Published: March 3, 2019, 4:30 PM
Updated: November 21, 2021, 2:55 PM
The 2019 Honda Passport
A new SUV enters the fray for Honda in the Passport. In the lineup, it sits in-between the compact CR-V and large 3-row Pilot. It will be a direct mid-size competitor for the likes of the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano.
▲
Fills a much-needed gap
Honda was losing enough consumers in the 5-row, adventure-driven SUV to justify adding some new hardware. The Passport is best suited for a traditional 2-child family that has no need for the extra third row offered by the Pilot, but want that truck-like, V-6 action.
▲
Some may remember the Passport name
The Passport nameplate may seem familiar. A decade ago, it was the first Honda SUV sold in North America, but only in the United States. It didn’t make its way to Canada, as we already had the identical but differently-badged Isuzu Rodeo.
▲
Doesn’t veer much from the Pilot
If you know what the Pilot looks like, you know the Passport. Honda has basically taken a band saw and chopped some of it off, 152 mm (six inches) to be precise. Sharing the same wheelbase, it gets a boost in ride height over the Pilot for extra ground clearance as it sits on striking standard 20-inch wheels.
▲
Rugged design language
The Passport won’t turn heads, but it offers a solid, more aggressive look that seems to have the ideal proportional size compared to the Pilot. That ruggedness is portrayed in its unique front bumper featuring a black grille and LEDs, character lines throughout its body and powerful backside featuring dual exhausts.
▲
Smooth ride
It’s no slouch on the road, powered by a 3.5-litre V-6 with 282 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque (yes, once again found in the Pilot). A refined 9-speed automatic transmission keeps the Passport on a smooth path to the grocery store with assistance from its standard Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel drive setup.
▲
Capable and powerful
The Passport can take off briskly with available power when needed. As many competitors move to 4-cylinders, this mid-size ute constantly reminds you of its six working. At highway speeds, it can power down to easily pass vehicles or quickly switch lanes on a last-minute exit strategy.
▲
Torque vectoring makes it more precise
Additional driving aids are always welcome, and Honda plays its part through its i-VTM4 system. Not only does the Passport stay steady, it stays on course with precise steering, turning accuracy and minimal body roll. It’s an all-around joy to drive with a nimble, flexible nature and a steering wheel that’s light and easy to handle.
▲
Still not a fan of the gear shift
For a while, Honda has ditched the gear shift knob for a digital button setup. It clears up cabin space, but that’s still not enough to prevent me from being annoyed while backing out of parking spaces or making a 3-point turn. It simply takes too long where a rotary dial could make those shifts instantly.
▲
Comes at a hit to fuel economy
Understanding that it’s a V-6 SUV, the Passport still leaves a little to be desired in the fuel economy department. Official ratings hold at 12.5 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 on the highway, for a combined 11.3. During this first drive program around Mont-Tremblant to Montebello and back, the Passport averaged a sub-standard 12.4 L/100 km.
▲
At least you’ll be in comfort
You won’t save at the pumps, but at least the drive is done in comfort, especially in the winter. Heated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel come standard. At the second-tier EX-L trim level, consumers are treated to leather-trimmed seating, 4-way power adjustment and heated second-row seats.
▲
Ridgeline toughness
The Pilot, Ridgeline and Passport all share most of its body and chassis engineering with a fully independent suspension. While the 8-passenger Pilot takes on a more transportation hauler role, the Passport channels the Ridgeline’s toughness with off-road capabilities that focus on ideal approach and departure angles (21.4 degrees and 27.6 degrees, respectively).
▲
We are not crawlers
It may challenge the Jeep Cherokee in the segment, but apparently not in off-road prowess (not tested on this trip); it’s simply offering a leg up on the Edge and Murano. Four Intelligent Traction Management modes can be used: Normal, Sand, Snow and Mud; but according to a Honda Canada executive, “We are not crawlers, that’s not what Honda is.”
▲
Towing package has to be added
Even though it’s being marketed as an adventure-seeker, a 1,588 kg towing capability can only be achieved once a Honda-dealer accessory towing package has been installed. If more is needed, an additional ATF cooler ups towing to 2,268 kg. These packages come with a Class III hitch, towing kit and wiring harness.
▲
A boost inside
Small running boards aid passengers in getting into the Passport from both rows. Personally, you don’t really need them to get in and they’re more for show. However, they add plenty of character to its overall look.
▲
Plenty of room
Ample space is provided for passengers in the front and back including a plethora of cubbies and cupholders. In total, there are 1,430 litres of space behind the second row and it expands to 2,854 litres when the second-row folds completely flat at the press of a button.
▲
Second row comforts
It’s hard to get away from the plastic touches in the back row, but that’s made better through comfortable leather seating in EX-L and up. It allows a 6-foot individual to languish in comfort with an abundance of headspace, room to stretch out every which way, separate climate control buttons, USB ports, and available entertainment units.
▲
Glossy and colourful infotainment
Many Hondas have been criticized for mundane interior feel, but that changes with a modern 8-inch infotainment unit featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. It’s easy to scroll through the icons and apps, and they open up swiftly.
▲
Honda Sensing creates great value
The Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies come as standard equipment, along with a Multi-Angle rearview camera. It’s a huge bonus that provides Collision Mitigation Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Road Departure Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control.
▲
Touring ups the ante on technology
Additional safety technologies can be had at the top Touring trim level. They include Blind Spot Information and a Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system. It comes at a cost, but it may be worth it if you enjoy other key features including wireless charging, Wi-Fi and navigation.
▲
Pricing starts above $40K without LX trim
Honda Canada feels its Passport buyers are looking for a premium feel and therefore dropped the base LX trim completely, making Sport the base trim at a starting price of $41,990. EX-L can be had for $45,590; while Touring starts at $48,990.
▲
Available mid-March
The 2019 Honda Passport is expected to hit dealerships on March 15 just ahead of Honda’s 50th anniversary of doing business in Canada.
▲