For the 2024 model year, the Honda Passport gets a new top-of-the-line trim level and an enhanced TrailSport version with added off-road mojo. The midsize SUV is polishing its all-terrain rep to better compete in a market where at least the appearance of off-road capability is gaining momentum with car buyers. At the same time, the Passport proves that black is the new black by introducing a Black Edition as its most elite version.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
Honda offers the 4-door, 5-passenger Passport crossover in three trims: EX-L, TrailSport, and new Black Edition. Though Honda revised the SUV inside and out for the 2024 model year, the powertrain remains the same. The automaker equips all trims with a 280-horsepower, naturally aspirated, 3.5-liter V6 engine driving all four wheels (AWD) via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
The most notable exterior change to the 2024 Honda Passport is the new Diffused Sky Blue exterior color first seen on the 2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport. The paint is available on the TrailSport trim only. The TrailSport also features power-folding mirrors and a heated windshield wiper landing area.
The new-for-2024 Black Edition has several exterior enhancements. Among them are black-painted 20-inch alloy wheels and blackout treatments for the grille, headlight trim, side trim, door handles, window trim, and fog lights. The featured exterior color is Crystal Black Pearl, and the Black Edition is also somewhat confusingly available in Sonic Gray, Platinum White, and Radiant Red. Black Edition badges festoon the grille and liftgate.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
To accompany the exterior tweaks, Honda fine-tunes the Passport's interior for 2024. One of the most noticeable and welcome changes is the enlarged center console. It's wider and more accommodating than the previous console, incorporates an armrest, and is large enough to hold a full-size tablet computer. Immediately in front of the storage bin is a widened tray that can hold two smartphones side by side. The slightly altered cargo area at the vehicle's rear offers 50.5 cubic feet of luggage space.
The new Black Edition presents an upscale look with red-accented perforated leather seats. The front seats are ventilated, and the rear seats offer heating. The Black Edition continues its red-accented interior theme with red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, and door panels. And, reminiscent of a submarine, the interior features red accent lighting on the dash, doors, and center console. Honda emblazons the Black Edition logo on the front seats and the floor mats.
Speaking of floor mats (a fascinating topic), the 2024 Passport TrailSport has the "TrailSport" logo embossed on its rugged rubber mats. The logo also appears on the front-seat head restraints. Instead of the red stitching that highlights the interior of the Black Edition, the TrailSport features orange contrast stitching.
The additional off-road emphasis apparent in the 2024 Passport TrailSport is more than skin and orange-stitching deep. The new year also brings a revised off-road suspension with new spring rates, upgraded damper valve tuning, and new stabilizer bars. Honda says the changes aim to increase articulation and enhance off-road ride quality without sacrificing the vehicle's on-road driving dynamics.
Another sign that Honda is getting serious about making the Passport an off-roader is the new installation of all-terrain tires on the TrailSport trim. General Grabber A/Tx tires (245/60R18) are now the standard fitment on the TrailSport. Honda teams those tires with machined 18-inch alloy wheels with pewter-painted highlights. They not only look cool, but they also increase front and rear track width by 10 mm.
The 2024 TrailSport also boasts a tweaked version of Honda's i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system. According to Honda, the system can direct up to 70 percent of the engine's torque to the rear wheels if the situation calls for it. And it can continuously apportion 100 percent of that torque to one or the other of the rear wheels, depending upon traction. When one rear wheel is in the air, it will direct power to the other to maintain forward motion. Honda says the system will offer significant added benefits in mud and sand.
The Passport continues to offer a standard 4-mode traction-management system that allows drivers to tailor the i-VTM4 for different terrains, including sand, snow, mud, and pavement. Ground clearance remains an ample 8.1 inches, and with its carryover 280-hp V6, the Passport offers a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
While many things change for 2024, the Passport's advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and safety equipment do not. The 2024 Passport features the Honda Sensing array of safety-related ADAS as standard. It includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, lane-departure warning, lane-centering assistance, and adaptive cruise control. A rear seat-belt reminder system and a rear-seat reminder system (two different things) are also standard on the 2024 Passport.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
Tech is largely carried over in the 2024 Honda Passport. The crossover SUV has an 8-inch touchscreen display, and the infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Qi-compatible wireless charging and four USB-C charging ports are also standard.
The Honda Passport is a midsize crossover SUV, but it is smaller than the Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, or Kia Telluride. Instead, it competes against 5-passenger crossovers like the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Edge. In overall length, it slots right in between the Jeep Cherokee and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Indeed, Honda has never had the off-road reputation enjoyed by Jeep, but with the enhancements to its TrailSport trim, it is clearly moving in that direction. At the same time, the brand wants to maintain the Passport's reputation for on-pavement comfort and driving enjoyment.
Honda is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of October 4, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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