The Honda Passport nameplate has been around for more than 30 years, spanning four model generations. The two most recent versions fill the gap between the compact CR-V and the three-row Pilot as practical, powerful crossover SUVs that blend everyday usability with weekend adventure capability. As unibody vehicles sharing a platform with the Pilot, they offer a comfortable ride, generous cargo space, and Honda's reputation for reliability — all in a package that's easier to maneuver than its larger sibling.
The two earlier Passport models, on sale between 1993 and 2002, were less sophisticated and essentially rebadged Isuzu Rodeos. Today's Passport competes in the two-row midsize SUV segment against vehicles such as the Chevrolet Blazer, the Ford Edge (now discontinued), the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Nissan Murano. When equipped with the TrailSport trim, the Honda also draws comparisons to more rugged offerings such as the Toyota 4Runner. The current Passport can tow up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) and seats five comfortably, making it well worth a test drive for buyers who don't need a third row but want more space and capability than a compact crossover provides.
Honda Passport Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Honda Passport years are the best?
The all-new 2026 Passport represents a significant leap forward with its rugged redesign, improved off-road capability, and updated interior technology. If a new fourth-generation model is out of budget, buyers should look for 2022-2025 models from the refreshed third generation, which brought updated styling, a more tepid version of the TrailSport trim, and improved standard equipment. The 2024-2025 TrailSport models are particularly compelling, as Honda added genuine off-road hardware including an upgraded suspension and all-terrain tires.
Which Honda Passport years are the worst?
The 2019-2021 models are worth avoiding. While mechanically sound, these early third-generation Passports had a dated front end, fewer standard features, and some owners reported infotainment issues. The 2019-2020 models in particular had less standard equipment, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren't standard on all trims until 2021.
Is a used Honda Passport a good deal?
Yes. Across recent model years, used Passports list on CarGurus start at around $25,000 for older examples and exceeding $60,000 for recent low-kilometre models. For a vehicle that starts just above $60,000 new, there's solid value in the used market. Honda's strong reputation for reliability and the Passport's broad appeal help it hold its value better than many competitors, but this also means you won't find the same deep discounts as with some rivals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent cargo space for a two-row SUV
- Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value
- TrailSport offers genuine off-road capability
Cons:
- Fuel economy trails some competitors; no hybrid option
- Third-generation infotainment system felt dated
- Higher price point than some rivals
Honda Passport Generations
Honda Passport Fourth Generation (2026-Present)
The 2026 Passport represents a comprehensive redesign that transforms Honda's two-row SUV from a mild-mannered crossover into a genuinely rugged adventure vehicle. Honda has positioned the new Passport as a competitor to Toyota’s longstanding 4Runner SUV. While the Toyota’s off-road capabilities exceed those of this Passport, it’s still a compelling model that will suit the actual use case of most buyers.
The 2026 Passport rides on a longer wheelbase with a wider track, resulting in more than three centimetres of additional rear-seat legroom and a larger cargo area compared with the previous generation. Ground clearance increases to 21 centimetres (up from 20.5 cm), and a shorter front overhang improves the approach angle for off-road driving. The chassis is significantly stiffer, and the suspension has been upgraded across all trims.
The 3.5-litre V6 returns with a modest power bump to 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque (up 5 hp from before). More important is the new 10-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous 9-speed unit, bringing smoother shifts and better efficiency.
In our testing, we liked the V6's raw power and easy acceleration, especially in an age of wheezing turbocharged four-cylinder rivals or fuel-sipping hybrids. But owners will pay for this at the pump, as the Passport is thirstier than most competitors.
Fuel economy is rated at 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.4 combined. Our assessment revealed those numbers to be spot-on; in nearly 1,000 kilometres of testing, we averaged 11.7 L/100 km combined.
As before, all Canadian models come standard with Honda's second-generation i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Towing capacity remains at 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds).
Inside, this latest Passport gets a complete overhaul with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Honda listened to customer feedback and retained physical buttons and knobs for climate and volume controls, which we heartily endorse.
Standard equipment includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, and the full Honda Sensing suite of safety features. We also like the flat floor in the rear seats, allowing for three adults to ride back there without it feeling like a penalty box. Another plus is the hearty build quality, and the Passport certainly punches above its weight in terms of refinement and comfort.
In Canada, all Passport trims are derivatives of the TrailSport trim as of 2026. The line-up consists of the base TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Touring, and TrailSport Touring Blackout trims.
The Passport comes with genuine off-road hardware including all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, steel skid plates, high-visibility recovery hooks, a trailer hitch with a seven-pin connector, amber daytime running lights, and rugged styling elements. The Passport TrailSport Touring trims add premium features such as ventilated front seats, rear climate controls, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system with a subwoofer.
Base MSRPs for the 2026 Passport start at $60,136 for the TrailSport including destination charges and fees and $63,686 for the TrailSport Touring. Blackout packages add $1,200 to each trim.
At the time of writing, a very small number of used 2026 Honda Passports had reached dealerships, with those available showing a small saving on the MSRP when new.
