Looking to cash-in on the SUV boom, Honda has resurrected the Passport name in a rugged, five-passenger SUV that will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Slotting in between the compact Honda CR-V and eight-passenger Pilot, the new Passport utilizes the same platform and powertrain as the Pilot and Ridgeline pickup, and has a similar look, too.
Power for the Passport comes from a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission routes power to the front wheels as standard, but a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system via Honda's Intelligent Traction Management system is also available. The all-wheel-drive system comes with three different modes, Snow, Sand, and Mud, to help drivers explore different types of terrain.
To go along with the high-tech all-wheel-drive system, Honda has endowed the Passport with a rugged look. Things like 20-inch wheels, black exterior trim pieces, chrome exhaust outlets, and larger 265/45R20 tires are included with the Passport. It looks extremely similar to the Pilot, which shouldn't come as a surprise, but just a little more rugged. Over the Pilot, Passport models with all-wheel drive have 1.1 inches of extra ground clearance, too.
When properly equipped, the Passport is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, which Honda points out is enough to tow a boat or a camping trailer. Honda will also offer a host of accessories through dealers to make the SUV more versatile, including bike, ski, and kayak racks, underbody welcome lights, and more.
The Passport will be offered in four trims: Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. All trims come with Honda Sensing, the automaker's suite of safety features. Safety features included with Honda Sensing include collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Compared to the CR-V, the Passport offers more passenger volume – 115.9 cubic feet compared to 105.9 cubic feet. The Passport is more powerful, as the available turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four in the CR-V is good for 190 hp. The new Passport also comes with a more off-roading oriented all-wheel-drive system.
The Passport is more in line with the Pilot, especially as they look nearly identical and should be similarly sized. Over that SUV, the Passport has three fewer seats and less cargo space. The Passport is rated to have 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row, which expands to 77.9 cubic feet in total. The Pilot has 46.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a total of 83.9 cubic feet of space.
The new Passport will go on sale in early 2019 and will be built in Lincoln, Alabama. Pricing is expected to be announced before the vehicle goes on sale.
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