2024 Honda Passport Review - A Refinement of The Same Formula 

you buy this because it is NOT flashy or a tech show. Just old school automatic transmission and naturally aspirated V6 AWD vehicle. Bonus it is large and spacious inside.

The fact that a ‘moderately’ refreshed vehicle in its 6th model year of the generation had an embargo is incredible

I cross-shopped the Passport and the Outback extensively earlier this year and ended up with the Outback, so maybe I can offer an experience report for anyone else who is cross shopping vehicles in this segment. I actually really liked the Passport and will definitely look at one again in the future, but there were a few things that kept it in 2nd place for me. The Outback felt more nimble to drive in an urban area. It felt like it turned tighter and the body size felt smaller and easier to park. The Passport had a "boat" feeling to it that surprised me. It made me have the thought that if I was going to drive a "larger-feeling" vehicle, I might as well go all the way to something like a Lexus GX. The Passport I test drove (I think it was an EX-L) also had a noticeably stiffer/bouncier ride on broken pavement than the Outback. You can also get the Outback with ~1.5" more ground clearance than the Passport, which I did, because I live in a very cold, snowy climate and my garage backs out into an alley that regularly goes days or weeks without snow removal, and I need something that can get out no matter what. Are most people going to need that? Probably not, but not getting stuck in snow up to the frame is a pretty high priority for me, personally. For snow, when it comes to getting stuck vs. not getting stuck and maintaining onroad safety, tires, minimum ground clearance, and electronic stability control systems tend to matter more in practice than the physical hardware implementations of the AWD systems. That said the Passport's AWD system is truly excellent. I just wish you could get it with 9.5"+ of ground clearance from the factory. Fuel economy also mattered to me. The Passport is rated for 24 mpg highway, and I regularly beat the EPA and get 30 mpg highway in my Outback. Gas is a bit cheaper now so this is less of an issue today than it was last year, but if you do any amount road tripping, there is a pretty big difference between the Outback and basically everything else in the segment that isn't a hybrid. I absolutely loved the interior of the Passport. Honda is truly the leader when it comes to packaging efficiency and ergonomics. Everything is where it should be (with the exception of the parking brake pedal - why Honda?) and all the buttons and switches just feel "right" in Hondas. This is something I wish Subaru would improve. The Passport cargo area is also truly cavernous. If you're regularly transporting lots of luggage or larger cargo, it's amazing. It's almost truck-like in that way. The Outback can also be had with a turbo (which I recommend), while the Passport cannot. Because of this, the Outback makes its peak torque much lower (2,000rpm vs 4,700rpm), so it feels way, way faster in normal city driving where you tend to rarely get above 4,000rpm going from one stop light to another. I had no problem with the Passport's 9 speed transmission, and I have no problem with the Outback's CVT, either, surprisingly. At least for me, it was something that I thought I was going to hate, until I test drove it and it turned out to be fine. It's not great, but it's not a problem either. This is an Outback, not a WRX. Anyway, these were just some of the things that mattered to me and my family's circumstances. The Passport is a great vehicle and if my circumstances were slightly different I'd have no hesitation about buying one. Honda is an excellent company that tends to make great, reliable products. It's nice to have so many good choices these days.

Same old passport, add another $3000 for the same model year after year, what a good way to make a profit

This is one of the BEST , organized, articulate and informative car review vids. Very well executed

Alex, you do the absolute best reviews. Appreciate your hard work. Wish you could do one everyday.

Purchased a 2024 Black Edition with HPD package Cool car. I’d rather have a real tranny and a normally aspirated engine then the turbo 2.0. I guess if you plan on keeping this vehicle for 10 years you’ll understand Cargo space huge bonus

I'm sure they have their reasons, (which I suspect have something to do with manufacturing and supply chain issues) but I was disappointed that they didn't give all three vehicles on this platform the same drivetrain and interior improvements. I wanted either a Ridgeline or a Passport, but will not buy one now, as I would be seriously upset if the 2025 model turned out to be vastly improved after I had spent upwards of $45,000 on the 2024. I'm not in a position where I can trade my vehicle in every two or three years, and the next one I buy will probably be in my garage for at least ten years.

I was strongly considering this car, but I am very disappointed they did not update it in 2024. When you look at the new Pilot, it's pretty obvious what next year's model will look like. I can't justify buying this year's model when it will be very outdated in a year.

