The 2025 Passport is a three-row midsize SUV built on a truck frame, seating up to seven people
The 2025 Honda Passport is a body-on-frame SUV that sits between Honda's compact CR-V and full-size Pilot in the lineup. It uses the same platform as the Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a real truck frame underneath rather than a car-based chassis. The Passport seats up to seven people across three rows, though the third row is tight and better suited for children or occasional use.
Honda offers the Passport in two main trim levels for 2025: the base TrailSport and the higher-end TrailSport Touring. Both come standard with all-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. The transmission is a 10-speed automatic. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, and the Passport can handle off-road driving better than most three-row SUVs because of its truck-based design and available all-terrain tires.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Passport uses a truck frame and comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower.
- Two trim levels are available: TrailSport and TrailSport Touring, with the Touring adding features like a power liftgate and upgraded interior materials.
- Fuel economy is estimated at 21 miles per gallon city and 26 highway for both trims, though real-world numbers vary based on driving conditions and terrain.
- The third row is designed for occasional use and is most practical for children; adult passengers will find it cramped on longer trips.
- Standard safety features include Honda Sensing, which bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and collision mitigation into one system.
Engine, transmission, and fuel economy
The 2025 Passport's 3.5-liter V6 is the only engine option available. It produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels as standard; there is no front-wheel-drive option. This setup is shared with the Ridgeline pickup, which means parts availability and service costs are generally predictable if you own the vehicle long-term.
EPA estimates for fuel economy are 21 city and 26 highway miles per gallon for both the TrailSport and TrailSport Touring. Real-world mileage depends heavily on driving habits, terrain, and whether you use the all-terrain or highway tires. Off-road driving and towing will lower fuel economy noticeably. The Passport has a 21-gallon fuel tank, giving it a theoretical range of around 450 miles on a full tank under highway conditions.
Trim levels and standard features
The TrailSport is the base trim and includes all-wheel drive, the V6 engine, Honda Sensing safety features, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and a power driver's seat. Exterior features include roof rails, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. The interior uses cloth upholstery, and the infotainment system does not include wireless smartphone integration.
The TrailSport Touring adds a power liftgate, leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.2-inch touchscreen. It also includes a panoramic sunroof and upgraded interior trim. The Touring is priced roughly $3,000 to $4,000 higher than the TrailSport, depending on current market conditions and dealer pricing.
Interior space and seating configuration
The Passport seats seven people in a three-row layout: two in front, three in the middle row, and two in the back. The middle row has a 60/40 split and can slide forward and backward to balance legroom between the second and third rows. For most buyers, the second row is where passengers will spend the most time, and it offers reasonable comfort for adults on long drives.
The third row is the trade-off. It is designed for children or occasional use by adults on short trips. Headroom and legroom are limited, and the seat cushion is relatively thin. When the third row is folded flat, cargo space expands to 84.5 cubic feet. With the second and third rows folded, maximum cargo capacity is 153.6 cubic feet. The second row alone folded gives you around 50 cubic feet of usable space behind the front seats.
Off-road capability and towing
The Passport's truck-based platform gives it genuine off-road ability that most three-row SUVs cannot match. It has a 9.0-inch ground clearance, and the frame design allows for more suspension articulation than unibody SUVs. Standard all-terrain tires on both trims are rated for light off-road use, and the Passport can handle dirt roads, rocky terrain, and shallow water crossings without modification.
Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with a properly equipped trailer. The Passport comes with a 2-inch receiver hitch as standard. If you plan to tow regularly, factor in that the V6 engine and all-wheel-drive system will reduce fuel economy compared to highway driving. The truck-based design means the Passport sits higher than most SUVs, which can make hitching and unhitching easier but also affects visibility when backing up.
Safety features and driver information technology
Honda Sensing is standard on all 2025 Passport models. This suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and road departure mitigation. The system uses cameras and radar to monitor the road and surrounding traffic. It can be toggled on or off, and most drivers find it helpful on highways but less intrusive than some competitor systems.
The Passport earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in its most recent testing, with five stars in frontal crash and rollover categories and four stars in side crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not published 2025 Passport ratings yet, but previous model years scored well in most crash tests. Standard safety features also include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and a backup camera on all trims.
Pricing and what affects the final cost
The 2025 Passport TrailSport starts around $48,000 to $50,000 before taxes and fees, while the TrailSport Touring starts around $51,000 to $54,000. These are manufacturer suggested retail prices, and actual dealer pricing varies by location, inventory, and current incentives. Some dealers may offer discounts or financing incentives, while others may charge above MSRP if demand is high.
When budgeting for a Passport, factor in registration fees (which vary by state), insurance (typically higher for SUVs than sedans), and maintenance. Honda's recommended service intervals are 10,000 miles for oil changes, and routine maintenance like tire rotation, air filter replacement, and fluid checks follow a predictable schedule. Fuel costs will depend on your driving mix and local gas prices, but budget roughly 15 to 20 cents per mile for fuel based on current EPA estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2025 Passport compare to the Honda Pilot?
The Pilot is larger, seats up to eight people, and uses a car-based platform. The Passport is smaller, seats seven, and uses a truck frame. The Passport is better for off-road driving and towing; the Pilot is better for everyday comfort and fuel economy. The Pilot is also more expensive, typically starting $5,000 to $8,000 higher than the Passport.
Can I fit a car seat in the third row?
Yes, the third row has LATCH anchors for car seats, though installation can be tight because of limited space. Most parents use the second row for car seats and reserve the third row for older children or occasional passengers. Check your car seat manual to confirm it fits the Passport's dimensions before purchasing.
What is the difference between all-terrain and highway tires on the Passport?
All-terrain tires have deeper treads and are designed for dirt, gravel, and rocky surfaces. Highway tires are optimized for pavement and offer better fuel economy and a quieter ride. The Passport comes with all-terrain tires standard, but you can replace them with highway tires if you rarely drive off-road and want to improve fuel economy.
Does the 2025 Passport have a hybrid or electric option?
No, the 2025 Passport is gasoline-only. Honda has not announced a hybrid or electric version for this model year. If fuel economy is a priority, the Pilot offers a hybrid version that gets better mileage, though it sacrifices some off-road capability.
What warranty does Honda offer on the 2025 Passport?
Honda's standard warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty extends to five years or 60,000 miles. Some dealers offer extended warranties for an additional cost, but these are optional and not required by Honda.