2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Honda Passport is still a relatively fresh face in the midsize-SUV scene but it has already made a big impression. The Japanese offering shares a platform with the Honda Pilot but skips out on 3rd-row seating by instead opting for massive passenger space and class-leading cargo capacity. Under the hood lies Honda's trusted 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces a solid 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Passport slots between the CR-V and Pilot and feels just as well-built and stable on the road. The interior is spacious and offers a clean dashboard layout, and Honda has included several helpful driver assistance features as standard. The Passport starts at $32,790 and goes up against competitors such as the Toyota Highlander.

While the Passport SUV's exterior styling has always been somewhat restrained, it wasn't the ugliest SUV on the road, just somewhat forgettable. So this year's styling update is a welcome change and brings a more aggressive front end, a new grille and bumpers, and a power-bulge hood. The bumpers are different too, and the exhaust finishers are bigger. The base model features automatic LED headlights, rear privacy glass, a dual-exit exhaust, LED brake lights, and smart programmable remote entry. All models roll on a set of 20-inch split-spoke alloy wheels, except for the new TrailSport with its off-road-focused two-tone 18-inch alloy weels with chunky 245/60R18 tires. The TrailSport also gets black "Passport" and "AWD" badging, as well as orange "TrailSport" badging. All trims get a one-touch power moonroof, walk-away auto lock, memory-linked side mirrors, and a power liftgate. The Elite more specifically gets a hands-free tailgate. The TrailSport and Elite get roof rails and all trims get front and rear parking sensors.

Classified as a midsize SUV, the Honda Passport is similar in size to competitors such as the Chevrolet Blazer and Subaru Outback, though it seems even larger when viewed in real life. The Passport rolls on a lengthy 111-inch wheelbase, and its total length is 190.5 inches. A width of 78.6 inches, and a height of 71.6 inches give it a lot of presence, which only grows in AWD guise thanks to an extra 0.6 inches of height. Both the front and rear tracks are 67 inches in 2WD models and 66.7 inches in AWD models - except for the TrailSport AWD with its 67.1-inch tracks. In base form, the Passport weighs between 4,057 and 4,236 pounds (FWD/AWD). At the top of the range, the AWD-only Elite tips the scales at 4,262 lbs. Ground clearance is 7.5-inches on FWD cars and a good 8.1 inches on AWD cars. The approach and departure angles on FWD models are 20.1 degrees and 23.4 degrees, respectively, and AWD cars offer an approach and departure angle of 21.1/24.3 degrees.

The exterior design of the 2022 Honda Passport is complemented by an mild range of exterior color options. The base and Elite models are offered with your choice of six colors, namely Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, and three extra-cost options, Radiant Red Metallic, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Platinum White Pearl, which go for $395 each. The TrailSport loses Obsidian Blue. The everyday driver will appreciate Lunar Silver Metallic, but if you're a bit more adventurous, go for the Radiant Red.

No one buying a Honda Passport will expect it to stick with a Challenger Hellcat; in fact, most owners will be satisfied with an SUV that can get up to sixty in under ten seconds and comfortably stick to highway cruising speeds. The good news is that the Passport can do both. The entire lineup is powered by a silky smooth, naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That is more than enough to motivate this SUV and allows for a 0-60 mph sprint time of around six seconds (as fast as a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray).

This robust engine also allows the Passport to haul up to 5,000 pounds of stuff in AWD configuration, while FWD cars get a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The SUV also comes with Honda's Intelligent Traction Management system, which has a Snow mode in 2WD vehicles, and Snow, Sand, and Mud modes in AWD cars.

Under the hood of the 2022, Honda Passport hides a tried and trusted 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that features the company's acclaimed i-VTEC variable valve timing system. This engine develops a healthy 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which it sends to either the front wheels or all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The same setup is used in the Pilot, but with its smaller size, the Passport naturally performs better and feels nippy around town. On the highway, it will overtake slow-moving cars with ease. The nine-speed auto was recalibrated two years ago, but we still find that it can hunt for gears when instant acceleration is required. For those wanting a more hands-on experience, there are manual shifter paddles mounted to the steering column.

Not only does the Passport look like a big car, but it drives like one too. Honda based this midsize SUV on a three-row/7-seater platform, so the experience you get behind the wheel is comparable to a much larger vehicle. The size of the Passport affords the driver some confidence when cruising on the highway, but in smaller spaces such as tight city roads, this can become a hassle for some. Cruising on the open road is this car's forte: it's quiet, comfortable, and offers a nicely weighted steering feel. At lower speeds, the Passport can feel harsh at times, but we blame those massive 20-inch wheels. The TrailSport's 18-inch wheels and chunkier tires take the hard edge off the ride. AWD cars come with a few advanced driving modes and usable ground clearance, but we wouldn't suggest trying to follow your buddy in his 4x4 Jeep Grand Cherokee up that off-road trail, even if the TrailSport looks the part. The Passport is best suited to light trail work.

