Honda Passport in Snow

Honda Passport Unveiled 285HP V6 Engine

Honda Passport

Honda has just unveiled the all-new, fourth-generation Passport SUV, and I have to say—it’s a massive departure from its predecessor. The new Passport is bigger, bolder, and has a rugged, go-anywhere vibe, especially with its off-road-focused TrailSport variant. It’s clear that Honda is aiming to position this as a proper SUV rather than a crossover.

Honda Passport DRL
Source: Honda

Honda Passport Exterior

The first thing that stands out is the Passport’s fresh design. Gone is the soft crossover styling of the previous model. This one has a proper SUV identity with a chiseled, upright stance. Up front, it’s all about the boxy vibes. The rectangular-shaped headlamps, clamshell hood with a wide black hood scoop, and that bold upright grille with a massive Honda logo scream “tough.” Plus, the bumper has a wide air dam and a faux aluminum skid plate that completes the rugged look.

From the sides, it keeps the tough vibe alive with flared fenders, chunky plastic cladding around the wheel arches, and contrasting black door handles. Oh, and let’s not forget those 18-inch alloys wrapped in 31-inch chunky tires—perfect for hitting the trails. Honda’s even increased the ground clearance and shortened the front overhang, improving the approach angle for off-roading.

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Honda Passport Dashboard
Source: Honda

Honda Passport Interior

Step inside, and the interior is classic Honda—everything is logically laid out, with a focus on good ergonomics and usability. The cabin has an all-black theme for the dashboard, but depending on the variant, you get contrasting shades and stitching on the seats and door pads.

What really caught my eye is the massive 12.4-inch touchscreen in the center, loaded with off-road-specific information for the adventurous types. A 10.2 inch digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera and dual-zone climate control. And of course, Honda’s full ADAS suite is part of the package. It’s a proper 5-seater, so no third-row here, but that means more space for passengers and cargo.

Honda Passport Off Road
Source: Honda

Under the Hood and Trail-Ready

Now, let’s talk about what’s under the hood. The Honda Passport’s 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine producing out a 285hp paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Honda’s stuck with a tried-and-tested formula here, so there’s no hybrid or electrification in sight.

The Honda Passport TrailSport variant gets a unique suspension setup tuned for rough terrain. It’s clearly built to handle more than just the urban jungle.

Sadly, Not for India

Here’s the bummer, though—it’s not coming to India. The Passport is aimed squarely at the North American market. For us, Honda’s next big launch is the new Amaze sedan, which is set to arrive on December 4, 2024.

Still, I can’t help but admire the Passport from afar. It’s the kind of SUV that makes you want to load up your gear and head out on an epic road trip. Honda’s definitely nailed the rugged SUV formula with this one.

Honda Passport History

The Honda Passport holds a special place in Honda’s history—and, honestly, in the hearts of so many people who’ve owned or driven one over the years. It’s not just another SUV; it’s a name that tells a story of adventure, reliability, and evolution.

Where It All Began
The Passport’s story started back in 1993, at a time when SUVs were just starting to catch on in the U.S. Honda didn’t have one of its own yet, so they teamed up with Isuzu to rebadge the Rodeo and launched the Passport. It was a rugged, body-on-frame SUV that gave Honda a way into the growing SUV market.

I still remember how those early Passports appealed to families and adventurers alike. It wasn’t just a vehicle—it was a companion. For many, it was the car they packed up for road trips, camped out with on weekends, or trusted on snow-covered roads. Even though it was technically an Isuzu, it wore the Honda badge proudly and became part of the brand’s journey.

Honda Passport Second Generation

The Pause and the Comeback

When Honda retired the Passport in 2002, it felt like the end of an era. But during that time, Honda was already working on its own SUVs, like the CR-V and the Pilot, which went on to become huge successes. The Passport name faded away, but it wasn’t forgotten.

Fast forward to 2019, and Honda decided to bring it back. But this time, it wasn’t a rebadge—it was all Honda. The third-generation Passport was built to fill the gap between the smaller CR-V and the larger Pilot. It was more refined, better suited for on-road comfort, but still had that adventurous vibe. It was like seeing an old friend return with a fresh, modern personality.

More Than Just a Name

What makes the Passport so special isn’t just the car itself—it’s the memories people associate with it. For some, it was their first family SUV, the one they piled into for road trips or relied on during tough weather. For others, it was the vehicle that took them to remote hiking trails or camping spots. The Passport name evokes freedom, exploration, and a sense of trust.

And for Honda, the Passport isn’t just about filling a market segment—it’s about keeping that spirit alive. They’ve taken what worked in the past and built on it, creating a rugged SUV that feels ready for anything.

A New Chapter

The latest Passport takes things to the next level. It’s tougher, more capable, and packed with modern features, but it still carries that sense of adventure from its early days. Every time I look at the new Passport, I think about how it’s more than just a car—it’s a partner for making memories, taking the road less traveled, and saying “yes” to the next adventure.

For anyone who’s owned one—or even just dreamed about it—the Passport is more than a name. It’s a feeling, a connection, and a reminder that the best journeys are the ones where you embrace the unknown.

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