The Honda Passport uses a large, naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. In current models, it develops about 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
Engine design and specifications
Engine family and configuration
The Passport employs Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 engine from the J35 family. It is a naturally aspirated, single-block V6 designed for smooth power delivery and strong mid-range torque, optimized for SUV towing and highway cruising.
Key specifications for the Passport’s engine, as found in recent model years, include:
- Displacement: 3.5 liters
- Configuration: V6
- Valvetrain: i-VTEC (variable valve timing)
- Power: approximately 280 horsepower
- Torque: approximately 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain options: front-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
These specifications reflect Honda’s approach to delivering confident everyday acceleration, steady highway capability, and towing capability in a two-row SUV.
Performance and drivability
Power delivery, transmission, and drivetrain options
The 3.5-liter V6 is paired with a 9-speed automatic that favors smooth shifts and ample low-to-mid-range torque, helping the Passport accelerate briskly for its size. Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with AWD enhancing grip in adverse conditions and during light towing.
In everyday use, the engine’s broad torque curve supports confident merging and passing, while the nine-speed transmission helps keep the engine in its efficient range at highway speeds. This setup is common to the Passport across most trims and model years, with no turbocharged or hybrid variants offered.
For consumers prioritizing performance, acceleration characteristics are well-suited for family travel and weekend getaways, and the engine’s durability aligns with Honda’s reputation for longevity in its SUVs.
Practical considerations
Maintenance and fuel economy notes
Maintenance intervals and service considerations for the Passport’s V6 align with standard Honda practice, including regular oil changes and inspections of ignition, fuel, and cooling systems. Fuel economy varies by drivetrain and driving conditions, with AWD generally yielding lower mpg than 2WD configurations due to additional drivetrain losses.
Ultimately, the Passport’s engine choice emphasizes robust power, reliability, and towing capability in a midsize, two-row SUV rather than frontier efficiency or alternative powertrains.
Summary
The Honda Passport is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 that delivers about 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic and offered in both FWD and AWD layouts. This setup prioritizes strong on-road performance and utility, with no turbo or hybrid variants in contemporary models.
In brief, if you want a midsize Honda SUV with a capable V6 engine and flexible drivetrain options, the Passport’s 3.5-liter V6 is the defining choice driving its everyday performance and cross-country comfort.