The Honda Passport. It’s a nameplate that's seen a few iterations, disappearing and reappearing over the years. But the current generation, reintroduced in 2019, aims to capture a sweet spot: a mid-size SUV that’s more rugged and practical than the family-oriented Pilot, but not quite as hardcore as a dedicated off-roader. The question is, does it succeed? This article dives deep into the real-world usage of the Honda Passport, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and who it’s truly best suited for.
The Passport's Purpose: Where Does It Fit In?
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, it's important to understand why Honda brought the Passport back. The SUV market is incredibly crowded, and consumers have options ranging from sleek crossovers to body-on-frame behemoths. The Passport aims to bridge the gap between the everyday practicality of a crossover and the adventurous spirit of something like a Jeep Wrangler.
Think of it this way: the Pilot is your minivan alternative, focused on maximizing passenger space and comfort. The CR-V is your compact, fuel-efficient daily driver. The Passport? It's for the weekend warrior, the person who needs space for gear, wants a comfortable ride, and might occasionally venture off the beaten path. It's a lifestyle vehicle, appealing to those who prioritize outdoor activities and active living.
What Makes the Passport Tick? (Under the Hood and Beyond)
At its heart, the Honda Passport boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a healthy 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. This combination provides ample power for both city driving and highway cruising, and even gives it a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds (when properly equipped).
But the Passport is more than just an engine. Here's a breakdown of key components:
Independent Suspension: All Passports feature an independent suspension system, offering a comfortable ride and decent handling on pavement.
Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system is available, providing enhanced traction in slippery conditions and improved off-road capability. It's not a rock-crawling system, but it's more than capable of handling dirt roads, snow, and light trails.
Spacious Interior: One of the Passport's biggest strengths is its interior space. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom, and the cargo area is cavernous, making it ideal for hauling camping gear, sports equipment, or luggage.
Honda Sensing Suite: Standard across all trims, the Honda Sensing suite includes a range of advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Real-World Driving: How Does the Passport Perform?
Okay, enough with the specs. How does the Passport actually feel behind the wheel?
On the Road: The Passport provides a comfortable and composed ride on paved roads. The V6 engine is responsive, and the 9-speed transmission shifts smoothly. Road noise is well-controlled, making it a pleasant vehicle for long road trips. The steering is light and accurate, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic.
Off the Pavement: While not a dedicated off-roader, the Passport with AWD can handle mild off-road trails with ease. The i-VTM4 system effectively distributes power to the wheels with the most traction, preventing slippage. The higher ground clearance (8.1 inches) helps it clear obstacles that would stop a lower-riding SUV. However, it's important to remember that the Passport is still an SUV, not a Jeep Wrangler. Don't expect to tackle challenging rock crawling trails.
Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is decent, but not exceptional. Expect to get around 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with the AWD model. Front-wheel drive models offer slightly better fuel economy.
Living with the Passport: The Good, the Bad, and the Quirks
Beyond the driving experience, there are other factors to consider when evaluating the Passport:
The Good:
- Spacious and Practical: The interior is well-designed and offers ample space for passengers and cargo. The rear seats fold flat, creating a truly massive cargo area.
- Reliable and Durable: Honda has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Passport is no exception. Expect it to last for many years with proper maintenance.
- Standard Safety Features: The Honda Sensing suite provides a comprehensive set of safety features that can help prevent accidents.
- Resale Value: Hondas generally hold their value well, making the Passport a good investment.
The Bad:
- Styling is Subjective: Some find the Passport's styling a bit bland or uninspired. It doesn't have the aggressive look of some of its competitors.
- Infotainment System: The infotainment system can be a bit clunky and outdated, especially compared to newer systems.
- Fuel Economy Could Be Better: While not terrible, the Passport's fuel economy isn't class-leading.
- Price: The Passport can be a bit pricey compared to some of its competitors, especially when equipped with AWD and higher trim levels.
The Quirks:
- Push-Button Gear Selector: Some people love it, some people hate it. The Passport uses a push-button gear selector instead of a traditional gear lever. It takes some getting used to.
- No Third-Row Option: Unlike the Pilot, the Passport is only available with two rows of seats. This may be a deal-breaker for some families.
Who is the Honda Passport Really For?
The Honda Passport isn't for everyone. It's best suited for:
- Active Individuals and Families: Those who enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, kayaking, or biking will appreciate the Passport's spacious cargo area and available AWD.
- People Who Need Room for Gear: If you frequently haul large items, the Passport's cargo capacity is a major plus.
- Those Who Value Reliability and Safety: Honda's reputation for reliability and the Passport's standard safety features make it a good choice for those who prioritize these factors.
- Commuters Who Want Comfort and Space: The Passport offers a comfortable ride and plenty of interior space, making it a good choice for daily commuting.
The Passport isn't ideal for:
- Large Families: If you need seating for more than five people, the Pilot is a better choice.
- Serious Off-Roaders: While the Passport can handle mild off-road trails, it's not a substitute for a dedicated off-road vehicle like a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Passport can be a bit pricey compared to some of its competitors.
Comparing the Passport to the Competition
The mid-size SUV segment is fiercely competitive. Here's how the Passport stacks up against some of its rivals:
Toyota 4Runner: The 4Runner is a more capable off-roader than the Passport, but it's less comfortable and fuel-efficient on the road.
Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Grand Cherokee offers a wider range of engine options and trim levels, including some very luxurious models. It's also a more capable off-roader than the Passport.
Ford Edge: The Edge is a more stylish and technologically advanced SUV than the Passport, but it's not as spacious or off-road capable.
Nissan Murano: The Murano is a comfortable and stylish SUV, but it lacks the Passport's off-road capability and cargo space.
Hyundai Santa Fe: The Santa Fe offers a good value for the money and comes with a long list of standard features. It's not as spacious or off-road capable as the Passport.
What Owners Are Saying: Real-World Experiences
Ultimately, the best way to gauge the quality of a vehicle is to hear from its owners. Here's a summary of common themes found in owner reviews:
- Positive: Owners consistently praise the Passport's spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reliability. Many appreciate the standard safety features and the available AWD system.
- Negative: Some owners complain about the infotainment system, fuel economy, and styling. A few have reported minor issues with the push-button gear selector.
Overall, the consensus is that the Honda Passport is a well-built and reliable SUV that offers a good balance of comfort, practicality, and off-road capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Honda Passport a good car for snow? Yes, especially with the available all-wheel drive. The i-VTM4 system provides excellent traction in snowy conditions.
What is the towing capacity of the Honda Passport? The Honda Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Does the Honda Passport have a third row? No, the Honda Passport is only available with two rows of seats.
What is the gas mileage like on the Honda Passport? Expect around 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with the AWD model.
Is the Honda Passport reliable? Yes, Honda has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Passport is generally considered to be a reliable SUV.
The Final Verdict: Is the Honda Passport a Good Car?
The Honda Passport is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable mid-size SUV with a focus on practicality and mild off-road capability. While it may not be the flashiest or most technologically advanced option on the market, its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and Honda's reputation for reliability make it a compelling choice for active individuals and families. Consider your needs carefully and take a test drive to see if the Passport is the right fit for your lifestyle.