What transmission is in the Honda Passport 2024?
Answer: The 2024 Honda Passport uses a nine-speed automatic transmission paired with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available with front-wheel drive or intelligent all-wheel drive, and it is not a CVT.
Powertrain pairing
The Passport combines Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers strong acceleration for a midsize SUV and supports towing capability, while keeping shifts smooth and refined for everyday driving. Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and intelligent all-wheel drive, which works in concert with the transmission to optimize traction and stability.
Key transmission details for the 2024 Passport:
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- 3.5-liter V6 engine (approximately 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque)
- Available front-wheel drive (FWD) or intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD)
With these components, the Passport offers confident highway performance and practical towing capability, without relying on a continuously variable transmission.
Drive and towing capabilities
How the transmission interacts with drivetrain options and towing capacity shapes the vehicle’s everyday usability and workload handling.
- AWD configuration enhances traction in adverse weather and on light off-road surfaces
- Towing capacity is up to about 5,000 pounds when properly equipped
In routine use, the nine-speed automatic provides smooth, responsive shifts that support comfortable cruising and steady acceleration, while the AWD system helps maintain stability across diverse road conditions.
Summary
In brief, the 2024 Honda Passport pairs a traditional nine-speed automatic transmission with a 3.5-liter V6, offering both FWD and AWD options. This configuration avoids a CVT and emphasizes solid on-road performance, towing capability, and everyday practicality.
Does a Honda Passport have a CVT transmission?
No, the Honda Passport does not have a CVT. It is equipped with a 9-speed or 10-speed automatic transmission, depending on the model year, which offers a more traditional driving feel with gear changes.
- Older models: The Passport was launched with a 9-speed automatic transmission and has continued to use it in recent model years, such as the 2021 and 2025 models.
- Newer models: The latest models, including the 2026 Passport, have been updated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Comparison to CVT: Unlike a CVT, this automatic transmission provides distinct gear changes, which some drivers prefer.
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.
What transmission is in the 2024 Honda Passport?
nine-speed automatic transmission
Keeping it simple is what the Honda Passport is all about—and it nails its mission, earning a 2024 Editors' Choice award. It comes but with one powertrain: a peppy 280-hp V-6, nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
Does the Honda Passport have transmission issues?
Many owners of 2019—2022 Honda Passport SUVs have submitted complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These complaints report shifting problems, delayed acceleration, sudden or harsh acceleration and other problems related to Honda 9-speed transmissions.
