Used 2023 Honda Passport

Based on the 3-row Honda Pilot midsize SUV, the Passport offers the same kind of reliability and refinement for a maximum of five occupants.

However, those who have decided that two kids is a more workable approach to life — or perhaps buyers who just like the heft and elevated driving position of a midsize SUV, and have fewer familial responsibilities — should definitely check out the 2023 Passport.

It comes into this year with barely any changes, although the EX-L receives all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, which was a popular option anyway. The TrailSport model is more of a cosmetic treatment than any kind of off-roading specialist variant. But all three Passport versions have great on-road manners.

We like driving the Honda Passport. We don’t love it, but we like it. Chances are most people will feel the same.

The V6 engine is smooth yet strong, the steering is light yet precise, and the ride quality is comfortable yet contained. Honda does this efficient and effective stuff extremely well. This is everything anyone could reasonably demand from a midsize SUV.

The Passport is meant to have a little more off-road ability than its Pilot stablemate. Ground clearance is 8.1 inches — almost an inch higher than the Pilot, and about the same as its rivals. Not even the TrailSport version raises that stake. As long as the terrain isn’t too demanding, the Passport (now with all-wheel drive as standard throughout) should make it across. The Toyota 4Runner is renowned for its off-road talent, but isn’t as refined on tarmac as the Passport.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of midsize SUVs, including this Honda Passport.

The Honda Passport belongs to a subset of midsize SUVs that have just two rows of seating, as opposed to three in vehicles like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride. So this is a 5-seater.

It’s a Honda, so build quality is good and the materials are all perfectly acceptable. There are plenty of stowage areas, including a large cubby in the center console. And all the doors open nice and wide.

With 39.6 inches of rear legroom, adults can sit in the back and not feel cramped. Cargo space runs from a massive 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats to 77.7 cubic feet when those seats are folded — as good as it gets for this class.

Infotainment system
Every new Passport SUV comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

All-wheel drive
Now standard in the most affordable 2023 Passport, this system includes settings for Snow, Sand, and Mud — adjusting things like traction control, throttle response, and gear-change points to suit the conditions.

Leather
The L in EX-L means leather seating surfaces, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It’s not common for the least expensive trim to be so well-appointed. Equip a rival to the same specs and the differences in pricing would be minimal.

Wireless charging
Yet another standard feature in the 2023 Passport 2-row midsize SUV, allowing occupants to charge their smartphones without having to plug in a cable.

Powered tailgate
Hands-free operation doesn’t come in until the top Elite version, but just having a powered tailgate feels quite luxurious for the two lower trims.

Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock
This system detects the key’s proximity and unlocks or locks the 2023 Passport automatically, great for those “I can’t remember clicking the button” moments. It’s standard in the two higher trims.

Some rivals start out with a 4-cylinder engine. The 2023 Passport goes straight for a 3.5-liter V6. It’s a refined unit making 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and running on regular gasoline. Acquiring the same muscle in a Hyundai Santa Fe, for example, means buying one of the top two trims.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is now standard in all three 2023 Passport SUV variants, along with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is what the majority of midsize SUVs can handle.

3.5-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
262 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24 mpg

More Honda Passport fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Honda’s new-vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These are typical for the non-luxury sector. Honda also includes two years or 24,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.