Honda optimizes its Passport model for 2024

• The TrailSport trim comes with more offroad capability.

• The old dashboard remains, but a larger center console is integrated.

• The crossover is now available with a Black Edition badge.

Honda may have unveiled the first chapter of its electric era with the Prologue 2024 just a few days ago, but before it can become an important player in the electric segment, the Japanese giant must continue to market its ICE-powered vehicles.

This explains the announcement of the 2024 model year of the Honda Passport. The mid-size crossover doesn’t change dramatically like the redesigned Pilot for 2023, but there are a few alterations that make the Passport 2024 a more complete vehicle.

In the adventurous corner for example, the Honda Passport TrailSport 2024 gets a suspension better suited to the treatments of an off-road course. Stiffer springs, improved damping valve settings and optimized stabilizer bars change the game for the mid-size SUV.

The presence of General GrabberTM T/T Sport all-terrain tires also supports the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. Curiously, the treads on the Passport TrailSport are not the same as those on the Pilot TrailSport, which is fitted with Continental all-terrain tires. As for the 18-inch wheels, they are exclusive to the adventurous model, as is the model’s front end with its unique grille and protective plate under the front bumper. Also note that the Passport TrailSport is now available in a new Diffused Sky Blue color. There’s also a heated zone on the windscreen to prevent the wipers from jamming in icy conditions.

For the rest, the utility vehicle retains its attributes from recent campaigns, i.e. torque-vectoring i-VTM4 all-wheel drive and 205.4 mm ground clearance, while its towing capacity of 2,268 kg (5,000 lb) is also renewed. Under the hood, the Passport is still powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 280 hp and 262 ft-lb of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission also remains on the menu.

Honda has sent the Touring livery into retirement in favor of this new Black Edition variant, which, you guessed it, is clad in several black-painted components: 20-inch alloy wheels, grille, headlamp trim, side trim, door handles, window trim and fog lamp accents, as well as Black Edition emblems on the grille and tailgate. In the US, the model will also be offered with the Black Edition badge, as well as the TrailSport model.

The Passport Black Edition 2024 is available in Sonic Gray, Platinum White, Radiant Red or Crystal Black Pearl. Inside, the equipment level is very high, with heated and ventilated first-row seats, heated rear seats and perforated leather on the seats. There’s also red stitching on the steering wheel, seats, and door panels, while red mood lighting on the dashboard, doors and center console enhances the onboard experience.

Honda has not disclosed pricing for the crossover but expect it to rise slightly when it arrives early next year.