The 2024 Honda Passport is the can-do midsize crossover for those who want a comfortable daily driver that can also do some moderate off-roading. It has handsome looks, standard all-wheel drive, lots of standard features, and a cavernous cargo area. But its fuel efficiency is below average for the class.
Base Price: $44,500
As Tested: $46,330
Horsepower: 280
Mileage: 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined
The Passport fits in the Honda lineup between the smaller CR-V and larger Pilot. The Passport was introduced for the 2019 model year and has received a number of updates since then. For 2024, the Elite trim is replaced by the Black Edition, the off-road oriented TrailSport trim gets some tweaks, and all trims get an updated center console.
The 2024 Honda Passport comes in three trims: EX-L, TrailSport and Black Edition. Starting prices range from $41,900 to $47,970, which are on the high side for a two-row crossover. Still, the Passport comes well-equipped, so it is good value for the money. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims.
The TrailSport trim is geared for moderate off-roading. It has a more rugged look, an off-road-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, and roof rails. All Passports have 8.1 inches of ground clearance.
All trims have the same powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Passport has peppy performance. Acceleration is brisk and there’s plenty of power for merging and passing at freeway speeds. The nine-speed shifts quickly and smoothly for the most part but can hesitate during downshifts. The ride is firm but the suspension soaks up bumps and rough roads. Steering and brakes are responsive. The Passport feels planted on slippery surfaces thanks to AWD and the all-terrain tires. Visibility is good all the way around.
Fuel efficiency is below average for a midsize SUV. EPA ratings for my tester are 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with a combined rating of 21. I got 24 mpg during my week with more highway than city driving.
When properly equipped, the Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The cabin is practical with materials that are appropriate for a family hauler that can do some easy off-roading. There’s a lot of plastic trim but also leather upholstery. Seats in both rows are roomy and comfortable with plenty of leg- and headroom. Taller adults have room to stretch out in both rows.
Standard features include proximity keyless entry, remote start, push-button start, rearview camera, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, four-way power-adjustable passenger seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated front seats, digital instrument cluster, infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen, seven-speaker audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, four USB ports, wireless device charging, 12-volt power outlet, automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, universal garage door opener and a moonroof.
Available features include ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, 10-speaker audio system, navigation, Wi-Fi hot spot, and ambient interior lighting.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and rear-seat alert.
The infotainment system is user-friendly. Graphics look good and the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. There are physical controls for volume and climate.
Cargo space is great for the class. There are 41.2 cubes with both rows of seating in place and an impressive 77.7 cubes (77.5 cubes in the Black Edition) with the second row folded. A power liftgate is standard.
The good:
Zippy performance
Standard all-wheel drive
Versatile as a commuter and for moderate off-roading
Many standard features
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Cavernous cargo area
The not-so-good:
Below average fuel economy for the class
Pricing is higher than some rivals
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $44,500. Radiant Red Metallic paint is $455. Destination fee is $1,375 bringing the grand total to $46,330.
Bottom line:
The 2024 Honda Passport is a versatile midsize crossover. It’s refined enough for daily driving but rugged enough for outdoor adventures. It comes well equipped and has lots of room for passengers and cargo. However, fuel economy is below average.
