- 1. The Honda Passport’s acceleration
- 2. The adventure SUV’s quiet performance
- 3. The space in the cabin
- What Consumer Reports hates about the Honda Passport
- The Passport’s basic features and price
Although not as popular as Honda’s other offerings, such as the 2022 Honda CR-V, the recently revived Honda Passport seems to have been a modest hit for the automaker. Notably, it’s also popular among critics, with Consumer Reports even giving it a solid score and recommending it to buyers. According to CR, these are the Passport’s three high points for the 2022 model year.
1. The Honda Passport’s acceleration
2022 Honda Passport Trailsport | American Honda Motor Co., Inc
The 2022 Honda Passport is no slouch, thanks to a powerful 3.5L V6 engine outputting 280 horsepower. For context, the Consumer Reports class leader in the mid-sized SUV segment, the 2022 Subaru Outback, only produces 182 horsepower in the base model. That said, Car and Driver notes that there’s also a turbocharged engine option for the Subaru, outputting 260 horsepower.
Back to the Honda Passport, the power from the V6 engine seems to do it some good off the line. Consequently, it zips from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds with the smooth automatic transmission helping. However, the transmission isn’t perfect and may sometimes hesitate to downshift, which causes problems if you need a quick dose of extra power.
2. The adventure SUV’s quiet performance
According to Kelley Blue Book, a V6 engine typically produces less noise than a 4-cylinder alternative despite outputting more power. This is an advantage that buyers will experience with the 2022 model year Honda Passport as the adventure SUV quietly hums along in everyday driving. However, it can sound a bit more menacing when pushed hard.
Furthermore, the automaker has done an excellent job insulating the vehicle, keeping road and wind noise well out of the cabin. Consumer Reports even likens the cabin’s quietness to direct competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Ford Edge, which both got better overall scores on the reviewer’s rating system.
3. The space in the cabin
Another upside is the interior room, with Consumer Reports describing the cabin as wide and roomy. A notable caveat is that the space in the second row of seats isn’t much of an upgrade from the Passport’s sibling, the Honda CR-V. However, it should be sufficient for most buyers’ needs.
The SUV’s cargo space isn’t tiny either. There seems to be lots of space even without lowering the second row of seats. Furthermore, buyers can also expand it by sliding the seats forward. This is in addition to the vehicle having multiple bins under the cargo floors.
What Consumer Reports hates about the Honda Passport
As for the dislikes, Consumer Reports only listed two major flaws. One is the ride quality. Apparently, the SUV seems to have a stiffer suspension than its bigger sibling, the 2022 Honda Pilot. Consequently, while it does keep noise out of the cabin, it doesn’t do as well in keeping impacts out. This can make the ride quite uncomfortable, especially if you’re going off-road.
Lastly, there’s the Passport’s handling. The SUV’s tall and wide body seems to cause problems on twisty roads, especially if there are a couple of sharp turns to get through. The website notes that drivers will definitely have to overwork their hands and the steering wheel to get through said turns, all while experiencing significant body lean.
The front tires sliding early in sharp turns could also be a problem. That said, there are some positives with the reviewer asserting that the SUV is controllable and confidence-inspiring in emergencies. The incorporated stability control system seems to be reliable as well.
The Passport’s basic features and price
In addition to the 3.5L V6 engine mentioned above, the four-door two-row SUV comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Also, Honda Passport buyers have the option of FWD and AWD. According to Honda, the intelligent traction management system, in addition to the available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, should help keep the Passport steady in adverse road conditions.
As for the MSRP, Car and Driver places it at $39,095 for the lowest trim.
Keyword: 3 Things Consumer Reports Likes About the 2022 Honda Passport