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2020 Honda Passport

Starting at $33,165

8.5/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2020 honda passport
Honda
8.5/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Loads of cargo and passenger space, speedy powertrain, copious standard driver assists.
  • Lows Looks more rugged than it is, only top trims have top options, rides rough on bumpy roads.
  • Verdict The Passport has few covetous qualities but is otherwise one of the better mid-size crossovers.
By Eric Stafford

Overview

Those who want big a two-row crossover SUV that drives well and wears a Honda badge will be more than satisfied with the 2020 Passport. While it's the antithesis of stylish inside or out, it's stockpiled with standard driver assists such as adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking. The Passport also boasts an exceptionally comfy and commodious interior, with plenty of room to store cargo. Along with optional all-wheel drive, every model is powered by a quick and refined V-6 powertrain. Unfortunately, it's not particularly fuel efficient and the ride is jarring on rough roads. Still, the 2020 Honda Passport beat out several popular mid-size rivals in our testing because it has the best combination of spaciousness, sportiness, and value.

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, Honda doesn't make any meaningful changes to the Passport lineup. This is to be expected since the company just re-released the two-row crossover last year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Although the EX-L lacks some of the bells and whistles that are only available on the top two models, it still has popular standard features that make it the best value. These include an 8.0-touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, leather-appointed upholstery, a power liftgate, and rear cross-traffic alert. We'd also add the optional all-wheel-drive system for an extra $1900. There's an assortment of accessories that include crossbars, running boards, and more, but we'd stand pat with the default setup.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood is the same 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and nine-speed automatic transmission as found in the Honda Pilot. Those who want the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive can add it for extra coin; otherwise, the Passport has standard front-wheel drive. Ground clearance is a useful 7.5 inches (8.1 inches for all-wheel-drive models) and the Passport can tow up to 5000 pounds. However, the two-row Honda has a rough ride when it does venture off-road, and its high ride height contributes to a top-heavy demeanor. Still, the Passport was quick in our testing, and it dutifully accelerates on the highway. The ride is comfortable on most roads and the steering is pleasingly direct, all of which give the Passport a nimble, agile feeling from behind the wheel.

2020 honda passport rearView Photos
Honda

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With a single engine choice and either front- or all-wheel drive, the Passport has two different EPA ratings. The front-drive model is expected to earn up to 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Passports with all-wheel drive have slightly reduced government ratings of 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. We tested the latter on our 200-mile fuel-economy route, where it exceeded its EPA highway estimate by 3—earning 27 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Anyone who has experienced the interior of the Honda Ridgeline will be instantly familiar with the Passport's cabin. Despite an unremarkable design, the materials are attractive enough and the controls are nicely organized—although we'd like more knobs for controls instead of touchscreens. The front seats are wide and comfortable, with a handy armrest that can be adjusted for optimal comfort. The back seat is also roomy and allows the Passport to transport up to five people. There's 41 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat, which held 15 of our carry-on suitcases. Folding that back row flat unlocks 78 cubes and the capacity to carry 33 bags total. Interior cubby storage in general is great thanks to useful bins throughout the cabin and a huge center-console bin.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The basest of Passports sports a basic 5.0-inch display for its infotainment system. While it includes necessities such as Bluetooth and various power points, every other model has an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, those who want a 115-volt outlet, built-in navigation, an upgraded audio system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless phone charging will have to pony up for the top-tier Touring and Elite models.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The Passport earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Likewise, every model has a host of standard driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:

  • Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
  • Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
  • Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Honda provides a competitive limited warranty, but its powertrain coverage doesn't match the levels of rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Likewise, the Passport lacks any complimentary scheduled maintenance.

  • Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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