2024 Honda Passport Review: Honda’s No-Nonsense Mid-Size SUV

The mid-size SUV segment is packed with options, but few strike the balance between rugged capability and everyday usability as effectively as the 2024 Honda Passport. Positioned between the compact CR-V and the larger Pilot in Honda’s lineup, the Passport is tailored to families and adventurers who don’t necessarily need three rows of seating but want an SUV that can handle both urban and off-road environments.

In this detailed review, we’ll explore every facet of the 2024 Passport, from its design and performance to how it compares with its own sibling, the Honda Pilot, which presents a compelling alternative. We’ll also highlight key features, pros and cons, and why the Passport may (or may not) be the best option for you in the highly competitive SUV market. Using EEAT (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) principles for SEO, this review aims to provide valuable insights that help you make an informed buying decision.

Key Specifications of the 2024 Honda Passport

Before diving into the in-depth analysis, let’s take a look at the key specifications of the 2024 Honda Passport, which provides a solid foundation for understanding what this SUV brings to the table.

Exterior Design: Rugged Yet Refined

The 2024 Honda Passport maintains a bold, rugged exterior that suggests it’s built for off-road adventures, yet its overall styling remains modern and refined. The front fascia is dominated by a large grille with sharp LED headlights that provide excellent visibility in both daytime and nighttime driving conditions. The TrailSport trim introduces a more aggressive stance with its all-terrain tires and blacked-out elements, enhancing the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.

High Load Floor: A Drawback in Practicality

One of the key design features (or drawbacks) of the Passport is its high load floor. While the Passport offers 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, the high floor reduces the overall practicality for loading larger items. In vehicles like the Honda Pilot, the load floor sits lower, making it easier to load and unload cargo. This is an important consideration if you frequently carry heavy or bulky items.

Additionally, there’s a storage compartment under the floor, but accessing it can feel cumbersome. The mechanism requires you to unlock and remove a panel, revealing the spare tire next to the speaker system. While this setup may save space, it feels like you’re disassembling part of the car, and it ultimately compromises the potential for a third-row seat, which some buyers might expect in a vehicle of this size.

No Rear Bumper: A Cause for Concern

A notable concern is the lack of a prominent rear bumper. Unlike many other SUVs that offer some degree of rear protection in the form of a bumper that sticks out, the Passport’s back door is directly exposed to potential damage. In tight parking situations or during minor bumps, this design flaw could lead to costly repairs, as even a small impact could damage the rear door. A slightly more robust bumper design would have been a welcome addition, providing better protection against everyday parking mishaps.

Interior Design: Simplicity Over Flash

The interior of the 2024 Honda Passport is a breath of fresh air for those who prefer simplicity over the overly complicated interiors of some modern SUVs. Honda has taken a minimalist approach, focusing on functionality and ease of use. While the Passport doesn’t have the high-end luxury materials you might find in premium SUVs, it makes up for it with a straightforward design that doesn’t try to impress you with unnecessary gadgets.

Infotainment and Controls: Easy to Use, Dated but Functional

At the center of the dashboard, the infotainment system is well-placed and straightforward. It’s not the flashiest system on the market, and it does show its age, especially when compared to competitors with massive, tablet-like displays. However, what it lacks in modern design, it makes up for in ease of use. The touchscreen is responsive, and most drivers will appreciate that physical buttons are still present for the HVAC system and radio controls.

Many modern vehicles have replaced physical controls with touchscreen interfaces, but Honda wisely keeps things simple in the Passport. The physical HVAC controls are intuitive and can be operated without taking your eyes off the road, a feature often overlooked in today’s tech-heavy interiors. This approach keeps the cabin clutter-free, and there’s no need to navigate through layers of menus to adjust something as simple as the fan speed.

Button Shifter: A Quirky but Acceptable Alternative

The button shifter in the Passport is an alternative to traditional gear levers or even rotary dials, and while it may take some getting used to, it’s relatively simple to operate. Some drivers may not be fans of this design, preferring a more tactile gear lever, but the button shifter helps save space in the center console. Plus, it’s part of the design linked to the ZF transmission, a transmission that’s well-regarded in the automotive industry for its smooth and responsive shifts.

Second-Row Comfort: Spacious and Practical

The second-row seating in the 2024 Honda Passport is impressive for a mid-size SUV. Even with a sunroof, which typically reduces headroom, taller passengers will find more than enough space to sit comfortably. There’s plenty of legroom for adults, and the transmission hump—a feature that often disrupts comfort in the middle seat—is practically nonexistent in the Passport, allowing three adults to sit comfortably side-by-side.

