What the Honda Passport engine and dimensions tell you

The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame, which means it sits taller and handles differently than a car-based SUV. The current generation (2019 and newer) uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. That engine pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

The Passport measures 190.8 inches long, 76.4 inches wide, and 71.6 inches tall — roughly the size of a full-size pickup truck cab, but with an enclosed cargo area instead of an open bed. The wheelbase (the distance from front to rear axle) is 109.4 inches, which affects how the vehicle turns and parks. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, meaning the undercarriage sits higher than most sedans but lower than a full-size truck.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport engine is a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
  • At 190.8 inches long and 71.6 inches tall, the Passport is roughly the size of a full-size truck cab and requires a standard parking space or larger.
  • Ground clearance of 8.6 inches is higher than most cars but lower than trucks, affecting approach and departure angles on steep terrain.
  • Curb weight ranges from about 4,500 to 4,700 pounds depending on trim level, which influences fuel economy and towing capacity.
  • The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and its payload capacity (what it can carry in the cargo area) is around 1,500 pounds.

Engine performance and fuel economy

The 3.5-liter V6 is the only engine available in the Passport. It produces enough power for highway merging and moderate off-road climbing, but it is not designed for extreme performance. The 9-speed automatic transmission helps the engine work efficiently across different driving speeds, which is why fuel economy improves on highway driving compared to city driving.

Real-world fuel economy depends on driving habits and conditions. The EPA estimates the Passport gets around 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway when equipped with all-wheel drive. These are estimates, not guarantees — actual mileage varies based on how you drive, road conditions, and vehicle load. The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum), not premium fuel.

Dimensions and cargo space

The Passport's length of 190.8 inches means it needs a standard parking space (typically 9 feet wide by 18 feet long) or larger. The width of 76.4 inches is close to most full-size trucks, so tight parking areas or narrow garage doors can be a problem. Height of 71.6 inches matters if you park in a garage with a low ceiling — measure your space before buying.

Cargo volume behind the rear seats is 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up. If you fold the rear seats flat, you get 153.6 cubic feet of space. That is enough for groceries, luggage, or camping gear, but smaller than a full-size truck bed. The cargo area has tie-down points and a power rear window that opens separately from the tailgate, which is useful for loading long items.

Weight, towing, and payload

Curb weight (what the vehicle weighs empty) ranges from about 4,500 to 4,700 pounds depending on trim level and options. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight the Passport can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and fuel — this is typically around 5,000 to 5,200 pounds depending on configuration. The difference between curb weight and GVWR tells you how much total load the vehicle can handle.

The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory towing package, which includes a reinforced transmission cooler and a Class III hitch. Payload capacity (the weight you can put in the cargo area and on the roof) is approximately 1,500 pounds. These numbers matter if you plan to tow a trailer or carry heavy equipment — exceeding them can damage the transmission and suspension.

Ground clearance and approach angles

Ground clearance of 8.6 inches is the distance from the lowest point of the undercarriage to the ground. This affects whether the Passport will scrape on steep driveways, rocky terrain, or speed bumps. For comparison, most sedans have 5 to 6 inches of clearance, while full-size trucks often have 9 to 11 inches.

Approach angle (how steep a hill the front bumper can climb without hitting) and departure angle (how steep a hill the rear bumper can clear) are related to ground clearance but also depend on bumper design and suspension geometry. The Passport's approach angle is approximately 27 degrees and departure angle is approximately 24 degrees, which is adequate for light off-road use like forest roads and rocky trails, but not extreme rock crawling.

Seating and interior dimensions

The Passport seats five people across two rows. Front seats have plenty of legroom and headroom for adults over 6 feet tall. Rear legroom is about 38 inches, which is comfortable for children and adequate for adults on short trips. The rear seats recline slightly and fold flat to expand cargo space.

Interior width at the widest point is about 62 inches between the door panels, which feels spacious for a mid-size vehicle. Headroom in the rear is approximately 39 inches. These dimensions matter if you plan to spend long hours in the vehicle or transport passengers with specific space needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can the Passport tow, and what do I need to add?

The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the factory towing package installed. This package includes a transmission cooler and a Class III hitch. Without it, towing capacity is lower. Check your specific model year and trim level, as some configurations may differ.

Will a Honda Passport fit in my garage?

The Passport is 71.6 inches tall and 190.8 inches long. Measure your garage opening height and the length of your parking space before buying. Most standard single-car garages are 7 feet tall and 18 feet long, which is tight but may work depending on your exact dimensions.

What is the difference between curb weight and GVWR?

Curb weight is what the empty vehicle weighs. GVWR is the maximum total weight it can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and fuel. For the Passport, curb weight is around 4,500 to 4,700 pounds, and GVWR is typically 5,000 to 5,200 pounds. Never exceed GVWR.

Does the Passport come with a different engine option?

No. The 3.5-liter V6 is the only engine available in the current generation Passport. All models use the same engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

How much cargo space does the Passport have?

With rear seats up, you have 76.5 cubic feet. With rear seats folded flat, you get 153.6 cubic feet. This is smaller than a full-size truck bed but larger than most car-based SUVs. Payload capacity (weight you can add to the cargo area) is approximately 1,500 pounds.