Best Honda Passport Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

The Honda Passport returned in 2019 as a two‑row, five‑seat midsize SUV — essentially a shorter, more rugged‑looking Pilot aimed at buyers who want space and capability without a third row. It has used one engine throughout its modern run, the proven 3.5 L V6, paired with available all‑wheel drive, making it a relaxed highway cruiser with real towing ability. Because it is a young nameplate with one engine and a major styling refresh for 2022, ranking it is about picking the right year, trim, and feature set. The Passport's appeal is straightforward: it offers nearly all of the Pilot's interior space and the same dependable drivetrain, but trades the third row for a larger cargo hold and a more planted, capable stance, which makes it a favorite of buyers who tow, camp, or simply want a midsize SUV that does not feel like a minivan. This list sorts the best Passport model years and trims by reliability, value, and capability in 2027.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted six criteria: reliability and recall history (30 %), value vs. used price (25 %), capability and towing (15 %), interior space and features (15 %), safety scores (10 %), and fuel economy (5 %). Data sources include NHTSA recall records, Consumer Reports and J.D. Power reliability scores, and IIHS crash test results. All model years share the same 3.5 L V6 and 9‑speed automatic; differences arise from the 2022 refresh (new styling, wider track, standard AWD on more trims) and the TrailSport trim’s off‑road‑focused hardware.

1. 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2024 Honda Passport TrailSport

The 2024 model represents the most capable and refined Passport, and the TrailSport is the standout. It runs the 3.5 L V6 with a 9‑speed automatic and standard i‑VTM4 torque‑vectoring all‑wheel drive, and adds all‑terrain tires, a retuned suspension, steel skid plates, and unique styling. Towing is rated up to 5,000 lb, and the cabin offers a large cargo hold, leather upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full Honda Sensing suite.

Why it wins: the most capable, best‑equipped Passport with the latest tech and a robust drivetrain.

2. 2023 Honda Passport EX‑L

2023 Honda Passport EX-L

The 2023 EX‑L brings the refreshed styling and standard AWD with the 3.5 L V6, leather, heated front seats, wireless smartphone integration, and Honda Sensing. It delivers the same relaxed V6 drive and 5,000‑lb towing as pricier trims at a more accessible used price. As a post‑refresh car, it is well‑sorted and reliable, with strong crash scores.

Why it ranks high: refreshed looks, standard AWD, and full V6 capability at a sensible price.

3. 2021 Honda Passport EX‑L 💎 BEST VALUE

2021 Honda Passport EX-L

The 2021 EX‑L is the value champion: the same 3.5 L V6, 9‑speed automatic, and available i‑VTM4 AWD as newer cars, plus leather, heated seats, a power liftgate, and Honda Sensing. Because it predates the 2022 refresh, mainstream shoppers often overlook it, so clean EX‑Ls sell well below comparable two‑row SUVs despite offering the same drivetrain, space, and 5,000‑lb towing. It earned strong reliability marks.

Why it's the value pick: the full Passport experience — V6, AWD, leather, towing — for a price that undercuts the segment.

4. 2022 Honda Passport EX‑L

2022 Honda Passport EX-L

The 2022 model year delivered the major refresh — new front and rear styling, a wider track, and standard AWD across the U.S. lineup. The EX‑L pairs that with leather, the 3.5 L V6, and Honda Sensing. It is the first of the modern‑looking Passports and drives with slightly improved stability thanks to the wider stance. As an early refresh car it offers updated looks at a lower price than the latest years.

Why it ranks here: the first refreshed Passport with standard AWD, at a fair used price.

5. 2024 Honda Passport EX‑L

2024 Honda Passport EX-L

The 2024 EX‑L offers the latest year’s refinement and the longest remaining factory warranty among non‑TrailSport trims. It keeps the 3.5 L V6, standard AWD, leather upholstery, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full safety suite. For buyers who want a recent, well‑equipped Passport for mostly on‑road use, this is the practical choice. It tows up to 5,000 lb.

Why it ranks here: the newest mainstream trim with the latest styling and warranty coverage, minus the off‑road hardware of the TrailSport.

6. 2023 Honda Passport TrailSport

The 2023 TrailSport introduced the rugged‑look trim with all‑terrain tires, unique styling, and orange interior accents over the standard 3.5 L V6 and AWD. It brings added trail appeal and a distinctive look at a lower price than the 2024 version. The drivetrain and 5,000‑lb towing are unchanged, and it carries the full Honda Sensing suite.

Why it ranks here: the first TrailSport, with rugged style at a slight discount.

7. 2020 Honda Passport EX‑L

2020 Honda Passport EX-L

The 2020 EX‑L is a well‑equipped pre‑refresh car offering the 3.5 L V6, available AWD, leather, heated seats, and Honda Sensing. As the second model year, it benefited from minor sorting over the launch car while still selling at a low used price today. It tows 5,000 lb and earned solid reliability and crash scores. Confirm any early 9‑speed software updates were applied.

