2023 Honda Passport

The midsize crossover SUV class is stuffed to the gills with competent offerings from all across the world, and in the USA, we get to pick from some of the best global brands. The Honda Passport sits between the CR-V and the Pilot in the lineup, but has to contend with some hard-hitting rivals. Competitors to the Honda Passport include the evergreen Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and even the Jeep Grand Cherokee. None of these shy away from going all in while the Passport takes a meek approach. Timid styling doesn't detract from the long list of positive attributes, however, so while it's not shouty, the Passport comes with brand's reputation for reliability, practicality, and safety, that so many other brands envy. The Passport is powered by a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 5,000 pounds without too much of a fuss. Combined with good safety reviews, the Honda Passport remains a strong contender, despite being somewhat bland.

The price of the Honda Passport starts with the EX-L which has an MSRP of $41,100. The TrailSport costs $43,600, while the top-end Elite goes for $46,560. Fully-equipped, the Elite will close in on the $50k mark. The good news is that it won't be challenging to find a good used model for sale at way below the entry price of a new Honda Passport.

The Honda Passport is nowhwere near a sporty SUV; in fact, when it comes to docile cars, you're looking at one of the kings. The crossover SUV is ideally suited to families that want a safe and predictable time behind the steering wheel, on-road comfort, and sure-footed handling. Yes, these qualities do make the Passport a boring car to drive, but at least you know what you're getting. The steering in the Passport is surprisingly direct but still feels light enough for easy city maneuvering. The Passport can feel a bit bouncy on slower and rougher roads, but it settles down on the highway. The smooth V6 offers peppy performance, and although the Passport will never be able to call itself a true off-roader, it can still tow a decent amount and tackles passing maneuvers without batting an eye.

The midsize crossover SUV class might be jam-packed with attractive offerings that make the Passport look a bit bland, but not everyone wants to buy a flashy car that turns heads. Many buyers want a low-maintenance all-rounder that slots into daily life without a fuss. The 2023 Honda Passport ticks the boxes for those specific buyers; it's massively practical, safe, and spacious to boot. On the road, the Passport is as predictable as an atomic clock, and that smooth V6 will offer endless miles of reliable motoring, as well as impressive towing abilities. The interior might not shout luxury, but it has that Honda build quality that many competitors lust for, and the standard tech is also good (as long as you avoid the base model). The Passport might not be the budget option in the segment, but that's not a bad thing - you get what you pay for, and the Passport is worth every cent.

Honda offers just three trims this year, but anyone shopping in the midsize SUV market with a penchant for Hondas should be able to find something to their liking. What model you go for will purely depend on your budget, but if you want the most car for the price, the base Honda EX-L is our top choice. It gets features such as heated leather-trimmed seats, blind-spot warning with cross-traffic assistance, a power tailgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink, and more. It comes with AWD as standard and isn't short on advanced driver assist features - in fact, it gets the same spec sheet as the other models in the range, in this regard.