Honda Passport EX-L 2023 Review, Specs and Release date

The 2023 Honda Passport epitomizes a steady and reliable left-fielder, demonstrating exceptional playmaking skills, solid catches, and plenty of base hits without drawing excessive attention to itself. Competing in the mid-size SUV segment with more than two dozen diverse rivals, each possessing distinct skill sets, the Passport’s notable all-around capabilities and lack of negative attributes elevate it into the upper echelon of this overcrowded and fiercely competitive class.

As a two-row mid-size SUV, the Passport shares a commonality with the larger three-row Honda Pilot, offering all of the automaker’s most recent safety and driver-assistance features as standard. The Passport incorporates advanced technology with a formidable V-6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and standard all-wheel drive. While the Passport may not necessarily offer exhilarating excitement, exceptional off-road prowess, or eye-catching aesthetics, it provides satisfactory power and performance, is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, and excels as a competent family hauler.

Certainly, if you are captivated by the Passport but require additional space, the Passport’s close relative, the three-row Honda Pilot, presents a viable and judicious alternative.

The foregoing data displays a comparison of selected sport utility vehicles (SUVs) ranked by their starting prices. The vehicles include the Kia Telluride, the Ford Bronco, the Ford Bronco Raptor, the Hyundai Palisade, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and the Honda Passport.

The SUVs are listed according to their starting prices, with the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade priced at $37,255 and $37,235, respectively, leading the pack. The Ford Bronco follows closely at $36,390, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Honda Passport are priced higher at $44,830 and $42,445, respectively. The Ford Bronco Raptor tops the list with a starting price of $78,375.

Notably, the Honda Passport underwent a slight facelift in the previous year, resulting in minimal changes to the 2023 model. Despite increased prices, the 2023 Honda Passport is available in the same range of trim levels as its predecessor.

Pricing and Selection Considerations

The Honda Passport lineup currently offers three trim levels: EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite. Each trim level features distinct pricing and equipment specifications. The EX-L starts at $42,445, while the TrailSport and Elite have starting prices of $44,945 and $47,905, respectively.

Given the range of prices and equipment levels available, customers may find it challenging to select the most suitable trim level. Nonetheless, we recommend the EX-L, as it represents the best value proposition due to its reasonable pricing and impressive features. These include leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a large touchscreen with smartphone-mirroring functionality, all of which are highly desirable.

Furthermore, the base EX-L now comes with all-wheel drive, making it an even more compelling choice for prospective buyers. Therefore, based on its excellent value for money and enhanced performance, the Passport EX-L is a highly recommended option for those in the market for a mid-size SUV.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Beneath the surface, the Passport retains the identical 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission as the Pilot. During our evaluation, the Passport exhibited spirited acceleration, with a comfortable ride quality over the majority of road surfaces, and pleasantly responsive steering, providing a sense of agility. Additionally, the vehicle boasts a ground clearance of 8.1 inches, affording the operator the capacity to navigate moderately rugged terrain without causing excessive damage to the underside, yet it is not a bona fide off-road machine. However, it can serve as a reasonably capable towing apparatus, with the ability to haul up to 5,000 pounds.

FUEL

The Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG analysis of the Honda Passport V6’s pairing with its all-wheel drivetrain monogamous, after the axing of the front-wheel drive configuration for the 2023 model year, suggests that it will receive a single EPA rating identical to that of a 2022 all-wheel drive model due to their mechanical similarity. The 2022 Passport demonstrated a city rating of 19 and a highway rating of 24, leading to a combined rating of 21 miles per gallon.

However, during a couple of weeks of testing with a 2022 TrailSsport, we found that the average MPG was only 17. Our extensive testing regimen included a fuel-economy route at 75 mph, which yielded an average of 23 mpg, falling short of the vehicle’s EPA highway rating by a single mpg. For further details on the fuel economy of the Passport, one may consult the EPA’s website.

Interior

The attributes pertaining to the interior, comfort, and cargo of the Honda Ridgeline are conspicuous in the Passport’s cabin. Despite a humdrum design, the materials employed are aesthetically appealing, and the controls are meticulously arranged, albeit we would prefer more tactile inputs such as knobs and buttons, as opposed to the touchscreen controls.

The front seats are ample and comfortable, with an adjustable armrest to optimize seating comfort. The rear seat is spacious, allowing for the Passport to accommodate up to five individuals. A voluminous 41 cubic feet of storage space is situated behind the rear seat, which can house up to 15 carry-on suitcases. Upon folding the rear row, the storage capacity escalates to 78 cubic feet, capable of accommodating 33 bags. The overall interior storage capacity is enhanced by practical bins that are spread throughout the cabin, and an enormous central-console bin.

