What the Honda Passport Actually Gets in Miles Per Gallon

The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV that gets between 19 and 21 miles per gallon combined, depending on the model year and drivetrain. The 2024 model with two-wheel drive achieves 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined. The same year with all-wheel drive drops to 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined. Older model years (2019–2023) typically report 19 to 20 combined MPG across both drivetrain options.

These figures come from EPA testing and represent what Honda reports to the government. Real-world mileage varies based on driving habits, terrain, load, and maintenance. Highway driving usually yields better numbers than city driving because the engine runs at a steadier pace. Towing, idling in traffic, and aggressive acceleration all lower fuel economy.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Honda Passport with two-wheel drive achieves 23 miles per gallon combined; all-wheel drive models get 22 combined.
  • Older Passport model years (2019–2023) typically report 19 to 20 miles per gallon combined regardless of drivetrain.
  • Highway driving produces better fuel economy than city driving because the engine operates more efficiently at constant speeds.
  • Towing, carrying heavy loads, and driving in stop-and-go traffic will lower your actual fuel economy below EPA estimates.

How the Passport's Engine Affects Fuel Economy

All Honda Passport models use a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 280 horsepower and is designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability, which means it prioritizes power and durability over maximum fuel efficiency. The V6 is larger than the four-cylinder engines found in smaller SUVs, so it naturally consumes more fuel.

The 9-speed transmission helps by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range across different speeds. On the highway, the transmission can shift into higher gears and reduce engine RPM, which improves fuel economy. In stop-and-go city driving, the transmission works harder to find the right gear, and the engine burns more fuel overall.

Two-Wheel Drive vs. All-Wheel Drive Fuel Economy

Two-wheel drive Passport models are slightly more fuel-efficient than all-wheel drive versions. The 2024 two-wheel drive model achieves 23 combined MPG, while the all-wheel drive version gets 22 combined. That one-mile-per-gallon difference comes from the weight and mechanical resistance of the all-wheel drive system.

All-wheel drive adds weight to the vehicle and requires power to be sent to all four wheels, which increases rolling resistance and engine load. If you do not regularly drive on snow, ice, or unpaved terrain, two-wheel drive will save you fuel and money at the pump. If you live in a region with winter weather or plan to use the Passport off-road, the all-wheel drive system is worth the small fuel economy trade-off.

Real-World Fuel Economy vs. EPA Estimates

EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory testing, not actual driving. Most owners report fuel economy within 1 to 3 miles per gallon of the EPA figure, though some report lower. Factors that lower your real-world MPG include frequent short trips (the engine never fully warms up), aggressive acceleration, towing a trailer, and carrying heavy cargo.

Driving style makes a measurable difference. Smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and avoiding excessive idling can help you approach or meet EPA estimates. Underinflated tires also reduce fuel economy because they increase rolling resistance; check your tire pressure monthly and inflate to the pressure listed on the driver's door jamb, not the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall.

Fuel Economy Across Different Passport Model Years

The Honda Passport launched in 2019 as a revival of an older model. The 2019 through 2023 model years all report 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined for two-wheel drive and 19 city / 23 highway / 20 combined for all-wheel drive. The 2024 model year introduced a slight improvement, gaining one mile per gallon in combined city and highway driving.

This improvement came from refinements to the transmission and engine management software rather than a major redesign. If you are comparing used Passport models, the difference between a 2019 and a 2024 is small enough that other factors—condition, mileage, maintenance history—matter more than the one-mile-per-gallon gain.

Towing and Fuel Economy Impact

The Passport can tow up to 3,500 pounds, but towing significantly reduces fuel economy. When you are pulling a trailer, the engine works harder, aerodynamics worsen, and rolling resistance increases. Most owners report a 2 to 4 mile-per-gallon drop when towing, though the exact loss depends on trailer weight, road grade, and speed.

If you tow regularly, factor this into your fuel budget. Towing at highway speeds on flat terrain produces less fuel economy loss than towing uphill or in stop-and-go traffic. Keep your trailer as light as possible and maintain proper tire pressure on both the Passport and the trailer to minimize the efficiency penalty.

Maintenance and Fuel Economy

A well-maintained Passport will achieve better fuel economy than one that is neglected. Dirty air filters restrict airflow and force the engine to work harder, lowering MPG. Worn spark plugs and a clogged fuel injector also reduce efficiency. Follow Honda's recommended maintenance schedule: air filter replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, spark plug replacement every 30,000 miles, and fuel system cleaning as needed.

Engine oil viscosity matters too. Use the oil grade specified in your owner's manual—usually 0W-20 or 5W-20 for the Passport. Thicker oil increases internal friction and reduces fuel economy. Wheel alignment and suspension wear also affect fuel economy indirectly by increasing rolling resistance, so have your alignment checked if you notice uneven tire wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Honda Passport fuel-efficient compared to other mid-size SUVs?

The Passport's 21 to 23 combined MPG is typical for a mid-size SUV with a V6 engine. Smaller SUVs with four-cylinder engines often achieve 25 to 28 MPG, while larger SUVs with V8 engines get 17 to 19 MPG. The Passport sits in the middle of the market.

Will my fuel economy improve if I switch to premium gasoline?

No. The Passport's engine is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Using premium fuel will not improve fuel economy or performance. Stick with regular fuel to save money at the pump.

Does the Passport have a hybrid or electric version?

Honda does not offer a hybrid or electric version of the Passport. If fuel economy is your top priority, you may want to compare it to hybrid SUVs from other manufacturers, though those vehicles typically sacrifice some off-road capability.

What speed gives the best fuel economy on the highway?

Fuel economy improves as you drive slower, with the best efficiency typically between 45 and 55 miles per hour. Above 60 mph, aerodynamic drag increases significantly and fuel economy drops. Driving at 70 mph instead of 55 mph can reduce your MPG by 10 to 15 percent.

Can I improve fuel economy by using a roof rack or cargo carrier?

Roof-mounted cargo increases aerodynamic drag and reduces fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. A roof rack alone has minimal impact, but a cargo box or carrier can lower your MPG by 5 to 10 percent. Remove roof cargo when you are not using it to restore fuel economy.