Always thorough reviews! Thank you! I miss home when I see your drives and property. I’m From Santa Cruz in Arizona many years now.

Love your reviews, Alex. Keep up the good work! Hope to see you at an auto show one day.

I bought the Honda Passport and love it! The seats were comfortable and very roomy. I am still driving a 2007 Honda pilot 3.5 which attracted me over the Outback's boxer engine and cvt transmission. If it holds up as well as my old Pilot, this will be great vehicle.

We bought a 2023 Elite model. I added crossbars to the roof rack and updated the front and rear signals to led bulbs. It gave it a more rugged and updated look.

Good and thorough overview and comparison with the other vehicles in its class... I am very interested in this model in the TrailSport edition, but I will wait for the 2025 and see if they give it all the offroad chops of the Pilot TrailSport with the 10-speed auto.

Very informative and most helpful. Thanks!

So good review and analysis. I have a 2019 and I still love it.

I was looking at the Passport but I get much better gas milage on my 2016 Pilot. 27-30 mpg on the highway, yea I said 27-30. And on the city not so good, about 15 mpg. I love the AWD system it was, going up one snowy day to my daughter's house their driveway is 150 ft long with a 25% incline upward I crawled all the way up when the system kicked in, full of about three inches of snow. My sons-in-law Pathfinder could not do it. This is in CT.

Top trim get expensive. I feel like the base EX-L has plenty of goodies and is a bit more reasonably priced. Trailsport is cool, but isn't going to be that great of an off-roader. I'd save the money. The interior is a bit "dated," but the conservative styling is pretty unoffensive and actually I think will age better because it isn't some trendy over-styled design (looking at you Hyundai/Kia). I had a 2022 Passport as a loaner while my Ridgeline was having some PDR work done and I liked the smaller wheelbase. I fo need a pickup bed a couple times a month, but I'd probably prefer something like the Passport were it not for that. Honda isn't the best looking option on paper, but it's actual driving feel and performance is so good.

Thank you Alex for the detailed review.

First time watching your review. Excellent job, love it.

I love my 2020 Passport, heading out on a long road trip today and the Passport is the best. My only complaint, I absolutely hate the push button shift. The day they reintroduce a shift lever, I'll trade up.

Great video, love the detail.

This is such a comprehensive review. Super impressed!

You know this suv gonna last for long time because Honda didnt go with turbo engine and stick with V6. 0-60 in 6.5 sec is pretty damn good for suv.

for the downhill - you lower your gear, and torque vectoring does its magic :). The idea is just to push the brakes a bit before turning, and push the gas during cornering, softly, with lower gear engaged.

I got to drive a 2023 Passport as a loaner recently. I really enjoyed the seating position for my urban commute. Honda has to redesign the Passport not only for looks but technology infotainment as well. The new Toyota Land Cruiser is going to be stiff competition even though it may be a bit more pricey.

Thank you, Alex, for your outstanding review of the Passport! Your candid, clear, and concise delivery, touching on all key elements that impact the majority of drivers, is truly appreciated

As with the Ridgeline, the folks at Honda seem reluctant to upgrade the dash in these to match the Pilot. That is a shame. Honda will hopefully do this in 2025 or they may lose out on customers looking for upgrades instead of the same old thing. Piano black MUST go away. LOL. And I'm surprised Honda did not put a pano roof on this. I have a feeling we may have a new design coming in the next 2-4 years.

Bought a 2023 Passport Elite and loving it 🙏🏽

GREAT vehicle and you did a great job with your complete review. The Passort is a great buy and I love the look and feel of the Trailsport Trim package!

The biggest selling point of the Passport was that the Pilot looked like a minivan. This is hard to justify over the new pilot.

excellen review Alex!!!!!

I recently trade our "21 P:ilot for a "24 Passport EX-L. I wanted a more nimble body w/ similar load volume (Pilot 3rd seat stowed, 2nd seats up), definitely loved the torque of 3.6 V6 that both models share (easy passing ability & good MPGs of 22 in town, 28-30 hwy) and I like the easy to use entertainment system & in-dash placement; hate the "tablet on top of a table" like the new Pilots & Civics. Red w/ brown leather, looks sharp!

Alex, Honda continues to lead the way in interior ergonomics and adaptability. For example, the committee who approved the sliding second row in a two row CUV ought to get an extra week off for Christmas. 🥳🥳 For all the good news , there is a major question mark hanging over the Passport , when will it catch up with major competitors like the Highlander Hybrid in terms of fuel efficiency?🤔

Oustanding review. Good job.