Hauling around a big SUV with a large-capacity naturally aspirated V6 engine isn't exactly the perfect recipe for excellent gas mileage, but we were pleasantly surprised by the Honda Passport. According to the EPA, the SUV can get up to 20/25/22 mpg city/highway/combined in FWD guise. Sending power to all four wheels sees that number drop to 19/24/21 mpg. With a gas tank size of 19.5 gallons, the Passport should be able to travel as far as 429 mpg before refueling. In our testing of the 2020 AWD model, we managed a combined figure of 19 mpg.

The spacious cabin of the Passport works well with the clean design of the dashboard, and the overall feeling one gets is of airiness and quality. The fact that the vehicle was based on a three-row design makes itself abundantly clear once you step inside: there's so much space on offer. Once you start interacting with the car, it is evident that Honda hasn't cut any corners, and all important touchpoints feel solid. It's easy to get in and out, visibility is good, and all major controls are within easy reach of the driver and front-seat passenger. New for 2022, the gauge cluster features new gray lighting and white needles. The interior is a solid effort by Honda.

There is enough room within the confines of the Passport's cabin to seat five adult passengers, and its relatively high ride height and large doors make it easy for larger passengers to enter and exit. Once inside, space is abundant. Those in the front get a massive 40.1 inches of headroom (39.5 inches with the sunroof fitted) and 40.9 inches of legroom. In the back, it is just as impressive, and six-footers will find no complaint with the 39.6 inches of legroom. All trims get ten-way power-adjustability for the driver's seat with two-position memory for both the seats and side mirrors, while the passenger seat is four-way adjustable.

Honda has not cut any corners when it comes to the materials used in the 2022 Passport. All trims get leather upholstery and it's gray on the EX-L and Elite and black on the TrailSport. For 2022, the EX-L receives perforated leather with contrast stitching. The new TrailSport boasts orange contrast stitching and orange "TrailSport" branding embroidered on the front headrests. The two lower trims offer silver trim inserts, while the top two share black inserts.

Cargo space is one of the most important elements buyers look at when shopping for SUVs in this class, and the fact that the Passport was built around a three-row car but only offers two rows means that there is an abundance of space in the back. Pop open the liftgate, and you'll be greeted with a massive 41.2 cubic feet of space - more than enough to fit a bunch of Ikea furniture, Golden Retrievers, and whatever else Passport drivers haul around. If more space is required, Honda's clever One-Touch Fold-Down 60/40 split rear seatback opens up to a generous 77.9 cubes (77.7 cubic feet in the EX-L and Touring, and 77.5 cubic feet in the Elite). Tie-down anchors keep small items from crashing about. Small-item storage is also impressive: you get a glovebox, over ten cupholders, a large center console storage bin between the two front seats, seatback pockets behind the front seats, and pockets in every door.

The Passport is feature-rich and since the base Sport trim has been dropped, the entry-level EX-L gets its fair share of standard goodies. These include LED headlights, a one-touch power moonroof, and a power liftgate. On the inside, the EX-L gets smart entry, standard push-button start, cruise control, tri-zone automatic climate control, 12-volt charging, a HomeLink remote system, second-row integrated sunshades, an automatic-dimming rearview mirror, perforated leather seats with contrast stitching, a 10-way electrically adjustable driver's seat (four-way electric adjustment for the passenger), a leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated front seats, a wireless charger, and a blind-spot information system with a cross-traffic monitor.

The TrailSport adds features such as a hands-free liftgate, roof rails, courtesy door lights, ambient LED interior lighting, heated rear seats, parking sensors front and rear, and all the TrailSport-specific styling highlights. The Elite rounds out the offering with a heated steering wheel, courtesy front door lights, and ventilated front seats. All models benefit from standard driver-assistance features such as collision-mitigation braking, road-departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning.

The most significant change last year was the addition of an eight-inch high-res touchscreen display. This replaced the standard five-inch unit previously found in the base model. The system is intuitive and straightforward to use, and we appreciate the logical menu layout and smooth operation. All Passport trim levels feature Bluetooth streaming with HandsfreeLink, MP3/aux jack, RDS, speed-sensitive volume control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The base model only has a single USB charge port in the front, while the rest get one in the front row and two ports in the second. The two base trims get a 215-watt, seven-speaker audio system. All models get a front, middle and rear 12-volt charging port, Cabin Control remote compatibility, SMS text message functions, SiriusXM, and HD Radio. The Elite tops things off with Wi-Fi Hotspot capability and a 540-watt, 10-speaker sound system. Both the TrailSport and Elite get voice recognition, navigation, and a 115-volt power outlet.

Since it is still so new to the scene, there is no comprehensive reliability review of the Honda Passport. The good news is that its platform and engine have been thoroughly tested, and both 2021 and 2022 models have been recall-free thus far. However, 2019 models have had five recalls issued for issues such as malfunctioning instrument panels, faulty rearview cameras, and incomplete body welding. Honda will cover the 2022 Passport with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty.

The Honda Passport is one of the better choices in its class when it comes to keeping your family safe during an accident. According to the NHTSA review, the 2022 Passport has an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, and the IIHS awarded the 2020 model with a Top Safety Pick award.