Entertainment

The Passport model offers a comprehensive range of infotainment and connectivity features. All variants of this vehicle are outfitted with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with Bluetooth technology and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The EX-L and TrailSport models feature a seven-speaker audio system, while the top-tier Passport Elite model is outfitted with a superior ten-speaker audio system. A 115-volt outlet is standard for TrailSport and Elite models. Notably, the availability of a Wi-Fi hotspot is exclusive to the Elite variant, as it is not an option for the lower-tier EX-L and TrailSport models.

The Honda Passport comes equipped with a comprehensive array of safety and driver-assistance technology as standard equipment, bolstering its credentials as a dependable vehicle. Notable inclusions within the suite are forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, amongst others. The overall safety rating of the Passport, as determined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is available for perusal, along with crash-test results, via the NHTSA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Key safety features within the Passport encompass standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, standard adaptive cruise control, and standard blind-spot monitoring augmented with rear cross-traffic alert. These features aim to enhance the safety of passengers and pedestrians alike by assisting in avoiding accidents or reducing the severity of any potential collisions.

The warranty and maintenance coverage offered by Honda is notable for its competitive nature, albeit with a powertrain coverage level that falls short of those proffered by its competitors, notably the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento. Nonetheless, the Honda Passport presents a salient benefit with a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan.

The limited warranty policy extends to a duration of three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty coverage is valid for five years or 60,000 miles. Furthermore, a two-year or 24,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan is included as part of the package.

Fundamental Information:

The model number of the automobile in question is Passport EX-L 2023, which has been produced in Japan. The warranty provided for this vehicle includes a basic 3-year/36,000-mile coverage, a 5-year/unlimited-mile warranty for corrosion, a 5-year/60,000-mile coverage for the drivetrain, and a 3-year/36,000-mile coverage for roadside assistance. This SUV is available in a range of colors, including Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Obsidian Blue Pearl.

Technical Details:

The vehicle in question, Passport EX-L 2023, is equipped with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 Gas engine that can generate an impressive power output of 280 horsepower at 6000 revolutions per minute. The engine is capable of generating a torque of 262 lb-ft at 4700 revolutions per minute.

The Honda Passport EX-L of 2023 exhibits exceptional performance, which is attributed to its state-of-the-art specifications. The vehicle is equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission system, featuring an all-wheel drive configuration that enables optimal power distribution to all wheels. The steering system utilizes a rack-pinion gear type, which is powered by a power steering mechanism. This enhances the vehicle’s maneuverability, particularly during high-speed driving, and allows for precise control of the wheels.

In terms of suspension, the Honda Passport EX-L incorporates a multi-link rear suspension and a strut front suspension, which together offer improved stability and handling, particularly during sudden turns and rough terrain. The vehicle also boasts a minimum turning radius of 39.3 feet, which enhances its agility and facilitates smooth navigation in tight spaces.

In terms of its dimensions and weight, the Honda Passport EX-L measures 189.1 inches in length, 78.6 inches in width, and 72.2 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 110.9 inches. The vehicle has a kerb weight of 4,236 pounds, which is indicative of its robust construction and durability. Overall, the Honda Passport EX-L of 2023 is an exemplar of superior engineering and design, with exceptional specifications that enhance its performance and appeal.

The Honda Passport EX-L 2023 model is equipped with technologically advanced tires. The tyre size is P245/50HR20, which indicates the width, aspect ratio, speed rating, and wheel diameter. The HR symbol indicates that the tire can sustain a maximum speed of 130 mph. The wheel size is 20 inches in diameter and 8 inches in width, and it is made of high-quality aluminum material. The wheels are lightweight, and durable, and provide enhanced performance and stability. The tire and wheel combination provides excellent traction, handling, and ride comfort, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience.

The brake system of the Honda Passport EX-L 2023 consists of discs on both the front and rear wheels. The disc brakes offer superior stopping power, efficient cooling, and reduced brake fade, ensuring optimal braking performance. The brake system is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking and helps maintain directional stability, thereby enhancing safety and control.

The Honda Passport EX-L 2023 is powered by a gasoline engine, which delivers a fuel economy of 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The fuel tank capacity is 19.5 gallons, which provides a decent driving range. The engine is designed to provide a perfect balance between power and fuel efficiency, delivering smooth and responsive performance under all driving conditions.

The Honda Passport EX-L 2023 is a five-seater vehicle with a spacious and comfortable interior. The vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner and heater, providing optimal climate control. The central locking system ensures the safety and security of the passengers and their belongings. The power steering system provides precise and effortless steering, enhancing maneuverability and control. The power windows allow for easy operation and convenience. Overall, the Honda Passport EX-L 2023 is a well-equipped and technologically advanced vehicle that provides a luxurious and comfortable driving experience.