I have the 2021 Passport and I'm disappointed how they didn't do anything new for dash. I have one more year on my lease and I was hoping they would have caught up with the Civic and CRV with the all digital dash and nicer infotainment. I love my Passport and I have no beef with the rest of it.

Looking forward to the updated one!

I wish they sold these in Australia - it would sell so well here. Such a pragmatic and practical car for your typical Aussie open road trips.

I really like this red color. Nice.

Another great review Alex. One question though, Is the passenger seat powered? In particularly up. And if not is the Passport low waisted enough that shorter passengers don't claustrophobic.

Thanks for the awesome vid, waiting for the 2025, might as well get the new tranny and motor the new pilot gets and i think the first thing i would do is install a s-vcm and shut of the vcm.

I really want to get the Passport but there’s still a few issues. First, Honda really needs to get the next generation here. It just feels and looks dated. Second, the AWD system is amazing. The only issue is the gas mileage. I wish Honda would offer a hybrid version. They’ve used similar tech on older generation MDX, and I’d imagine they could still use that technology. Lastly, I really wish they’d add a little more style to the interior. It’s just a sea of black. I know they have Acura but it’d be nice if they offered some different trim colors to break it up. *Update - the Elite AND Touring are gone. What the heck??

Needs a new dash. Get rid of the gloss black plastic and button shifting. Replace the 9 speed trans. Basically, make it a two-row Pilot. Improve interior colors, trim, infotainment, and seating comfort. Add a hybrid variant.

TBH, I prefer this style of infotainment system display. The new one that looks "grafted" on is obstructive IMO.

Give us the updated trans, seats and infotainment from the pilot and a light brown leather option for next year and I think I'd be set.

They should just combine the trailsport and black edition festures together.

Waiting for 2025 to see if they change a few things. That infotainment system needs an upgrade for sure as does the interior. I don’t need a third row and prefer a V6 engine, so this is on my list.

Idk about putting the turn signalswhere the fog lights usually go to low in the front facia

Insane vehicle Alex.

Tommy on TFL just tested this out at Tumbleweed Ranch and the AWD system overheated. That was not “hours, hours and hours of off-roading”. I don’t like that. Great job as always Alex!

Thanks for that detailed explanation about the ZF9 speed. A bunch of channels say they don’t like it, but no one articulated it like you did. Another reason I always come back to this channel. You ever think about doing separate info videos for things like this to get the information out there? Not sure if it would work but just wanted to say how much I really appreciate your detail.

I'm familiar with the 9 speed transmission, as I own a 2021 Pilot. Have you heard if Honda might be considering the 10 speed from the newer Pilot into the Passport?? I really do not like the delay of the 9 speed. I consider it a safety feature. Great review, thank you.

Great review. However, interesting to omit reliability in your comparisons. Reliability is the absolute elephant in the room for Grand Cherokee. Material/fitment quality too.

Nice family hauler! Regarding the overheating AWD system, it doesn't take hours of real offroading to do so! 10 mins is more than enough to overheat it, which was always the issue with all of Honda AWD systems, they are simply made for wet/snow traction, not for any real or even mild offroading, regardless of what the car design might hint to!

I would really be interested in a thorough review of the new Accord EX-L if you could squeeze it in.

But you have to add intangibles that the 4Runner vs Passport, I see styling/tech/comfort/etc. But you have to add RIZZ.

I like this, but it’s materially basically the same thing as my 2019 model. Hopefully they redesign soon

Think my major complaint about the 9spd is that lag time from park to drive to reverse. Also, the VCM gives a false impression of transmission issues.

My 2021 Passport Elite has everything this model has. The one thing I don’t like about mine is the arm rest. Glad they changed that. In sport mode I get 0 to 60 in 5.7 sec. which is consistent with some of the testing I have seen. Basically the same engine as the 2024 with a couple slight changes. I paid $47,500 and was lucky enough to get 0% financing. Absolutely love my Passport but the mpg is definitely less than my 2016 Pilot Elite. Not sure why that is since the whole drive train, wheel base and 20” tires are basically the same.

How easy is it to change the oil in? My hubby hates my 4Runner when he has to change the oil.

The Pilot and Passport are just so similar... The Pilot is $500-$1000 more for the EX-L and Trailsport trims. Same engine, 10 speed vs. 9 speed, 20 MPG vs. 21 MPG. I guess the new pilot is about 10 inches longer than Passport (and it's available in FWD), but that's about it in my mind.

