The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built for off-road driving

The Honda Passport is a body-on-frame sport utility vehicle designed with serious off-road capability in mind. Unlike Honda's other SUVs, which prioritize on-road comfort and fuel economy, the Passport uses a truck-like chassis and comes standard with all-wheel drive and a locking rear differential — features that let it handle rough terrain, steep grades, and water crossings that most family SUVs cannot.

Honda reintroduced the Passport name in 2019 after a 15-year gap. The current generation sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and its larger Pilot in the lineup, but it occupies a different market segment: it competes with vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner rather than with mainstream family crossovers.

If you are considering a Passport, the decision hinges on whether you actually need or want off-road performance, because that design choice affects everything from fuel economy to interior space to how the vehicle handles on highways.

Key Takeaways

  • The Passport is built on a truck frame with a locking rear differential and comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it one of Honda's most capable off-road vehicles.
  • It seats five passengers and has less cargo space than the larger Pilot SUV, but more ground clearance and approach angles suited to rough terrain.
  • The Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces around 280 horsepower and typically gets 18 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and transmission type.
  • Trim levels range from TrailSport (entry) to Touring (top), with mid-range options adding features like leather seats, power moonroofs, and upgraded infotainment systems.
  • Maintenance costs are generally in line with other Honda vehicles, though off-road use may increase wear on tires, suspension, and undercarriage components.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces approximately 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is shared with other Honda models and is known for reliability. It pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.

Fuel economy depends on driving style and terrain. On highways, owners typically report 20 to 22 miles per gallon. In mixed driving or off-road use, that figure drops to 18 to 20 miles per gallon. The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline and has a fuel tank capacity of around 19 gallons, giving it a typical range of 350 to 400 miles per tank.

The V6 engine is not the most fuel-efficient choice in the SUV market — some competitors offer turbocharged four-cylinder options — but it provides the torque needed for towing and off-road climbing. The Passport can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Interior space and seating

The Passport seats five people across two rows. The front seats are spacious and offer good visibility. The rear seats are comfortable for passengers on shorter trips but are tighter than those in the larger Pilot, especially for three adults across the back bench.

Cargo space behind the rear seats measures around 28 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded, that expands to approximately 76 cubic feet. For comparison, the Pilot offers significantly more space, while the CR-V offers less. The Passport's truck-based design means the cargo floor is higher than in traditional crossovers, which can make loading heavy items easier or harder depending on your height and strength.

The interior materials vary by trim level. Base and mid-range trims use cloth upholstery and hard plastics. Higher trims add leather seats, wood-grain trim accents, and softer-touch dashboard materials. All trims include a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Off-road features and capability

The Passport's off-road strengths come from its structural design and standard equipment. The body-on-frame construction means the cabin and cargo area sit on a separate steel frame, which is more durable on rough terrain than the unibody construction used in most crossovers. The frame flexes slightly rather than transmitting every bump directly to the cabin.

Standard all-wheel drive includes a two-speed transfer case, which lets you shift between two-wheel drive (for highway efficiency) and four-wheel drive (for off-road use). The locking rear differential, standard on all trims, locks the left and right rear wheels together so they spin at the same speed — this gives the Passport better traction in mud, sand, or rocky terrain where one wheel might otherwise spin freely and lose grip.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most family SUVs but lower than some dedicated off-road vehicles. The approach angle (the steepness the vehicle can climb without scraping the front bumper) is 31 degrees, and the departure angle (the steepness it can descend) is 26 degrees. These numbers matter if you plan to navigate steep, rocky trails.

Trim levels and pricing

The Passport comes in four main trim levels: TrailSport, EX-L, Touring, and Touring with Technology Package. Prices vary by model year and market, so you should check current listings from Honda dealers or automotive pricing sites for exact figures in your area.

TrailSport is the entry-level trim and includes the core off-road features: all-wheel drive, locking rear differential, and a touchscreen infotainment system. EX-L adds leather seats, a power moonroof, and upgraded audio. Touring adds a navigation system, premium leather, and additional safety features. The Technology Package adds a head-up display and other convenience features.

Each trim level can be ordered with different wheel and tire options, which affect both appearance and off-road performance. Larger tires improve ground clearance and traction but reduce fuel economy slightly.

Safety features and ratings

The Passport includes standard safety features across all trims: automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have both tested the Passport. Ratings vary by test type and model year, so check the NHTSA or IIHS websites directly for the most current information. In general, the Passport performs well in crash tests, though its truck-based design means it handles differently in emergency maneuvers than a car-based crossover would.

Maintenance and reliability

Honda vehicles generally have a strong reputation for reliability, and the Passport is no exception. The V6 engine and 9-speed transmission are proven designs used in other Honda models. Routine maintenance — oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks — follows Honda's standard schedule and costs are comparable to other mid-size SUVs.

Off-road use can accelerate wear on certain components. Tires may wear faster if you drive on rocky terrain regularly. Suspension components, undercarriage protection, and the locking differential may require more frequent inspection if you use the vehicle for serious off-roading. Some owners add skid plates or other protective equipment to shield the undercarriage during off-road driving.

Extended warranties and service plans are available through Honda dealers and can help offset the cost of unexpected repairs, though they are not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Passport compare to the Jeep Wrangler?

Both are body-on-frame SUVs with serious off-road capability, but they serve different buyers. The Wrangler is lighter and more nimble on tight trails; the Passport is larger, more comfortable on highways, and has more cargo space. The Wrangler has a longer history of extreme off-roading; the Passport is newer to the market but offers Honda's reliability reputation and a more car-like driving experience.

Can I use the Passport for daily commuting?

Yes. The Passport drives like a truck on the highway — it is less refined than a car-based crossover and gets lower fuel economy — but it is comfortable for daily driving, has good visibility, and includes modern infotainment and safety features. Many owners use it as their primary vehicle without ever taking it off-road.

What is the difference between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive mode?

Two-wheel drive sends power only to the rear wheels and is more fuel-efficient on paved roads. Four-wheel drive sends power to all four wheels and provides better traction in snow, mud, or loose terrain. The Passport's two-speed transfer case lets you switch between them while driving on pavement, though four-wheel drive should be used only on low-traction surfaces.

Does the locking rear differential make a big difference off-road?

Yes. Without a locking differential, if one rear wheel loses traction, the engine sends power to the wheel with the least resistance, and the other wheel spins uselessly. A locking differential forces both wheels to spin together, which keeps the vehicle moving forward even when one wheel is on slippery ground. This is especially useful in mud, sand, or rocky terrain.

What warranty does Honda offer on the Passport?

Honda's standard warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first) for most components, and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain. Specific coverage details vary, so review the warranty document or ask a Honda dealer for the exact terms.