2019 Honda Passport Review
After a 17 year hiatus, Honda has revived the Passport nameplate for an all-new midsize crossover slotting neatly between the CR-V and Pilot in the Honda line-up. But unlike before, this is no rebadged Isuzu, it's a Honda product through and through. Based on a shortened version of the platform that underpins the three-row Pilot, the Passport competes against crossovers like the Ford Edge and the striking new Chevrolet Blazer - tough competition, but the Passport is up to the task of becoming the top choice in this segment. Power comes from the same 3.5-liter V6 as the Pilot, developing 280 horsepower and driving either the front or all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Honda endows the Passport with high levels of standard specification and exceptional safety features in the guise of the Honda Sensing safety suite, but it comes at a cost: the Passport is pricier than the competition with prices ranging from $31,990 to $43,680 - nearly as much as the larger Pilot.
What's the Price of the 2019 Honda Passport?
The cheapest model in the new Honda Passport line-up is the Sport trim in front-wheel drive, which carries a base MSRP of $31,990. One rung up is the EX-L with a base price in the USA of $36,410, while the Touring is priced from $39,280. All three derivatives can have all-wheel drive equipped for an additional $1,900. Topping the range is the full loaded Elite AWD, with a price of $43,680. All prices are base MSRP and exclude license, registration, taxes, a $1,045 destination charge, and any discounts or incentives individual dealers may offer.
2019 Passport Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190.5 in | 111.0 in | 71.6 in | 78.6 in | 67.0 in | 66.7 in | 3,959.0 lbs |
2019 Passport Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Pilot boasts exceptional driving manners, and the Passport takes those even further with an engaging drive, responsive chassis, and additional nimbleness afforded by the reduced overall length. Championed by the strong performance from the V6, the chassis plays its part too. Handling is adept for a vehicle with a ride height geared towards mild offroading, with minimal body roll and exceptional composure through the twisties. However, in order to compensate for the additional ride height over the Pilot, the suspension feels a little stiffer on the Passport. While this benefits handling, it does little in the way of enhancing ride comfort on poor surfaces. In general, the suspension is comfortable, but particularly bumpy surfaces bring out the Passport's unyielding attitude to the harshest of bumps. The firmness is amplified by the 20-inch alloy wheels on all trims, leaving no room for error when it comes to avoiding potholes and ruts in the road - if you hit those, you'll feel it.
But in spite of the compromise in ride comfort, both the wheels and stiffer suspension yield favorable results when it comes to the overall feeling of the Passport. The steering doesn't ooze feedback, but there's a good amount of heft to the wheel and it responds keenly from just off-center without being overly sharp. Turn-in is quick, changes of direction are swift, and the Passport feels lighter and nimbler than its size and measurements on the scales might suggest. Additionally, the all-wheel drive system works fluently without feeling any heavier, making light of most driving situations and poor surfaces like mud and snow.
2019 Passport Interior
2019 Passport Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Honda Passport A Good SUV?
With a foundation in the already exemplary Honda Pilot, the Passport is a sure bet as one of the best five-seater midsize SUVs in the segment. With extensive standard safety features and high levels of specification like tri-zone climate control and LED headlights from the base trim, the only thing really missing is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is equipped from the EX-L trim onwards.
The Passport's 280-horsepower V6 is a true gem of a motor, and while others may offer better figures on paper, the Passport is one of the swiftest SUVs around. It pairs potent performance with endearing driving dynamics, while the choice between front- and all-wheel drive - both with terrain management - caters to a wide audience with varying requirements. The all-wheel drive derivative is particularly impressive, with a ground clearance of more than eight inches paired to multiple driving modes (snow, mud, etc) for impressive offroad capabilities for what is essentially a soft-roader.
But what seals the Passport's supremacy is the abundance of interior space, the high-quality materials and build, and the impressive ride composure and handling dynamics. A well-connected, great to drive SUV from Honda - well that's no surprise.
What Honda Passport Model Should I Buy?
A fully-loaded Elite model boasts a wonderful array of features, but it's pricey for what it gives you. The Sport trim, on the other hand, misses out on key items we feel are must-haves. For that reason we feel the EX-L is the pick of the range, giving buyers the choice between front- and all-wheel drive, equipping the standard safety of the Sport model, but adding blind spot monitoring as well as full smartphone integration via the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Heated and power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, extra USB ports, and satellite radio all add to the wholesomeness of the EX-L, while the price is still on the affordable side of things.
2019 Honda Passport Comparisons
2019 Honda Passport vs Chevrolet Blazer
Both the Blazer and the Passport resurrect historical nameplates in an attempt to dominate society's newfound love of crossovers, and both are new for 2019 providing exceptional driving dynamics that show the driver's car hasn't died with the crossover boom. The Blazer is the more powerful of the two with a 308-horsepower V6, but the differences in acceleration are negligible at best. Base Blazers get a smaller engine, however, which lacks power but just edges the Honda on gas mileage. The Blazer starts off about $3,000 cheaper than the Passport, but fully-specced it ends up a little pricier, while both offer high levels of safety and specification. Chevrolet's infotainment system is easier to use, while the Passport gives users a higher quality cabin. The Passport also gives buyers more cargo volume, and passengers will be marginally more comfortable in the Honda too. Both are fantastic new additions to the top of the crossover game, but the Honda just edges this contest.
2019 Honda Passport vs Honda CR-V
Even though the CR-V is technically in a smaller category than the Passport, it's a champion of practicality for something of such compact dimensions. It offers nearly as much cargo space as the Passport and provides rear passengers with even more legroom. The CR-V boasts a suitably upmarket cabin and an impressive features list, but the Passport boasts more features and greater safety levels. While the CR-V is more affordable, it gives buyers a potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine and compelling driving dynamics, but the Passport has more power, greater towing ability, and better offroad performance. It all comes down to requirements, but if adventure ( offroad excursions, towing, etc) is your game, the Passport is the one for you.