The compact SUV might be the most popular car on the road, but some drivers require more space than those smaller SUVs can provide. Now, there are plenty of three-row SUVs out there, but what if you don’t need that third row and just want more cargo space instead? That’s where the 2021 Honda Passport comes in. Based on the three-row Honda Pilot, the Passport offers two rows of seating and an expansive cargo bay combined with the expected Honda performance and reliability.
The Honda Passport’s Competition
While the original Honda Passport only lasted from 1993 till 2002, it paved the way for its recent reboot by proving itself capable and widely customizable. The original Passport could tow up to 4,500 pounds and successfully competed against popular SUVs of the day, such as the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Cherokee. It came with several interchangeable features, much like the Jeep Wrangler, adding depth to its already appealing design. Now, the 2021 Passport competes against similar models, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Subaru Ascent, Toyota 4Runner, and many more. Let’s take a closer look at how the 2021 Honda Passport stacks up against some of these other new models.
First, the most important competitor is, of course, the popular Jeep Grand Cherokee. This model from Jeep is arguably the best-known midsize SUV on the market and has been around since 1992, only a year before the Passport’s debut. Surprisingly enough, the 2021 Honda Passport comes with several standard features that the supposedly luxurious Grand Cherokee does not. This includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, tri-zone automatic climate control, and remote start. The 2021 Passport also offers an additional 30 cubic feet of cargo space over the 2021 Grand Cherokee. This is surprising given that the Grand Cherokee is the larger version of Jeep’s regular Cherokee, but the 2021 Passport offers more space for a lower price.
A closer match would be the 2021 Subaru Ascent, which one-ups the Passport thanks to its standard all-wheel drive. However, the Passport comes out ahead when it comes to power and technology, in addition to having over 100 cubic feet of cargo space against just 86 cubic feet for the Subaru. Even the Toyota 4Runner pales in comparison to the Passport, falling short on horsepower and interior volume. Plus, the 4Runner has a terrible fuel economy of just 17 MPG combined against 22 MPG combined for the Passport.
Overall, the 2021 Honda Passport comes out ahead of its competitors in most key metrics. It offers better space and storage, stronger performance, and more convenience features. While competitors may look similar on the outside, what’s under the hood and in the cab makes a big difference here. Based on this information, we can confidently say that the 2021 Honda Passport is the best model on the market for drivers interested in something more capable than your standard compact SUV.
Aesthetic Appeal? You’ve Got It
The 2021 Honda Passport’s exterior looks really give it a boost against its competitors as well. This model comes with seven different paint options, including basic neutral colors on the Sport trim, and Deep Scarlet Pearl, Black Copper Pearl, and Obsidian Blue Pearl on the higher trims. Moreover, you get to choose from different wheel colors and designs, all of which measure 20 inches in diameter. There are even multiple accessory packages as well, designed to tailor your Passport to your needs and style. These include “Adventure Packages” and “Urban Packages.” In short, you get to choose whether you want your Passport to have an off-roading aesthetic or a sporty street appeal.
These packages include different fender flare options, unique running boards, spoilers, crossbars, welcome lights, wheel locks, door sill trim, and much more. Aside from packages, you can even add on singular accessories. There are multiple options here, some of which include door visors, graphics packages, hood air deflectors, moon roof visors, body-side molding, splash guards, side mirror covers, trailer hitches, and much more. You can even get a 2021 Honda Passport-specific camping tent that easily connects to your vehicle.
The 2021 Honda Passport offers packages for off-roaders, casual drivers, and everything in between. This is a vehicle that you can make to be uniquely yours, straight from the factory. While aftermarket accessories can be used to customize any vehicle, there is nothing like knowing every part was tested by the people who designed your vehicle.
Technology Features Galore
As you can see above, the 2021 Honda Passport comes with several important features on its base model. You don’t have to pay loads extra to get driver-assist features. The same is true for basic technology and convenience as well. The base 2021 Passport Sport model comes with HandsFreeLink Bluetooth streaming, USB charging ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, along with Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, a Road Departure Mitigation System, and Auto High-Beam Headlights, to name just a few of it standard features.
Further, you can also use HondaLink on this model, which provides you with additional handy conveniences. These include vehicle notifications straight to your phone, a smartphone connection to your dashboard, enhanced roadside assistance, emergency calling, remote start, a “find my car” feature, and much more. You can even opt-in for Amazon’s “Key” delivery service, meaning you’ll get your Amazon packages delivered straight to your 2021 Honda Passport while you are at work. All in all, the Passport isn’t just mechanically sound; it’s 21st Century savvy.
More Details On Performance, Please!
While the original Passport could tow up to 4,500 pounds, this modern 2021 variant takes it a step further, offering a max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Where mileage is concerned, the front-wheel drive Passport can get up to 25 MPG on the highway, while the all-wheel drive gets up to 24 MPG. Its powerful V6 engine paired with a 9-speed transmission (both standard) helps you balance fuel economy with capability, showing improvement upon the 2002 Honda Passport’s 5-speed transmission and 21 MPG efficiency.
Large SUVs are not known for their fuel efficiency, but modern models are really starting to improve on this. While a more powerful machine like the 2021 Honda Passport can’t match the fuel economy of a compact crossover model, it definitely shows improvement over SUVs of the past. In addition to its fuel efficiency, the Passport also offers 8.1-inches of ground clearance on its all-wheel drive models, making it easy to maneuver over rough paths.
Buy Your New 2021 Honda Passport Today
After years of hiatus, the Honda Passport is back and better than ever before. According to Car and Driver, the 2021 Honda Passport is one of their “highest-rated SUVs.” It even has a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, proving itself secure wherever your road leads you. Between its aesthetic appeal, advanced technology, and abundant safety features, the Honda Passport offers the best deal in its class.
Even if you’re not keen on adventuring off the pavement, the Passport’s sporty customization options along with its commuter-friendly design make it a great model for casual driving as well, especially during adverse weather conditions. All-wheel drive is handy for everyone, no matter where you choose to spend your time. Check out the 2021 Honda Passport today to see what we’re talking about for yourself.