Rear Passenger Amenities

In addition to comfortable seating, the Passport offers thoughtful touches for rear passengers:

• Sunshade: The built-in sunshade in the second row is a nice feature, especially for families with kids, protecting them from harsh sunlight.
• USB-C Ports and Power Outlets: The second-row passengers have access to USB-C charging ports and even a household power outlet, which is great for charging larger devices.
• AC Vents: While the Passport doesn’t offer a separate climate control zone for the rear passengers, the presence of AC vents ensures that the airflow is evenly distributed.

Performance: Smooth, Comfortable, and Capable

The 2024 Honda Passport is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides enough power for the Passport to handle most driving scenarios, from highway cruising to light off-roading. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the Passport offers smooth and responsive gear shifts, although it’s not particularly sporty.

Ride Quality: Comfortable but Noisy in TrailSport Trim

In terms of ride quality, the Passport excels in delivering a smooth, refined experience—particularly on the highway. However, the TrailSport trim, with its all-terrain tires, introduces noticeable road noise, especially on paved surfaces. The tires emit a low hum, which may be a trade-off for those who want extra off-road capability. For those who prioritize a quieter ride, opting for a non-TrailSport trim may be a better choice.

Off-Road Capability: TrailSport Trim Features

The TrailSport trim is the most rugged version of the Passport, designed for light off-road adventures. Equipped with mud tires and enhanced ground clearance, this trim can handle unpaved roads and rough terrain with ease. However, the off-road focus does come at the expense of everyday comfort, as the tires produce more noise and the ride feels stiffer compared to the standard trims.

Towing Capacity and AWD System

For those who need to tow, the Passport offers a respectable 5,000 lbs towing capacity, which is enough for towing small trailers, boats, or ATVs. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system provides additional confidence when driving in adverse weather conditions or on slippery surfaces, but it’s not intended for serious rock-crawling or heavy off-roading.

Fuel Efficiency: Adequate for the Segment

The fuel efficiency of the 2024 Honda Passport is adequate but not exceptional. It offers 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, which is standard for a mid-size SUV powered by a V6 engine. These figures are respectable but fall short compared to more fuel-efficient, hybrid-powered competitors. If long-term fuel costs are a concern, the Passport’s fuel economy may be a consideration against its purchase.

Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot: Sibling Rivalry

One of the biggest challenges for the Passport is its internal competition: the Honda Pilot. While the Passport is designed as a two-row SUV for those who don’t need extra seating, the Pilot offers a more versatile package with a third row and a lower starting price. This raises the question: Why buy the Passport when the Pilot offers more for less?

Price Comparison: Pilot is Cheaper

Surprisingly, the Honda Pilot starts at a lower price point than the Passport. The base model of the Pilot is priced at $39,900, while the Passport starts at $42,400. For a more affordable price, the Pilot offers an additional row of seats, making it a more practical option for families.

More Modern Engine and Better Fuel Economy

The Honda Pilot also offers a more modern engine and better fuel economy, particularly on the highway. The Pilot’s updated V6 engine is more efficient, offering better mileage while still delivering strong performance. If you’re looking for a vehicle that provides more space and better efficiency, the Pilot becomes a compelling alternative.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2024 Honda Passport Worth It?

The 2024 Honda Passport is an excellent SUV for those who value simplicity, reliability, and comfort. It’s well-built, offers a smooth ride, and provides a no-nonsense interior that focuses on functionality rather than gimmicks. However, its high starting price and internal competition from the Honda Pilot may give some buyers pause.

Pros:

• Rugged design suitable for light off-roading
• Spacious second-row seating with ample legroom and headroom
• User-friendly controls with physical buttons for important functions
• Reliable V6 engine with good towing capacity

Cons:

• High load floor reduces cargo space practicality
• No third-row seating, unlike the cheaper Pilot
• Road noise in TrailSport trim due to all-terrain tires
• Higher starting price than the Pilot, with fewer features

In conclusion, the 2024 Honda Passport is a solid choice for those who prefer a mid-size SUV without the need for a third row of seats. However, for buyers seeking more versatility and better fuel economy, the Honda Pilot offers a more well-rounded package at a lower cost.

For families, adventure seekers, and daily commuters alike, the Passport remains a reliable and well-built SUV, but its own sibling may outshine it in terms of value.