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

The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV that sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and its larger Pilot. It's designed as a more rugged alternative to the CR-V, with a body-on-frame construction (meaning the metal frame and body are separate, not welded together) that gives it better off-road capability. The Passport has a truck-like stance, higher ground clearance, and a more angular design than Honda's other SUVs.

Honda positions the Passport for buyers who want genuine off-road ability without the size or fuel consumption of a full-size truck. It appeals to people who tow trailers, camp regularly, or drive on unpaved roads, but who also need a vehicle that works well for daily commuting and highway driving. If you're choosing between a Passport and a CR-V, the Passport costs more but offers more ground clearance and a stiffer suspension tuned for rough terrain.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport uses a truck frame and body-on-frame construction, making it more capable off-road than Honda's unibody SUVs like the CR-V.
  • Fuel economy ranges from the mid-20s to low-30s miles per gallon depending on whether you choose all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, and how you drive.
  • Owners consistently report strong reliability and low maintenance costs, with many vehicles reaching 150,000 miles or more without major repairs.
  • The interior is more utilitarian than luxury-focused, with durable materials and straightforward controls that prioritize function over soft-touch surfaces.
  • Resale value remains solid compared to competitors, though depreciation in the first three years is typical for all SUVs in this class.

Engine performance and fuel economy

The Passport comes with a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is the same engine Honda uses in the Pilot, and it's known for smooth power delivery and reliability across Honda's lineup.

Fuel economy depends on your drivetrain choice. Front-wheel-drive models average around 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. All-wheel-drive models drop to approximately 20 city and 25 highway. Real-world numbers vary based on driving habits, terrain, and load. Owners who drive mostly highway report numbers closer to 28 to 30 mpg, while those who tow or drive in stop-and-go traffic see mid-20s or lower. The Passport uses regular unleaded fuel, not premium.

Off-road capability and suspension

The Passport's frame-based construction and independent double-wishbone suspension in front give it genuine off-road ability that unibody SUVs cannot match. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than the CR-V's 8.2 inches but lower than a full-size truck. The approach angle (the steepness the vehicle can climb without hitting the front bumper) is 28 degrees, and the departure angle is 26 degrees—numbers that matter if you're navigating rocky terrain or steep driveways.

Honda offers all-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, which lets you lock the center differential for better traction on loose surfaces. This is useful for sand, gravel, or snow, but the Passport is not a hardcore rock crawler. It's better described as a capable trail vehicle for moderate off-road use. Owners who use it for camping trips, forest service roads, and light trail work report it handles those tasks well. Those expecting Jeep Wrangler-level articulation or water-fording depth will be disappointed.

Interior comfort and technology

The Passport's interior prioritizes durability and function over luxury. Seats are covered in cloth or leather depending on trim level, and the materials are designed to withstand dirt and moisture rather than feel premium. The cabin is quieter than you might expect for a truck-based vehicle, though it's noticeably louder than a CR-V on the highway at high speeds.

Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera, and Bluetooth audio. Higher trims add a larger 10.2-inch screen, wireless phone charging, a power liftgate, and a 12-speaker audio system. Climate control is dual-zone on most trims. The infotainment system is straightforward to use, though some owners note that the touchscreen can be slow to respond in cold weather. Storage is plentiful, with deep door pockets and a large center console.

Safety features and crash test results

The Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver information features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These systems work well in normal driving and have prevented accidents for many owners, though some report occasional false alerts on winding roads or in heavy rain.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Passport four out of five stars overall, with five stars in frontal crash and rollover tests, and four stars in side crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates it "Good" in most crash tests, though it scored "Acceptable" in the small overlap front crash test. These ratings are in line with other midsize SUVs, not exceptional but solid.

Reliability and maintenance costs

Honda's reputation for reliability extends to the Passport. Owners report few unexpected failures, and the V6 engine is proven across multiple Honda models over many years. Common maintenance follows Honda's recommended schedule: oil changes every 10,000 miles, transmission fluid checks, and brake inspections. Parts are widely available and reasonably priced because the Passport shares many components with the Pilot and Ridgeline.

Long-term ownership costs are moderate. Tire replacement runs $150 to $250 per tire depending on the brand you choose. Brake pads typically last 50,000 to 70,000 miles. Major repairs like transmission or engine work are rare before 150,000 miles if the vehicle is maintained on schedule. Insurance rates are average for the class, usually $100 to $150 per month depending on your age, location, and driving record.

Resale value and depreciation

The Passport holds value better than many competitors in its class. A three-year-old Passport typically retains 55 to 65 percent of its original purchase price, depending on mileage and condition. This is comparable to the Toyota 4Runner and better than some other midsize SUVs. Demand for used Passports remains steady because buyers recognize the frame-based construction and reliability.

Mileage affects resale value significantly. A Passport with 60,000 miles will sell for noticeably more than one with 100,000 miles, even if both are the same model year. Accident history, service records, and whether the vehicle was used for towing all factor into what a dealer or private buyer will offer. Vehicles with complete maintenance records typically sell for 5 to 10 percent more than those without documentation.

Common owner complaints and limitations

Owners most often mention three drawbacks. First, fuel economy is lower than some competitors—the CR-V and Toyota RAV4 achieve better mileage in real-world driving. Second, the Passport is narrower and shorter than a full-size truck, which limits cargo space and towing capacity (the Passport can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while a truck can tow much more). Third, the utilitarian interior means fewer soft-touch materials and less sound insulation than luxury-focused SUVs.

A smaller number of owners report that the transmission can be slow to downshift when accelerating on the highway, and that the infotainment system occasionally freezes and requires a restart. These issues are not widespread, but they appear in online forums often enough to mention. The Passport also has a smaller back seat than the Pilot, which matters if you regularly carry adult passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Passport compare to a Toyota 4Runner?

The 4Runner is larger, heavier, and more expensive, with better off-road capability and more interior space. The Passport is more fuel-efficient, easier to park, and less costly to maintain. If you need serious rock-crawling ability, the 4Runner wins. If you want a capable trail vehicle that's practical for daily driving, the Passport is the better choice for most buyers.

Can the Passport handle serious off-roading?

The Passport handles moderate off-road use well—forest service roads, camping trips, light trails. It's not designed for extreme rock crawling or deep water fording. If you plan to tackle technical terrain regularly, a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner is better suited. For occasional weekend adventures, the Passport is more than capable.

What's the difference between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive adds a two-speed transfer case that lets you lock the center differential for better traction on loose surfaces like snow or gravel. Front-wheel drive is lighter and more fuel-efficient, adequate for normal driving and light snow. All-wheel drive costs about $2,000 more and reduces fuel economy by roughly 1 to 2 mpg, but it's worth the cost if you live in a snowy climate or drive unpaved roads regularly.

How long do Passports typically last?

With regular maintenance, a Passport commonly reaches 150,000 to 200,000 miles. The V6 engine is durable, and owners report few catastrophic failures. The key is following Honda's maintenance schedule and addressing issues promptly. Many owners report vehicles with 180,000 miles still running reliably with only routine repairs.

Is the Passport worth the price compared to a CR-V?

The Passport costs roughly $8,000 to $12,000 more than a CR-V, depending on trim. You get a frame-based chassis, higher ground clearance, and better off-road ability. If you tow, camp, or drive unpaved roads regularly, the extra cost is justified. If you drive mostly on pavement and highways, a CR-V offers similar reliability at a lower price.