What owners and reviewers say about the Honda Passport

The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame, positioned between Honda's smaller CR-V and larger Pilot. It seats five, offers available all-wheel drive, and comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine across all model years since its 2019 return. Owner reviews tend to split between those who value its truck-like capability and towing capacity (around 5,000 pounds) and those frustrated by its fuel economy and interior space compared to rivals.

Professional reviewers consistently praise the Passport's off-road geometry and standard Honda reliability, but note that it costs more than similarly-sized competitors and delivers less interior room than a Pilot at a similar price. Real owner satisfaction scores from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports show it performing solidly but not exceptionally — roughly in the middle of its class rather than at the top.

Key Takeaways

  • Owners report strong reliability and resale value, with most major issues appearing after 80,000 miles rather than early in ownership.
  • Fuel economy ranges from 19 to 23 mpg depending on drivetrain and driving conditions, which owners frequently cite as a drawback compared to the CR-V.
  • The truck-based frame makes it capable off-road but results in a rougher highway ride and less cargo space than unibody competitors like the Toyota 4Runner.
  • Transmission hesitation and occasional infotainment glitches appear in owner forums, though these are not widespread enough to trigger recalls.

Owner satisfaction across model years

The Passport returned to Honda's lineup in 2019 after a 17-year absence. Early model years (2019–2021) generated mixed reviews — owners praised the design and capability but reported transmission lag when accelerating from a stop. Honda addressed this with a software update, and 2022 and later models show fewer complaints about this issue in owner forums.

Consumer Reports gives the Passport a "good" reliability rating overall, with no major problem areas flagged across multiple model years. J.D. Power's 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked it in the middle of the midsize SUV segment, behind the Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX but ahead of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Owner satisfaction on Edmunds and Cars.com tends toward positive, with most complaints centered on price rather than quality or performance.

Long-term owners (those with 100,000+ miles) report that maintenance costs remain reasonable and that the engine and transmission hold up well. Transmission fluid changes and spark plug replacement are the most commonly mentioned maintenance items, both routine and expected.

How the Passport compares to direct competitors

The Passport's closest competitors are the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Blazer. Each takes a different approach to the midsize SUV category, which explains why reviews vary so widely depending on what matters to each owner.

The Toyota 4Runner costs more but offers a body-on-frame design similar to the Passport, with a reputation for extreme durability. Owners willing to pay the premium often choose the 4Runner; those seeking better value and acceptable reliability choose the Passport. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is lighter, more fuel-efficient, and cheaper, but owners report more electrical and transmission issues. The Chevrolet Blazer is newer, more affordable, and unibody-based, making it roomier but less capable off-road.

Professional reviewers often note that the Passport occupies an awkward middle ground — more expensive than the Blazer, less capable than the 4Runner, and less efficient than the CR-V. This positioning explains why it appeals to a specific buyer (someone who wants truck capability without a full-size truck) rather than being a top choice across the board.

Reliability and common issues reported by owners

The Passport's engine and transmission are generally reliable, but several issues appear frequently enough in owner reports to warrant attention. Transmission hesitation on 2019–2021 models when shifting from Park to Drive or accelerating from a stop is the most common complaint, though the software update resolves it for most owners. Some owners report it returns intermittently even after the update.

Infotainment system freezes and touchscreen unresponsiveness appear in owner forums across all model years, usually resolved by a system reboot or software update. These are inconvenient but not safety issues. A smaller number of owners report premature brake wear and occasional suspension noise over rough roads, though neither is widespread enough to suggest a systemic defect.

Rust and corrosion on undercarriage components have been mentioned by owners in salt-heavy climates, a concern shared with other truck-based SUVs. Regular undercarriage washing in winter months is recommended in these regions. Overall, the Passport does not have a major reliability problem that would deter a buyer, but it is not exceptional either.

