The 2022 Honda Passport is not at the top of the priority list for updates. The vehicle is still fresh and the redesign of its larger sibling, Pilot, is more important. Well, these two SUVs share a lot of things in common and only true fans can recognize them at the first sight. Anyhow, after the update of Pilot, it will be a lot easier. The Passport will keep a current styling for at least a couple of years more.
The nameplate arrived without any announcements after a long break. The first generation of the Passport was produced in the past century, while the last one rolled out from factory lanes in 2002. Then, in November 2018, the company announced the comeback. The SUV belongs to the mid-size class and it is downsized version of Pilot. Small differences are at the back, while the front fascia is pretty much the same.
One of the most interesting things about the Passport is its price. A two-row SUV costs more than a 3-row Pilot. Well, the offer is richer at the entry-level. The next 2022 Honda Passport could decrease the starting MSRP. Also, we are monitoring updates and rumors about a hybrid engine. Again, its three-row sibling will get such a configuration sooner.
2022 Honda Passport Trim Levels: Sport, EX-L, Touring, Elite
The base Passport is coming back with the Sport trim level. Buying this package brings you 20-inch wheels. Those are larger than the Pilot’s rims and one of the reasons why a two-row SUV is more expensive. Tri-zone climate is standard, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (before 2021 YM these were optional). The center of the infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen. The base trim offers nice safety equipment through the Honda Sensing package.
The EX-L already adds some premium features, such as a power tailgate. The ‘L’ in its name stands for the leather upholstery. Memory setting is offered for the driver’s bucket. The safety comes with a blind-spot monitor system.
The 2022 Honda Passport Touring is already a premium model with a hands-free power tailgate, heated rear seats and ventilated front buckets. Navigation is standard, as well as 10-speaker audio. Safety gets further improvements with parking sensors. You will recognize the Touring model by roof rails.
The Passport Elite adds everything Honda has to offer. All-wheel drive is standard. Leather steering wheel comes with heating and vipers feature rain-sensing system. Wireless device charger is added as well.
Specifications, Gas Mileage, Towing Capacity
Unfortunately, the 2022 Honda Passport is going to be available only with the single engine choice. A 3.5-liter V6 is one of the most reliable powerplants in the market, but fans would like to have an option. There are rumors, but it seems company plans the upgrade under the hood alongside the redesign, which won’t happen before 2024. So, drivers can count on 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque from a six-cylinder drivetrain. It is not bad, since most other mid-size two-row SUVs are downtuned compared to their three-row siblings.
Passport is lighter than Pilot, which results in a better gas mileage. The SUV returns 20/25 mpg with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive makes 19/24 mpg. A few drive modes can enhance the fuel economy or performance. Some say Honda could switch to RWD. This is not only an option for Passport, but all other vehicles using the same powertrain. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to wheels. Towing capacity is above the average for the class. The SUV can haul 5,000 pounds.
2022 Honda Passport Prices
The entry-level Passport is packed with a lot of cool features, which makes the MSRP being higher than Pilot’s. Smaller two-row SUV will start at $23,790 before the destination fee. You have to add $4,000 for the EX-L, $7,000 for the Touting, and the 2022 Honda Passport Elite is priced around $45,000. All-wheel drive will cost another two grands. You can upgrade the ride with some of the Urban or Adventure packages. As their names indicate, the city or highway/off-road ride is going to be enhanced. There are three levels of each bundle – A, B, and C.
Rumors: Hybrid Engine
In the mid-size SUV segment there are more hybrid units. Honda is catching up with companies that already launched their vehicles. Nevertheless, the 2022 Honda Passport is not getting a hybrid before Pilot, that is for sure. On the other hand, everything is just a rumor. Spy shots showed the SUV with the PHEV plug two years ago. However, official confirmation and release dates are still missing. Meanwhile, no other test mules were spotted. You can follow updates about the 2022 Pilot to find out more on hybrid setup.
