LOOKS 

WIth the TrailSport model, Honda has made a deliberate effort to boost the Passport’s off-road credentials — something they’ve done in the past with their light truck offerings. This includes an exterior design reboot that features a tough-looking, rugged style — especially on the front end.

In the realm of mid-size SUVs, this rugged design really stands out in the segment vs. the competition.

The Passport’s exterior features include a power moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires, sharp-looking LED headlights and grille, LED tail lights, automatic high-beams, heated power door mirrors with turn indicators, power folding side mirrors, a tailgate spoiler, roof rails and dual exhaust.

The TrailSport package also adds gray wheels, grille and bumper skid garnish, TrailSport badging on the seating and floor mats, and some cool orange interior lighting.

Compared to the segment, there is quite a bit of room inside in the Passport in both rows. While not very upscale, the Passport offers adequate headroom and legroom, and comfortable seating for five people.

The rear seats fold down to provide ample cargo room. Numbers are 41.2 cubic feet with seats up, and 77.9 cubic feet with seats down. There is also lots of storage space up front for small items.

Interior features include leather-trimmed seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, second-row sunshades and rear under-floor cargo storage. 

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The 2022 Honda Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter, V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters are also included if you’d like to control the gears more directly.

Front-wheel drive is standard on the base Passport, but AWD is an option and is standard on the TrailSport trim level.

The Passport features Intelligent Traction Management, Hill Start Assist, and a push-button shifting setup that is easy to use.

The Passport is not a rocket by anyone’s standards, but it’s still powerful for the segment. I found the Passport got up to speed effectively and was responsive to braking. Handling is also impressive for a vehicle this size. It takes roughly 6 seconds to go 0-to-60, which is respectable.

A simple push of a button allows you to enact Eco mode if you want to slow things down and improve fuel mileage … but you'll lose power. Sport mode will move things in the opposite direction.

The Passport features 8.1 inches of ground clearance, which will clear some obstacles but isn’t enough for more extreme off-roading. Aiding in any light off-roading efforts are tires featuring a more aggressive shoulder tread.

It’s also rated to tow 5,000 pounds —also respectable numbers.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY 

In terms of the Passport’s infotainment setup, voice commands worked very well for everything from navigation to radio to phone controls.

The system also works well from a touch control perspective, but looks a bit dated compared to rival SUVs with more modern designs to their systems. But function is more important than looks, and it delivers on that front. 

There is a convenient wireless phone charger up front, and the vehicle features Bluetooth for streaming music and phone calls, and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Other tech features include an audio System with 7 speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, push-button Start, an 115-volt power outlet, and automatic locking of the vehicle when you walk away.

On the safety front, Honda has long been a leader, and the Passport is no exception. For starters, government ratings give the vehicle five stars overall. So your family will be very safe in the Passport, as per usual with Honda. 

A multi-view rear camera is impressive, and the vehicle features front and rear parking sensors, a Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control, a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Road Departure Mitigation.

Other safety features include airbags throughout the vehicle, anti-lock braking, Vehicle Stability Assist, tire pressure monitors, LED Daytime Running Lights and a LATCH system for child seats.

MPG

The official fuel mileage numbers on the 2022 Passport are 19 city/24 highway/21 combined. In my real-world testing, I averaged 17 miles per gallon.

These numbers are slightly behind some of the competitors, but not enough to play a major role in decision making. And use of the Eco Mode can yield better results than I experienced.  

PRICE

The 2022 Honda Passport I tested was priced at just over $44,000, and its base price starts around $39K.

The EX-L trim starts at $38,370; TrailSport starts at $42,970, and the Elite trim level starts at $45,930.

When compared to its rivals, It’s one of the higher-priced offerings in its class, but also has more to offer than the lower-priced alternatives.

BOTTOM LINE

Overall, the Passport is a well-equipped mid-size SUV that’s one of Honda’s strongest options for families. It gets a more rugged new look for 2022, a sharp new TrailSport option that allows for some mild off-roading, plus a cozy and roomy interior.

Beyond bringing in outside buyers, it remains a solid choice for Honda owners who have grown out of that Accord or CR-V and want to move up within the brand.

—

AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page. 

Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.