Should You Buy a 2023 Honda Passport?

• Pricing for the Passport starts at $47,090 in Canada, $41,100 in the US.

• The Honda Passport is an extremely family-friendly midsize SUV.

• Problem: Will 2024 usher in an all-new model?

I think I’ve written and said this 20 times over the last year but Honda’s in the midst of revamping its entire utility vehicle lineup. Now that the HR-V, CR-V, and Pilot have gone under the knife, all that remain are the Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Passport.

The changes brought to the first three are significant with one exception: Powertrains. This single item represents the tipping point between whether or not you should buy a 2023 Passport. There’s another consideration and that is that we do not yet know if Honda’s about to unleash an all-new 2024 Passport.

One way or another, in the crowded midsize SUV, distinctive attributes are a must especially if a vehicle is to be successful. The odd thing about the Passport is that it ticks every box but is nowhere as big a seller as it should be. Its biggest issue? Ah! You’ll have to read below.

Know that the recent facelift and upgrades made for the 2022 were limited to front and rear fascias, and the introduction of a new Trailsport version. We think that it might be a little too soon for an all-new Passport. In all likelihood, the new Ridgline and Odyssey will come first. Truth be told, Honda’s not the most predictable automaker. As such, the question then, is whether or not you should consider a 2023 Passport?

Why you should buy a 2023 Honda Passport:

• The standard-for-all 3.5L V6 is butter-smooth and responsive.

• The included 9-speed automatic transmission is just as smooth and operates brilliantly.

• Ride quality is excellent despite the tester’s 20-inch wheels. For an even better driving experience and comfort, the Trailsport is a winner.

• At a whopping 1,430L, the Honda Passport’s trunk is the most capacious in the segment, besting many three-row SUVs (thank you Pilot).

• The cabin is excessively roomy and there are loads of storage options.

• Despite looking older than the new Pilot, the Passport still stands its ground thanks to its broad shoulders, handsome wheels, and depending on trim, colours!

• The Trailsport version – it’s the looker and coolest of the lot.

• Honda’s VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system is both efficient and standard.

Why you should not buy a 2023 Honda Passport:

• Unlike a few members in the segment, the Passport is delivered only with a V6 engine and does without 4-cylindre or electrified options.

• Said V6 is not entirely fuel-efficient. Expect averages to hover in the 11-12L per 100km in summer with a 10% increase or more in winter.

• Pricewise, at roughly $50,000 with delivery fees, the Passport turns out to be one of the most expensive in the segment. As it doesn’t exactly offer any extra value over the competition, this is its weakest point.

Conclusion:

As noted, the standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, good for 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, are a match made in Honda heaven. And there’s a strong chance that this powertrain combo will return in 2024 with or without a new body. So, if you’re waiting for a boosted 4-cylinder or hybrid power, it’s highly unlikely to come anytime soon.

As far as functionality and family-friendliness are concerned, we can safely assume that they will always be featured among the SUVs strong points. There’ll easily be room for everything and five occupants, not to mention phones, cables, tissue boxes, wipes, keys, tablets, and so on, with chargers for all.

But, it’s far too expensive and we’re willing to bet that the 2024 MY truck, new or carried over, will be even pricier. This is why competitors like the Toyota Venza, Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Acadia, Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, and a few others, Honda cannot justify the money they want for the Passport.

The bottom line is that the 2023 Honda Passport is a very good two-row midsize SUV and there’s no valid reason not to get one, if your budget allows.