Honda Passport Third Generation (2019-2025)
After a 17-year absence, Honda revived the Passport nameplate in 2019 as an all-new two-row crossover SUV. Unlike its Isuzu-based predecessor, this third-generation Passport was designed in the United States and built at Honda's Alabama plant alongside the Pilot. It was essentially a shortened version of the third-generation Pilot, losing roughly 15 centimetres of overall length (all from behind the rear wheels) and the third-row seating. This created a vehicle with a sportier profile, better departure angles, and slightly more ground clearance than the Pilot.
The 2019 Passport debuted with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Honda's i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system was standard in Canada. Ground clearance measured 20.5 centimetres. The Intelligent Traction Management system offered selectable drive modes for Normal, Sand, Snow, and Mud conditions. Towing capacity was rated at 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) when properly equipped.
Initial trim levels in Canada included Sport, EX-L, and Touring. Standard equipment was generous even on base models, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and Honda Sensing safety features. The Elite trim added features such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a hands-free power tailgate.
Cargo space was a strong suit, with 1,430 litres behind the second row and 2,852 litres with the rear seats folded. Both figures were competitive or class-leading at launch. Clever under-floor storage compartments added versatility for organizing smaller items.
Honda gave the Passport a substantial mid-cycle update for 2022 with new styling from the windshield forward, adopting the more truck-like front end styling of the Ridgeline pickup. The refresh introduced the Honda Passport TrailSport trim, the first in what would become a series of adventure-focused Hondas. However, the initial TrailSport was primarily an appearance package with orange stitching accents, unique badging, and 18-inch wheels with rugged-style all-season tires. It lacked the upgraded suspension specs or all-terrain tires that came later. The EX-L trim was discontinued, simplifying the lineup to Sport, TrailSport, and Touring.
Honda made more meaningful changes to the TrailSport for 2024, finally giving it genuine off-road hardware. The TrailSport received an off-road-tuned suspension with revised spring rates, altered damper tuning, and upgraded stabilizer bars. All-terrain tires replaced the previous all-season rubber. A new Diffused Sky Blue colour exclusive to TrailSport added visual distinction. Inside, all 2024 Passports gained a wider centre console with more storage and a larger armrest — addressing a common complaint about the previous narrow console design. The Black Edition replaced the Touring as the top trim, featuring gloss-black exterior accents (including ‘blackout’ treatments for the headlight trim and fog lights) and red interior highlights.
There were no significant changes for the final year of the third generation, as Honda prepared for the complete redesign launching as the 2026 model.
Throughout the third generation, the Passport earned generally positive reviews for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and strong V6 powertrain. Criticisms typically focused on the dated infotainment system (the 8-inch touchscreen felt small compared to competitors' larger displays), the lack of a hybrid option, and — until 2024 — the TrailSport's styling-over-substance approach to off-road capability.
Reliability for the third-generation Passport has generally been good, consistent with Honda's reputation, and RepairPal gives it a 4.5 out of 5 reliability rating. Common owner complaints have included occasional infotainment glitches, minor transmission hesitation, and some wind noise at highway speeds. Honda issued several recalls affecting various model years, including issues with fuel filler components and rearview camera systems, most addressed under warranty. Consumer Reports and J.D. Power surveys have shown the Passport performing at or above average for the segment.
Average list prices on CarGurus.ca for 2019-2025 Honda Passport models ranged from approximately $25,000 for high-kilometre 2019 examples to more than $50,000 for low-kilometre 2024-2025 TrailSport and Black Edition models at the time of writing. The sweet spot for value appears to be 2022-2023 models, which benefit from the refreshed styling and improved standard equipment while offering meaningful depreciation from new.
Honda Passport Second Generation (1998-2002)
The second-generation Honda Passport continued to be based on an Isuzu Rodeo. This model featured a shorter wheelbase than the first, but it had a long body and more aerodynamic styling. The four-cylinder engine was discontinued, making the 3.2-litre V6 standard across all models. Output increased to 205 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque and anti-lock brakes and rack-and-pinion steering became standard equipment.
Honda discontinued the Passport in 2002 as the brand's partnership with Isuzu wound down. The Honda Pilot, an all-new Honda-designed unibody crossover, arrived for 2003 as a direct replacement, establishing the template for Honda's modern SUV lineup.
If you’re determined to own a second-generation Honda Passport, you’ll need to look to the United States, and these models are now few and far between even there. There were too few for sale to give us an accurate idea of pricing during our research. Frame rust issues led to recalls affecting 1998-2002 models, and parts availability is limited. They represent a historical footnote rather than a viable used car option.
Honda Passport First Generation (1994-1997)
The original Honda Passport has nothing in common with today's model beyond the name. It was a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, produced as part of a partnership between Honda and Isuzu during the 1990s SUV boom. Built at Subaru-Isuzu Automotive's plant in Lafayette, Indiana, the Passport allowed Honda to quickly enter the SUV market without developing an all-new platform.
Base models featured a 2.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower with a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Higher trims came with a 3.2-litre V6 making 175 horsepower, with an available four-speed automatic transmission and optional four-wheel drive. The Passport competed against other truck-based SUVs of the era such as the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Cherokee.
You’ll need to look to the U.S. market if you want to own a first-generation Passport, but very few first-generation Honda Passports remain available even there. Those that are still roadworthy should be cheap since they're not likely to become collectible models.
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