While most manufacturers are downsizing their engines and adding turbochargers, Honda has decided instead to fit the Passport with a large 3.5L V6 engine which produces 280 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive is a $1,900 option. All this means that the Passport is quicker than most people would expect from a mid-sized SUV, and while the Passport doesn't come out and claim to be a sports car, it does provide relatively sporty driving characteristics when compared to most of its direct competitors.
There are four trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring and Elite. All but the Elite come standard with front wheel drive, while the Elite gets all-wheel drive as standard.
The Passport aspires to be a luxury vehicle, so even the most basic trim comes extremely well equipped. The first thing most people will notice are the black painted 20-inch wheels, which are standard on the Sport trim. Other standard features include a remote starter, automatic high beams, LED daytime running lights, Honda Sensing safety suite, dual-zone automatic climate control, an automated garage door opener, rear seat air vents and a power driver's seat.
The EX-L trim adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a mobile hotspot for wi-fi, a large moonroof with a tilt feature, blind spot monitoring, leather seats with heating, a leather wrapped steering wheel, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, a powered tailgate, SiriusXM satellite radio, an auto dimming rearview mirror and a larger 8-inch touchscreen in the dash.
The Touring trim includes additional convenience features, such as adding a hands-free version of the powered tailgate. It allows the driver to wave their foot under the rear bumper active the power hatch. Other features standard on the Touring trim include a satellite linked navigation system, a 10-speaker sound system, heated outboard rear seats, roof rails, LED headlights, parking sensors, USB ports for the rear seats and additional ambient interior lighting.
The top of the line Elite trim comes standard with all-wheel drive in addition to adding even more interior goodies. The seats are made from perforated leather with both heating and cooling functions, while the steering wheel is heated as well. The Elite also comes with rain sensing wipers and power folding, automatically dimming side mirrors.
Rugged Styling, Available All-wheel Drive, Powerful Engine, Upscale Features, Smart Interior Design
The Honda Passport has been fully redesigned for this year, though it continues to represent Honda in the somewhat crowded mid-sized SUV segment. The Passport sits between the smaller CR-V model and the bigger, 3-row Pilot. It offers a little bit more style and luxury than the more family-oriented Pilot and as a bonus it should be a little more practical for those who spend a more time in the city, thanks to its slightly smaller exterior dimensions.
The Honda Passport starts at just under $32,000, putting it in competition with other SUV's such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner. Like those SUVs, it compromises a bit of absolute space in favor of offering a more rewarding driving experience and more rugged styling. Nobody will confuse the Passport with a minivan as Honda has not focused simply on on offering the most passenger capacity for the money. Instead, Passport owners will find themselves in a vehicle that constantly feels "premium" without necessarily having a premium price point.
