2021 Honda Passport Review
2021 Honda Passport Review
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The Honda Passport is one of the most versatile SUVs on the market. It exudes an athletic character from both a design and performance standpoint, but it also delivers a comfortable ride, plenty of cargo space, and decent fuel economy. It also comes with a good number of standard features, excellent smartphone integration and plentiful interior storage.
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2021 Honda Passport Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
- Spacious interior with lots of passenger space
- Comfortable front seats
- Many clever storage compartments
Cons
- Adaptive cruise control is only available over 20 mph
- Driver's seat might be positioned a little high for some people
What's new
- All trims now have the 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment
- Part of the third Passport generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The best way to think of the 2021 Honda Passport is a Honda Pilot without the third row of seats. It's a bit easier to maneuver than the Pilot and offers more interior space than the smaller Honda CR-V. With both the Pilot and CR-V holding very favorable spots in their respective classes, it's no surprise the Passport is also a great pick.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Honda Passport Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$197/mo for Passport Sport
Passport Sport
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
The Honda Passport's combination of spaciousness, comfort and convenience allows it to slightly outrank other midsize SUVs that include the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Toyota Venza and Hyundai Santa Fe. However, the scoring is pretty close. Check out our in-depth Expert Rating to help you decide if the Passport is for you.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds tested a Passport for a year and more than 20,000 miles. We liked it for its long-distance comfort and convenience features, but were unimpressed with the infotainment system and advanced safety feature tuning. For more about our experience with the Passport, check out our long-term test logbook. Note that we tested a 2019 model, but the 2021 Passport is largely unchanged, so our observations still apply.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Great
8.1
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Honda Passport is one of the most versatile SUVs on the market. It exudes an athletic character from both a design and performance standpoint, but it also delivers a comfortable ride, plenty of cargo space, and decent fuel economy. It also comes with a good number of standard features, excellent smartphone integration and plentiful interior storage.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
8.0/10
How does the Passport drive? The Passport excels in terms of the on-road driving experience. The standard V6 engine delivers punchy acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission shifts smoothly. The 0-60 mph run took 6.8 seconds in Edmunds testing, which is among the quickest in the class. The Passport also exhibits better-than-average handling characteristics. Its nicely weighted steering helps the SUV feel responsive and light in turns.
But there is room for improvement. While the brakes offer a consistent feel and are easy to modulate in routine driving, the pedal exhibits a bit of squishiness under hard braking. There's also some nosedive that can make sudden stops feel a touch skittish.
But there is room for improvement. While the brakes offer a consistent feel and are easy to modulate in routine driving, the pedal exhibits a bit of squishiness under hard braking. There's also some nosedive that can make sudden stops feel a touch skittish.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the Passport? The Passport is spacious and comfortable. Though the Passport has a slightly stiffer ride than the related Honda Pilot, its suspension controls large body motions and small bumps equally well. The front seats don't have a whole lot of bolstering to them, but they're wide and provide hours of comfort. The reclining rear seats are also quite comfortable.
We also like the Passport's quiet cabin; there's very little wind and tire noise. The tri-zone climate control system is effective, as are the heated and ventilated seats (which remember your last setting on vehicle startup).
We also like the Passport's quiet cabin; there's very little wind and tire noise. The tri-zone climate control system is effective, as are the heated and ventilated seats (which remember your last setting on vehicle startup).
Interior
8.0/10
How’s the interior? The Passport's cabin is well designed. Head- and legroom are abundant all around, and three adults can sit in the back with minimal discomfort. The Passport sits a little higher than competitors, which might hamper entry and exit for shorter passengers, but the sizable door openings help reduce this difficulty. Outward visibility is excellent in all directions.
The responsive and vibrant touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use. Having knobs and buttons for other controls and functions is a good thing. The unique push-button-style shifter saves space but takes some getting used to.
The responsive and vibrant touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use. Having knobs and buttons for other controls and functions is a good thing. The unique push-button-style shifter saves space but takes some getting used to.
Technology
8.0/10
How’s the tech? The Passport is packed with most of the modern technology features you'd want. The upgraded audio system — available on Touring and Elite levels — sounds great and fills the cabin space well. The navigation system responds quickly to pinch and swipe gestures for easy map zoom and rotation. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration comes standard on every Passport.
