2019 Honda Passport Review

Automakers occasionally recycle nameplates from the past rather than come up with all-new names. Honda isn't one to dip into its back catalog all that often, but it has done so with the new 2019 Honda Passport.

Curiously, this isn't a name bursting with positive equity; the last Honda Passport was a rebadged Isuzu from the 1990s that lasted less than a decade before getting axed. Perhaps Honda figures enough time has passed that few people will remember that trucky SUV. Either that or it knows Americans like comeback stories.

Essentially, the reborn Passport is a shorter and taller Honda Pilot, which is certainly a good place to start. The Pilot is one of our favorite three-row crossover SUVs right now. Because it's shorter, the Passport doesn't have a third-row seat like the Pilot does. Instead, it dedicates more interior space for its second-row passengers. Honda also made the Passport a little more off-road capable thanks to a higher ground clearance and better approach and departure angles.

Under the hood, the Passport gets the same V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission that the Pilot uses. That V6 gives it 5,000 pounds of towing capability and strong unladen acceleration. We've been critical of the Pilot's nine-speed automatic in the past for clunky shifts. But with the Passport, Honda has seemed to have solved most of those issues.

The 2019 Honda Passport joins competitive vehicles such as the Ford Edge and new Chevrolet Blazer, which is another blast-from-the-past SUV this year. And among this group, it looks to be very competitive in regards to interior space, features and versatility. Whether you're interested in a vehicle capable of long weekend excursions or just something to comfortably tackle your daily commute, the 2019 Honda Passport is an excellent choice.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Passport as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs for this year.

What's it like to live with?

Want to know even more about the Passport? The Edmunds editorial team acquired a 2019 Honda Passport Touring to determine how this top-rated SUV performed over a full year of ownership. In many ways the Passport exceeded expectations, but there are some flaws to know about if you're considering one for yourself. Read our Passport long-term test to learn more.