2020 Honda Passport

The most affordable new Honda Passport is the Sport, which carries an MSRP of $31,990, excluding tax, licensing, registration, and the brand's destination charge of $1,095. Next are the two mid-range trims - the Honda Passport EX-L will cost you $36,410 and the Touring goes for $39,280. The top-spec Elite will require you to part with $43,780.

The first three trims are 2WD by default, but AWD is a $1,900 option on each. The range-topping Elite is only available with the AWD drivetrain.

Big. That's how we'd describe the Passport driving experience. By basing it on a three-row SUV platform, Honda has created a mid-sizer that feels large from behind the wheel. This will be great for drivers who feel more comfortable when they are at the helm of a massive cargo ship. Drivers who prefer a more nimble, car-like experience may be disappointed, especially when it comes time to park this big brute without an option for a bird's-eye camera system. On the road, the Passport exhibits a comfortable ride with minimal road noise, so it is great for long road trips. Honda also touts the Passport's off-road capability with several terrain modes but we didn't have the chance to get it dirty during our week of testing.

We still love Honda's VTEC V6, which delivers smooth yet brisk acceleration and a delightful engine note. The nine-speed transmission it's mated to is not perfect but it feels smarter than the last Acura MDX we tested. Honda has tuned the transmission to kick down more readily when the throttle is applied, though it can still get buried in too many gears when a quick burst of acceleration is needed. Placing the transmission into sport mode will force the transmission to hold gears longer, making it easier to perform quick passing maneuvers.

Honda has done a great job making Honda Sensing standard on all Passport trim levels but some of the technology doesn't feel like the company's best. The adaptive cruise control shuts off at low speeds (when we like to use it the most) and the lane keep assist does not provide as much steering intervention as some other Honda models we've tested.

The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most competitive on the market but Honda has entered the market smartly with the 2020 Honda Passport. It offers the most cargo space of any vehicle in the two-row portion of this segment and near-class leading passenger room on the inside. Honda's V6 offers more character than most engines in this segment and most of our qualms with the nine-speed automatic transmission seem to have been ironed out.

We wish the Passport's safety technology was a bit more advanced but seeing as it all comes standard across the range, we'll give Honda a pass for now. Buyers who don't enjoy driving a large SUV won't feel at home in the Passport but if you prefer the feel of having tons of metal surrounding you, this should be a better alternative to the less expensive American and Korean options for sale. The Honda Passport feels like a well-rounded option in a highly competitive space and we would have no trouble recommending it.

As with most Honda models, the mid-level EX-L trim is the one we recommend most. This trim level will keep you under the $40,000 mark for both front- and all-wheel-drive models while offering the strongest assortment of options. It includes features like leather, heated power-adjustable front seats, a power sunroof, power tailgate, blind spot monitoring, rear sunshades, and an upgraded eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. You'll miss out on a few niceties like ventilated seats, heated rear seats, and parking sensors, but you'll save about $5,000 compared to a fully-loaded Passport.

Despite being larger and offering a 7-seater and 8-seater configuration with a 3rd-row of seating, the Pilot's pricing actually starts at just below the base Passport Sport. Both of these are superb SUVs with the same competent V6 engine, smartly trimmed and spacious cabins, and loads of features across the range. If you don't need the extra seating capacity, the Passport has even more second-row legroom than the Pilot, although both have expansive cargo areas. The Passport is also a little faster as it carries less weight, but the Pilot rides more smoothly. There's a more extensive range of trims for the Pilot, and the Elite model has features like second-row captain's chairs and a panoramic roof which you can't get on the Passport. For more rugged use, the Passport's better ground clearance is preferable. Still, you can't go wrong with either of these SUVs from Honda.

Another excellent alternative from Honda itself shows just how competitive the brand is in the SUV segment. As a car priced lower than the Passport (starting at just over $25,000 for the base model), the CR-V is smaller, yet cargo capacity is only slightly below the Passport - both have excellent trunk sizes and loads of room for all occupants. For the best fuel economy, you'll want to choose the CR-V because its smaller turbocharged engine can manage a combined 30 mpg (about eight miles-per-gallon more than the Passport), but of course, the Passport's V6 has nearly 100 more horsepower and is the much better option if you'll be towing anything. If cost is a secondary concern, we'd happily recommend going for the Passport with its better engine and added features, but the CR-V is also a brilliantly well-rounded SUV.