In a market flooded with crossovers and SUVs promising both ruggedness and comfort, the 2025 Honda Passport stands out for doing something rare—it delivers on both fronts without compromise. Whether you’re commuting through city streets or venturing off the beaten path, the Passport strikes a balance between everyday usability and weekend-ready performance.
But is it the right SUV for you in 2025? Let’s dive deep into what this midsize SUV offers in terms of specs, features, and pricing, and whether it still deserves a spot on your shopping list.
Table of Contents
A Refreshed Look with a Familiar Feel
The 2025 Honda Passport isn’t a complete redesign, but it brings notable updates that make it feel fresh. Honda has subtly enhanced its styling with a bolder front fascia, new LED lighting signatures, and updated wheel designs across trim levels. The rugged TrailSport model, in particular, leans even harder into its off-road image with chunkier tires and improved suspension tuning.
While the overall body design remains largely the same as the 2024 model, it’s clear Honda is refining, not reinventing. That’s good news for drivers who already love the Passport’s broad-shouldered, athletic stance.
Powertrain and Performance: Smooth, Strong, and Capable
Under the hood, the 2025 Passport sticks with what works: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, this setup provides more than enough muscle for merging, towing, or hauling weekend gear.
Front-wheel drive is standard on lower trims, but most buyers will gravitate toward the all-wheel-drive system—especially those eyeing the TrailSport or Elite trims. The AWD system includes Honda’s intelligent torque vectoring, which helps improve traction and stability in tricky conditions.
The Passport isn’t a rock-crawling SUV by hardcore off-roader standards, but with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and features like hill descent control, it’s certainly more capable than many of its crossover competitors.
Ride Quality and Handling
One of the Passport’s biggest strengths is its comfort. The suspension soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, making long drives relaxed and stress-free. Road and wind noise are well-muted, especially in upper trims, thanks to improved sound insulation.
Steering is responsive, though it leans more toward comfort than sportiness. For most drivers, that’s a good thing. This SUV is built to be easy and enjoyable to drive every day, not to carve up canyons.
Interior Features and Technology
Slide into the 2025 Passport and you’re met with a cabin that’s practical, spacious, and well thought out. Materials have been slightly upgraded for a more premium feel, particularly in the Elite and Black Edition trims, which offer contrast stitching, soft-touch surfaces, and ambient lighting.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All trims come with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (no upgrade here to Honda’s newer 12.3-inch screen yet). Thankfully, it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—now wireless across all trims. Navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a premium 10-speaker audio system are available in higher trims.
USB ports are generously distributed, and rear-seat passengers will appreciate available heated seats and climate controls.
Space, Comfort, and Cargo Capacity
Where the Passport shines is in usable space. This two-row SUV offers ample room for five adults to ride comfortably, with supportive seats and plenty of legroom in the rear. The flat floor in back also makes it easier to seat three across.
Behind the second row, you’ll find a massive 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the rear seats down, and that number jumps to nearly 78 cubic feet—enough to swallow camping gear, bicycles, or even a small sofa. A hidden storage compartment beneath the cargo floor is perfect for keeping valuables out of sight.
Trims and Pricing
For 2025, the Honda Passport comes in four main trims: EX-L, TrailSport, Elite, and the Black Edition (a new range-topper with unique styling touches). Here’s a breakdown of starting prices:
- EX-L: Starting around $43,000
- TrailSport: From $45,500
- Elite: Starting at $48,000
- Black Edition: Tops out at around $50,000
While the pricing is higher than some competitors, each trim comes well-equipped. Even the EX-L includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, a moonroof, power liftgate, and an impressive suite of driver-assist features.
Looking for more automotive insights? Check out our recent posts on tilldrive.com.
Standard Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Honda’s Sensing® suite is standard across all trims. That means every Passport includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist
- Road departure mitigation
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
The Passport continues to earn high marks from safety organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA, which praise its crash test results and effectiveness of its driver assistance tech. You can verify current ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Pros and Cons
What the 2025 Honda Passport Gets Right
The Passport is a rare blend of rugged capability and refined comfort. Its V6 engine is smooth and powerful, and the spacious interior is both practical and upscale. It’s a solid choice for families, commuters, and weekend adventurers alike.
Where It Falls Short
If you’re looking for cutting-edge tech or a third-row seat, the Passport might fall short. Its infotainment screen feels dated in a world of 12-inch-plus displays, and fuel economy—rated around 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway—is merely average.
Still, these downsides may be small trade-offs for a vehicle that nails the fundamentals.
Passport vs. the Competition
If you’re shopping in the midsize SUV segment, you might also be considering options like the Toyota 4Runner, Subaru Outback, or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- The 4Runner is a true off-roader but feels dated and less refined on pavement.
- The Outback offers excellent fuel economy and all-wheel drive at a lower price point, but it’s not as spacious.
- The Grand Cherokee is more luxurious and powerful, but it comes at a premium price and may not be as reliable long-term.
The Passport lands somewhere in the middle, offering a well-rounded package that leans more toward reliability and comfort than any extreme.
FAQs About the 2025 Honda Passport
Is the 2025 Honda Passport good for off-roading?
While not a hardcore off-roader, the TrailSport trim offers AWD, extra ground clearance, and off-road tuned suspension—enough for mild trails and camping trips.
What kind of fuel economy does the 2025 Passport get?
Expect about 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Not class-leading, but reasonable for a V6-powered SUV.
Does the 2025 Passport have third-row seating?
No, the Passport is strictly a two-row, five-passenger SUV. For a third row, check out the larger Honda Pilot.
How much can the 2025 Passport tow?
When properly equipped with AWD, the Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds—enough for small boats, trailers, or campers.
Is the 2025 Honda Passport a reliable vehicle?
Historically, yes. Honda has a solid reputation for reliability, and the Passport benefits from the same engineering principles as the Pilot and Ridgeline.
Final Verdict: A Solid, No-Nonsense SUV
The 2025 Honda Passport isn’t trying to be flashy or futuristic. Instead, it focuses on what drivers actually want: space, power, comfort, and dependability. Whether you’re running errands around town or heading out on a cross-country road trip, the Passport delivers.
If you’re in the market for a two-row SUV that can do it all without unnecessary gimmicks, the 2025 Passport deserves your attention.
