There is no such thing as too many SUVs in an automaker’s lineup. So, to give its customers something to consider in between the popular CR-V and Pilot models, Honda resurrected the Passport nameplate a few years ago and glued it onto a Pilot-based midsize 5-passenger crossover SUV. The result was one of the roomiest, most comfortable, and most off-road-capable vehicles in the segment.
To underscore the model’s underlying abilities, the 2022 Honda Passport gets a styling update to make it look more rugged. Honda also introduces a new Passport TrailSport trim level, slotted between the EX-L and Elite versions of the SUV. Otherwise, the 2022 Passport continues largely unchanged.
Similar to what Honda has done with the 2021 Ridgeline pickup, the 2022 Passport gets new styling from the windshield forward. It shares its front end, hood, and fenders with the Ridgeline, more closely tying the two mechanically related models together. The Passport has a unique grille.
Honda offers a new 20-inch aluminum wheel design for the Passport EX-L and Elite. The TrailSport has an 18-inch wheel with a machined surface and slightly more aggressive tire sidewalls and tread. Around the back, the Passport has a redesigned bumper, a simulated skid plate, and more prominent exhaust outlets.
New for 2022, the TrailSport trim emphasizes the Passport’s off-roading capability. It comes standard with Honda’s torque-vectoring Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel-drive system (i-VTM4), but otherwise, the TrailSport is a styling exercise. Honda says that in the future, TrailSports may offer improved off-roading capabilities over existing models.
In addition to the new styling and TrailSport trim, the 2022 Passport is now available with Honda Performance Division (HPD) accessories such as fender trim, unique graphics, a different grille pattern, and alternative wheel designs. Finally, a new Sonic Gray Pearl paint color is available.
Across the 2022 Passport lineup, the interior features new gray-faced instrumentation with white gauge needles. The EX-L trim gains perforated leather upholstery with new contrast stitching for a more upscale look and feel.
Honda sets the new 2022 Passport TrailSport apart with orange contrast stitching, a logo embroidered on the front head restraints, all-season rubber floor mats, and black chrome instrumentation surrounds. At night, amber-colored ambient lighting adds a glow to the cabin.
A power rear liftgate is standard, opening to reveal a 50.5 cubic-foot cargo area and a 2.5 cubic-foot underfloor storage compartment. With Elite trim, the liftgate offers hands-free operation. Compared to most other 5-passenger SUVs, the Passport can handle plenty of cargo.
Honda makes no mechanical changes to the 2022 Passport, which is probably wise. It uses a smooth and refined 3.5-liter V6 engine making 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission powers the front wheels, unless you get the TrailSport or the Elite, which have i-VTM4 as standard equipment.
The i-VTM4 system offers torque vectoring and can transfer up to 70 percent of the engine’s output to the rear axle. From there, i-VTM4 continually varies the power split to the rear wheels depending on traction and driving conditions and can put all of the rear-axle power to one side of the axle or the other.
To help maximize traction in specific driving situations, the 2022 Passport offers Sand, Snow, and Mud driving modes. The SUV also has up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Maximum towing capacity amounts to 5,000 pounds.
Honda isn’t making changes to the 2022 Passport’s infotainment system, either. It has an 8-inch touchscreen display and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. A navigation system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless smartphone charging are available, along with HondaLink connected services.
The Honda Passport competes with 5-passenger midsize SUVs such as the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.
Among these rivals, the Passport is one of the largest and most accommodating SUVs in the segment. But the Honda’s underlying platform and engineering are aging, dating back to the debut of the 2014 Acura MDX. Though the Passport still exudes quality and is genuinely fun to drive both on the pavement and off, some newer alternatives come across as more stylish and sophisticated than the Honda.
American Honda is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of September 22, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
You are now subscribed to the J.D. Power Cars Newsletter.
