Is the Honda Passport 4 or 6 cylinder?
The Honda Passport is powered by a 6-cylinder engine—a 3.5-liter V6. There is no 4-cylinder option.
Beyond that direct answer, the Passport is a two-row, mid-size SUV developed on the same platform as the Honda Pilot. It emphasizes strong V6 performance, towing capability, and available all-wheel drive. This article explains the engine choice, performance details, and what it means for buyers.
Engine details and performance
Key specifications and behavior of the Passport's powertrain are summarized below.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (part of Honda's J35 family)
- Power output: about 280 horsepower
- Torque: around 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain options: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) available
- Towing capacity: up to roughly 5,000 pounds when properly equipped
In short, the Passport relies on a robust V6 rather than a four-cylinder option, prioritizing torque and towing capability over the fuel-economy advantages of smaller engines.
Model year notes
Over its production run, Honda has kept the same V6 setup, with incremental feature updates but no introduction of a four-cylinder option.
Important attributes across model years:
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with VTEC and advanced management, unchanged in recent years
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic remains standard
- Drivetrain: AWD and FWD configurations available depending on trim
- Towing capacity: up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped
Despite limited changes to the engine, the Passport continues to offer solid acceleration, a roomy interior, and respectable towing for a mid-size SUV.
What this means for buyers
For buyers who value power, rugged capability, and the ability to haul gear or trailer, the Passport’s V6 setup is a clear strength. If fuel economy or a four-cylinder powertrain is a priority, this model may be less ideal, and exploring alternatives within Honda’s lineup or rival brands could be worthwhile.
Alternatives for buyers seeking a four-cylinder option
The Passport itself does not offer a four-cylinder engine. If a four-cylinder powertrain is a priority, consider other models in Honda’s lineup (such as smaller SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinders) or rival mid-size SUVs that offer turbocharged four-cylinder options in the same segment.
Summary
The Honda Passport is powered exclusively by a 3.5-liter V6, delivering around 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive. There is no 4-cylinder version of the Passport. This setup emphasizes power and towing capability over the efficiency typical of four-cylinder rivals.
Are all Honda Passports 6 cylinder?
All models comes with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with the Honda torque vectoring i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system, which features a stronger rear drive unit.
Which Honda SUV has a V-6?
Honda Crossovers & SUVs – Key Specifications
| Scroll right for more info → | 2026 Honda HR-V | 2026 Honda Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder | 3.5-Liter V6 |
| Horsepower / Torque | 158 / 138 lb-ft | 285 / 262 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| EPA-Estimated MPG** (city/hwy/combined) | Up to 26 / 32 / 28** | Up to 19 / 25 / 21** |
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 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.
