Honda Passport Review: A Versatile and Spacious SUV for the Modern Adventurer
The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV that offers a compelling combination of performance, comfort, and utility. First introduced in 2019 as a successor to the Honda Pilot, the Passport has quickly gained a reputation for its off-road capabilities, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features and capabilities of the Honda Passport to help you decide if it is the right SUV for you.
Exterior Design
The Honda Passport has a rugged and athletic exterior design that sets it apart from other midsize SUVs in its class. The front fascia features a bold grille with chrome accents, LED headlights, and fog lights, giving the Passport a modern and aggressive look. The body lines are clean and sleek, with a slightly raised ride height and black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and lower body panels, giving the Passport a rugged and adventurous appearance.
The rear of the Passport features LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets, further adding to the sporty aesthetic of the SUV. Overall, the exterior design of the Honda Passport is modern, stylish, and rugged, making it a versatile and attractive choice for drivers who value both form and function.
Interior Comfort and Space
The interior of the Honda Passport is spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design touches throughout. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom for even the tallest passengers. The second row of seats is equally spacious, with plenty of room for adults to sit comfortably on long drives.
Cargo space is another strong point of the Honda Passport, with up to 50.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row of seats and 100.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down. The cargo area is also well-designed, with a low load floor and a wide opening that makes it easy to load and unload large items.
In terms of features, the Honda Passport comes well-equipped with standard amenities such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports. Optional features include a larger touchscreen display, a premium audio system, navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a panoramic sunroof.
Performance and Handling
The Honda Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the front wheels as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Passport also features a sophisticated torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system that can send power to the wheels with the most traction, improving the SUV’s off-road capabilities and enhancing its performance in inclement weather.
On the road, the Honda Passport delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, with well-controlled body motions and responsive steering. The V6 engine provides plenty of power for highway merging and passing maneuvers, and the 9-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, providing an engaging driving experience. The Passport also offers a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for drivers who need to tow trailers or boats.
Off-road, the Honda Passport performs admirably, with a generous ground clearance, a sturdy suspension system, and advanced all-wheel-drive technology that allows it to tackle rough terrain with confidence. The SUV also features multiple drive modes, including Normal, Snow, Sand, and Mud, that optimize the vehicle’s performance for different driving conditions, further enhancing its off-road capabilities.
Safety
The Honda Passport comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a rearview camera. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.
In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Honda Passport received top scores for overall crashworthiness and crash avoidance and mitigation. These results highlight the SUV’s commitment to passenger safety and its ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Honda Passport is a versatile and capable SUV that offers a winning combination of performance, comfort, and utility. With its stylish exterior design, spacious interior, powerful V6 engine, and advanced all-wheel-drive technology, the Passport is a solid choice for drivers who lead an active lifestyle and need a vehicle that can keep up with their adventures.
Whether you’re embarking on a road trip, towing a trailer, or exploring off the beaten path, the Honda Passport has the versatility and capability to handle whatever you throw at it. With its impressive array of features, strong safety ratings, and competitive pricing, the Passport is a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment and a worthy successor to the Honda Pilot.
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a midsize SUV that offers a winning combination of performance, comfort, and utility, the Honda Passport is definitely worth considering. With its rugged design, spacious interior, powerful engine, and advanced technology, the Passport has everything you need to tackle your next adventure with confidence and style.
