Pilot-based SUV will get no change for the 2020 YM. Passport returned silently, and it doesn’t draw as much attention as Honda would like. It is a smaller version of the Pilot, with similar styling and the same drivetrain. For the 2020 Honda Passport, the biggest change could be the new turbocharged engine. However, the four-banger is yet to be confirmed.
Passport SUV came back last year and the carmaker launched it as the 2019 year model. If we compare it vs Pilot, we will figure out small differences in size (6 inches shorter) and in the rear end. The 2020 Honda Passport will offer the alternative to fans of the mid-size two-row SUVs. A downside is a poor fuel economy, with a V6 engine returning only 20/25 mpg.
The competition in the segment is pretty tough. For the first edition, the new Passport is doing well. With the proper tuning in the future, Honda will have an SUV to be competitive to Ford Edge and Nissan Murano.
2020 Honda Passport vs Pilot
It is not easy to be compared to the flagship and the best-selling model. On the other hand, it is good to have a proven concept to start its new life in the mid-size SUV segment. The Passport was a model in the same class which was coming out between 1993-2002. Although we were speaking about its comeback, the company brought it back without earlier announcement. While the fans were still in shock, the sales already started.
Now, we have the first impressions to analyze. The 2020 Honda Passport is going to be unchanged. So, buyers will get a smaller version of the Honda Pilot. Passport is six inches shorter and fits only two rows of seats. It will be hard to recognize the model from the front side. The tail is slightly different, and the spoiler is the eye-catching detail on the newer model.
2020 Honda Passport Specs, mpg
The 2020 Honda Passport is using the same drivetrain as its larger sibling. It is a 3.5-liter V6 unit capable to produce 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to front wheels, and the AWD is optional.
The gas mileage is surprisingly better on the larger SUV, which returns 20/27 mpg, while the Passport comes with 20/25 mpg. On the other hand, the new SUV is better if you are an adventurer. Extra ground clearance and approach/departure angles will make it more off-road capable.
New Engines and 2020 Honda Passport Hybrid?
The biggest change for the 2020 Honda Passport could be the new engine. Some experts believe a turbocharged four-cylinder unit could fit the mid-size SUV perfectly. On the other hand, most enthusiasts don’t believe it could happen. But, the Passport SUV surprised us once. We would say the Japanese carmaker would rather go with a hybrid unit. Yes, the larger sibling should get it first, so this option might be there for 2021.
Models
The 2020 Passport will keep the current lineup of trim levels. There are four different models ready for further build. The new drivetrains will definitely add more trim levels. The base model is Sport, mid-range versions are EX-L and Touring, while the top of the line is 2020 Honda Passport Elite. For the Pilot SUV, there is another trim above the Elite – Black Edition, while the Sport model is called LX. EX is the only difference if we assume the Black Edition is there for the limited time.
The EX-L model adds leather seats and a power moonroof. While the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional for the base Sport model, upper trim levels use them as standard accessories. Touring package adds hands-free power tailgate. Heating is available for fronts seats and the infotainment system is getting navigation. Passport Elite is the most expensive version. The wireless charger ventilated front seats, heated rear row and steering wheel, and automatic wipers are some of the top-notch accessories you will get with this model.
Colors
The Black Copper is the only paintjob for the 2020 Honda Passport we cannot find on the Pilot. There are seven other mutual colors in the offer: Obsidian Blue, Crystal Black, Black Forrest, Modern Steel, Lunar Silver, Deep Scarlet, and Platinum White. The larger SUV also adds Steel Sapphire.
Interior color depends on a trim level. For the base Sport model, the black cloth covers the most cabin parts. Black leather is the option from the EX-L model. Elite trim also adds grey leather as an optional color.
2020 Honda Passport Prices
The base price for the 2020 Honda Passport is higher than the cost of the entry-level Pilot. The MSRP difference is $500. This might be the reason why the Passport is not achieving even better sales results in its first year. The offer starts with the Sport model and it costs $32,000. The EX-L model adds around $4,500 to the base price. This version of the larger Pilot is more expensive by $1,500. Touring is just under $40,000 ($3,000 cheaper than the Pilot Touring) and the top version is Passport Elite with a $44,000 price tag.
Source: TopSpeed
