2027 Honda Passport Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The Passport has always occupied a useful middle ground in Honda’s SUV lineup: more rugged and spacious than a typical family crossover but easier to live with than a dedicated off-roader. The latest generation sharpens that mission with standard AWD, a boxier design, and real TrailSport hardware.
For 2027, it should remain a practical midsize SUV with just enough adventure built in. Midsize two-row SUV competitors include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mazda CX-70, and Toyota 4Runner.
The Passport was fully redesigned for 2026, so major changes are not expected for this model year. Updates included new powertrain and AWD systems, improved tech, and revised styling. Honda should continue offering the rugged-focused TrailSport and more upscale TrailSport Elite trims, both introduced as part of the latest-generation variant.
The 2027 Passport should remain one of the more convincing midsize SUVs for shoppers who want adventure-ready capability without giving up everyday Honda practicality. TrailSport models look cooler and add useful off-road hardware, but the redesigned Passport’s appeal runs deeper than one trim.
That starts with the basics. Every Passport gets a roomy, smartly arranged interior, a user-friendly dashboard, loads of storage, and a standard all-wheel-drive system that is genuinely impressive. Even the more road-focused RTL has enough traction and clearance to handle loose surfaces better than the typical midsize SUV.
The TrailSport still has the strongest personality . Its all-terrain tires, skidplates, off-road-tuned suspension, and rugged design cues make it the Passport that looks most ready for the trail. But unless buyers actually plan to use that hardware, the RTL may be the better fit for daily driving.
There are limits. The proven naturally aspirated V-6 is smooth, but it lacks low-end torque, and the Passport’s fuel economy is just OK. It also does not have the sharpest steering or most playful road manners by Honda standards.
Still, the formula works. The Passport is practical, capable, thoughtfully packaged, and more distinctive than before. Whether in sensible RTL form or cooler TrailSport trim, it feels like the strongest Passport yet.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
Every current-generation Passport uses a 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Output measures 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. In MotorTrend testing, a Passport RTL reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, and the heavier, more off-road-focused TrailSport took a little more than half a second longer.
That puts the Passport in the same general performance range as the six-cylinder Jeep Grand Cherokee. Lower-end Grand Cherokee models use a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, which moved the Jeep to 60 mph in a slightly slower 7.3 seconds in MotorTrend testing.
MPG and Range
The Passport’s fuel economy is acceptable but not exceptional for a V-6 midsize SUV. Most trims are rated at 19/25 mpg city/highway, with a driving range of about 388 miles. TrailSport models drop slightly to 18/23 mpg and about 370 miles of range, likely due to their more off-road-focused tires and hardware.
The 2026 Grand Cherokee does better on paper with its 3.6-liter V-6, eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive, returning 19/26 mpg. It also travels much farther between fill-ups, with an estimated 506 miles of range, helped by a 23.0-gallon fuel tank, significantly larger than Passport’s 18.5-gallon tank.
Safety Ratings and Features
The previous model year Passport earned IIHS’ top award, a 2026 Top Safety Pick+, and we expect the lineup to perform similarly this year. Every Passport should continue to include Honda Sensing driver assists, including:
Automatic emergency braking
Lane keeping warning and mitigation
Adaptive cruise control
Traffic sign recognition
Blind-spot monitoring
Cross-traffic monitoring
Driver focus monitoring
Automaitc high-beams
Parking sensors
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Space remains one of the Passport’s clearest strengths, with generous front and rear legroom and a huge cargo hold measuring 44.0 cubic feet behind the seats and up to 83.8 cubic feet with them folded. That easily tops the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mazda CX-70 for cargo room, giving the Honda a real advantage for gear-heavy families and weekend trips.
Legroom (front/rear)
Cargo Space (seats up/down)
2027 Honda Passport
41.1/40.9 inches
44.0/83.2-83.8 cubic feet
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
41.3/38.2 inches
37.7/70.8 cubic feet
2026 Mazda CX-70
41.7/39.4 inches
39.6/75.3 cubic feet
Every Passport should continue with a 10.2-inch driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless phone charger, four USB ports, and two 12-volt outlets should also remain standard, giving passengers plenty of ways to keep devices powered.
The base audio system uses nine speakers. Higher trim levels are expected to continue offering a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Available or higher-trim features should continue to include the Bose audio, a 115-volt outlet, perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The Passport’s standard equipment should continue to support its role as a comfortable, adventure-ready family SUV. Expect heated and power-adjustable front seats, leather and cloth upholstery, three-zone automatic climate control, rear privacy glass, and a power liftgate to remain included.
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The TrailSport best captures what makes the latest Passport interesting, adding real off-road hardware without giving up Honda’s everyday practicality.