Honda revived the Passport nameplate for the 2019 model year in the form of the two-row, mid-size SUV to compete against the models such as the Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Pilot-based Passport is spacious and well equipped for the money. The model goes on sale with a full suite of active safety systems by default and every version gets a large 8-inch touchscreen. The power comes from the Pilot-sourced V-6 engine. The model introduced several upgrades since the introduction and there should be a few additional when the 2022 Honda Passport arrives.
There are several possible upgrades for the next Passport signaled by various reports. The 2022 version should go on sale with an additional trim option and a hybrid powertrain could also appear. Unconfirmed reports suggest also that there should not be significant styling or in-cab updates. These claims should, however, be taken with a grain of salt as they come from unverified sources and Honda hasn’t commented on these claims.
2022 Honda Passport: Design
Based on what we know so far and without the prototype version on the roads, it seems that the 2022 Honda Passport shouldn’t come as the refreshed model. Reports suggest that the 2022 model year should bring a new trim option or special edition version with unique trim cues.
The Pilot-based Passport shares the same construction and design language with the larger, three-row model. The Passport looks much like the scaled-down Pilot. The body sculpting is similar to the three-row Pilot and there are just several unique details. The Passport has a slightly different grille and taillights.
The new model year should bring new wheel and color options and sources suggest also a new uniquely styled version. As the reports suggest, the refreshed Passport should hit the market as the 2023 version and with the styling upgrades inspired by the recently updated Ridgeline pickup truck.
If the hybrid 2022 Honda Passport version appears, the model should sport just a few unique details differentiating it from the regular version.
Interior, Equipment:
The Passport has a spacious cabin with a design inspired by the larger Pilot SUV. The controls are well organized and the model includes many practical storage compartments. The rear seat is also comfortable and can accommodate three adults. The storage capacity is up to 77.9 cubic feet while with the rear seats up there are 41.2 cubes for the cargo.
The 2022 Honda Passport will go on sale with the same in-cab design while there will be some changes in the equipment organization and several new options.
The base version will include LED headlights, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, seven speakers and an 8-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system with smartphone support features. The entry-level Passport will also come equipped with driver-assist systems such as forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
Skipping the base-level model will add leather upholstery, a power liftgate, power front seats, a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring and more.
The top trims will add more premium features such as heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, upgraded upholstery, a premium sound system, etc.
2022 Honda Passport: Powertrains
The Pilot-based Passport will return with the same V-6 engine under the hood. A 3.5-liter V-6 engine found also in the mid-size Pilot SUV and Ridgeline pickup truck is good for 280 hp and torque of 262 lb-ft. The engine routes the power to the front or all-wheel drive via the 9-speed automatic transmission.
At the efficiency level, there won’t be significant changes compared to the current V-6-powered version. The front-wheel-drive Passport should stay at 20 mpg city and 25 highways. With the all-wheel drive, the 2022 Honda Passport should return 1 mpg less both in the city drive and on the highways.
The reports suggest that Honda might introduce the hybrid version with the brand’s familiar two-motor setup. The Accord sedan and smaller CR-V SUV uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine assisted with the two-motor setup that provides 212 hp and up to 47 mpg in the sedan model. The Passport Hybrid would likely employ a more powerful combustion engine with a total output of around 300 hp. The hybrid version would also provide a significant efficiency boost if it arrives.
2022 Honda Passport: Release, Price
The 2022 Honda Passport should hit the market late in 2021. The price should again start at about $32, 500.