What engine and transmission does the 2025 Passport have?

The 2025 Honda Passport uses a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to either the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on which trim you choose.

The V6 is the same engine Honda uses in the Pilot SUV, so parts and service are widely available. Fuel economy sits at approximately 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway for two-wheel-drive models; all-wheel-drive versions average about 18 city and 24 highway, though real-world numbers vary based on driving habits and conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Passport has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
  • You can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive adding roughly 1 mile per gallon penalty in city driving.
  • The Passport is 190.2 inches long and 76.6 inches wide, making it narrower than a full-size truck but longer than most compact SUVs.
  • Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, and the vehicle can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
  • Interior cargo space behind the rear seats is 33.9 cubic feet, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Exterior dimensions and ground clearance

The 2025 Passport measures 190.2 inches long, 76.6 inches wide, and 68.3 inches tall. That length puts it between a compact SUV and a full-size truck—longer than a Toyota 4Runner but shorter than a Chevrolet Tahoe. The width is notably narrow compared to truck-based SUVs, which can matter if you park in tight spaces or have a narrow garage.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is moderate for an off-road-focused vehicle. The approach angle (the steepness the front can climb without scraping) is 28.3 degrees, the departure angle (rear clearance when descending) is 26.8 degrees, and the breakover angle (the peak of a hill) is 20.3 degrees. These angles matter if you plan serious off-road driving, though they are respectable for a street-capable SUV.

Curb weight ranges from 4,570 pounds for front-wheel-drive models to 4,685 pounds for all-wheel-drive versions. The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when the vehicle is equipped with the towing package.

Interior space and seating

The Passport seats five people across two rows. Front seats have 39.8 inches of headroom and 41.5 inches of legroom. Rear passengers get 38.2 inches of headroom and 38.0 inches of legroom, which is tight for adults on longer drives but workable for children or occasional use.

Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 33.9 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded flat, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet. The cargo area is roughly rectangular, which makes packing more efficient than some curved designs, though the Passport's narrower width means you cannot fit as much side-to-side as a full-size truck bed.

The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, giving you a theoretical range of around 450 miles on a full tank for front-wheel-drive models, though highway-only driving will extend that and city driving will reduce it.

Transmission and drivetrain options

All 2025 Passport models use the same 10-speed automatic transmission. The difference between trims is the drivetrain: front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The all-wheel-drive system includes a locking rear differential on higher trims, which improves traction in low-grip situations like mud or sand.

The two-speed transfer case lets you shift between high range (for normal driving) and low range (for crawling over obstacles or steep terrain). Low range reduces engine speed relative to wheel speed, giving you more control and power when moving slowly over difficult ground. This is a feature you will rarely need on pavement but can be valuable if you venture onto unimproved roads or rocky terrain.

Wheel and tire specifications

Wheel sizes vary by trim. Base and mid-level trims come with 18-inch wheels, while higher trims offer 20-inch options. Tire size is typically 265/65R18 for 18-inch wheels or 265/60R20 for 20-inch wheels, though this can vary slightly by trim and year.

Larger wheels (20-inch) improve appearance and can enhance handling on pavement, but they reduce ride comfort on rough roads and lower fuel economy slightly. Smaller wheels (18-inch) are more forgiving on rough terrain and cost less to replace. All-terrain tires are available as an option and are popular with owners who plan off-road use.

Safety and structural features

The 2025 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 use cameras and radar to monitor the road and alert you to potential hazards.

The vehicle has eight airbags as standard: dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for front passengers, and curtain airbags that run the length of the cabin. The body structure uses high-strength steel in key areas to absorb impact energy. Specific crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are available on their websites.

Climate control and comfort systems

The Passport comes with dual-zone automatic climate control on most trims, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures. Higher trims add heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which are useful in cold climates. Some trims include ventilated front seats for hot weather, though this feature is less common on the Passport than on luxury vehicles.

The air conditioning system uses R-134a refrigerant. The heating system draws warmth from the engine coolant, so it takes a minute or two to produce heat after a cold start. Rear passengers do not have individual climate controls but benefit from the same air distribution as the front.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can the 2025 Passport tow?

The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when equipped with the towing package. This includes the trailer weight itself plus cargo inside the trailer. The vehicle must be properly configured with a hitch, wiring harness, and brake controller to reach this capacity. Actual towing ability depends on the specific trailer and load distribution.

Is the Passport better for off-road driving than the Pilot?

The Passport has a higher ground clearance (8.6 inches versus 8.2 inches), a locking rear differential on higher trims, and a two-speed transfer case with low range. The Pilot is more focused on on-road comfort and has more interior space. For serious off-road use, the Passport is the better choice; for family hauling with occasional rough roads, the Pilot may suit you better.

What is the difference between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive on the Passport?

Front-wheel-drive models are lighter, cost less, and achieve slightly better fuel economy. All-wheel-drive models provide better traction in snow and on slippery surfaces and include a locking rear differential on certain trims. If you live in a snowy climate or plan off-road driving, all-wheel drive is worth considering; otherwise, front-wheel drive is sufficient for most drivers.

Can you fit a full-size spare tire under the Passport?

The Passport comes with a full-size spare tire mounted under the vehicle, not a compact temporary spare. This is a practical feature for off-road trips where you might damage a tire far from a repair shop, since a full-size spare lets you continue driving at normal speeds rather than limping along at reduced speed.