Interior space, comfort, and technology

Owners consistently note that the Passport feels smaller inside than its exterior dimensions suggest. The truck-based frame prioritizes ground clearance and approach angles over interior volume, so rear legroom and cargo space lag behind the Pilot and some unibody competitors. Rear passengers on longer trips often report discomfort, and families with three children or more may find the five-seat layout constraining.

The cabin materials are solid but not luxurious — hard plastics dominate the lower dashboard, and the steering wheel and seats use durable but basic fabrics on base models. Higher trims add leather and softer surfaces, bringing the interior closer to the Pilot's feel. Noise insulation is adequate but not exceptional; highway and wind noise are noticeable at highway speeds compared to luxury SUVs.

Honda's infotainment system (HondaLink on newer models) includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, which owners appreciate. The system is straightforward but not as polished or responsive as systems in Toyota or Lexus vehicles. Voice commands work reliably for phone and audio functions but are less sophisticated than competitors' systems.

Fuel economy and real-world performance

EPA estimates for the Passport range from 19 mpg city / 23 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive models to 21 city / 26 highway for front-wheel-drive versions. Real-world owner reports cluster around 19–21 mpg in mixed driving, with highway driving sometimes reaching 23–24 mpg. Off-road driving and towing drop this to 16–18 mpg, which owners towing regularly find frustrating.

The 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, which is adequate for highway merging and moderate towing but not quick. Owners comparing it to the 4Runner note that the Passport accelerates faster, while those comparing it to the Blazer note that the Passport is heavier and less efficient. Transmission response improved after the 2021 model year, making acceleration feel less sluggish.

Owners who prioritize fuel economy often express regret about choosing the Passport over the CR-V, which delivers 28–33 mpg in the same driving conditions. This is the single most common reason owners cite for reconsidering their purchase in retrospective reviews.

Resale value and long-term ownership costs

The Passport holds its value better than average for the midsize SUV class, according to Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides. A 2019 model with 80,000 miles typically retains 55–60% of its original purchase price, which is solid. This reflects strong demand for used Passports among buyers seeking capability at a lower price point than new models.

Insurance costs are moderate — not as high as the 4Runner but slightly higher than the CR-V, reflecting the vehicle's value and repair costs. Maintenance is straightforward and reasonably priced, with no major surprises beyond routine items. Owners report that independent mechanics can service the Passport without difficulty, so you are not locked into dealer service.

Total cost of ownership over five years is higher than the Blazer but lower than the 4Runner, making the Passport a reasonable choice for buyers planning to keep the vehicle long-term and willing to accept the fuel economy trade-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Honda Passport reliable enough to buy used?

Yes. The Passport has no major reliability issues and holds up well past 100,000 miles. Check the service history and have a pre-purchase inspection done, particularly on 2019–2021 models to confirm the transmission hesitation was addressed. Used Passports are generally safe purchases if the price reflects the mileage and condition.

Should I choose the Passport or the CR-V?

Choose the Passport if you need truck-like capability, towing capacity, or off-road geometry. Choose the CR-V if you prioritize fuel economy, interior space, and a smoother highway ride. The CR-V is more practical for most buyers; the Passport is better for specific use cases like light towing or unpaved road access.

What is the most common problem owners report?

Transmission hesitation on 2019–2021 models when accelerating from a stop. Honda released a software update that resolves it for most owners, though some report it returns intermittently. This is not a safety issue and does not affect long-term reliability.

How does the Passport compare to the Toyota 4Runner?

The 4Runner costs more, is more durable, and holds value better. The Passport costs less, is more efficient, and accelerates faster. If budget allows, most reviewers recommend the 4Runner for extreme durability; the Passport is the better value for typical owners.

What fuel economy should I expect in real driving?

Expect 19–21 mpg in mixed driving, 23–24 mpg on the highway, and 16–18 mpg when towing. EPA estimates are 19–21 city and 23–26 highway depending on drivetrain. Actual mileage depends heavily on driving habits and terrain.