Does the Honda Passport have a Honda engine?

Yes. The modern Honda Passport is powered by Honda’s own 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Power under the hood of today’s Passport

The Passport’s current generation, introduced in 2019 and continued through today, relies on Honda’s internal engine family. The centerpiece is a 3.5-liter V6 that features Honda’s i-VTEC variable valve timing and direct injection, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available on most trims, complementing the front-wheel drive baseline.

Key engine characteristics

Here are the core engine facts powering the Passport today.

• Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC and direct injection (Earth Dreams technology)


• Output: typically around 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, depending on year and trim


• Transmission: 9-speed automatic


• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available on most trims

These features deliver a balance of smooth power delivery for everyday driving and sufficient low-end torque for highway merging and light off-road use.

A note on lineage

Historical context matters for the Passport. The original 1993–1998 Passport was built on an Isuzu Rodeo platform and used engines sourced from that partner. By contrast, the modern Passport (2019–present) is built around Honda’s own engineering, sharing powertrain technology with other Honda models such as the Pilot.

Bottom line for consumers

For buyers, the key takeaway is clear: contemporary Honda Passports come with a Honda-built engine—the 3.5-liter V6—paired with a modern automatic and optional all-wheel drive, aligning with Honda’s current SUV lineup.

Summary

Yes — the Passport’s current powertrain is a Honda-built 3.5-liter V6, part of Honda’s i-VTEC family, mated to a 9-speed automatic with available all-wheel drive. Historically, the nameplate has traversed different engineering partnerships, but today the engine is a pure Honda product designed for the Passport’s role in the lineup.

What type of engine does the Honda Passport have?

The Honda Passport is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All models come standard with Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system.
 

• Engine: 3.5-liter, 24-valve, direct-injection V6 engine
• Horsepower: 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm
• Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Standard i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive

Which is better, Honda Passport or Toyota RAV4?

The Honda Passport is a larger, more powerful SUV, while the Toyota RAV4 is a smaller, more fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced crossover. The Passport has a V6 engine and significantly more cargo and passenger space, making it better for towing and off-road use, whereas the RAV4 offers better gas mileage, a wider range of tech features (including hybrid options), and more advanced safety assists. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize performance and space (Passport) or fuel economy and tech (RAV4).
 
Honda Passport

• Performance: Equipped with a powerful standard V6 engine, the Passport is better for towing and has more robust off-road capability when paired with its available AWD system. 
• Space: Offers considerably more cargo and passenger space, with larger cargo volume both behind the rear seats and with the seats folded down. 
• Features: Comes with a standard cap-less fueling system. 

Toyota RAV4

• Performance: Features a smaller, more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, with hybrid options available that offer excellent gas mileage. 
• Space: Has less cargo and passenger space compared to the Passport. 
• Technology: Many trims feature a larger touchscreen with a more responsive infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and it offers advanced safety features like the Parking Support Brake and Downhill Assist Control. 
• Fuel Economy: The RAV4 (especially hybrid models) gets significantly better gas mileage than the Passport. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the Honda Passport if: You need more power for towing, greater off-road capability, and significantly more interior and cargo space for family, gear, or both. 
• Choose the Toyota RAV4 if: You want better fuel economy, a more modern and feature-rich tech package, and advanced safety assists, and don't need to tow heavy loads or require the extra space of the Passport. 

Does the Honda Passport have the same engine as the Honda Pilot?

Does the Honda Passport Have the Same Engine As the Pilot? Yes -- both the 2024 Honda Passport and new Pilot feature a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine. However, the Pilot version of the powertrain delivers slightly more horsepower than the Passport -- 285 vs. 280, respectively.

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.