Having navigated a year with my 2022 Honda Passport EX-L AWD, it’s time to reflect on the ownership experience. Purchased in Obsidian Blue in October 2022, slightly below MSRP with additions like a heated steering wheel and splash guards, the Passport has now clocked over 14,000 miles. This review aims to provide a detailed perspective on its strengths and weaknesses, mirroring the insights often found in car and driver ratings.
The Praiseworthy Aspects of the 2022 Honda Passport
The 2022 Passport excels in long-distance driving. It effortlessly handles extended journeys, a testament to its touring capabilities. Regular four-hour drives to visit family and a significant 1,500-mile road trip from Chicago to eastern Canada and Michigan have highlighted its mile-munching prowess. Despite its 20-inch wheels, the ride quality remains composed, and the seats offer ample space and comfort for all occupants. The cargo area is generously sized, easily accommodating luggage for family trips, and the deep center console adds to practical storage solutions.
Performance and handling are commendable. The Passport feels secure and responsive in various driving conditions. The snow mode has proven effective during winter conditions, enhancing traction and stability. Fuel economy is also a notable positive. Suburban driving typically yields 21-23 mpg, while highway journeys, often at speeds exceeding 75 mph, consistently achieve 25 mpg or higher, with a recorded maximum of 28 mpg. These figures are respectable for a vehicle of its size and class.
Furthermore, the dealership experience at Valley Honda of Aurora, IL, has been exceptional. Choosing to service the vehicle there, despite closer alternatives, is a reflection of their outstanding customer service. Their consistently high ratings on platforms like DealerRater, backed by numerous positive reviews, underscore their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Addressing the Shortcomings
While the cargo area is spacious, the under-floor storage in the 2022 Honda Passport is disappointingly limited. The space is insufficient for discreetly storing items, a trade-off for the inclusion of a spare tire. Opting for a tire inflator kit in exchange for a larger, compartmentalized under-floor storage area would significantly enhance practicality and organization.
The infotainment system is a notable area for improvement. Numerous software issues, including glitches, slowdowns, and inconsistent performance, have been encountered. Apple CarPlay connectivity is unreliable, frequently disconnecting or failing to initiate. While software updates may address some of these issues, the current system detracts from the otherwise refined driving experience. The decision to remove the wireless charging pad due to its inconsistent performance and incompatibility with wireless CarPlay highlights a design flaw. The absence of Type-C USB charging ports is also a minor inconvenience, although addressed in later models. Interestingly, the redesigned center console in newer models, while adding Type-C ports, has removed the adjustable inboard armrests, a feature appreciated in the 2022 model.
The Less Appealing Aspects
The 2022 Honda Passport’s exterior refresh is a subjective point, but in my view, it represents a design step back from the 2019-2021 models. While pre-owned 2020-21 Passports were considered, dealerships often imposed undisclosed “reconditioning fees” and offered unfavorable trade-in values, making a new purchase more appealing despite the updated styling.
The front cupholder design is functionally flawed. The lack of rubber or spring-loaded mechanisms to secure smaller beverage containers results in rattling and instability. Additionally, the absence of a USB cable cutout in the center console forces wires to be pinched if the lid is closed while charging a device, a minor but noticeable ergonomic oversight.
Concerns regarding Honda’s recent engineering quality are also pertinent. The 2022 Passport, along with the Pilot and Ridgeline, has been subject to several recalls. While the engine idle stop/start update has been addressed, and a backup camera fix is pending, these recalls raise questions about overall vehicle reliability. An intermittent popping sound from the driver’s seat during movement or turning maneuvers adds to these concerns, requiring further investigation.
Overall Satisfaction
Despite these noted drawbacks, encompassing both minor inconveniences and more significant concerns, the overall ownership experience of the 2022 Honda Passport remains positive. Unless major mechanical issues or accident-related damages arise, there is no immediate desire to seek an upgrade. The 2022 Honda Passport delivers on core expectations as a comfortable, capable, and practical SUV, aligning with many aspects highlighted in positive car and driver ratings, albeit with areas needing refinement.
