Overview
The 2021 Honda Passport is a midsize, two-row SUV designed for drivers who want more space and capability than a compact crossover without stepping up to a three-row family hauler. It’s ideal for commuters, small families, and weekend travelers who value comfort, strong V6 power, and available all-wheel drive. The 2021 model sits in the third-generation Passport lineup introduced for 2019, positioned as a more rugged, simpler alternative to the three-row Honda Pilot. In the used market, it competes with SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner (more off-road-focused) and the Jeep Grand Cherokee (more powertrain variety), while leaning heavily on Honda’s refinement and practicality.
Key Features
1) 3.5L V6 ENGINE AND 9-SPEED AUTOMATIC: Every 2021 Passport uses Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 (280 hp, 262 lb-ft) paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, giving it confident passing power and strong highway manners.
2) AVAILABLE i-VTM4 ALL-WHEEL DRIVE: Honda’s torque-vectoring AWD system can send power side-to-side at the rear axle for better traction and stability in rain, snow, and light off-road situations.
3) PRACTICAL TWO-ROW SPACE: The Passport’s two-row layout prioritizes cargo room and passenger comfort, making it a great choice for buyers who don’t need a third row but still want midsize SUV interior volume.
4) HONDA SENSING SAFETY SUITE: Many 2021 Passports include driver-assist features such as collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation, helping it stand out as a safety-focused daily driver.
5) TOWING AND ROAD-TRIP FRIENDLY CHARACTER: With V6 power and available AWD, the Passport is well-suited for road trips and hauling gear, offering a strong balance of capability and refinement for its class.
Common Issues & Reliability
Shoppers often search “2021 Honda Passport reliability” and “2021 Honda Passport problems” because they want the real-world picture. Overall, the 2021 Passport is considered a solid midsize SUV, but a few “2021 Honda Passport common issues” come up in owner reports and complaint patterns:
1) INFOTAINMENT GLITCHES AND CAMERA/SENSOR QUIRKS: Some owners report intermittent touchscreen lag, Bluetooth/audio dropouts, or backup camera issues. These can show up early in ownership and may be improved with software updates or, in rarer cases, component replacement.
2) 9-SPEED TRANSMISSION SHIFT QUALITY: A number of drivers note occasional rough or delayed shifts, especially at low speeds or during downshifts, sometimes becoming noticeable between 10,000–40,000 miles. Fluid condition, software updates, and ensuring the correct driving mode can help; persistent harsh shifting should be diagnosed to rule out calibration or hardware problems.
3) BRAKE NOISE OR PREMATURE WEAR: Some owners mention squeaking or vibration during braking, and a few report earlier-than-expected pad/rotor wear depending on driving style and terrain. This often shows up in the 20,000–50,000 mile range, but varies widely.
4) ELECTRICAL NIGGLES (BATTERY/DRAIN OR WARNING LIGHTS): Like many modern SUVs, occasional reports include weak batteries, sporadic warning lights, or sensor-related alerts. These concerns can be caused by battery health, software, or a faulty sensor, and are usually straightforward to troubleshoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the Complete Guide
60+ pages of specs, maintenance schedules, and service records for your 2021 Honda Passport.
Starting at $9.99 • Instant PDF
Fluids & Filters
Keep your vehicle running smooth
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Related Comparisons
2017 Toyota RAV4 vs 2017 Honda CR-V Comparison - Which Should You Buy?2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Honda CR-V Comparison - Which Should You Buy?2014 Toyota Camry vs 2014 Honda Accord Comparison - Which Should You Buy?2019 Toyota RAV4, 2019 Honda CR-V vs 2019 Nissan Rogue Comparison - Which Should You Buy?2020 Toyota RAV4, 2020 Honda CR-V vs 2020 Nissan Rogue Comparison - Which Should You Buy?