Steve Says This Passport Is Your Ticket To Adventure

Honda’s all-new Passport went on sale earlier this year to slot in below the Pilot as the brand’s 2-row, legitimate off-road SUV.

But the one they sent me is up fitted for even more adventure. This one has off-road tires, skid plates, side steps and coolest of all: a rooftop tent.

Compared with the 3-row Pilot with which it shares its midsize light-truck platform, the Passport is Honda’s more rugged entry with over 8” of ground clearance, a wider track, more aggressive approach and departure angles and 4 all-wheel drive modes to tackle different terrains.  It’s powered by an energetic 280 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a much improved upon 9-speed automatic transmission.  Pricing starts in the low $30s, slightly more than the Pilot, and is offered in 4 trim levels, the first 3 of which can be specified with 2-wheel drive but what fun would that be?

This here is the top-trim Elite model with standard all-wheel drive adding a handful of extras such as ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, a wireless phone charger and gloss black trim. Before the mods this one checks in at $45,268.