Upon reflection, the inception of the Passport concept appears as a straightforward and logical endeavor. The idea was to distill the finest attributes from Honda’s acclaimed SUV crossovers, namely the compact Honda CR-V and the three-row Honda Pilot, and converge them into a midsize configuration infused with a hint more off-road capability than either source model. This synthesis culminates in the form of the 2023 Honda Passport, now embarking on its fourth year of production (excluding the Passport of the late 1990s, which bore the same emblem as an Isuzu variant).
Evident touches from the Pilot abound: the commanding V6 performance, a spacious cabin layout, an intuitively designed tech interface, and a notably expansive cargo hold. Meanwhile, the CR-V’s influence is discernible through agile handling dynamics and a steering feel that resonates with a sense of natural responsiveness. Accompanying these features, the Passport integrates a comprehensive infotainment system and a generous selection of driver safety features that are standard across nearly all contemporary Honda models.
Regrettably, the Passport does not match the fuel efficiency of its smaller crossover counterpart. In fact, it even falls slightly short in efficiency when juxtaposed with its larger counterpart, the Pilot. This divergence could possibly be attributed to the need for certain concessions to enhance its modest off-road prowess. While it aligns with rivals featuring V6 engines, such as the Chevrolet Blazer, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, it lags behind the Nissan Murano.
Only adversaries endowed with turbocharged four-cylinder engines can lay claim to a distinct fuel economy advantage. However, it’s important to note that none can rival the Passport’s seamless V6 power delivery or the abundant interior space that positions it as a premier midsize all-rounder.