What engines come in the Honda Passport?
The Honda Passport in the U.S. market uses a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 with a 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. There are no turbocharged, diesel, or hybrid engine choices for this model in the United States.
The Passport’s powertrain centers on one engine across trims, complemented by either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. This article explains that engine, how it pairs with different drivetrain configurations, and what buyers should know across model years, including the TrailSport variant.
Engine option and specifications
The Passport’s powertrain is built around one engine option across all trims. Key specifications include:
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6, i-VTEC with direct injection
- Power: 280 hp
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (2WD) standard, with available all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Fuel-saving tech: Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and other efficiency features
In short, the Passport relies on a single, well-equipped V6 that balances strong everyday performance with practical highway capability across its lineup.
Drivetrain, performance and drive dynamics
The engine pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and is offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on trim and configuration. The TrailSport variant continues to use the same engine, but adds off-road-tuned suspension, tires, and styling for enhanced capability.
Power delivery and acceleration
With 280 hp and a broad torque band, the Passport aims for confident acceleration for a midsize SUV, supporting smooth highway merging and capable towing within its class. Off-road-oriented trims adjust chassis tuning while preserving the engine’s core performance.
Fuel economy and efficiency
Fuel economy varies by drivetrain and model year. The V6 engine includes efficiency-focused features to help balance performance with everyday usability, while AWD models typically see a modest efficiency penalty compared with 2WD models.
Model years and market availability
From the 2019 introduction through the present, Honda has offered the Passport in the United States with a single engine option: the 3.5-liter V6. There have been no alternate powertrains in the U.S. market. Honda expanded the lineup with the TrailSport trim in 2021, which shares the same engine but adds off-road-oriented equipment and styling.
Summary
The Honda Passport’s engine lineup is straightforward: a single 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC and direct injection, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and available in FWD or AWD. No alternative engines are offered in the U.S., and this engine has carried through the model’s history, including in the TrailSport variant.