Most of today's advanced safety systems are represented, and almost all are standard. But not all work seamlessly. The adaptive cruise control system, in particular, is troublesome because it only works above 20 mph. As such, it's not very useful in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Most of today's advanced safety systems are represented, and almost all are standard. But not all work seamlessly. The adaptive cruise control system, in particular, is troublesome because it only works above 20 mph. As such, it's not very useful in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? The Passport's 41.2 cubic feet behind the second row is a large amount of space. Fold down the rear seats and you'll have 77.9 cubic feet. (Note that due to different measuring standards, you might also see Honda list 50.5 and 100.7 cubic feet, respectively.) The load height, however, is a bit high. As for child safety seats, there's enough room for the installation of even bulky rear-facing seats. Car seat anchors are easily accessible.
Small-item storage includes large door pockets, a clever space in the center console, and an abundance of shelves and cubbies throughout the cabin. The AWD model's 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity is average for the segment. Front-wheel-drive models are limited to 3,500 pounds.
Small-item storage includes large door pockets, a clever space in the center console, and an abundance of shelves and cubbies throughout the cabin. The AWD model's 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity is average for the segment. Front-wheel-drive models are limited to 3,500 pounds.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the AWD Passport gets 21 mpg combined (19 city/24 highway), which is about midpack for midsize SUVs. On our 115-mile testing route, we averaged about 22 mpg, which is in line with EPA estimates.
Value
8.0/10
Is the Passport a good value? The Passport's pricing is typical for the class, but exceptional materials and assembly quality, a spacious interior, and a comfortable ride make it feel like a bargain. The cabin's soft-touch plastics on the dash, combined with high-gloss black trim and matte-finish secondary controls, look and feel good. The panel gaps are small and even.
Basic warranty coverage and roadside assistance are offered for three years/36,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for five years/60,000 miles. All are average for the class.
Basic warranty coverage and roadside assistance are offered for three years/36,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for five years/60,000 miles. All are average for the class.
Wildcard
8.0/10
Like its three-row Pilot sibling, the Passport is a versatile and well-rounded SUV. It has a great combination of power and comfort, and its handling is gratifying. The Passport is also the best-looking of the Honda SUV bunch thanks to its more aggressive fascia and athletic stance.
Which Passport does Edmunds recommend?
For our money, we pick the Passport in EX-L trim. It adds a fair amount of convenience features for a reasonable amount of money. The higher trims add only a handful of items and are rather expensive by comparison.
2021 Honda Passport models
The 2021 Honda Passport is offered in four trim levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring and Elite. Powering all of these is a 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque) paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available as an option and included with the Elite trim.
The base Sport model starts the features list with:
- LED headlights
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- 60/40-split rear bench
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Seven-speaker audio system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Advanced safety features that include:
- Lane keeping assist (steers the Passport back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Forward collision mitigation (applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision)
Stepping up to the EX-L adds several convenience items that include:
- Power liftgate
- Sunroof
- Power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings
- Heated, power-adjustable front seats
- Leather upholstery
- Rear USB ports
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
The Touring trim adds a few niceties that include:
- Hands-free liftgate
- Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)
- Heated rear seats
- 10-speaker sound system
- Navigation system
The Elite trim tops off the list with:
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Wireless charging pad
Toyota Camry vs. Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata: Hybrid Sedan Head-to-Head
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#1 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Honda Passport from 2008-2022.$391/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.14x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).5.4%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Honda Passport.
5 star(66%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(3%)
61 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Just right
Agent22Smith, 12/21/2020
2021 Honda Passport EX-L 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Like Goldilocks, I wanted a vehicle that was "just right". One in which I could fit a lot of gear in a coverable cargo area. Three row vehicles have small coverable areas and once the 3rd row is dropped, the area isn't fully. Our Mazda CX-5 is terrific, but it doesn't easily accommodate multiple sets of golf clubs plus luggage. Since we never have a need for a 3rd passenger row, I … limited my search to the Passport; Santa Fe; Outback; and Edge. Ruled out the Edge because of bad memories of prior Fords and lousy resale value. Drove the Outback, and I preferred the driving experience of the Mazda 3 hatchback I was trading in. Then drove the Passport and never bothered with the Santa Fe, which requires a big step in cost to get an engine with sufficient power. The Passport EX-L has everything we wanted and more in terms of options. The front seats are super-comfortable; rear seats have some adjustability and flip down with the touch of a button. The engine in Normal mode is highly responsive, throwing me back in the seat when I tromped on the gas at 50mph. Ride is exceptional, and it is very quiet. All the tech bells and whistles come with it, and the interface is intuitive. Push-button transmission takes some getting used to but works great. Cargo space behind the rear seats provides room for 4 sets of golf clubs - and then some. Overall MPG is 23 on recommended unleaded, mostly rural roads @40-60mph. It's a big vehicle, but not unwieldy, as it fits into normal parking places.
