2021 Honda Passport

2021 Honda Passport Highlights

The 2021 Honda Passport continues to offer a blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability in the midsize SUV segment. While this model year's changes are minimal, Honda has made notable infotainment updates to enhance the Passport's appeal and keep it competitive in its class.

Updates for the 2021 model year include:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with all trim levels
• An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard across the range

Key Details

• Midsize crossover SUV body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• 3.5-liter V6 engine
• Nine-speed automatic transmission
• Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)

Benefits

• Spacious interior with ample cargo space
• Powerful V6 engine standard across all trims
• It is a comfortable ride with good handling for its size
• Standard Honda Sensing suite of safety features
• Decent off-road capability, especially with AWD
• User-friendly technology features

Related: 2021 Honda Passport Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

2021 Honda Passport Overview

Performance

The 2021 Honda Passport offers one engine across all trims:

• 3.5-liter V6 engine
• 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
• 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm
• Nine-speed automatic transmission

This powertrain provides ample performance for a midsize SUV, offering strong acceleration and confident passing power. The Passport can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds, which is competitive for its class.

Front-wheel drive is standard on Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims, with all-wheel drive available. The Elite trim comes standard with all-wheel drive. Honda's i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management) all-wheel-drive system can send up to 70% of the engine's torque to the rear axle and 100% to either rear wheel.

Towing capacity for the Passport is respectable:

• Front-wheel drive models: 3,500 pounds
• All-wheel drive models: 5,000 pounds

The Passport also features an Intelligent Traction Management system, which allows drivers to select different modes (Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand) to optimize the vehicle's performance.

While not designed as a hardcore off-roader, the Passport offers 8.1 inches of ground clearance (7.5 inches for FWD models), sufficient for light off-road use and navigating snowy roads.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Passport a top five-star overall safety rating.

Standard safety features across all 2021 Honda Passport models include:

• Multiple airbags
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Anti-lock brakes

The Honda Sensing suite, standard on all trims, includes:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control

Higher trims offer additional safety features such as:

• Blind-spot monitoring with a cross-traffic monitor
• Front and rear parking sensors

Driving

The 2021 Honda Passport offers a driving experience that balances comfort with capability, making it well-suited for daily commuting and weekend adventures. The ride quality is a standout feature, with the suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections to provide a smooth and composed ride.

The Passport's steering feel is well-calibrated for an SUV of this size, offering enough feedback to keep the driver connected to the road without being overly heavy. The Passport's turning radius is relatively tight for a midsize SUV, aiding maneuverability in parking lots and urban settings. Despite its size, the Passport handles well for a midsize SUV. Body roll is well-controlled during cornering, and the vehicle maintains its composure even when pushed harder than typical family driving might demand.

Interior

The 2021 Honda Passport's interior offers a spacious, practical environment emphasizing comfort and versatility. The Passport provides ample room for passengers and cargo as a two-row midsize SUV. Almost 40 inches of second-row legroom is unusually generous.

Key interior features include:

• Leather-trimmed seats (standard on EX-L and above)
• Ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat (eight-way on Sport)
• Heated front seats (standard on EX-L and above)
• 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats
• Tri-zone automatic climate control

Cargo space is a strong point for the Passport:

• 41.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• 77.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded

Visibility is generally good, aided by the Passport's large windows and high seating position. Storage options are plentiful, with numerous bins and cubbies throughout the cabin, including a large center console bin and spacious door pockets.

Technology

The 2021 Honda Passport has a range of technologies that enhance connectivity. Key features include:

• 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen system (now standard on all trims)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (now standard on all trims)
• Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and streaming audio
• SiriusXM Radio (EX-L and above)
• 7-inch digital driver information interface
• Available Wi-Fi hotspot capability (Touring and Elite)
• Available wireless phone charger (Elite)

Additional available technology features include:

• Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System (Touring and Elite)
• 540-watt premium audio system with ten speakers (Touring and Elite)
• CabinTalk in-car PA system (Touring and Elite)
• Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

Fuel Economy

The 2021 Honda Passport's fuel economy is competitive for a V6-powered midsize SUV, though not class-leading. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

3.5-liter V6:

• FWD (mpg): 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined
• AWD (mpg): 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined

2021 Honda Passport Reviews

2021 Honda Passport consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book are mostly positive, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. Owners give the Passport high marks for quality, reliability, comfort, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• More cargo space than many competitors in its class
• Standard V6 engine offers strong towing capacity (up to 5,000 lbs with AWD)
• Higher ground clearance than typical crossovers for light off-road use
• Well-balanced ride and handling for its size
• Generous standard features, even on the base trim
• A simplified trim structure makes it easier to choose the right model

Problems

• Fuel economy isn’t as competitive as some rivals
• Interior design may feel less upscale than some competitors
• No hybrid option is available
• Higher trims can get expensive
• Some users find the nine-speed transmission occasionally hesitant

Explore: How Long Do Honda Passports Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

CoPilot's Take

The 2021 Honda Passport’s strengths are its spacious interior, powerful V6 engine, and versatile cargo area, making it an excellent choice for families or adventurers. While not a hardcore off-roader, it offers enough ground clearance and available all-wheel drive to handle mild trails and adverse weather conditions confidently.

Honda's decision to standardize Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims for 2021 enhances the Passport's appeal, especially for tech-savvy buyers. The comprehensive Honda Sensing safety suite, standard on all editions, adds significant value and peace of mind.

However, the Passport isn't without its drawbacks. While fuel economy is reasonable for a V6-powered SUV, it falls short of some more efficient competitors, including hybrid options. In addition, the interior may not feel as premium as some rivals in higher trims.

The lack of a third row might be a con for some buyers, but this design choice allows for the Passport's generous cargo space and rear-seat legroom. This could be seen as a benefit for those who don't need seven seats. Otherwise, go for the mechanically similar three-row Honda Pilot.

2021 Honda Passport FAQs

Are 2021 Honda Passports good cars?

Yes, the 2021 Honda Passport is generally considered a good car. It offers a spacious interior, a powerful V6 engine, a comfortable ride, and a good balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Passport also comes with a comprehensive set of standard safety features and receives good reliability ratings. However, like any vehicle, its suitability depends on individual needs and preferences.

What is the MPG on a 2021 Honda Passport Touring?

The 2021 Honda Passport Touring has the following EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings:

• Front-wheel drive: 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined
• All-wheel drive: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined

These figures are consistent across all trims of the Passport, including the Touring edition.

What are the different versions of the 2021 Honda Passport?

2021 Honda Passport trim levels are:

• 2021 Honda Passport Sport: The base model offers standard features like the Honda Sensing safety suite, 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.
• 2021 Honda Passport EX-L: Adds leather-trimmed seats, power tailgate, moonroof, and blind spot information system.
• 2021 Honda Passport Touring: This model includes navigation, a premium audio system, heated rear seats, and a hands-free power tailgate.
• 2021 Honda Passport Elite: The top-tier trim features standard all-wheel drive, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and rain-sensing wipers.

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