Although the 2019 Honda Passport unveiling at the LA Auto show wasn’t a surprise, we still were looking forward to seeing what Honda had come up with for its fourth SUV. Initially, Honda made the Passport out to be some sort of rugged off-roader, showing it cascading through a gravel road at speed in a teaser video unveiled earlier this month.
Was Honda prepping a serious off-road warrior? Not exactly. It turns out the Passport will have a bit more of an edge than the Honda CR-V or Pilot, but it’s still designed to take on urban parking lots more than tackling the Rubicon trail.
What’s new about 2019 Honda Passport?
The 2019 Passport is Honda’s fourth SUV and will slot between the CR-V and the Pilot. It’s a 5-seat mid-size SUV and everything is new about the model, but not necessarily the technology found in the Passport.
It’s powered by the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard and is linked by a 9-speed automatic gearbox. A higher ground clearance with different drive modes including Sand and Mud give the Passport some off-road worthiness, but most buyers will probably test that theory on the dirt road leading to the cottage.
Towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds, or 2,267 kilograms. The Passport will get 20-inch wheels, standard Honda Sensing advanced active safety technologies, three-zone climate controls, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a 4G LTE Wi-Fi system built-in.
What’s the 2019 Honda Passport’s price?
2019 Honda Passport | Photo: Honda
There will be three versions of the Passport offered: Sport, EX-L, or Touring. An Elite version will be offered as the top-of-the-line model in the United States. Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we expect the Passport to start at about $35,000 in Canada, and about $30,000 US.
When is its planned release date?
The 2019 Honda Passport will be released in early 2019, probably March.
Which other SUVs should you check out if you’re thinking of buying a 2019 Honda Passport?
2019 Honda Passport | Photo: Honda
The Passport is a five-seat midsize SUV. Its main competition is the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano and Jeep Grand Cherokee. With 1,167 liters of cargo space behind the rear seats, the Passport will have more cargo space than its main competition.
What do we think about it?
The 2019 Honda Passport will sell like hotcakes, we’re pretty sure about that. Buyers love their mid-size SUVs and not everyone needs three rows of seats. It will probably be more comfortable than your average mid-size SUV in its segment and packed with more standard features that add even more value to the Honda Passport.
You are right about the no need for three seats for everyone. That is turnoff for couples with no kids and maybe just dogs. It will sell good.
I think it appeals to the younger generation also. It’s looks like a fun car to drive in the Canadian winters. I also think it would be a very comfortable car to go on a road trip with some friends or family. I’m excited for its release
Pointless model, Pilot is the logical choice , the third row folds flat and you never ever have to think about it if it bothers you that much and you get more space for your dogs etc. Etc. 6inches of length savings is barely noticeable , still the same wheel base and interior / exterior as Pilot.