I am looking into either Passport or Highlander 2024; not sure which one is better, there are pros and cons on the both sides. But what worries me is number of recalls on Passport; not sure

Honda would sell a lot more of these (and Ridgelines) if they didn't always lag in engines/transmissions/electronics to everything else in the Honda lineup. They should consider putting their latest and greatest in these to stir up more interest.

Does that adaptive cruise control have a stop-and-go range? Or does it turn off under 25mph automatically?

What about vs The grand highlander or standard model

With the prices of some models overlapping, I don’t see why you would want this over the new Pilot with its new engine, transmission, infotainment system, and chassis tuning. I guess if you really just want a smaller SUV and a Honda.

Are they ever going to upgrade the passport to the new pilot chassis?

Grand Cherokees start at 58,000 this year…. I haven’t found a cheaper one yet

We own a 2020 Honda Passport Elite and were considering an upgrade to the 2024 before the details of the vehicle were known given the 2023 Honda Pilot redesign. Now an upgrade is no longer on the table.

I’ve enjoyed Honda’s new interiors and exteriors except for one glaring issue - their infotainment systems are so old.

I didn't hear you tell anyone that Honda is still using a 27 year old 3.5 V6 that would require occasional expensive timing belt and water pump service. That's what would keep me away from the Honda V6 vehicles. They would certainly have a winner if they would update the engine so that customers would not be looking at 1500.00-1800.00 service bill every few years. Not sure what the actual cost is but changing oil and filter is all that is necessary in a 4Runner. But i don't think those looking at a 4Runner are the same buyers looking at a Passport. A very good review really enjoyed it.

I want to see a Honda Passport Black edition in white to really confuse people.

I just bought a 2024, 4-Runner, for its reliability, plan to keep it for 20 yrs/300k miles, easily...

Second roll need more flexibility. I will mine 2022 2nd roll and till 2 inches more for long ride comfort

How is Honda's autosteering compared to the competition?

What car seat is that?

glad i watched every last second

Almost bought 2024 Passport only to realized it’s too wide for standard single car 90” garage door.

Thank god they fixed the horrendous arm rests. One of my biggest complaints with my 2019 Passport.

Instead of the Trailblazer edition, it should be called the Thomas Edison with all those lightbulbs.

I just wish they would change those Gauges.

I wish that I would’ve liked Honda to come out with the 2025 Honda passport with the new Honda infotainment system new instrument cluster, the transmission, the new 3.5 V6 that would be paired with the 10 speed automatic transmission instead of a 9 speed automatic transmission.

Is that 9 speed any good? I can't see buying one of these new (43K) when you know the revised version is coming.

I know that the 2025 model year is my favorite

21 MPG is kinda low isn’t it? I feel like I’ve seen similar number on similarly sized SUV 10 years ago. Kinda expecting ~25 MPG at least

Reliability is there but prices is a lit bit higher and less futuristic other then that very good car !!!

People also love the 4-Runner because it's one of the most bulletproof vehicles ever made. If your review focused more on reliability, the 4-Runner will outlast ALL the other vehicles by far. Even though it's old school & 'dated'. People want what will last with little to no headaches. Many reviewers are wowed by tech, but they're not the ones that will fix your vehicle when the tech goes awry

Hmm, I didn't see a Brake Hold button. The new Pilot has it - did the old Pilot not have it? More importantly, does this have it or not?

You might want to add towing to your list.

Can't believe Honda is still using that same infotainment system from like 2016.

I hope that the brakes are better on this passport than my Rigdeline. I like everything on this truck but the brakes.

Non other l others have a Honda V6 under the hood. It’ll be the only one still being used daily in 10 years.

Is there any data that suggests someone cross shopping a 4-Runner is giving the Passport a glance?

Note: the rear hatch opens to almost 6 foot - almost! 😮 Me at 6ft plus shoes, i bump my head all the time! And there is no adjustment for the height.😢

Nice car 👍

They can still sell 40000 Passports a year! If shoppers want the new interior, go get Pilot. I see little if no motivation for Honda to give Passport a new gen.

Honda number 1❤

maybe i'll end up buying this in 2027

For 50K you should full LED lights

I’m driving a 2011 Mercedes ML and the only non LED bulbs are the vanity lights in the sun shields. Why hasn’t Honda not upgraded