Does Honda Passport have cylinder deactivation?
The Passport does use cylinder deactivation through Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on its 3.5-liter V6 to shut down three cylinders during light-load cruising, helping conserve fuel on highways.
In practical terms, cylinder deactivation means the engine can run on fewer cylinders when full power isn’t needed, then instantly restore all six when acceleration or heavy load is required. The Passport, which shares its powertrain with other Honda SUVs like the Pilot, uses this system to balance performance and efficiency. The transitions are engineered to be smooth, with many drivers not noticing the change unless they’re paying close attention to fuel economy numbers or engine sound.
How VCM works in the Passport
Key mechanics and conditions under which cylinder deactivation occurs in the Passport:
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 equipped with Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).
- Activation conditions: typically during steady highway cruising with light throttle and low engine load.
- Deactivation: the system temporarily shuts down three cylinders, allowing the engine to run on a three-cylinder bank.
- Re-engagement: when you demand more power—accelerating, towing, or climbing hills—the engine promptly returns to all six cylinders.
- Driver experience: transitions are designed to be seamless; some drivers may notice a subtle change in engine tone or feel during shift from 3 to 6 cylinders, especially at the moment of re-engagement.
- Fuel economy: VCM can contribute to modest highway fuel economy gains, with real-world results varying by driving style and conditions.
In practice, VCM is intended to be a transparent efficiency feature. It tends to be most noticeable to drivers when cruising on flat highways at steady speeds, rather than during stop-and-go city driving.
Real-world driving notes
For many Passport owners, the most noticeable aspect is a generally quiet, relaxed highway ride with improved efficiency over longer trips. Some drivers report slight changes in engine sound during reactivation, but there is no persistent loss of power once the system completes its transition.
In short, the Passport’s VCM is a built-in efficiency tool that operates invisibly for the most part, with tangible gains mainly on highway routes and light-load conditions.
Model-year coverage and verification
What to know about availability and how to verify if your Passport has VCM:
- Availability: The 3.5-liter V6 with Variable Cylinder Management has been standard on Passport models since its introduction, and there isn’t a consumer option to disable VCM on most versions.
- Verifying presence: Check the vehicle’s window sticker or the owner’s manual for references to VCM or Variable Cylinder Management. If in doubt, ask a Honda dealer or refer to the VIN-specific build sheet.
- Driving behavior: VCM is most active during steady high-speed cruising and light-load conditions; city driving with frequent stops reduces the system’s time in deactivation mode.
- Maintenance note: There are no special maintenance steps to enable or disable VCM beyond regular maintenance (oil changes, filters, etc.); ensure you follow Honda’s recommended service schedule.
- What to do if you notice issues: If you experience persistent roughness, hesitations, or unusual engine noise during VCM transitions, contact a Honda technician for a check, as software updates or component wear can affect performance.
Most buyers and owners can expect VCM to be a standard, non-user-adjustable feature on current Passport models equipped with the 3.5L V6. If you’re selecting a vehicle, a quick check with the dealer can confirm VCM presence for a specific unit.
Summary
Bottom line: Yes, the Honda Passport uses cylinder deactivation via Variable Cylinder Management on its 3.5-liter V6. The system can deactivate three cylinders at light load to improve highway fuel economy and re-engages all six when more power is needed. It’s a standard feature on modern Passports with this engine, designed to be unobtrusive in everyday driving. For exact verification, consult the owner’s manual or your dealer.
Do Honda passports have VCM?
The Passport is powered by an aluminum-alloy 3.5-liter V-6 featuring direct injection, dual overhead camshafts, 24 valves and the Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) system.
Does Honda use cylinder deactivation?
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) is Honda's term for its variable displacement technology, which saves fuel by deactivating the rear bank of 3 cylinders during specific driving conditions—for example, highway driving.
What is the most common problem with the Honda Passport?
The most common problems with the Honda Passport include infotainment system malfunctions, such as the display going blank and speakers crackling, and issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission, which can include delayed or harsh acceleration. Other frequent complaints involve body hardware issues like a rear hatch that won't open and occasional electrical problems with features like the fuel filler pipe or air bags.
Infotainment and electrical issues
- Display screen and audio: The infotainment screen may go blank, and speakers can crackle or pop.
- Fuel system: Some models have had issues with a faulty fuel filler pipe, leading to fuel leaks.
- Body and interior: Common problems include a rear hatch button that breaks, a gas smell inside the vehicle, and fading or peeling paint.
Transmission problems
- 9-speed transmission: Some owners report delayed, harsh, or erratic shifting with the 9-speed transmission, particularly in models from 2019-2022.
- Engine and related systems:
- Varnish buildup: This can cause a ticking noise from the engine.
- Oil in spark plug tubes: This can lead to misfires.
- Timing belt: Newer models have a timing belt that requires replacement, which is an expensive but necessary maintenance item to prevent engine failure.
Other potential problems
- Steering: Some 2023 models have been recalled for a risk of steering loss due to a loose ball joint.
- Brakes: Some reports mention premature brake wear and issues with the ABS light coming on.
- Vibration: Some owners have experienced vibration, particularly at highway speeds.
Does the 2025 Honda Passport have variable cylinder management?
Fuel Economy:
EPA-estimated 19/24/21 (city/hwy/combined) Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) Eco Assist™ System.
