Overview
The 2023 Honda Passport is a two-row midsize SUV designed for drivers who want family-friendly space without stepping up to a three-row crossover. It sits between the compact CR-V and the three-row Pilot, offering a roomy cabin, strong V6 power, and available rugged styling for light off-road use. For 2023, the Passport continues the third-generation model introduced for 2019, but with the more aggressive facelift and TrailSport focus that debuted for 2022. It’s an ideal pick for commuters, weekend travelers, and outdoor-oriented owners who value a simple, naturally aspirated powertrain and practical cargo room.
Key Features
- 3.5L V6 engine (280 hp) paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, giving the 2023 Passport confident passing power and a refined highway feel compared to many turbo four-cylinder rivals.
- Available i-VTM4 all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, which can improve traction in rain and snow and adds capability on dirt roads; multiple drive modes help tailor response for conditions.
- TrailSport trim highlights include more aggressive exterior styling, all-terrain-focused tires, underbody protection elements, and an off-road-oriented look that many shoppers prefer.
- Strong interior and cargo packaging for a two-row SUV, with a wide rear opening and a low load floor that makes it easy to fit strollers, coolers, and camping gear.
- Honda Sensing driver-assist suite is standard, typically including collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist for daily driving confidence.
Common Issues & Reliability
Shoppers researching 2023 Honda Passport reliability generally find it to be solid overall, with a straightforward V6 powertrain and fewer “new model” growing pains. Still, owners and complaint trends point to a few 2023 Honda Passport problems worth knowing about:
- Infotainment glitches and connectivity dropouts: Some owners report the touchscreen system freezing, rebooting, or losing Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connections. This can show up early in ownership (sometimes within the first few thousand miles) and is often improved with software updates, phone compatibility tweaks, or head-unit servicing.
- Transmission behavior concerns (9-speed): While many Passports drive smoothly, a subset of owners describe harsh or delayed shifts, shuddering, or “hunting” between gears at low speeds, often noticed under 10,000–30,000 miles. Fluid condition, software updates, and proper service procedures matter with this transmission.
- Wind noise and water leak complaints: Some reports mention noticeable wind noise around doors or the windshield area at highway speeds, and less commonly, water intrusion tied to seals, roof rails, or glass sealing. These issues are typically fixable but can be frustrating if not addressed promptly.
- Brake feel and premature wear: A number of owners note squeaks, pulsation, or faster-than-expected pad/rotor wear depending on driving habits and terrain. If the vehicle sees lots of stop-and-go driving or towing, brake service may come sooner than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
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