Engine and Powertrain

The Honda Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque across all model years from 2019 onward. This engine pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels through Honda's Real Time All-Wheel Drive system, which can shift power between the front and rear axles as driving conditions change.

Fuel economy varies slightly by model year and trim level, but generally ranges from 19 to 21 miles per gallon in combined driving. The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, which gives you a driving range of roughly 370 to 410 miles per fill-up depending on your driving habits.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport's 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
  • Overall length is 190.8 inches, width is 76.4 inches, and height ranges from 73.4 to 74.8 inches depending on roof rails and trim.
  • Curb weight ranges from 4,545 to 4,750 pounds, and the vehicle can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
  • Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, and the Passport has an approach angle of 31.5 degrees and departure angle of 26.1 degrees for off-road capability.
  • Interior cargo space behind the rear seats is 39.3 cubic feet, expanding to 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

Exterior Dimensions and Ground Clearance

The Passport measures 190.8 inches long, 76.4 inches wide, and stands between 73.4 and 74.8 inches tall depending on whether roof rails are installed. The wheelbase—the distance between the front and rear axles—is 112.8 inches. These dimensions place the Passport in the mid-size SUV category, larger than a Honda CR-V but smaller than a full-size truck.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is adequate for light off-road driving and rough terrain. The approach angle (the steepness the vehicle can climb when entering an obstacle) is 31.5 degrees, and the departure angle (the steepness it can descend) is 26.1 degrees. These angles matter if you plan to drive over rocks or steep terrain; higher numbers mean better capability. The breakover angle, which measures how steep a ridge the vehicle can cross without scraping its undercarriage, is 24.3 degrees.

Weight and Towing Capacity

Curb weight—what the vehicle weighs when empty and ready to drive—ranges from 4,545 pounds on base models to 4,750 pounds on higher trims with all-wheel drive and additional equipment. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum safe weight the vehicle can carry including passengers and cargo, is approximately 4,950 to 5,100 pounds depending on trim.

The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory towing package, which includes a reinforced frame, upgraded cooling, and a trailer hitch receiver. Without this package, towing capacity is lower. Payload capacity—the weight of cargo and passengers the truck bed can safely carry—is roughly 1,500 to 1,600 pounds depending on trim and options.

Interior Space and Seating

The Passport seats five passengers across three rows: two in front, three in back. Front headroom is 39.4 inches and front legroom is 41.4 inches. Rear headroom is 38.2 inches and rear legroom is 38.0 inches, which is comfortable for adults on shorter drives but can feel tight on long trips. The rear seats fold flat to create a larger cargo area.

Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 39.3 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet. Under-floor storage compartments add additional space for smaller items. The rear liftgate opens to a height of 78.7 inches, which is high enough that most people will need to reach up to close it.

Transmission and Drivetrain Details

The 9-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly between gears and allows the engine to operate at lower RPMs on the highway, which improves fuel economy. The transmission includes a manual shift mode if you want to select gears yourself, though most drivers leave it in automatic.

Honda's Real Time All-Wheel Drive system continuously monitors traction and adjusts power delivery between the front and rear wheels. In normal driving, most power goes to the front wheels. When the system detects slipping, it automatically sends more power to the rear. You cannot lock the differentials or engage a low-range transfer case like you can in a traditional truck, so the Passport is better suited to highway driving and light off-road use than serious rock crawling.

Fuel Tank and Range

The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons. With combined fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon (a middle estimate across model years and driving conditions), you can expect a driving range of roughly 390 miles per tank. Your actual range will vary based on whether you drive mostly on highways (better economy) or in stop-and-go city traffic (worse economy), and based on how much weight you carry.

The Passport does not have a diesel engine option, so you are limited to regular unleaded gasoline. Some owners report slightly better fuel economy by using premium fuel, though Honda does not require it and the improvement is usually small enough that the extra cost of premium fuel does not pay for itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Passport and the CR-V?

The Passport is longer, taller, and heavier than the CR-V, with a more powerful engine (280 hp vs. 190 hp) and higher ground clearance (8.6 inches vs. 8.2 inches). The Passport is designed for buyers who want more towing capacity and off-road capability, while the CR-V prioritizes fuel economy and everyday practicality.

Can the Passport handle serious off-roading?

The Passport can handle light to moderate off-road driving—dirt roads, gravel, and shallow water crossings. It is not designed for rock crawling or extreme terrain. If you need locking differentials or low-range gearing, a traditional truck or Jeep Wrangler is a better choice.

How many people can the Passport seat?

The Passport seats five people: two in front and three in the rear bench seat. There is no third-row seating option, so it is not designed for families with more than five members.

What is the towing capacity if I do not have the factory towing package?

Without the factory towing package, towing capacity drops significantly—typically to around 1,500 pounds. If you plan to tow regularly, the factory package is worth the investment because it includes frame reinforcement and cooling upgrades that protect the vehicle.