4th-gen Honda Passport breaks cover

Honda has lifted the veil over its large Passport SUV, revealing some major updates in both the visual and the technical department.

The exterior looks new, but recognizable thanks to the same rugged rectilinear aesthetic. The ground clearance still amounts to 210 mm (8.2 inches), but the approach and departure angles have become better thanks to shortened overhangs.

Those who would like to squeeze the most off-road potential from their Passport can consider the new TrailSport, which now ships in orange color as default. Matching interior accents and robust-looking towing eyes help keep the theme coherent. The TrailSport also ships with 275/60 R18 tires, while the standard version gets tires that are 10 mm (0.4”) less wide.

The length of the SUV stays almost unchanged from the previous generation, but it benefits from 70 mm (2.7”) of added wheelbase and some added track width at both axles. Honda has a plethora of camping and active leisure accessories in stock for it, including a folding picnic table like the one offered for the older CR-V models.

Power comes from the same 3.5-liter V6 as before, albeit redesigned to pump out 285 PS (281 hp / 210 kW). That’s five horsepower or three kilowatts more than in the previous generation. A ten-speed automatic transmission carries the torque to all four wheels. Honda points out that the suspension is 72% stiffer at the front end and 50% stiffer at the back.

In its cheapest form, the fourth-gen Passport gets a digital gauge cluster with a 10.2-inch display and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. There is also a new 12-channel Bose audio system on the list, a 110V power socket and assorted apps from Google.

Dealerships in the United States will start receiving the new SUVs in early 2025, Honda says. The production takes place at the same Alabama factory as before. The prices are pending, but the company promises us around $40,000 for the entry-level SUV.