2019 Honda Passport – Test Drive
Big Without Knowing It
The Honda Pilot was so successful that of all odds; sold every single unit built at one point. Building up from the foundation of success, Honda has now introduced an all-new 2019 Passport in a more compact size but still larger than the well-acclaimed CR-V. And it will seat-five very comfortably.
Despite its box-like shape, it’s got a 3.5L i-VTEC engine, fully independent suspensions, AWD capability and increased ride height makes the Passport fun and forgiving both on and off road.
Dimensions Emphasizing on Dirt Road
Better off-road capabilities on the Passport are attained by tweaking the existing Pilot platform by shortening the overall chassis length by 6 inches and raising the height by 1 inch while leaving the overall wheel-base the same at 111.1″ long. The result is improved arrival and departure angle of 21.4 and 27.6 degrees respectively. It’s even got a 5000 lbs. rated towing capacity as well.
Down to Earth Interior
The easy-going interior sports perforated leather seats available in the EX-L trim and soft-touch material layered throughout. Visibility and ergonomics provide easy access thanks to an ultra-wide front windshield and oversized all-LCD instrument cluster display. And the center console creates a clean and tidy space with a button-based gear selector in lieu of the traditional gear-lever type.
Standard across all trims includes an 8″ infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple Car play with multi-touch and pinch-zoom feature. Powered by Honda-Link, the infotainment UI system is clean and simple to use and the 152 watt 7 speaker audio system comes standard while the highest Touring upgrades to a 10-speaker audio system delivering crisp audio media throughout the cabin space.
Modernized AWD Powertrain
All trims on the Passport lineup comes equipped with a peppy 3.5L i-VTEC engine producing 280 hosrepower and 262 lbs.ft of torque and is coupled to Honda’s highest performance offerings of a 9-speed automatic. 2WD comes standard with the ability to upgrade to AWD (standard on Elite trim) traction management system and dynamic torque vectoring.
The AWD system is not only able to dynamically distribute torque between the front and rear wheels, but also able to distribute torque to either rear wheels by applying brake pressure to reduce understeer. The system is orchestrated by the intelligent traction management system to control the torque distribution based on different selectable drive modes including Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand.
Everyday Road Practice
In spite of all an increased ride-height and advanced off-road AWD system the Passport still road-obedient with smooth and refined acceleration and handling capability thanks to the capable 3.5L V6 and dynamic torque vectoring.
The 2WD powertrain achieves a fuel economy of 20/25/22 mpg while the AWD gets 19/24/21 mpg (AWD) on city highway and combined respectively. For its class, it’s great but the other competitors namely the Mazda CX-9 4WD gets 20/26/23 MPG city highway and combined that still beats the 2WD variant of the Passport while seating 7.
The lowest Sport equipped with i-intelligent AWD trim can be had for $41,990 CDN. The EX-L trim equipped with second row heated seats, hands free lift-gate and leather-trimmed seats at $45,590 while the highest Touring model will cost $48,990.
That said, the Passport is not a bargain basement; but rather appeals to buyers who are looking for long-term use that will with plenty of room, capability to grow within it, on or off the city roads.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2019 Honda Passport
- Model : Honda Passport Touring
- Vehicle Type : Full-Size SUV
- Seating Capacity : 2+3
- Engine : 3.5L i-VTEC V6
- Transmission : 9-speed automatic
- Price as tested: $48,990
Pros
- Large 5-seater cross-over SUV platform providing plenty of space
- Off-roading capability with AWD, and increased ride height
- High-tech powertrain with Torque Vectoring for improved ride handling
- Well-equipped, quality and spacious interior
- Light, fun and overall easy car to drive
Cons
- Lowest trim still costs $42,990 with no leather interior