What the Honda Passport Actually Gets in Fuel Economy
The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV that typically returns 19 to 21 miles per gallon combined, depending on the model year and drivetrain. All current Passports use a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The EPA estimates 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined for recent model years, though real-world numbers vary based on driving conditions, maintenance, and how aggressively you accelerate.
The Passport sits between the smaller CR-V (which gets better mileage) and the larger Pilot (which gets slightly worse). If fuel economy is your primary concern, the CR-V will save you money at the pump. If you need the Passport's body-on-frame construction and off-road capability, the fuel economy trade-off is the cost of that design choice.
Key Takeaways
- The Honda Passport averages 18 to 21 mpg combined across recent model years, with all models using a 3.5-liter V6 and all-wheel drive as standard.
- City driving typically yields 17 to 19 mpg, while highway driving reaches 22 to 24 mpg depending on speed and road conditions.
- Older Passport models (2019–2021) may show slightly different EPA estimates than 2022 and newer versions due to transmission updates.
- Real-world fuel economy often runs 1 to 3 mpg lower than EPA estimates when driving in stop-and-go traffic or towing.
EPA Estimates by Model Year
The Passport's fuel economy has remained relatively stable since its return to the market in 2019. The 2019 through 2021 models were rated at 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined. Starting with the 2022 model year, Honda made minor refinements to the transmission and engine tuning, but the EPA ratings stayed the same: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined.
If you are comparing used Passports, model year makes little difference to fuel economy. A 2019 and a 2024 will perform nearly identically at the pump. The real variables are mileage (older engines may lose efficiency), maintenance history, and how the previous owner drove it. When shopping for a used Passport, ask the seller for fuel economy records from their last few fill-ups—that real-world number tells you more than the EPA rating alone.
How Real-World Driving Affects Your Mileage
EPA estimates assume a mix of city and highway driving under controlled conditions. In practice, most Passport owners see numbers closer to 17 to 19 mpg combined, especially if they spend significant time in traffic or on short trips. Highway driving at steady speeds can push the Passport closer to the EPA highway estimate of 23 mpg, but only if you maintain consistent speeds below 65 mph.
Towing, even with a light trailer, will drop fuel economy by 2 to 4 mpg. If you plan to tow regularly, budget for 15 to 17 mpg combined. Aggressive acceleration, cold starts, and driving with underinflated tires all reduce efficiency. Keeping tires at the recommended pressure (found on the driver's door jamb, not the tire sidewall) is one of the easiest ways to maintain the Passport's rated economy.
Passport Fuel Economy Compared to Competitors
| Vehicle | Engine | Drivetrain | EPA Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Passport | 3.5L V6 | AWD standard | 20 mpg |
| Jeep Wrangler (4-door) | 3.6L V6 | 4WD standard | 18 mpg |
| Toyota 4Runner | 4.0L V6 | 4WD standard | 17 mpg |
| Chevrolet Blazer | 3.6L V6 | AWD standard | 20 mpg |
| Honda CR-V | 1.5L turbo | AWD standard | 26 mpg |
The Passport's 20 mpg combined rating is competitive within the body-on-frame SUV category. It beats the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner, which prioritize off-road capability over efficiency. It matches the Chevrolet Blazer, which is a unibody crossover rather than a truck-based SUV. If fuel economy is your priority, the Honda CR-V delivers significantly better mileage (26 mpg combined) in a smaller, car-based package.
The trade-off is capability. The Passport's frame-based design, higher ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive make it better suited for unpaved roads and towing than the CR-V. The Wrangler and 4Runner offer more extreme off-road performance but at a steeper fuel economy cost. Your choice depends on whether you actually need that capability or whether the Passport's efficiency advantage over those vehicles justifies the smaller interior.
Maintenance and Driving Habits That Protect Fuel Economy
A well-maintained Passport will hold its fuel economy longer than a neglected one. Regular oil changes with the correct viscosity (check your owner's manual) reduce engine friction. A clogged air filter forces the engine to work harder, so replacing it according to schedule matters. Wheel alignment also affects mileage—if your Passport pulls to one side, the tires are fighting each other and burning extra fuel.
Driving habits have the largest impact. Accelerating smoothly, avoiding jackrabbit starts, and coasting to red lights instead of braking hard all preserve fuel economy. On the highway, cruise control helps maintain steady speed, which is more efficient than constant small adjustments. Removing roof racks and cargo carriers when not in use reduces wind resistance. These changes won't turn a Passport into a hybrid, but they can add 1 to 2 mpg to your real-world average.
When to Expect Fuel Economy to Drop
New Passports often show slightly better fuel economy during the first 1,000 miles as the engine breaks in. After that, mileage stabilizes. You may notice a drop in fuel economy if you switch to a heavier grade of motor oil, use lower-octane fuel than recommended (the Passport requires regular 87-octane, so this is less common), or if the engine develops a problem like a misfiring spark plug or a faulty oxygen sensor.
Winter driving also reduces fuel economy by 3 to 5 percent because cold engines run less efficiently and winter-blend gasoline has slightly lower energy content. If your Passport's fuel economy drops suddenly by more than 2 to 3 mpg, have the engine scanned for fault codes at a Honda dealer or independent shop. A check engine light is the most obvious sign, but some efficiency problems occur without triggering a warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Passport get better fuel economy in 2WD?
The Passport does not offer a 2WD option. All models come standard with all-wheel drive. If you want a Honda SUV with the option to switch to front-wheel drive for better fuel economy, the CR-V offers that choice, though the Passport's all-wheel drive system is not a significant fuel penalty compared to competitors.
What fuel octane should I use in a Passport?
The Passport requires regular 87-octane fuel. Using premium 91 or 93 octane will not improve fuel economy and costs more. Use the grade specified in your owner's manual. Some owners mistakenly think premium fuel will help, but it only matters if your engine is designed to use it.
Can I improve Passport fuel economy with aftermarket parts?
Cold air intakes and performance chips marketed as fuel-economy upgrades rarely deliver measurable gains and may void your warranty. Synthetic oil can reduce friction slightly, but the difference is typically less than 1 mpg. The most effective upgrades are low-rolling-resistance tires and keeping the engine properly tuned.
How does Passport fuel economy compare to the previous generation?
The Passport was discontinued after 2006 and returned in 2019 with a completely new design. The original Passport (1994–2006) used older V6 engines and was significantly less efficient. Direct comparisons are not meaningful because the vehicles are fundamentally different in size, weight, and technology.