Are Honda passports good on gas?
Yes. The Honda Passport offers respectable fuel economy for a midsize SUV with a v6 engine, though it isn’t a class-leading choice for efficiency. Real-world mileage varies with drivetrain, load, and driving conditions.
In this article, we examine official fuel-economy figures, how those numbers translate to daily driving, and how the Passport stacks up against rivals. We’ll also look at the trade-offs you trade for performance, space, and capability when considering gas mileage.
Overview: what the Passport is and what powers it
The Honda Passport is a midsize, two-row SUV built on the same platform as the Honda Pilot. It uses a 3.5-liter V6 and a 9-speed automatic transmission, with optional all-wheel drive. The model prioritizes power, towing capability (up to about 5,000 pounds), and interior space over top-of-class fuel economy. There is no hybrid or plug-in variant in the current lineup, so efficiency largely hinges on drivetrain and driving style.
Fuel economy figures
Official EPA estimates give a baseline for comparison, and the numbers differ depending on whether the model is front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- FWD: Approximately 23 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23–24 mpg combined.
- AWD: Approximately 19 mpg city / 23 mpg highway / 21–22 mpg combined.
In everyday use, most drivers report combined mileage in the low-to-mid 20s, with higher highway efficiency and more noticeable drops in city driving or when towing with AWD.
Real-world performance and comparisons
Real-world mileage depends on several factors, including driving habits, terrain, climate, cargo load, and whether the vehicle is towing. The Passport’s strong V6 performance tends to temper its efficiency in stop-and-go traffic, especially with AWD or under heavy load. When comparing to rivals, the Passport sits in the middle of the pack for non-hybrid, V6-equipped midsize SUVs; many four-cylinder competitors and some hybrid options offer higher mpg, sometimes at the expense of power or towing capability.
Year-to-year variation
Fuel-economy figures can shift slightly year over year due to tires, gearing, and minor tuning. The core powertrain has remained consistent, so long-term MPG trends mainly reflect changes in tires, drive mode settings, and vehicle weight rather than a dramatic leap in efficiency.
Trade-offs: gas mileage vs other traits
Below is a quick look at the main trade-offs that influence overall value and fuel economy for the Passport:
- Power and towing: The 3.5L V6 delivers strong acceleration and up to 5,000 pounds of towing, which can lower mpg in demanding use.
- Ride comfort and space: A comfortable ride and roomy interior may come with a heavier vehicle that reduces efficiency in certain conditions.
- Price and maintenance: The Passport offers good value in its class, but fuel costs scale with engine power and AWD usage.
- Drivetrain choice: AWD improves traction but reduces mpg versus FWD.
- Competition: Some rivals use turbo four-cylinders or hybrids with higher mpg, though they may trade off power or payload.
Bottom line: The Passport balances capability, comfort, and usable interior space with reasonable but not class-leading fuel economy. If maximizing mpg is Your top priority, you might weigh four-cylinder or hybrid options in the segment, or accept lower towing/power for better efficiency.
Summary
The Honda Passport delivers solid fuel economy for a non-hybrid midsize SUV powered by a traditional V6. Expect EPA estimates in the low-to-mid 20s combined for FWD and a bit lower for AWD, with real-world results closely tied to driving style and load. It excels in power, cargo space, and towing capability, making it a strong all-around pick for buyers who want performance and practicality, and who are willing to trade some mpg for those benefits. Always check the latest EPA ratings for your exact year, drivetrain, and trim, and consider your typical driving scenarios when evaluating gas mileage.