There's a good reason why the Passport is considered a safe car by all leading safety agencies: Honda has packed the Passport full of advanced driver assistance systems. All trim levels are equipped with six airbags, a rear-seat reminder, LED headlights, ABS, EBD, a rearview camera, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitor. Driver aids include collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning.

Honda has confidently entered the midsize SUV market with a product that is not only capable but beats out its competitors in several categories. The restyled Passport looks more exciting this year and is a pleasure to drive. Under the hood, a tried and trusted V6 engine brings good punch and some much-appreciated character. On the road, the Passport feels stable and is more than capable of taking on long road trips, but is just as happy sitting in city traffic. The interior has a quality feel typical of Honda cars. What the Passport does best is offer tons of interior space and, more importantly, class-leading cargo space. The IIHS and NHTSA rate this as a safe car and Honda includes a long list of standard driver-assistance tech across the trim line. It might cost a bit more than its American competitors, but it is a more comprehensive package.

The price of the Honda Passport ranges greatly between trim levels, and there's truly something to suit every budget. Starting with the FWD 2022 Honda Passport EX-L, its MSRP is $37,870, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,225. Going for the AWD version adds $2,100 to the asking price. The new 4WD-only TrailSport is next up at $42,470 and the Elite costs $45,430. Fully-equipped, the Elite will close in on the $50k mark. The good news is that it won't be challenging to find a good used 2021 model for sale at way below the entry price of a new Honda Passport.

Honda's 2022 Passport lineup is made up of three trims: EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite. They all share a common 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The EX-L can be had in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive but the TrailSport and Elite are 4WD only.

The EX-L has 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED fog lights, remote engine start, a power moonroof, a power liftgate, and walk-away auto locking. Inside, it has perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, heated and powered front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, ambient lighting, a HomeLink remote, driver's memory settings, second-row sunshades, illuminated front vanity mirrors, push-button start, three-zone climate control, and a tilting/telescoping steering wheel. The infotainment system has an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, and a seven-speaker sound system. Standard safety technology includes six airbags, a rear-seat reminder, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, collision mitigation, lane-keep assist, road-departure mitigation, lane-departure warning, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams.

Added to the 4WD-onlhy TrailSport trim are a hands-free power liftgate, power-folding exterior mirrors, roof rails, amber LED ambient lighting, illuminated front cupholders, courtesy front door lights, Wi-Fi, navigation, a compass, and a ten-speaker audio system. This trim and is unique in terms of its model-specific two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, 245/60R18 off-road tires, silver skid-plate garnish, bespoke grille, more aggressive bumpers, orange "TrailSport" badging, gloss-black "Passport" and "AWD" badges, and 0.4-inch wider tracks. Inside, it has orange contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and door panels, embroidered TrailSport badging on the front headrests, and black-chrome surrounds for the gauges.

The Elite is the flagship trim and additionally gets LED map lights in front, white LED ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, wireless device charging, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, Wi-Fi, and a ten-speaker premium audio system.

Honda no longer offers last year's interesting optional packages for the 2022 Passport. The Adventure and Urban packages have all been dropped and all that's left are a few protection and cargo-management packages and some standalone options. This year, Honda's HDP (Honda Performance Development) appearance package becomes available on the Passport and adds unique wheels, black fender flares, an HDP graphic, and a unique grille. At the time of writing, Honda was yet to disclose the pricing of this new package. Optional accessories include individual items such as a choice of bike racks for $182 or $201 and door edge guards for $112.

Honda offers a substantial range of trim levels, which cover an equally wide price range, so anyone shopping in the midsize SUV market should be able to find something to their liking. What model you go for will purely depend on your budget, but if you want the most car for the price, the base Honda EX-L is our top choice at $37,870. It adds features such as heated leather-trimmed seats, blind-spot warning with cross-traffic assistance, a power tailgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink, and more. We would stick to the FWD configuration unless you live in a cold and wet climate.

The most apparent difference between these two cars is that the Pilot offers seating for up to eight people thanks to its three-row seating configuration. The Pilot is the bigger car but starts at a cheaper $36,830 for the base Sport trim. Under the hood, the Pilot shares the same naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, which channels power to either the front or all four wheels. Since it has to squeeze in a 3rd row, it naturally offers less passenger and cargo space than the Passport. The Pilot is offered in more trim levels and includes more features, such as second-row captain's chairs. Both cars share high build quality levels, the same driver assistance features, and an infotainment system. Do you want to carry a lot of people, or carry a few and have lots of cargo space? The answer determines the best choice.

The CR-V is Honda's most popular SUV offering and slots below the Passport in the lineup. Now in its fifth generation, the CR-V continues to dominate the compact crossover market. The base model starts at $25,750, significantly undercutting the Passport, but that's for a reason. The CR-V is powered by an efficient little 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that packs 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque, so it's way down on power but makes up for it with a gas mileage figure of 28/34/30 mpg city/highway/combined in FWD guise. Thanks to its smaller size, it feels more agile on the road and is most certainly the better city car. The Passport does, however, offer more passenger and cargo space. We'd pay the extra money for the more capable Passport, but the CR-V remains one of the best options in its class.