2023 Honda Passport
Overview
The 2023 Honda Passport continues to be a safe bet for those who need a bit more space and are looking to make a practical purchase. The two-row mid-size SUV is based on the larger three-row Pilot and offers all of the automaker’s latest and greatest safety and driver-assistance features standard. The Passport pairs the tech with a punchy V-6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. It may not offer a thrills, impressive off-road prowess, or exciting looks, but the Passport does deliver adequate power and performance and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Passport makes for a capable family hauler Of course, if you are drawn to the Passport but need even more room the Passport’s first cousin, the three-row Honda Pilot, is a sound alternative.
What’s New for 2023?
Following the Passport’s slight facelift for the 2022 model year, the 2023 model carries on mostly unchanged. Honda is offering the Passport in the same array of trim levels as last year, albeit with slightly increased prices.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Passport EX-L is our pick as the best value since it’s reasonably priced and includes desirable features such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a large touchscreen with smartphone-mirroring functionality. All-wheel drive has been made standard on the base EX-L for 2023, another reason to opt for it.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood is the same 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission as found in the Pilot. The Passport has 8.1 inches for all-wheel-drive models, which will get you across a fair amount of rough terrain without tearing up the underside, but this is by no means a serious off-roader. It’s not a bad tow vehicle, though, able to pull to 5000 pounds. The Passport was quick in our testing, and it accelerates well on the highway. The ride is comfortable on most roads, and the steering is pleasingly direct, which makes the Passport feel nimble.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With a single engine choice and either front-or all-wheel drive, the Passport has two different EPA estimates. The front-drive model is expected to earn up to 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. A Passport with all-wheel drive does a little worse, with ratings of 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. We tested the latter on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, where it exceeded its highway rating by 3 mpg. For more information about the Passport’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Anyone who has experienced the interior of the Honda Ridgeline will be instantly familiar with the Passport’s cabin. Despite an unremarkable design, the materials are attractive enough and the controls are nicely organized—although we’d like more knobs and buttons instead of touchscreen controls. The front seats are wide and comfortable, with a handy armrest that can be adjusted for optimal comfort. The back seat is also roomy and allows the Passport to transport up to five people. There’s 41 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seat, which held 15 of our carry-on suitcases. Folding that row unlocks 78 cubes of room and the capacity to carry 33 bags total. Interior cubby storage in general is great thanks to useful bins throughout the cabin and a huge center-console bin.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Passport sports an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes necessities such as Bluetooth and a wireless smartphone charging pad. A seven-speaker audio system is offered on EX-L and TrailSport models, while an upgraded ten-speaker audio system is offered on the range-topping Passport Elite. A 115-volt outlet is also standard for TrailSport and Elite models. Buyers looking for Wi-Fi hotspot availability will have to opt for the Elite, as it is not offered on the lower EX-L and TrailSport models.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Honda Passport offers the automaker’s suite of safety and driver-assistance technology as standard content, which includes forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. For more information about the Passport’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Honda provides a competitive limited warranty, but its powertrain coverage doesn’t match the levels of rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento. The Passport also lacks complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Honda Passport TrailSport
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4- wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $43,695/$44,090
Options: Sonic Grey Pearl paint, $395
ENGINE
SOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 212 in3, 3471 cm3
Power: 280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.6-in vented disc/13.0-in disc
Tires: Firestone Destination LE2
245/60R-18 105H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.9 in
Length: 189.1 in
Width: 78.6 in
Height: 72.2 in
Passenger Volume: 115 ft3
Cargo Volume: 41 ft3
Curb Weight: 4229 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.6 sec @ 94 mph
100 mph: 16.8 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.6 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 111 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 184 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.77 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 23 mpg
Highway Range: 440 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 21/19/24 mpg
More Features and Specs
