By Steve Laser
The redesigned Honda Passport has gone on sale, offering extensive product enhancements for the off-road focused TrailSport, new top-line TrailSport Elite, and base RTL models. Described as the “ultimate Honda adventure SUV,” the changes should help energize sales of the midsize SUV.
Last year (calendar 2024) American Honda sold 32,527 Passports. How does that compare to its other SUVs? The CR-V set an all-time record with an amazing 402,791 (203,000 were hybrids). The runner up was the HR-V, with 151,468, followed by the Pilot, at 141,245, and the Prologue EV at 33,017.
The new, larger Passport features bold, rugged styling crafted by the Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles, Calif. Described as a “backpack” theme, the new look includes wide C-pillars, matte-black roof finish over the cargo bay, LED taillights, and an integrated rear spoiler. Blackout trims include black alloy wheels and black badges.
TrailSport has amber Daytime Running Lights, a panoramic moonroof, General Grabber 275/60R18 All-Terrain tires on 18-inch alloys, off-road tuned suspension, heavy-duty recovery hooks, and underbody skid plates to help protect the engine oil pan, transmission and gas tank.
All Passports receive a new 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, a new 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and standard Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4™) all-wheel drive. Selectable drive modes include Normal, Econ, Sport, Snow, Tow, Trail, and Sand settings.
TrailSport Elite is equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch center touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Google built-in, Bose® premium 12-speaker sound system, HondaLink®, Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless phone charger.
Passport continues to provide two-row, five-passenger seating. TrailSport Elite is fitted with perforated leather-trimmed seats plus a TrailSport logo embroidered on the front head restraints. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear side door sunshades are included.
A new four-camera system called TrailWatch™ is standard on TrailSport Elite. This offers benefits while driving off-road by displaying exterior views of the front, rear, side and 360-degrees, along with tire-path graphics and tire placement.
Passport features option packages and new accessories. The Adventure Package includes a tailgate table shelf, cargo utility light, MOLLE panel set (to store adventure gear), and roof platform. A Pet Protection Package provides a cargo barrier, seatback protectors, and cargo tray. While individual accessories include a roof basket, roof box, and more.
Standard Honda Sensing® driver-assist features include Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Advanced Pedestrian Detection, Road Departure Mitigation System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information System with Lane Change Assist, and front and rear parking sensors.
Passport, including the 3.5-liter V6 engine, is built at the Honda plant in Lincoln, Alabama.
Note: Features and specifications for U.S. market models are subject to change without notice.
News source and photos courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Photos are posted for editorial use.
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