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Does the Honda Passport have a smooth ride?

The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV known for its comfortable and composed ride quality. According to reviews, the Passport delivers a smooth and well-damped ride that absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, providing a pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers.


Ride Quality and Handling


The Honda Passport's ride quality is one of its standout features. The SUV's suspension system, which includes a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link setup, is tuned for a comfortable and controlled ride. The Passport's ride is smooth and composed, even on rougher roads, thanks to its well-damped shock absorbers and ample wheel travel. This allows the Passport to soak up bumps and potholes without transmitting excessive vibrations or harshness into the cabin.,p>

In terms of handling, the Passport strikes a good balance between agility and comfort. The steering is light and responsive, making the Passport easy to maneuver in tight spaces and around corners. While it may not be as sporty as some of its competitors, the Passport's handling is confident and predictable, providing a secure and stable driving experience.,


Factors Contributing to the Smooth Ride



  • Well-tuned suspension system with MacPherson struts and multi-link rear setup

  • Ample wheel travel and well-damped shock absorbers

  • Responsive and light steering for easy maneuverability

  • Balanced handling characteristics that prioritize comfort over sportiness


Overall, the Honda Passport's smooth and comfortable ride quality is one of its key strengths, making it a great choice for those seeking a midsize SUV that provides a pleasant and composed driving experience, even on less-than-perfect roads.

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. 



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. 



What are the pros and cons of a Honda Passport?


The Honda Passport's pros include a spacious and comfortable interior, standard V6 power with strong acceleration, and robust off-road capability, especially on the TrailSport trim. Its cons are a less competitive fuel economy, the absence of a hybrid powertrain option, and a higher price point compared to some rivals. 
Pros

  • Spacious and comfortable cabin: Offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, with clever storage solutions. 
  • Standard V6 engine: Provides strong acceleration and is paired with standard all-wheel drive on recent models. 
  • Off-road capability: The TrailSport model includes features like a fortified suspension and beefier tires for off-road driving. 
  • Safety features: Includes a suite of standard safety features like blind-spot detection and automatic emergency braking. 
  • Towing capacity: Has a strong towing capability. 
  • User-friendly technology: Features intuitive controls for the infotainment and climate systems. 

Cons
  • Fuel economy: Can be less efficient than some competitors. 
  • No hybrid option: Lacks a hybrid powertrain, which is offered by some rivals. 
  • Price: Tends to have a higher starting price than many midsize SUV competitors. 
  • Ride quality: Some reviews mention a stiff ride, particularly on older models. 
  • Transmission: In some older models, the transmission can be slow to respond when shifting into drive. 
  • Lack of third row: It is a two-row SUV, unlike some other rivals that offer an optional third row. 



How comfortable are the passport's seats?


The Feature: Honda crafted the seats in the Passport to provide a high degree of comfort in everyday use. The driver's seat on all trims is equipped with a 10-way power adjustment, including power lumbar support, and both front seats are heated.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.