What the Honda Passport Is and Who It's Built For

The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV that sits between Honda's CR-V and Pilot in size and price. It's built on the same platform as the Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a body-on-frame design rather than the unibody construction you'll find in most other Honda SUVs. That structural choice makes it heavier and more capable off-road, but also less fuel-efficient on highways.

Honda positions the Passport as an adventure-focused vehicle. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance than the CR-V, and a towing capacity around 5,000 pounds. The interior is straightforward — durable materials, straightforward controls, less focus on luxury trim than on practicality. If you're comparing it to competitors, the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner occupy similar territory, though the Passport is smaller and less expensive than the 4Runner.

The Passport appeals to buyers who want genuine off-road capability without the size or price of a full-size SUV, and who don't need the third-row seating that comes with the Pilot. It's not the right choice if you prioritize fuel economy, want the latest infotainment technology, or need maximum cargo space.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport uses a truck-based frame that makes it more capable off-road than the CR-V but less efficient on fuel and less refined on highways.
  • Owners consistently report strong reliability, with most problems appearing after 100,000 miles and involving routine maintenance rather than structural defects.
  • Resale value holds well compared to other mid-size SUVs, though depreciation in the first three years is steeper than some competitors.
  • The infotainment system lags behind what you'll find in newer Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota models, with slower response times and fewer smartphone integration options.
  • Real-world fuel economy runs 18 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions, which is lower than CR-V but acceptable for the vehicle's weight and capability.

Reliability and Common Issues Across Model Years

The Passport launched in 2019 after a 17-year absence from Honda's lineup. Early model years (2019–2021) had few widespread defects, though some owners reported transmission hesitation and occasional software glitches in the infotainment system. These were typically resolved through dealer updates rather than hardware replacement.

By 2022 and later, the platform had matured. Most owner complaints center on wear items — brake pads, suspension bushings, and battery life — rather than fundamental design problems. The engine (a 3.5-liter V6 in all trims) has a solid track record across Honda's lineup, and transmission failures are uncommon.

The most frequently reported issue is premature wear on the all-wheel-drive system's transfer case, typically appearing between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. This is not a defect unique to the Passport; it's a known characteristic of Honda's real-time all-wheel-drive system. Maintenance intervals and fluid changes can extend its life, but replacement eventually becomes necessary for owners who keep their vehicles long-term.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Performance

EPA estimates for the Passport range from 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined for two-wheel-drive models (which are rare) to 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined for all-wheel-drive. Real-world numbers from owners tend to run slightly lower — typically 18 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving style and terrain.

Highway driving yields better fuel economy than city driving, as expected. Owners who frequently tow or drive in mountainous terrain report numbers closer to 17 to 19 mpg. The truck-based frame and all-wheel-drive system add weight that the V6 engine has to move, so fuel economy is a trade-off for the Passport's off-road capability.

If fuel economy is a primary concern, the CR-V will save you money at the pump — it achieves 28 to 33 mpg depending on the model year and drivetrain. The Passport's fuel consumption is the cost of its structural design, not a defect.

Interior Design, Technology, and Comfort

The Passport's cabin prioritizes durability over luxury. Seats are cloth or leather depending on trim level, and the materials are designed to withstand dirt and moisture rather than to feel premium. Storage cubbies are plentiful, and the rear seats fold flat to create a large cargo area — useful for gear on camping trips.

The infotainment system is where the Passport shows its age most clearly. Depending on model year, you get either a 5-inch or 7-inch touchscreen with Honda's older interface. Response times are noticeably slower than what you'll find in 2023 and 2024 models from competitors. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on newer model years but were optional or absent on 2019–2021 models. If you spend a lot of time using navigation or music streaming, this is worth testing in person before buying.

Climate control is straightforward dual-zone automatic, and the driving position is high and commanding. Visibility is good, though the thick rear pillars can create blind spots. Noise insulation is adequate but not exceptional — you'll hear wind and road noise more than in a CR-V or Pilot.

