The all-new 2019 Honda Passport is designed for adventure-seekers who want the superior off-road capability of Honda’s available i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the power and towing capability of its 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V6, and the more personal and rugged character of a five-passenger SUV. Within the Honda SUV lineup, in size and price, it slots between the refined and compact-size CR-V and the larger, three-row family-focused Pilot.
The 2019 Passport is based on Honda’s reinforced unibody midsize light-truck platform, featuring a fully-boxed floor structure, the latest generation of Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure along with a sophisticated fully independent suspension offering exceptional on- and off-road driving performance.
Passport’s rugged yet modern exterior styling comprises standard 20-inch wheels, aggressive black grille, and increased ride height with more athletic proportion and stance compared to the three-row Pilot. Inside, Passport offers best-in-class passenger space and total interior volume and features a large “basement” cargo area ideal for storing dirty gear or keeping valuables out of sight.
Powering the new Passport is a 3.5-liter SOHC direct-injected V6 engine with i-VTEC® valvetrain connected exclusively to a second-generation 9-speed automatic transmission. Opt for all-wheel drive and Passport gains Honda’s torque-vectoring Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4™) all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Traction Management – with Snow, Mud and Sand modes — allowing the driver to optimize Passport’s tractive and dynamic performance based on terrain and weather conditions. With 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, Passport offers top-class standard horsepower, brisk acceleration and up-to 5,000-pound towing capacity.
With Passport, drivers also benefit from the latest technology, including standard Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Additionally, all Passports come with a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera system, while EX-L, Touring and Elite models come with Honda’s blind spot information system. Additional premium technologies available on Passport include in-vehicle Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, an 8-inch Display Audio system, wireless phone charging and more.
The 2019 Honda Passport is offered in four trims: well-appointed Sport, upgraded EX-L, high-tech Touring, and the fully equipped Elite. Sport models come standard with 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/50R20 tires, Honda Sensing®, a 9-speed automatic transmission with auto stop-start, LED low-beam headlights, fog lights, taillights and DRLs, Push-button Start and Smart Entry, two USB ports, and three-zone automatic climate control.
Passport EX-L trims feature leather on the seats and steering wheel, a one-touch tilt/slide moonroof, remote-operated power liftgate, blind spot information system, and an 8-inch Display Audio system with Apple Car Play® and Android Auto™ integration. Passport EX-L also features rear window sunshades, an 8-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support, heated outside mirrors, Home Link®, and two additional USB charging points.
Passport Touring trims up the ante with inline low-and high-beam LED headlights, wider 265/45R20 tires, a foot-activated hands-free access power liftgate, LED ambient lighting, parking sensors, and embedded navigation. Touring trims also feature a premium audio system upgraded to 10 speakers (up from 7), while also gaining a handy AC power inverter (115v-150W). Additionally, Touring trims are distinguished by power-folding outside mirror turn signal indicators, acoustic glass on the front and rear doors, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels.
The top-of-the-line Passport Elite trim comes standard with i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel drive that’s optional on Sport, EX-L and Touring trims. In addition, Elite adds ventilated front seats, auto-dimming side mirrors, a heated steering wheel, rain sensing wipers, and a wireless phone charger. Passport Elite also features gloss black exterior trim and a gloss-black lift gate spoiler.
Exterior Design
The most rugged of Honda’s light trucks yet, Passport’s expressive design leaves no doubt to its adventure-seeking mission. The black grille, bumper and black wheels (Sport & Elite grades) convey off-road prowess, while LED headlight accents and chrome exhaust finishers hint at Passport’s around-town sophistication. Trim-exclusive 20-inch wheel designs are available across the lineup, while Touring and Elite trims offer a wider stance by way of beefier 265/45R20 tires as standard equipment.
Beyond just good looks, Passport’s design offers superior functionality as well. In addition to more aggressive approach and departure angles, Passport features an increased ride height of approximately one inch compared to Pilot. The wider track provides better handling around town and the wider wheels provide increased grip. The wide hatch opens to reveal exceptional cargo space behind the rear seats.