2024 Honda Passport SUV

　　

2024 Honda Passport Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　Sandwiched between the best-selling CR-V compact crossover and the larger three-row Pilot, the 2024 Honda Passport is the proverbial middle child, inconspicuously crafting its identity in the shadow of its counterparts. That's a lot of pop psychology to say the five-passenger, two-row Passport is similar to both — roomy but nimble, rugged but polished — yet occupies its own niche. The revised-for-2024 TrailSport trim further helps the Passport stand out with its all-terrain tires and trail-tuned suspension. Honda says it has revised the TrailSport's tires and suspension this year to provide additional traction while off-roading.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Honda Passport EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$180/mo  for Passport EX-L

　　Passport EX-L

　　EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $41,900 MSRPTrailSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) - $44,500 MSRPBlack Edition 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $47,970 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Passport, CR-V or Pilot?

Passport. Just the word inspires a bit of whimsy and wanderlust. Honda's midsize SUV tries to inspire the feeling with more capability than its smaller CR-V counterpart, but with a more manageable size than the three-row Pilot family hauler. The Passport offers two rows and loads of cargo space, making it great for small families or couples with active travel or outdoor lifestyles. Standard all-wheel drive makes the Passport capable in dirt, snow or just bad weather, and the V6 engine, already a strong performer in the heavier Pilot, delivers ample power for the smaller Passport and helps it tow up to 5,000 pounds. It's also reasonably fuel-efficient at 21 mpg combined.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Subaru Outback is more adventure wagon than SUV. Standard all-wheel drive and a high ground clearance (a half-inch more than the Honda) gives the Outback plenty of go-anywhere fortitude. You could also check out the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. It offers nearly the same cargo space as the Passport and gets some significant improvements for 2024, such as a standard 12-inch center touchscreen. Other options include the upscale Jeep Grand Cherokee or rugged Toyota 4Runner.

　　

What’s it like to live with?

zzdcar added a Honda Passport to its long-term test fleet so we could get an in-depth ownership experience. Over the course of a full year, we learned what worked (versatility and cargo space) and what didn't (spoiler: infotainment and safety aids). You can read all about our experiences in our Honda Passport long-term test. Note that while we tested a 2019 model, most of our observations still apply for 2024.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Passport drive? The Passport excels in terms of the on-road driving experience. The standard V6 engine delivers punchy acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission shifts smoothly. The 0-60 mph run took 6.8 seconds in zzdcar' testing, which is among the quickest in the class. The Passport also exhibits better-than-average handling characteristics. Its nicely weighted steering helps the SUV feel responsive and light in turns.

　　But there is room for improvement. While the brakes offer a consistent feel and are easy to control in routine driving, the pedal exhibits a bit of squishiness under hard braking. There's also some nosedive that can make sudden stops feel a touch skittish.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Passport? The Passport is spacious and comfortable. Though the Passport has a slightly stiffer ride than the related Honda Pilot, its suspension controls large body motions and small bumps equally well. The front seats don't offer much bolstering, but they're wide and provide hours of comfort. The reclining rear seats are also quite comfortable.

　　We also like the Passport's quiet cabin; there's very little wind and tire noise. The tri-zone climate control system is effective, as are the heated and ventilated seats. The seats also remember your last setting on vehicle startup.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below