2023 Honda Passport: What Buyers Need to Know
The 2023 Honda Passport is a two-row midsize SUV that sits between the smaller CR-V and the three-row Pilot in Honda's lineup. It shares a platform with the Pilot but offers a sportier stance, shorter overall length, and slightly more off-road-oriented positioning. If you're researching this vehicle, here's a clear-eyed breakdown of what it is, how it compares, and what variables will shape your ownership experience.
What Kind of Vehicle Is the 2023 Passport?
The Passport is a body-on-frame-adjacent crossover — technically a unibody SUV — built for buyers who want five-passenger capacity, meaningful cargo room, and genuine all-wheel-drive capability without stepping up to a full three-row vehicle. For 2023, Honda gave the Passport a substantial refresh, including new exterior styling, an updated interior, and revised trim levels.
It's powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. There is no four-cylinder option and no hybrid variant for this model year. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on all trim levels in 2023 — front-wheel drive is not offered.
2023 Honda Passport Trim Levels
| Trim | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Sport | Entry level; standard safety tech, 20-inch wheels |
| EX-L | Leather seating, heated front seats, power moonroof |
| TrailSport | Off-road tuning, all-terrain tires, skid plates, unique interior |
| Elite | Top trim; ventilated seats, hands-free power tailgate, premium audio |
The TrailSport trim is a notable addition for 2023 — it's tuned specifically for light trail use, with all-terrain tires, additional underbody protection, and a more aggressive suspension calibration compared to the other trims.
AWD System: How It Works
The Passport's Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system can actively distribute torque between the front and rear axles and also between the left and right rear wheels. This torque vectoring capability is more sophisticated than a basic on-demand AWD system. In everyday driving, the system operates in front-wheel-drive mode to improve efficiency, then automatically sends power rearward when traction is needed.
The TrailSport adds a terrain management system with selectable modes for sand, snow, mud, and rock. Other trims include a more basic mode selector. Neither configuration is designed for serious rock crawling or deep off-road work — the Passport is better positioned for unpaved roads, light trails, and winter traction than it is for extreme terrain.
Fuel Economy
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2023 Passport with AWD is approximately 21 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined. Actual fuel economy varies based on driving habits, terrain, load, and climate. The V6's size means this vehicle will cost more to fuel than smaller turbocharged four-cylinder competitors in its class.
Safety Technology 🛡️
All 2023 Passport trims include Honda Sensing, Honda's suite of active safety and driver-assistance features:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) — automatic emergency braking
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow
- Front and rear parking sensors (varies by trim)
Higher trims add a surround-view camera and additional blind-spot monitoring features. Honda Sensing has been standard across the Passport lineup for several years, making even base trims well-equipped from a safety tech standpoint.
Cargo and Interior Space
With all five seats in use, the Passport offers approximately 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row — a figure that outperforms many three-row competitors with their third rows in place. Fold the rear seats flat and that expands to around 77.9 cubic feet. The rear cargo floor is flat and low, which makes loading practical.
Interior quality improved noticeably in the 2023 refresh. The dashboard layout is cleaner, the infotainment screen is larger, and material quality on upper trims is a step above the previous generation.
Towing Capacity
The 2023 Passport is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That's competitive within the midsize SUV segment and sufficient for small to mid-size boat trailers, campers, and utility trailers. Towing requires the optional towing package on some trims — buyers should verify what's included and what's required before assuming full towing capability.
What Shapes the Ownership Experience 🔑
Several factors will affect how this vehicle works for any individual buyer:
- Trim choice affects off-road capability, comfort features, and price significantly
- Climate and terrain determine how much the AWD system actually comes into play
- Fuel costs vary by region and will affect ongoing ownership expenses
- Insurance rates differ based on location, driver history, and coverage levels
- Dealer inventory and pricing fluctuate by market; MSRP rarely reflects actual transaction prices in competitive markets
- Financing terms depend on credit profile, lender, and whether incentives apply at time of purchase
Reliability data for this specific 2023 refresh is still maturing — the updated Passport shares core mechanical components with Honda's broader V6 and transmission lineup, which has a long track record, but the new model year's specific reliability picture will develop over time as more vehicles accumulate miles.
What the 2023 Passport offers on paper is clear. Whether those specs, that footprint, and that price point align with what a specific buyer needs — given their region, driving patterns, budget, and what they're comparing it against — is where the real evaluation begins.