Does the Honda Passport have hands-free liftgate?

The short answer: No. The Honda Passport does not offer a hands-free, kick-to-open tailgate. It relies on a conventional power liftgate that you operate with a button or a key fob. There is no foot-gesture activation in current models.

Beyond that, the Passport provides a practical power tailgate with adjustable opening height and convenient access via the key fob or interior switches. This article explains what buyers should know about the tailgate setup and how it compares with gesture-activated systems elsewhere in Honda's lineup.

What a hands-free liftgate is and where it sits in Honda's lineup

Hands-free liftgate, also called a gesture-activated tailgate, is opened by a sensor under the bumper that detects a kicking motion. Honda has offered this feature on several models, but it is not listed as a Passport option in the current brochure.

As a result, Passport owners get a traditional power liftgate rather than a hands-free variant. The following sections outline how the Passport's tailgate works in practice.

Passport tailgate features at a glance

Before listing the key features, here is a concise look at the Passport’s tailgate setup across model years.

• Power tailgate with remote opening and closing


• Programmable opening height to fit low-clearance garages


• Open via key fob, interior dash switch, or tailgate-mounted switch


• No gesture-based, hands-free opening capability in current Passport trims

These characteristics mean you can still access the cargo area with ease, but you won’t enjoy the foot-gesture convenience of a hands-free tailgate.

How to operate the Honda Passport tailgate today

Below is a practical guide to using the Passport’s tailgate, focusing on methods available in current trims without hands-free activation.

• Open: use the tailgate button on the key fob, or the interior cargo-area switch, or the button on the tailgate itself.


• Close: press the tailgate button on the tailgate or the interior switch; many versions offer one-touch closing.


• Height adjustment: engage the programmable opening height so the tailgate clears overhead obstacles.


• Accessibility: ensure the vehicle is unlocked and the key fob is within range to enable controls.

In practice, these options provide reliable access to the cargo area without the gesture-based opening.

What to do if hands-free access is essential

If gesture-activated tailgate is a must-have, the Passport may not meet that requirement. Buyers can consider alternatives within Honda’s lineup—such as models that do offer hands-free tailgate—or discuss aftermarket options with caution. Dealer guidance is advised to avoid warranty or reliability issues.

Summary

Bottom line: The Honda Passport does not include a hands-free liftgate. It offers a practical power tailgate with remote and interior controls plus a programmable opening height. For buyers who specifically want gesture-based access, exploring other Honda models or official dealer options is the recommended path, while keeping warranty considerations in mind.

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 a power liftgate?

All Passport trims include a power tailgate. It can be operated remotely with the Smart Entry key from up to 50 feet or by pushing a button from the driver's seat or on the tailgate. An electric motor in the cargo area will raise and lower the tailgate.

How do you activate hands-free tailgate?

First be sure you have the key fob within 3 ft of the liftgate. Then simply kick your leg. Forward. Then back in the area under the center of the rear bumper below the license plate.

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.