2022 Honda Passport: Your Go-Anywhere Adventure Companion
The 2022 Honda Passport stands as a compelling choice for those seeking a capable, comfortable, and practical midsize SUV with a rugged edge. Building on the reputation of the renowned Honda Pilot, the Passport carves out its own niche by offering a more focused and stylish experience, emphasizing capability and a comfortable ride. It's designed for those who appreciate the versatility of an SUV but don't necessarily need three rows of seating, prioritizing cargo space and a more athletic presence.
Highlights
- Engine & Performance: The Passport is powered exclusively by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a healthy 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This potent V6 is mated to a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides ample acceleration for merging onto highways and confident passing. Available Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive (AWD) is a significant highlight, offering enhanced traction and stability in various conditions, from wet pavement to light off-road trails. The AWD system can intelligently distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, and even between individual rear wheels, for optimal grip.
- Safety Features: Honda consistently prioritizes safety, and the 2022 Passport is no exception. It comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive technologies, which includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): Helps brake the vehicle if it detects an impending frontal collision.
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): Can steer and brake the vehicle if it drifts off a detected roadway without a turn signal.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on highways.
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by making minor steering corrections.
- Blind Spot Information System (BSI): Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots.
- Cross Traffic Monitor: Alerts the driver to approaching vehicles from the sides when backing up.
- Auto High-Beam Headlights: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on traffic conditions.
- Trim Summary: The 2022 Honda Passport is offered in three distinct and well-appointed trims:
- EX-L: The well-equipped entry point, featuring standard Honda Sensing, leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof, heated front seats, a 7-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Touring: Adds a hands-free power tailgate, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, premium audio system, LED fog lights, and 20-inch alloy wheels for a more luxurious and connected experience.
- Elite: The pinnacle of Passport luxury, it includes all the features of the Touring trim plus ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a wireless phone charger, and a more advanced AWD system with a wider range of terrain modes.
- Other Notable Aspects: The Passport boasts a spacious and versatile interior with a generous cargo area, further enhanced by its standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks that fold flat. Its independent rear suspension contributes to a more refined ride quality compared to some competitors that use simpler torsion-beam setups. The exterior design offers a more rugged and athletic aesthetic than its Pilot sibling, with a shorter overhang and a more upright stance, hinting at its adventurous capabilities.
What to Expect
The 2022 Honda Passport generally provides a dependable and comfortable ownership experience. Honda vehicles are renowned for their reliability, and the Passport is expected to follow suit. Routine maintenance will involve oil changes, tire rotations, and regular inspections as outlined in the owner's manual. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is known for its durability, and the 9-speed automatic transmission is generally well-regarded.
Maintenance costs are typically moderate for a midsize SUV. While Honda parts are generally readily available, specific V6 components or AWD system parts could be more costly than those for a four-cylinder engine. Insurance premiums will vary based on factors such as your driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels. However, as a Honda product with a strong reputation for safety, it might offer competitive insurance rates compared to some other brands.
The driving experience is characterized by its comfortable ride, making it well-suited for daily commutes and longer road trips. The V6 engine provides confident power, and the available AWD system adds peace of mind in various weather conditions. The cabin is quiet and well-insulated, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
Potential Considerations
While the 2022 Honda Passport is a highly competent vehicle, there are a few points buyers might want to consider. The infotainment system, while functional and featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, may feel slightly less cutting-edge or responsive compared to some newer systems from competitors. The interior design, while practical and well-built, can feel a bit more utilitarian and less premium in certain areas compared to some more luxury-oriented rivals.
The third-row seating, which is absent in the Passport, is a deliberate design choice to maximize cargo space and offer a more streamlined SUV experience. If you regularly require seating for more than five passengers, the Honda Pilot or another three-row SUV would be a more appropriate choice. Finally, while the Passport offers a more engaging driving experience than many large SUVs, it's still a fairly substantial vehicle, and maneuverability in tight urban environments might require a bit more attention than in a smaller car or crossover.
Overall Summary
The 2022 Honda Passport is a standout choice in the midsize SUV segment, expertly blending everyday usability with capable adventuring. Its powerful V6 engine, standard suite of advanced safety features, and spacious, versatile interior make it an excellent option for families and individuals who appreciate a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and the confidence of available AWD. While it may not offer the absolute latest in infotainment tech or the most avant-garde interior design, its core strengths in reliability, capability, and practicality firmly establish it as a highly recommendable and well-rounded SUV for a wide range of lifestyles.