AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING7/10
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Safety7/10
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PRACTICALITY8/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS7/10
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FEATURES7/10
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POWER7/10
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COMFORT7/10
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DRIVING FEEL7/10
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FUEL ECONOMY6/10
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VALUE6/10
As if shopping for an SUV wasn’t difficult enough already, with tons of great options to choose from, adding the in-vogue concept of capability can make matters even more confusing.
Sub-brands like Subaru’s Wilderness, Jeep’s Trailhawk, and Honda’s TrailSport exist for the express purpose to add a rugged image to what are otherwise ordinary sport utilities. Applied here, the 2023 Honda Passport TrailSport seems at first glance like it’s everything a terrain-tackling entry like it needs to be. But then looks can be deceiving.
Styling: 7/10
The exterior design of the 2023 Honda Passport TrailSport makes a strong impression. The redesigned honeycomb patterned front grille and the large dual exhaust exits give it some macho appeal. Adding to that aesthetic are what it rides on:; 18-inch wheels wrapped in what Honda describes as “all-terrain-styled” tires, but shouldn’t be mistaken for the real deal. There’s also a faux skid plate on the front bumper, which looks tough enough but won’t protect the vehicle from real off-road adventures.
The interior is simple if a bit lacking in modernity. It has a neat layout, but small infotainment and driver information screens. (The former is touch-sensitive and spans eight inches.) The TrailSport also features unique badging and ambient interior lighting.
Practicality: 8/10
The Passport is often described as a Pilot without a third row of seats, which isn’t quite accurate – especially not with a new Pilot on the market. Either way, it’s spacious and practical. The cargo area measures 1,430 L with the rear seats up and 1,920 L with them down. There’s a huge and useful storage area between the front seats, and other big cubbies in the door pockets.
User-Friendliness: 7/10
With its simple layout of recognizable physical buttons, the Passport is inherently user-friendly. However, the infotainment system lacks the polish found in more modern Hondas, and the eight-inch screen looks and feels noticeably small compared to the ones found in the Pilot and mid-trim Accord models.
While the infotainment interface is dated, it supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The driver information screen is easy to read with simplified graphics, but it’s easy to call up preferred information.
Power: 7/10
The 3.5L V6 engine that powers the Passport makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, all of which is routed to the front and rear wheels through an automatic all-wheel drive system. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that’s average at best, occasionally delivering hasty upshifts, while at other times it can seem hesitant to downshift.
The motor is smooth enough, and triggering sport mode helps the Passport feel a bit more lively. Passes aren’t a patience-testing or nerve-wracking affair. It sounds potent, too, with a vocal punch that matches the ruggedness promised by the TrailSport branding.
Fuel Economy: 6/10
At a combined 11.3 L/100 km, the fuel consumption is a bit much for a two-row SUV. For comparison, the Subaru Outback Wilderness is rated to return a combined 10.1 L/100 km. The Mazda CX-50 is rated at 8.9 L/100 km combined, a number that increases to 9.4 with its available turbocharged engine.
Driving Feel: 7/10
On the road, the Passport TrailSport rides smoothly – something that’s attributable to the meatier rubber and 18-inch wheels it rides on. The steering feels direct and comes up just shy of being floaty and vague. Don’t expect a flat ride, though; quick steering gives the Passport the impression of being agile but there’s quite a bit of movement with the suspension, making cornering feel uneasy.
While this test didn’t include any time on the trail, the Passport remained reasonably confident on unplowed gravel cottage roads – although it wasn’t as controllable as something like an Outback.
Comfort: 7/10
There’s generous headroom inside, and the seats were fine for longer trips. The ride is comfy, as the suspension and tires can tackle potholes and other problematic road surfaces, although a fair amount of noise makes its way inside. The vehicle is equipped with an acoustic windshield and active noise cancellation, but they were ineffective at curbing unwanted sounds.
The cabin is loaded with comfort features, including front and rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, memory front seats, and leather upholstery.
Features: 7/10
On the topic of features, the Passport has a few notable niceties but nothing too exciting. An integrated garage door opener, wireless phone charger, three-zone climate control, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi are the highlights. There are four USB ports for charging up devices in addition to three 12-volt outlets and a 115-volt outlet for various accessories.
Safety: 7/10
The Passport TrailSport includes all kinds of advanced safety and driver-assistance goodies as standard equipment. That means you’ll enjoy tech like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Value: 6/10
With a starting price of $49,190, including freight charges, the 2023 Honda Passport isn’t exactly inexpensive. Meanwhile, the TrailSport version rings in at $53,190. (Shoppers can spring for the top Touring trim for about $2,700 more, though that lacks the subtle appeal of the rugged TrailSport.)
By comparison, the Subaru Outback ranges between $36,190 and $49,590, with the rugged Wilderness version stickered at $46,990. The Mazda CX-50, meanwhile, starts at $39,555 and tops out at $49,505.
The Verdict
Unless you’re hardcore on Honda, the 2023 Passport Trailsport isn’t worthy of the top spot on your shopping list. Other options in this class feel more refined, more rugged, are better on fuel, and can be better to drive. There’s little to make the Passport TrailSport stand out, but its decently powerful engine and spacious cargo area are commendable. Consider checking out its rivals or spending more on the thoroughly updated and excellent Honda Pilot, which is also available in a TrailSport trim.
| Engine Displacement | 3.5L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | V6 |
| Peak Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 12.5 / 9.8 / 11.3 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 1,430 / 1,920 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2023 Honda Passport TrailSport |
| Base Price | $51,090 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,000 |
| Price as Tested | $53,490 |
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Optional Equipment
$300 – Crystal Black Pearl, $300
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