UPDATE: I have owned my 2021 Passport EX-L for nearly 2 years and driven it 19,000 miles. It has delivered flawless service, and averages 26 mpg on 87 octane in a semi-rural environment. Loves: spacious and comfortable seating for front and rear seat passengers; excellent ride on paved or gravel surfaces; quiet; nice sound system; plenty of storage and luggage capacity; good handling; comprehensive technology package that allows some annoying features to be turned off. Dislikes: push-button transmission; automatic braking system that can over-react; no rain gutter for doors means you and the interior part of the door get wet upon opening.
5 out of 5 stars
Great SUV
GaryM, 04/10/2021
2021 Honda Passport Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
I have never purchased a vehicle as loaded with pleasant surprises as my new 2021 Honda Passport. I purchased the Touring AWD model because of it's standard features. For a relatively large SUV, the Passport has a powerful and responsive 6 cylinder engine, handles great and is fun to drive with a variety of driver assist and safety features that all work very well. The interior is … roomy and comfortable not only for the driver but also for the front and rear seat passengers. Both front seats are power adjustable and the rear seats manually adjust to provide more comfortable seating for rear seat passengers. The climate control system has 3 zones which allow everyone in vehicle to adjust heat and air conditioning to their preference. The cargo area is big enough to accommodate luggage for 4 passengers with the rear seats up and an even more impressive amount of cargo with the rear seats down.
5 out of 5 stars
great winter machine
Jay, 02/06/2021
2021 Honda Passport EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
My employer has a big fleet of vehicles for business travel. We have access to many types of cars, truck, and SUVs. The Passport is my favorite ride for any time of the year but especially for winter driving over snowy mountain passes. It is outstandling on all roads with excellent AWD and traction systems, very stable & predictable with a car-like ride. It is also very comfortable … for my family's personal trips. It is as good in the snow as my Subaru but has more space & comfort, perfect for family ski trips. Typical Honda with the best ergo design for drivers and lots of smart options without being gimmicky. It is nice to have manual knob on sound system too!
Good fuel mileage on eco mode.
It is hard to find negatives but I can offer suggestions in the hopes that a Honda engineer might see this: the transmission is a bit uncertain about gear selection esp up & down hills. the transmission selection buttons sit low in the dark console, forces the driver to take eyes off the road for too long while searching for the right button. the venitilation controls are also small & dark so takes some extra attention to adjust. i am comparing these to a 2018 Ridgeline which I sometimes drive. picky stuff that i only notice because so much else is excellent about this passport.
5 out of 5 stars
Passport to the Future
Mike B., 02/13/2021
2021 Honda Passport Elite 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Before purchasing I was deciding between the 4Runner and Passport. I wanted a dependable vehicle that was off road capable but also fuel efficient. While neither are very fuel efficient the Passport is rated better. I also wanted a vehicle that was comfortable for long road trips. The Passport checked all the boxes. In the short time that I have had the Passport I am getting 27 on … highway trips with plenty of comfort. The heated and ventilated seats are really a nice touch. In the cold climate the rear heated seats are appreciated along with the HVAC controls. Another nice feature is the Honda torque vectoring AWD. There is always at least 20% of the power going to the rear wheels. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone needing a comfortable road cruiser with off-road capability.
2021 Honda Passport video
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SUVs are the most popular vehicles on the road today, and they come in all shapes and sizes. In this video, Carlos Lago breaks down the best SUVs for 2020 and 2021. With so many models to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming trying to find the perfect SUV for you and your… lifestyle.
2021 Passport Highlights
Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,790 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $197/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 41.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Passport models:
- Honda Sensing
- Includes driver aids such as forward collision mitigation with auto braking and lane departure warning. It's standard on all trim levels.
- Blind-Spot Information System
- Visually alerts the driver when vehicles move into blind spots and audibly beeps if the turn signal is activated in that direction.
- Parking Sensors
- Indicates with visual and audible alerts how close the Passport is to objects during parking.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedMarginal
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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