The Honda Passport, a nameplate resurrected in 2019 after a hiatus since 2002, stepped back into the midsize SUV arena with a blend of fun and practicality. Positioned as the slightly smaller, sportier sibling to the Honda Pilot, the 2019 Passport quickly garnered attention. After spending considerable time behind the wheel, shuttling between school runs and everyday errands, and even imagining weekend adventures, it became clear why many consider the 2019 Honda Passport Elite a top contender, potentially even the Best Midsized Suv for small families seeking versatility and comfort. This review dives into the key features that make the Passport stand out in a crowded segment.
Unmatched Cargo Space: A Practical Advantage
One of the most compelling aspects of the 2019 Honda Passport is its cavernous cargo area. This SUV truly shines when it comes to hauling gear, making it a prime choice for families who value practicality. Boasting 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row, the Passport readily accommodates groceries, sports equipment, and luggage. For larger loads, folding down the second-row seats expands the cargo capacity to an impressive 78 cubic feet. This transformation is remarkably easy to execute, adding to the user-friendliness of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a large, divided under-floor storage bin in the trunk is a stroke of genius. This hidden compartment is perfect for stowing away items you want to keep out of sight or preventing smaller objects from sliding around the main cargo area. Imagine muddy sports shoes or wet beach gear neatly tucked away, separate from other belongings. The ease of cleaning this plastic-lined bin is another practical advantage for active families.
Passenger comfort hasn’t been sacrificed for cargo space either. The 2019 Passport comfortably seats five adults with ample legroom, even for taller passengers. Families with young children will appreciate the rear seat’s capacity to accommodate multiple car seats, including the possibility of fitting three across – a crucial factor for growing families. This balance of passenger and cargo space positions the Honda Passport as a leader in the best midsized SUV category for families.
Ready for Adventure: On and Off the Pavement
While primarily designed for on-road comfort and daily driving, the 2019 Honda Passport possesses a surprising degree of off-road capability. For those who occasionally venture beyond paved roads, the Passport offers various drive modes and an available all-wheel-drive system to tackle diverse terrains. Drivers can easily switch between Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes, allowing the SUV to adapt its performance to the prevailing conditions. These modes intelligently adjust engine output, transmission settings, traction control, and torque distribution to optimize grip and stability on different surfaces.
While not intended for extreme off-roading, the Passport’s off-road features provide added confidence in challenging weather conditions or on unpaved roads. For everyday driving, the Passport delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, with responsive handling and adequate fuel efficiency for its class. The elevated driving position, a characteristic SUV trait, provides excellent visibility, enhancing driver confidence in various traffic situations and tight parking scenarios.
The Elite trim level further enhances comfort with features like power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, along with heated and ventilated front seats. These premium touches elevate the driving experience, making the Passport not just practical but also a pleasure to drive, whether on a daily commute or a longer road trip. This blend of on-road refinement and off-road readiness contributes to its standing as a potential best midsized SUV.
Tech-Savvy and Connected: Modern Features for Today’s Driver
The 2019 Honda Passport Elite features a user-friendly touchscreen interface and wireless charging.
The 2019 Honda Passport Elite is equipped with a suite of technology features designed to enhance convenience, entertainment, and connectivity. A wireless charging pad simplifies device charging, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and communication. The push-button start adds a touch of modern convenience, and the tri-zone automatic climate control ensures comfortable temperatures for all passengers.
For in-car entertainment and information, the Passport Elite offers available embedded 4G LTE WiFi, transforming the SUV into a mobile hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with its smartphone-like interface, allows for intuitive control through swiping, tapping, and pinching. While there might be a slight learning curve initially, the system proves to be user-friendly and feature-rich. SiriusXM 2.0 with features like pause, fast forward, and rewind further enhances the audio experience. Multiple USB charging ports and 12-volt outlets ensure that all devices stay powered up on the go. The navigation system, co-developed with Garmin, offers improved graphics and speed limit displays, although many drivers still rely on their smartphone navigation apps. These tech features contribute significantly to the Passport’s appeal as a modern and well-equipped best midsized SUV.
Safety as Standard: Peace of Mind for Families
For families, safety is paramount, and the 2019 Honda Passport delivers with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. These systems, often optional extras in competing vehicles, are included across all Passport trims, adding significant value and peace of mind. Standard safety equipment includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking: This system can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision and the driver fails to react in time.
- Forward Collision Warning: Alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions, providing crucial extra seconds to react.
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning: These systems work together to help drivers stay within their lane. Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane, while Lane Keeping Assist can gently steer the vehicle back into the lane.
- Road Departure Mitigation: Uses a windshield-mounted camera to detect if the vehicle is about to leave the road and can steer the vehicle back into the lane to prevent accidents.
- Back-up Camera with Multiple Angles: Provides a clear view behind the vehicle when reversing, with adjustable angles to enhance visibility and help avoid obstacles.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead while cruise control is engaged, enhancing safety and convenience on highways.
These standard safety features position the 2019 Honda Passport as a leader in safety within the best midsized SUV category, offering families valuable protection and driver assistance technologies.
The 2019 Honda Passport boasts a sporty and rugged exterior design.
Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot: Choosing the Right Fit
The 2019 Honda Passport and Honda Pilot share many similarities, leading to a common question for buyers: which one is the better choice? Both are excellent SUVs, and the decision ultimately comes down to individual needs and priorities. Interestingly, at the base level, the larger Honda Pilot, with its three rows and eight-passenger capacity, is actually slightly less expensive than the Passport. However, the Passport offers more standard safety features and enhanced off-road capability. At higher trim levels, the Passport Elite becomes more affordable than the Pilot Elite.
The key differentiator lies in size and seating capacity. For larger families who regularly need to transport more than five passengers, the Honda Pilot with its third row is the obvious choice. However, for smaller families of five or fewer who prioritize cargo space, off-road capability, and a slightly more compact and sporty SUV, the 2019 Honda Passport emerges as a compelling option and arguably the best midsized SUV for their needs.
Conclusion: The 2019 Honda Passport – A Top Midsize SUV Contender
The 2019 Honda Passport Elite successfully blends practicality, comfort, technology, and safety into a compelling midsize SUV package. Its generous cargo space, comfortable passenger cabin, available off-road features, user-friendly technology, and comprehensive standard safety equipment make it a strong contender in the competitive midsize SUV segment. For small families and individuals seeking a versatile and well-rounded vehicle, the 2019 Honda Passport Elite deserves serious consideration as a top choice and potentially the best midsized SUV on the market.
By Maria Smith
Mentioned In This Article: 5-passenger SUV honda Honda Passport More About:Car Reviews SUVs
