Honda Passport: What Buyers Should Know Before Purchasing

The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV that sits in Honda's lineup between the smaller CR-V and the larger Pilot. It shares its platform and powertrain with the three-row Pilot but drops the third row entirely, giving it a shorter body, a more car-like ride, and a noticeably larger cargo area behind the second row. If you're researching it as a potential purchase, here's a clear-eyed look at what the Passport actually is, how it's built, what ownership typically looks like, and what variables shape whether it fits a buyer's needs.

What the Honda Passport Is — and Isn't

The Passport was originally produced from 1993 to 2002, then discontinued, and relaunched for the 2019 model year as a two-row midsize SUV. The current generation is built on the same unibody platform as the Pilot, which means it's designed around road comfort and daily driving rather than heavy off-road use — though Honda has leaned into moderate trail capability in recent years with models like the TrailSport trim.

It is not a body-on-frame truck-based SUV. It's a unibody crossover, which gives it better fuel economy, a smoother ride, and easier handling compared to truck-based alternatives, but it trades away serious towing depth and off-road hardware that some buyers expect from a rugged-looking SUV.

Powertrain and Specs

The current Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing around 280 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. That's a conventional gasoline powertrain — no hybrid option is currently available in the Passport, which distinguishes it from the CR-V and Accord that do offer hybrid variants.

Drivetrain options depend on trim level:

• Front-wheel drive (FWD) is available on base trims
• All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on higher trims and optional on others

The AWD system on the Passport is Honda's i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management), which can actively shift torque to the rear wheels. The TrailSport adds terrain modes and improved ground clearance — modest compared to dedicated off-road vehicles, but meaningfully more capable than a standard crossover setup.

Fuel economy generally falls in the 21–22 mpg city / 24–27 mpg highway range depending on drivetrain and model year. Those numbers vary — verify the exact figures for the model year you're considering via the EPA's official fuel economy database.

Trim Levels 🚙

Standard and available safety and driver-assistance features vary by trim. Honda's Honda Sensing suite — which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking — is standard across all trims on current models. More advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims but not universal.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

The Passport's reliability record is generally considered average to above-average for its class, drawing on a platform and powertrain Honda has used across multiple vehicles. That shared platform means parts availability and mechanic familiarity are relatively strong — technicians who work on the Pilot will know the Passport.

Common ownership considerations include:

• Transmission service intervals: The 9-speed automatic benefits from regular fluid checks, particularly in vehicles used for towing or frequent stop-and-go driving
• AWD system maintenance: Rear differential fluid should be serviced per Honda's schedule, especially for TrailSport models used on trails
• Timing belt vs. chain: The current 3.5L V6 uses a timing belt, not a chain — this is an important distinction because timing belt replacement is a scheduled maintenance item with real cost implications, typically recommended around 60,000–105,000 miles depending on driving conditions

Repair and maintenance costs vary significantly by region, shop type (dealership vs. independent), and labor rates in your area. Timing belt replacement on a V6 is a multi-hour job and is generally more expensive than basic services.

Buying Considerations: New vs. Used

The Passport's relaunch in 2019 means used examples are relatively recent. Buyers looking at pre-owned models should pay attention to:

• Model year differences: The 2022+ models received a significant refresh with updated styling and revised interior. First-generation 2019–2021 models are mechanically similar but differ in features and design.
• Trim-specific equipment: AWD is not standard on all trims — confirm drivetrain before purchase if it matters to you
• Recall history: The NHTSA database lists open and resolved recalls by VIN. Checking before purchase costs nothing and can reveal unresolved safety issues
• Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) eligibility: Honda's CPO program has specific age and mileage requirements. A CPO Passport carries an extended warranty, but the terms and what's covered vary — read the actual contract, not the marketing summary

Where Individual Situations Diverge

Two buyers can research the exact same Passport trim and walk away with very different ownership experiences based on factors that don't show up in a spec sheet. 🔍

A buyer in a northern state who plans to use AWD regularly faces different long-term maintenance demands than someone in a mild climate who primarily drives highways. A buyer towing a small trailer approaches the Passport's 3,500 lb tow rating differently than someone who never tows. Someone doing their own oil changes manages costs differently than someone using a dealership for everything.

Insurance costs vary by state, driving history, zip code, and how the vehicle is garaged. Registration fees and annual taxes vary by state and sometimes by vehicle value. Sales tax treatment on trade-ins and the paperwork process for title transfers all follow state-specific rules — what's true in one state won't be in another.

The Passport is a well-documented vehicle with a predictable ownership profile for most buyers. What that profile actually costs and feels like in practice depends on your specific location, usage patterns, and the particular example you're buying.