2019 Passport - Review

The 2019 model year welcomes the introduction of the Honda Passport. This is a 5 passenger, midsize SUV sharing the majority of its components with its bigger brother, the 3-row Pilot. Honda created the Passport to slip into a previously empty segment sitting between the compact CR-V and the larger Pilot. The Passport is for buyers that are looking for a larger SUV that don't have the need or desire to fit more than 5 people inside. The Passport cuts away 6 inches from the Pilots overall length while maintaining the same length in its wheelbase. This means the second row has the same accommodating space for individuals above six feet tall.

For the Passport to be a more distinctive SUV in Honda's lineup, and against its midsize competitors, the Passport is oriented towards greater off-road capability. With a slightly raised ride height and the body-cladding that surrounds the lower panels of the Passport, this SUV is built to tackle some light off-roading with enthusiasm. Additionally, the standard AWD system has torque vectoring ability meaning the Passport can instantly send power to whatever wheel has the most grip. Speaking of power, the Passport has only one powertrain configuration for the Canadian market. This features a 3.5L naturally-aspirated V6 with 280hp and 262lb/ft with Honda's 9-speed transmission that has been used previously in other products such as the Pilot and Odyssey minivan. Comparing the trim levels of the Passport and the Pilot is difficult due to the variations of the standard and optional equipment. Where the Pilot has six trim levels for the 2019 model year, the Passport has three.

The entry-level Sport trim of the Passport comes with attractive features like the heated front seats and heated steering wheel with HondaSensing. This is the suite of safety systems such as the Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Auto Lights, and Radar Assisted Cruise Control. Other trims of three Passport will have a power tailgate, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Collision Warning, heated rear outside seats and ventilated front seats.

There's much more to be discovered with Honda's latest SUV offering. So head over to Calgary Honda for an extended look and test drive the new Honda Passport.