A couple years ago we met the Honda Passport and I was all about it. It was the people’s Range Rover.
Except it wasn’t…but now it’s getting a refresh so let’s see what we can see from the spy shots:
Like I said, when the Passport first came out I really liked it. It was a smaller, more rugged version of the Pilot and slotted nicely between the pilot and CRV.
BUt then as I started doing some research I quickly found out that there wasn’t much logical sense in getting the Passport.
It wasn’t that much less expensive than a Pilot, it wasn’t actually much more offroad capable than the Pilot, and it can’t tow near the same as the pilot.
All of this was surprising since the passport and pilot ride on the same architecture.
If you’re thinking the Passport isn’t that old and it’s early to be talking new gen, you’re right. This is just a midcycle refresh to butch-up the passport and throw some new wheels on it.
However, like i said this is the sister vehicle to the pilot which will be all new for 2023 which means the Passport will likely follow-suit for 2024.
Until then what do we know about the updated Passport.
I can’t show you the photos for copyright reasons, but I will link them in the description.
The biggest difference in styling will come in the form of headlights, grille and wheels.
The headlights , at least from the spy shots are very Pilot-y.
The grille looks like it was lifted straight off the Ridgeline which seems to be the new face for all Honda SUVs and I’m not necessarily mad about it.
And then there’s the wheels – in the spy shots there’s a dual 5 spoke design that’s a bit blockier and more masculine than sleek and sporty.
It’s still covered in camo, but a simpler lower valence could be part of the design, but the general shape and dimensions will be the same.
Aroun back the taillights are updated a touch, but very similar and recognizable.
Below, though is a refreshed rear bumper to make way for bigger circular exhaust rather than the dual ovals from this year.
Interior hasn’t been seen yet, but perhaps moves toward a more similar design to the new Civic, but that sounds like a lot for a mid-cycle refresh so that might come in 2024.
Under the skin things will remain the same with a 3.5 V6 and 9 speed trans.
Which is kinda surprising seeing as everyone is going to turbo engines and/or CVTs.
FWD is still standard which is funny for the “offroad” Honda but you can get AWD.
And finally the tow rating of 3500 lbs won’t change until powertrains and/or chassis changes in 2024.