The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame, designed for buyers who want off-road capability without the full size and fuel consumption of a traditional pickup
The Passport sits between Honda's CR-V (a car-based crossover) and larger truck-based SUVs. It uses the same platform as the Honda Ridgeline pickup, which means a body-on-frame construction rather than the unibody design of most modern SUVs. That frame-based approach gives it genuine ground clearance, approach and departure angles suited to rough terrain, and a towing capacity around 5,000 pounds — capabilities the CR-V does not have.
Honda introduced the Passport name in 1994 and discontinued it in 2002. The current generation launched in 2019 as a revival of that nameplate. It competes directly with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Toyota 4Runner, and Chevrolet Blazer, though the Passport is smaller and lighter than the 4Runner and more truck-like than the Blazer.
Key Takeaways
- The Passport uses a truck frame and comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it capable on unpaved roads where most SUVs struggle.
- Fuel economy ranges from 19 to 23 miles per gallon depending on trim and driving conditions, which is lower than car-based crossovers but typical for frame-based SUVs.
- Pricing starts around $48,000 for the base Sport trim and reaches $58,000 for the top Touring trim, before destination and taxes.
- The Passport seats five across two rows; there is no third row, so it is not designed for families needing seven-seat capacity.
- Resale value remains strong because the truck-based design appeals to a specific buyer who keeps these vehicles longer than typical SUV owners.
Engine, Transmission, and Towing Capacity
Every Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Honda pairs this engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. There is no hybrid option, no turbocharged four-cylinder alternative, and no manual transmission — Honda offers one powertrain across all trims.
Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with a properly equipped vehicle. That is enough for a small utility trailer or jet ski but not for a full-size boat or horse trailer. The payload capacity (what you can carry in the bed or truck bed area) is around 1,500 pounds, which is less than a full-size pickup but more than a crossover.
Fuel economy is rated at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway for all-wheel-drive models. Real-world numbers often run slightly lower, especially if you tow or drive in stop-and-go traffic. The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), not premium.
Standard Features and Trim Levels
Honda offers the Passport in four trims: Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. All come with all-wheel drive as standard; there is no front-wheel-drive option.
The Sport trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a backup camera, Honda Sensing (Honda's suite of driver-information features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information), and all-terrain tires. The EX adds heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a power tailgate. The EX-L includes leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support. The Touring adds a 12-speaker audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.
All trims include a multi-angle rearview camera, hill descent control, and all-terrain tires as standard. The Passport does not offer a navigation system built into the infotainment screen; instead, it relies on smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Off-Road Capability and Terrain Management
The Passport's frame-based construction and standard all-wheel drive make it genuinely capable on unpaved roads, rocky terrain, and shallow water crossings. Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most crossovers but lower than a full-size 4Runner. Approach angle (the steepness the vehicle can climb without hitting the front bumper) is 31 degrees; departure angle (the steepness it can descend without hitting the rear bumper) is 26 degrees.
Honda includes Terrain Management System on all trims, which adjusts throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction control for different surfaces — sand, mud, rock, and snow modes are available. The system is not as sophisticated as the Jeep Wrangler's Terrain Response or the Toyota 4Runner's Multi-Terrain Select, but it is effective for recreational off-roading and poor weather driving.
The Passport is not designed for extreme rock crawling or high-speed desert racing. It is built for owners who want to drive to a trailhead on unpaved roads, camp, and return on the same roads without worrying about getting stuck or damaging the vehicle.
Interior Space and Seating
The Passport seats five people across two rows. The front row has two bucket seats; the rear has a bench seat that fits three. There is no third-row option, and Honda does not offer a seven-seat version. Rear legroom is adequate for adults on short trips but tight for long drives with passengers over six feet tall.
Cargo space behind the rear seats is 39.3 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet — less than a full-size SUV or pickup but more than a compact crossover. The cargo area has tie-down points and a power tailgate on EX and higher trims.
The interior uses hard plastics and cloth on lower trims, with leather available on EX-L and Touring. The dashboard layout is straightforward, with physical buttons for climate control and audio volume rather than touch-only controls. Cup holders and storage cubbies are plentiful.
Pricing and Trim Comparison
| Trim | Starting Price | Key Additions vs. Previous Trim |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | ~$48,000 | Base model; 8-inch touchscreen, Honda Sensing, all-terrain tires |
| EX | ~$51,000 | Heated front seats, power moonroof, power tailgate |
| EX-L | ~$54,000 | Leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, power driver seat |
| Touring | ~$58,000 | 12-speaker audio, panoramic sunroof, head-up display |
Prices vary by region and model year. Destination charges (typically $1,200 to $1,400) are added at the dealer. Incentives and rebates change throughout the year and depend on your location and credit profile.
The Passport holds its value well compared to other mid-size SUVs. Three-year-old models typically retain 55 to 65 percent of their original price, which is above average for the segment. This is partly because the truck-based design appeals to owners who keep vehicles longer and drive them harder than typical SUV buyers.
How the Passport Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the closest competitor. Both are frame-based, both offer genuine off-road capability, and both cost roughly the same. The Wrangler has more extreme off-road credentials (removable doors and roof) and a loyal enthusiast following. The Passport is quieter on the highway, more fuel-efficient, and more comfortable for daily driving. The Wrangler has a smaller cargo area and lower towing capacity.
The Toyota 4Runner is larger, heavier, and more expensive (starting around $60,000). It seats eight, offers a third row, and has a reputation for extreme durability. The tradeoff is worse fuel economy, a less refined interior, and a stiffer ride on pavement. The Passport is the better choice if you want off-road capability without sacrificing highway manners.
The Chevrolet Blazer is car-based (not truck-based), which means better fuel economy and a smoother ride but less off-road capability. It is cheaper to buy and cheaper to fuel, but it cannot handle the same terrain as the Passport. The Blazer is better for buyers who want the look of an SUV without the truck-frame compromises.
Reliability, Maintenance, and Warranty
Honda Passports have a solid reliability record. The V6 engine and nine-speed transmission are proven designs used across Honda's lineup. Common issues reported by owners include occasional transmission hesitation during low-speed driving and minor rattles in the interior trim, but major mechanical failures are uncommon.
The factory warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty (engine, transmission, drivetrain) extends to five years or 60,000 miles. Routine maintenance includes oil changes every 10,000 miles, transmission fluid checks, and all-terrain tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
Parts availability is good because the Passport shares components with the Ridgeline pickup and other Honda vehicles. Repair costs are moderate — not as cheap as a Honda Civic but less expensive than a Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Passport tow a boat or horse trailer?
The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is enough for a small utility trailer, jet ski, or ATV. Most boats and horse trailers exceed that capacity. If you need to tow more than 5,000 pounds regularly, a full-size pickup or larger SUV is a better choice.
Is the Passport good for winter driving?
Yes. Standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and hill descent control make it capable in snow and ice. The Terrain Management System includes a snow mode that adjusts traction control for slippery surfaces. It is not as extreme as a Jeep Wrangler but handles winter weather better than most crossovers.
How many people can the Passport seat?
Five people total — two in front, three in back. There is no third-row option. If you need to transport more than five passengers regularly, a three-row SUV like the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot is necessary.
What is the difference between the Passport and the Honda CR-V?
The CR-V is car-based, front-wheel-drive standard, and designed for families. The Passport is truck-based, all-wheel-drive standard, and designed for off-road use. The CR-V gets better fuel economy and seats more people; the Passport has more ground clearance and towing capacity.
Does the Passport come with a sunroof?
A power moonroof is standard on EX and higher trims. The Touring trim adds a panoramic sunroof that extends further back. The Sport trim does not include a sunroof.