2023 Honda Passport Review
What do our experts think of the 2023 Honda Passport? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Honda Passport – automobiles.honda.com | Shop 2023 Honda Passport on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Honda Passport?
The Passport is well into its third generation after a long gap where Honda didn’t make it from 2002 until 2019. Today, it comes with one drivetrain and a buyer’s choice of three different trim levels. All come well-equipped with top-notch driver safety aids, comfortable seating, and almost 80 cubic feet of storage. For those that don’t need a third row, the Passport is worth a look.
For 2023, the Honda Passport comes to market with only one significant change. Every trim level now comes standard with all-wheel drive. Aside from that, prices have been adjusted upward just a bit.
The Breakdown
Great drivetrain
Comfortable interior
Spacious cargo area
A bit pricey
No hybrid option
Boring to drive
A Ridgeline without the bed
2023 Passport Specs
- 280 horsepower from base engine
- 262 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 41.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 77.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 5,000-lb towing capacity
- Standard Android Auto
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- Two years of complimentary maintenance
2023 Honda Passport Powertrain
No matter how much one spends on the new Passport they’re going to end up with the same powertrain. That consists of a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 that develops 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. In fact, you’d have to look for a very old used Honda Passport if you wanted any other engine. The 2023 version sends that power through a nine-speed automatic and onto all four wheels. Last year, you could buy the base Passport trim with front-wheel drive but that’s gone now. In our eyes, that’s a positive.
Making AWD a standard feature across the lineup increases the value of the model range overall. It also makes for an identical driving experience across the trim levels. The Passport is much easier to place in a lane compared to its larger rivals and it’s quicker to react than those with turbochargers. No, it’s not sporty or agile by any means but it’s a well-sorted and easy-to-pilot baby Pilot so to speak.
Towing & Payload
While not aimed squarely at the hardcore towing crowd, the Passport can still pull up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Some rivals like the Kia Telluride and Nissan Pathfinder pull a little bit more.
2023 Honda Passport Fuel Economy & MPG
Every Passport gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 21 mpg combined. That takes into account a 19 mpg in the city rating and up to 24 mpg on the highway. Not bad but vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee offer better fuel economy and the availability of a plug-in hybrid option. The upcoming all-electric Honda Prologue might make the Passport’s lack of electrification null and void though.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Comfort is a key component for almost any vehicle and in the Passport, it’s clearly a design focus. The front seats are especially spacious, supportive, and well-positioned. Headroom and legroom are more than adequate in both seating rows and we expect that three average-sized adults could occupy the second row without discomfort.
Behind the rear seats is a cargo space measuring 41.2 cubic feet in terms of overall volume. That expands to almost 78 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. That’s far more than the average buyer will need to use on a regular basis. Beware though, the load floor is a bit tall compared to some rivals. That didn’t make it harder for us to use but it might be an issue for others.
One extra little gamechanger inside of the Passport is that you’re not constrained to using just the rear cargo space for storage. There are numerous cubbies and bins for stuff throughout the cabin which makes it all the easier to live with day by day.
Entertainment & Technology
Similar to the way that the Passport only comes with a single drivetrain, it basically has one main technology package with a few tiny add-ons here and there. At its heart is an 8-inch infotainment screen with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Even without those technologies, the screen’s native user interface is strong enough that we think the vast majority of buyers will be happy with it. Physical buttons and knobs also add to the positives. We especially like the integrated navigation system as it’s fast and effective. The optional 10-speaker sound system (standard on the Elite trim) is noticeably crisper than the stock seven-speaker unit.
Safety Features
Honda’s record of safety isn’t let down with the Passport. It isn’t an IIHS Top Safety Pick but it did get five stars in crash testing with the NHTSA. On top of that, it comes with a full complement of advanced safety equipment like forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist.
2023 Honda Passport Trims & Pricing
EX-L – $41,100
The base Passport starts out with 20-inch wheels, remote start, LED headlights, a sunroof, heated side mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, an 8-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a wireless device charger, and seven speakers. Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, parking sensors, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
TrailSport – $43,600
As the off-road-focused version of the Passport, this trim gets roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. In addition, it adds rear side-window sun shades, integrated navigation, a 115-volt power outlet, power-folding side mirrors, and a heated wiper rest zone to prevent icing in cold weather.
Elite – $46,560
The top trim gets a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, a hands-free liftgate, unique 20-inch wheels, rear-seat climate controls, and a 10-speaker sound system.
Warranties
Honda offers a pretty basic warranty package on every 2023 Passport. It includes three years or 36,000 miles worth of bumper-to-bumper coverage along with powertrain coverage that extends to five years or 60,000 miles. What makes the Passport stand out amongst many of its rivals is that it also includes two years or 24,000 miles worth of complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2023 Honda Passport – automobiles.honda.com | Shop 2023 Honda Passport on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Honda Passport is one of the dark horses in its segment we think. It’s a bit too expensive but for those who have the cash to spend, the gap between the top trim and the bottom trim is pretty small. That makes for a lot of features for a small increase in price. At the same time, it’s worth considering rivals from Jeep, Kia, Hyundai, and Toyota if you’re interested in the Passport.