Off-Road Capability and Towing

The Passport's frame-based design gives it genuine off-road credentials. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, approach angle is 38 degrees, and departure angle is 28 degrees — numbers that matter if you're navigating rocky terrain or steep driveways. The all-wheel-drive system can lock the center differential, which helps when traction is limited.

Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is adequate for small trailers, jet skis, or ATVs but not for large boat or camper trailers. The payload capacity is around 1,500 pounds, so you can carry gear and passengers but not a full truck bed's worth of cargo.

Most owners who buy the Passport for off-road use report that it handles light to moderate trails confidently. It's not a rock crawler like a Wrangler Unlimited, but it's far more capable than a CR-V. If you're planning serious off-road expeditions, test drive one on terrain similar to what you'll encounter.

Resale Value and Depreciation

The Passport holds resale value reasonably well for a mid-size SUV. A 2019 model with average mileage (around 60,000 miles) typically sells for 55 to 65 percent of its original purchase price. By comparison, a CR-V of the same age retains slightly more value, while a 4Runner retains significantly more.

The first three years see steeper depreciation than years four through seven, which is typical for most vehicles. Mileage, condition, and trim level all affect resale price, but the Passport's adventure-focused positioning means well-maintained examples with moderate mileage tend to attract buyers willing to pay above market average.

The used market for Passports is smaller than for CR-Vs or Pilots, which can make it harder to find a specific trim or color but also means less competition if you're selling. Certified pre-owned Passports from Honda dealers typically carry a three-year powertrain warranty, which adds value if you're buying used.

How the Passport Compares to Similar Vehicles

The Jeep Wrangler is the Passport's closest competitor in terms of off-road focus. The Wrangler is more capable on extreme terrain, has a larger aftermarket parts ecosystem, and holds resale value better. However, it's less refined on highways, has worse fuel economy, and costs more. The Wrangler is the choice if off-road performance is your primary goal.

The Toyota 4Runner is larger, more expensive, and significantly more capable off-road. It also holds resale value better and has a stronger reputation for long-term durability. The trade-off is size, price, and fuel economy — the 4Runner is a full-size SUV, not a mid-size one.

The Honda CR-V is smaller, more fuel-efficient, and better for families who want a daily driver with occasional light off-road capability. It has a larger cargo area when seats are folded, better infotainment options on newer models, and lower operating costs. The CR-V is the choice if you prioritize comfort and efficiency over off-road performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Honda Passport reliable enough to keep past 150,000 miles?

Yes. The engine and transmission are proven Honda designs, and most owners who maintain their vehicles on schedule report no major failures by 150,000 miles. The transfer case for the all-wheel-drive system may need attention or replacement in that range, and suspension components will wear, but these are maintenance items rather than defects.

Should I buy a 2019 or 2020 Passport, or wait for a newer model year?

Earlier model years are less expensive used, and the mechanical differences between 2019 and 2024 are minor. The main advantage of newer models is the infotainment system — 2022 and later have faster touchscreens and better smartphone integration. If you don't use navigation or music streaming frequently, a well-maintained 2019 or 2020 is a solid value.

Can the Passport handle snow and ice as well as a CR-V?

The all-wheel-drive system performs similarly in snow and ice. The Passport's higher ground clearance is an advantage in deep snow, but its heavier weight and lower fuel economy are trade-offs. For winter driving, tire choice matters more than the vehicle — winter tires on either model will outperform all-season tires on the other.

What's the actual towing capacity, and can I tow a small camper?

The Passport is rated for 5,000 pounds of towing. A small travel trailer under 4,000 pounds is feasible, but you'll be near the limit. Check the specific trailer's dry weight and tongue weight before committing — exceeding the rating voids the warranty and creates safety risks.

Does the Passport have a third row of seats?

No. The Passport is a five-passenger vehicle with two rows. If you need a third row, the Honda Pilot is the next step up, though it's larger and less off-road capable.