2022 Honda Passport now has a bolder front end, thanks to a chunkier grille and squarer proportions, and its front and rear bumpers look more rugged. The new TrailSport model takes the off-road-inspired vibe even further with an exclusive 18-inch wheel-and-tire combo.
Plus, it has slightly wider front and rear tracks that Honda says improve stability. The rest of the lineup has more subtle updates that include a newly standard rear-seat reminder, and the EX-L trim now has contrast stitching on its leather-appointed seats.
As with the Honda Ridgeline, the 2022 Honda Passport can now be equipped with the Honda Performance Development (HDP) appearance package, which includes a unique grille, black fender flares, specific wheels, and an HDP graphic on the rear fenders.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood are the same 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission as found in the Pilot. Those who want the all-terrain capability of all-wheel drive can add it for extra coins; otherwise, the Passport is front-wheel drive.
The SUV boasts 7.5 inches of ground clearance (8.1 inches for all-wheel-drive models), and the Passport can tow up to 5000 pounds. However, the two-row Honda has a rough ride when it does venture off-road, and its high ride height contributes to a top-heavy demeanor.
Still, the 2022 Honda Passport was quick in our testing, and it dutifully accelerates on the highway. The ride is comfortable on most roads, and the steering is pleasingly direct, which makes the Passport feel nimble.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With a single-engine choice and either front- or all-wheel drive, the Passport has two different EPA estimates. The front-drive model is expected to earn up to 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
A Passport with all-wheel drive does a little worse, with ratings of 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. We tested the latter on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, where it exceeded its highway rating by 3 mpg. For more information about the Passport’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Anyone who has experienced the interior of the Ridgeline will be instantly familiar with the Passport’s cabin. Despite an unremarkable design, the materials are attractive enough and the controls are nicely organized—although we’d like more knobs and buttons instead of touchscreen controls.
The front seats are wide and comfortable, with a handy armrest that can be adjusted for optimal comfort. The back seat is also roomy and allows the Passport to transport up to five people.
There’s 41 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seat, which held 15 of our carry-on suitcases. Folding that row unlocks 78 cubes of room and the capacity to carry 33 bags total. Interior cubby storage, in general, is great thanks to useful bins throughout the cabin and a huge center console bin.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every model has a host of driver-assistance technology, such as forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. However, the base model isn’t available with blind-spot monitoring. For more information about the Passport’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every model has a host of driver-assistance technology, such as forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. However, the base model isn’t available with blind-spot monitoring. For more information about the Passport’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
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