Are you looking for an SUV? Perhaps you have considered which brands have the best reputation, the most awards, or the newest technology. Which brands do you trust? What do the people in your life drive? How likely are you to ask for a recommendation and check out the suggested vehicle at your local dealership? Many say that Honda is a great, affordable, durable, and comfortable brand. Maybe you have even been looking at Honda SUVs for sale, wondering, “Is the Honda Passport a good car to buy?”
Though you may take personal recommendations with a grain of salt, mechanics, industry professionals, and automotive news entities will tell you unequivocally that there is an exceptional Honda SUV you will want to check out – the Honda Passport. Yes, the 2023 Passport is an excellent choice, and you will love how roomy, comfortable, safe, and convenient it is. The Passport has won many awards, including “Best 2-Row SUV for Families” and “Best 2-Row SUV for the Money” from U.S. News.
If you have been musing over the possibility of a new SUV for yourself or as a family vehicle, you will want to run, not walk, to find a 2023 Honda Passport for sale.
History of the Honda Passport
The SUV market began to boom in the late 1990s. No longer thinking about the family car, consumers wanted something more prominent, with more legroom and storage space. SUVs were more convenient, hardy, and fun to drive than the old family boat-sized cars of earlier decades. The Honda Passport debuted in late 1993, ahead of the boom. It shared similarities with Honda pickups and even utilized Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform as its base. With the advent of the SUV boom, the Honda Passport did very well for itself, but in 2002 Isuzu and Honda ended their partnership in the United States, and the Passport disappeared.
Luckily for Honda fans, the Passport returned sixteen years later in 2018. 2019 saw a significant redesign of the Honda Passport, now a crossover SUV. The Passport began selling quickly again due to its past popularity and the changes made by Honda to keep it modern and fresh. Minor adjustments were made in 2022, so 2023’s model did not undergo any changes. It is rumored that a hybrid powertrain option will be available for the next redesign, but there has been no official announcement on the matter.
2023 Honda Passport Trim Levels
The 2023 Honda Passport, like its predecessors, is available in three trim levels: the EX-L, the TrailSport, and the Elite. They come with a wide range of features based on your chosen trim level. Still, there are plenty of standard features, like the one-touch fold-down 60/40 split rear seatback, compatibility with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, Push Button Start, and the Honda Sensing Driver Assistance Features.
The EX-L is the lowest trim level, and the Elite the highest, but there are enough features to make the EX-L still perform well, with a comfortable ride for drivers and passengers. With so many standard features, it is only sometimes necessary to go up a trim level, but if you prefer niceties, it is a good idea to check out both the TrailSport and the Elite. If you are looking for something that is capable of adventuring with you on or off the road, then the TrailSport might be the trim level for you.
No matter which trim level you end up going with, they all have a powerful stance, with a multitude of features to keep you and any passengers comfortable, entertained, and safe. The 2023 Honda Passport, regardless of trim level, is built to consistently perform at a high level, with plenty of verve to get you where you need to go. Want to go to new places or explore the outdoors? The 2023 Honda Passport can take you there.
2023 Honda Passport Performance
No matter which trim level you choose for your Honda Passport, they all come with the same powerful engine, a V6 that produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The 24-valve single overhead camshaft (SOHC) from i-VTEC and direct fuel injection assist the Passport in its quest for dominance on the road. The nine-speed automatic transmission comes with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and paddle shifters, and thanks to the Idle-Stop and Eco Assist System, the 2023 Honda Passport is considered a LEV3 – ULEV125, which means it is a Level 3 Ultra Low Emission Vehicle adhering to 125 standards set forth by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Sitting high with 8.1” of ground clearance, it is possible to go off-roading in the Passport on trails, through pastures, or in the mountains – just do not try to climb rocks or fallen logs with it. If you prefer to explore the outdoors on foot, hook up your camper, trailer, or other equipment and let the Passport do the heavy lifting, up to 5,000 lbs. At a combined rate of 21 mpg, the Passport manages 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. In addition, you do not have to worry about caring for your Passport alone – Honda’s warranty covers two years of maintenance service.
2023 Honda Passport Features
The 2023 Honda Passport is packed with driving and safety features, separated into three categories: driver assistance features, active safety features, and passive safety features. All of these are standard across trim levels, which is an incredibly rare occurrence. Many other automotive companies sell safety features in packages, preventing some drivers access to helpful and possibly life-saving tools.
Driver assistance features include the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Parking Sensors, a Blind Spot Information System (BSI), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). These systems are helpful no matter where you are and can often help prevent accidents. Active safety features like the Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist and Location and Pressure Indicators all come together to ensure that you are always aware of what’s going on around and underneath you. Passive safety features include Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure, Side Curtain Airbags With Rollover Sensor, and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in each second-row seat.
Tech features vary more, but Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Bluetooth Streaming Audio, an 8” infotainment center, a wireless phone charger, three 2.5 Amp USB charging ports, and an MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack in the center console are all standard.
The Honda Passport Is An Excellent Choice
Now that you have been given a glimpse of the 2023 Honda Passport, you can see why many drivers have chosen it over other SUVs. It is an excellent choice because of its performance, safety, tech features, and its status as a Honda vehicle. The Passport is a delightful experience, no matter which trim level you go with or where you decide to take it for a drive. With plenty of room for backseat passengers to stretch out and enough features to keep everyone entertained, you will never want to drive anything else.
Your search is over – you have found a great vehicle to purchase. The 2023 Honda Passport is famous for a reason. Those who drive Hondas tend to be very loyal because of Honda’s consistency in producing quality vehicles with affordable features. The Passport has what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the driving experience, and you will want to be along for that ride.