Why it ranks here: a loaded early trim at a low price, with proven mechanicals.

8. 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport

2022 Honda Passport TrailSport

The 2022 TrailSport debuted alongside the refresh as a more appearance‑focused trim, adding unique exterior styling and a wider track with the standard 3.5 L V6 and AWD. It bridges the gap between the standard cars and the more capable later TrailSports. For buyers who want the refreshed look with a sportier flavor at a moderate price, it fits well.

Why it ranks here: the first refreshed TrailSport, at a mid‑tier price.

9. 2019 Honda Passport EX‑L

2019 Honda Passport EX-L

The 2019 EX‑L was the launch trim for the reborn Passport, offering the 3.5 L V6 (280 hp), available i‑VTM4 AWD, leather, and Honda Sensing. As the oldest modern Passport, clean examples are the cheapest entry into the V6, two‑row formula. The main caveats are the pre‑refresh styling and the need to verify early 9‑speed software updates and any open recalls.

Why it ranks here: the cheapest route to a V6 Passport, launch‑year quirks aside.

10. 2020 Honda Passport Sport

2020 Honda Passport Sport

The 2020 Sport is the affordable base trim, delivering the same 3.5 L V6, available AWD, and standard Honda Sensing in a less‑equipped package without leather. It is the value‑minded pick for buyers who want the Passport's space, V6 power, and 5,000‑lb towing at the lowest price, accepting cloth seats and fewer luxuries. Reliability is the same as pricier trims.

Why it ranks here: the cheapest usable Passport with the full V6 and towing capability.

How to Choose

Every Passport uses the same 3.5 L V6 (280 hp) and 9‑speed automatic, so they all drive and tow alike — your decision is year, trim, and drive. The 2022 refresh brought new styling, a wider track, and standard all‑wheel drive across the U.S. lineup, so post‑2022 cars look fresher and add AWD on every trim. If you want rugged styling and all‑terrain tires, choose a TrailSport; if you want comfort and value, an EX‑L is the sweet spot. For maximum savings, a 2021 EX‑L or 2019–2020 car offers the same V6 and 5,000‑lb towing for less. On early cars, verify any 9‑speed software updates and check the VIN against NHTSA for open recalls. Expect the V6's appetite for fuel — roughly 20 mpg combined — to be the main running cost, and weigh whether you truly need the third row; if you do, the closely related Honda Pilot is the better buy, while if you value cargo space and a more planted feel, the Passport is the smarter pick.

FAQ

What is the most reliable Honda Passport model year? The 2021 and 2022 model years are widely considered the most reliable, as they benefit from years of refinement on the same 3.5 L V6 and 9‑speed transmission. Owners report fewer early‑production issues compared to the 2019 and 2020 models, though no year has widespread major problems.

Is the Honda Passport good for off‑roading? The Passport TrailSport trim, introduced in 2022 and refined for 2024, offers the best off‑road capability with standard i‑VTM4 all‑wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and all‑terrain tires. It excels on gravel, light trails, and snowy roads rather than rock crawling.

Which Passport year should I avoid? The 2019 model year is the least recommended due to early‑production teething issues, including occasional transmission hesitation and infotainment glitches. Later years have fewer complaints and more refined software.

How much does a used Honda Passport cost in 2027? A 2019–2021 Passport typically sells between $22,000 and $30,000 depending on mileage and trim, while 2022–2024 models range from $28,000 to $38,000. TrailSport and Elite trims command higher prices, often $5,000–$8,000 above base models.

Does the Honda Passport have good towing capacity? Yes, all Passport models with the 3.5 L V6 can tow up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped, which is strong for a midsize two‑row SUV. The 2022 refresh did not change this rating, so any year from 2019 onward offers the same towing ability.

What is the best value Honda Passport trim? The 2021 EX‑L offers the best balance of features and price, with leather seats, a power liftgate, and available all‑wheel drive at a used price often $4,000–$6,000 less than a comparable 2022 model. It lacks the updated styling but retains the same reliable drivetrain.

Bottom Line

The 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport is the best overall pick: the dependable 3.5 L V6, standard AWD, real trail capability, the latest tech, and a long warranty tail. Value shoppers should target the 2021 Passport EX‑L, which delivers the same V6, AWD, leather, and towing for far less. Because every Passport shares one proven drivetrain, any year is a safe used buy once early‑car software updates are confirmed.

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Sources

• Honda Passport — Wikipedia
• NHTSA Recalls & Complaints
• Consumer Reports — Honda Passport
• IIHS Honda Passport Ratings
• J.D. Power Honda Passport
• Honda USA — Passport
• EPA Fuel Economy — Passport

*Honda Passport model years review — best Passport years, Passport reliability ratings, TrailSport vs EX‑L review 2027, and a review of the best used Honda Passport trims.*

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[1] Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and IIHS data (see Sources). [2] Used‑car market analysis based on listings from major automotive sites (see Sources).