Nestled between the popular CR-V and the 8-passenger Pilot in Honda’s SUV pecking order, the mid-size 2019 Passport comes back after a 17-year hiatus as a completely new sport utility vehicle.
Aiming to convert mid-size crossover fans from other brands with its family-friendly yet adventure-ready disposition, the Passport offers more ground clearance than its Pilot sibling, as well as better approach and departure angles.
And although its tight suspension isn’t fazed by bumps and potholes, giving it a very truck-liked ride, the Passport is actually built on a reinforced unibody frame, the typical architecture of today’s sedans, coupes and light duty crossover utility vehicles.
Inside, seating for 5-passengers is roomy and comfortable, especially in our Elite model test car, where perforated leather seats can be heated or ventilated to one’s liking up front, while outboard rear seats offer heated functionality and plenty of legroom.
Amenities abound in this top-of-the-line trim which has a base MSRP of $43,680. In-vehicle audio and communication technologies include:
- 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
- 540-watt Premium Audio Sys. w/ 10 Speakers incl. Subwoofer
- Bluetooth Phone & Streaming Audio
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Integration
- Satellite-linked Navigation
Meanwhile, safety technology is plentiful with features that include:
- Backup Camera
- Rear Cross Traffic Monitoring
- Front & Rear Parking Sensors
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Power-Folding Side Mirrors
- Normal, Snow, Mud, Sand Drive Modes
Honda has outfitted the Passport with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, giving the 4237-pound utility vehicle ample horsepower and torque to get up to speed quickly and to tow as much as 5000 pounds.
The tradeoff of course is in fuel economy. Even with the Passport Elite’s admirable 9-speed transmission helping the cause, RPM News Weekly registered an average of 21.2 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving over the course of a week.
But there are other factors to consider in this utility vehicle’s favor. Overall handling and stability being foremost.
And of course, comfort and convenience are big players in any family-friendly utility vehicle.
In all of these areas, the Passport performs well.
Where the CR-V is the brand’s benchmark crossover, and the Pilot is its muscular three-row hauler, the 2019 Passport is definitively Honda’s all-new adventure SUV.
