Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Honda Passport Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Honda Passport Model Years (Ranked)
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 3.5L 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.
Direct Answer
The best Honda Passport model year overall is the 2024 Passport TrailSport, which pairs the durable 3.5L V6 (280 hp) with standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, a more rugged suspension and all-terrain tires, and the latest infotainment and safety tech inside the refreshed 2022-onward body.
The best value is the 2021 Passport EX-L, a pre-refresh trim that now sells used at a strong discount while delivering the same V6, AWD, leather, and Honda Sensing safety suite. Every Passport uses the same 3.5L V6 and 9-speed automatic, so the choice is mostly trim, drive, and year.
This list is for buyers who want a roomy, capable two-row SUV that tows and lasts.
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%). We used NHTSA recall data, Consumer Reports and **J.D.
Power reliability marks, and IIHS crash results. With one engine across the line, the rankings hinge on the 2022 refresh (new styling, standard AWD on more trims, a wider track), the TrailSport trim added for added off-road appeal, and known minor issues such as early 9-speed automatic** shift complaints.
We also weighed real ownership costs: the 3.5L V6 is smooth and strong but thirsty, returning roughly 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, so fuel economy is the Passport's weakest area against four-cylinder turbo rivals — buyers should expect to pay for the V6's effortless power at the pump.
On the other side of the ledger, the engine's long track record and Honda's reputation for drivetrain durability mean maintenance is predictable and resale stays firm, which lifted the value scores of the well-equipped mid-trims that most buyers actually want.
1. 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2024 represents the most capable and refined Passport, and the TrailSport is the standout. It runs the 3.5L V6 (280 hp) 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 lbs, and the cabin offers a large cargo hold, leather, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full Honda Sensing suite. As a recent example it carries the most remaining Honda warranty. Best value within the lineup: the EX-L.
Why it wins: the most capable, best-equipped Passport with the latest tech and a long warranty tail.
2. 2023 Honda Passport EX-L
The 2023 EX-L brings the refreshed styling and standard AWD with the 3.5L 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 recent 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
The 2021 EX-L is the value champion: the same 3.5L V6 (280 hp), 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 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
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 3.5L 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
The 2024 EX-L offers the latest year's refinement and longest warranty without the TrailSport's rugged hardware, keeping the 3.5L V6, standard AWD, leather, 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 lbs.
Why it ranks here: the newest mainstream trim with the longest warranty, minus off-road extras.
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 3.5L 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
The 2020 EX-L is a well-equipped pre-refresh car offering the 3.5L 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 lbs 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
The 2022 TrailSport debuted alongside the refresh as a more appearance-focused trim, adding unique exterior styling and a wider track with the standard 3.5L 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
The 2019 EX-L was the launch trim for the reborn Passport, offering the 3.5L 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 automatic 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
The 2020 Sport is the affordable base trim, delivering the same 3.5L 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 3.5L 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.
Go in expecting 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
Which Honda Passport year is the most reliable? All Passports share the proven 3.5L V6, which has an excellent durability record. The 2021 and later cars are the most sorted, but even the 2019 launch year has held up well once early 9-speed software updates are applied.
Does the Passport have a third row? No. The Passport is a two-row, five-seat SUV — that is its main difference from the closely related, three-row Honda Pilot. It trades the extra seats for more cargo room.
How much can the Honda Passport tow? Properly equipped with all-wheel drive, the Passport tows up to 5,000 lbs, enough for a small boat, camper, or utility trailer.
Is the TrailSport a real off-roader? The TrailSport adds all-terrain tires, a retuned suspension, and skid plates (more substantial on later years), giving it genuine light-trail ability, though it is not a hardcore rock-crawler.
Is the Passport's fuel economy a dealbreaker? It depends on your priorities. The 3.5L V6 returns about 20 mpg combined, behind turbo-four rivals, so high-mileage commuters may prefer a more efficient SUV. Buyers who value the V6's smooth power, towing, and proven durability will find the tradeoff worthwhile.
Bottom Line
The 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport is the best overall pick: the dependable 3.5L 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.
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.*