highlander. Reviewers say the Passport makes sense if you want a V6 standard, value towing capacity, and don't mind a tighter third row. The Highlander is the safer choice if third-row comfort matters; the Sorento is the better value if fuel economy is the priority; the CX-9 is the choice if you want the most refined driving experience and don't tow.
When comparing trim levels across models, remember that the Passport's EX trim (around $52,000) includes all-wheel drive and a touchscreen, while the Highlander's base model starts lower but may require upgrades to match the Passport's features. Real-world pricing varies by dealer, location, and current incentives, so getting quotes from multiple sources gives you a clearer picture of actual costs in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Passport good for families with kids?
Yes, if your children are under 12 or you rarely use the third row. The second row is spacious and comfortable. If you have three or more school-age children who regularly sit in back, the Highlander or Sorento offer more third-row legroom and may be a better fit.
How does the 2025 Passport's fuel economy compare to older models?
The 2025 model is roughly the same as the 2024 and 2023 models—around 22–23 mpg combined for all-wheel-drive versions. Honda has not made major powertrain changes to this generation, so fuel economy has remained stable since the current design launched in 2019.
What's the most common complaint from 2025 Passport owners?
Wind noise at highway speeds is the most frequent complaint, followed by tight third-row legroom and a firm ride on rough roads. Some owners also note that the infotainment system lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on base trims, though these are standard on EX-L and Touring.
Should I buy the Passport or wait for a redesign?
Honda has not announced a redesign timeline for the Passport. The current generation has been in production since 2019 and is expected to continue through at least 2026. If you need an SUV now, the 2025 is a solid choice; if you can wait, a redesigned model may arrive in 2027 or 2028.
Does the Passport come with all-wheel drive standard?
No. All-wheel drive is standard on EX and higher trims but not on the base Sport trim, which is front-wheel drive only. If you want all-wheel drive, budget for at least the EX trim, which starts around $52,000.