The Honda Passport’s main drawbacks are its two-row seating (no third row), middling fuel economy for its size, interior that’s practical but not particularly upscale, limited off-road capability outside the TrailSport, and higher prices in upper trims.
In more detail, the Passport is a midsize two-row SUV built on the Pilot platform. It trades a third-row option for extra cargo space and a more rugged look, but the compromises matter for families needing more seating, off-road enthusiasts seeking true capability, or buyers who prioritize premium interior features. Here are the notable downsides to weigh.
Here's a quick rundown of the main drawbacks, presented in a concise list.
- No third-row seating: The Passport seats five, which limits passenger capacity for larger families or frequent carpooling compared with some mid-size SUVs that offer a third row.
- Limited off-road capability outside the TrailSport: Even with the TrailSport trim, the Passport is not a true rock-crawler; it lacks low-range gearing and the rugged chassis of purpose-built off-road SUVs.
- Modest fuel economy for its class: Expect around 20–25 mpg combined, with AWD models leaning toward the lower end of that range, which can feel ordinary for a modern two-row family SUV.
- Higher trims can get pricey: The base model is reasonable, but adding features and choosing higher trims can push the price into a territory where competing rivals offer more standard tech or luxury at a similar cost.
- Interior and technology not class-leading: While spacious and functional, the cabin materials and infotainment system aren’t always on par with rivals at the same price, and some drivers find the tech less intuitive or slower to respond.
- Ride quality can feel firm on rough roads: The Passport prioritizes stability and towing capability, which can translate to a firmer ride on uneven surfaces compared with softer-riding rivals.
- Towing capacity is solid but not exceptional: Maximum towing is typically around 5,000 pounds, which is adequate for many needs but may lag behind some competitors that offer higher tow ratings.
Taken together, these drawbacks underscore the Passport’s tradeoffs: it emphasizes cargo space, on-road comfort, and a rugged design over third-row versatility, extreme off-road capability, or luxury-like interior features. Prospective buyers should weigh seating needs, off-road expectations, and budget when comparing the Passport to rivals.
How the Passport stacks up against rivals
Compared with rivals like the Toyota 4Runner (more off-road capable but stiffer on road) and the Jeep Grand Cherokee (often more upscale but with a different balance of features), the Passport sits in a middle ground: strong cargo space and a comfortable on-road experience, but with limited seating options, moderate off-road prowess, and price sensitivity at higher trims. In the segment of two-row midsize SUVs, it competes well for buyers prioritizing practicality and reliability, while buyers seeking third-row capacity or premium interiors may prefer alternatives.
Summary
The Honda Passport remains a solid, dependable two-row SUV with generous cargo space and confident highway manners. Its cons—no third row, modest fuel economy for its size, interior and tech that aren’t best-in-class, limited off-road capability outside TrailSport, and pricing pressures at higher trims—are meaningful for certain buyers. If you don’t need a third row and you value a spacious, well-rounded daily driver with ready-to-go capability, the Passport is worth a close look; if third-row seating, top-tier interiors, or extreme off-road performance are priorities, you may want to explore alternatives.