The 2025 Honda Passport: Rugged Refinement for the Modern Adventurer

The Honda Passport has carved a niche for itself as a rugged, yet comfortable, two-row SUV that bridges the gap between the compact CR-V and the three-row Pilot. As we look ahead to the 2025 model year, we anticipate Honda will refine the Passport's formula, building on its strengths while addressing areas for improvement. While official details are still under wraps, here’s a comprehensive look at what we expect, hope for, and predict for the 2025 Honda Passport.

Building on a Solid Foundation: What We Expect to Remain

The current (2024) Passport is a well-regarded SUV, and we expect Honda to retain many of its core attributes. The robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, is likely to carry over. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving and light towing, striking a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The 9-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth, could see some software tweaks for even more refined shifts.

Honda's i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, a staple on higher trims, will almost certainly remain. This system provides excellent traction and stability in various conditions, from snowy roads to light off-road trails. The Passport's generous ground clearance (8.1 inches with AWD) will also likely be unchanged, contributing to its confident stance and capability.

The spacious interior, a key selling point of the Passport, is expected to remain largely the same in terms of dimensions. The Passport offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a comfortable choice for families and those who frequently travel with passengers. The cargo area is similarly generous, providing plenty of space for luggage, gear, and groceries.

Areas for Improvement and Potential Upgrades

While the Passport is a strong contender, there are areas where the 2025 model could see significant improvements:

• Infotainment and Technology: This is perhaps the biggest area ripe for an upgrade. The current infotainment system, while functional, feels dated compared to competitors. We expect a larger touchscreen (potentially 10 or even 12 inches), a more intuitive interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across all trims, and a faster processor for snappier response times. A fully digital instrument cluster, at least on higher trims, would also be a welcome addition. Honda might incorporate their latest Honda Sensing 360 suite of driver-assistance features, including more advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist capabilities.

• Interior Refinement: While the Passport's interior is spacious and practical, the materials and design could be elevated. We'd like to see more soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, improved seat bolstering for better comfort on long drives, and perhaps a more modern and stylish dashboard layout. Some new interior color options and trim accents could also inject more personality.
• Fuel Efficiency: While the V6 engine is powerful, its fuel economy is only average for the segment. Honda could explore mild-hybrid technology to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. This wouldn't necessarily be a full hybrid system, but a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup could provide a small boost in efficiency and improve start/stop smoothness.
• Ride Quality Refinements: The current Passport offers a comfortable ride, but it can feel a bit firm over rough pavement. Subtle tweaks to the suspension tuning, perhaps with available adaptive dampers, could improve ride quality without compromising the Passport's handling capabilities.
• Exterior Styling Tweaks: Don't expect a radical redesign. The general rugged, boxy proportions will remain, because they are part of the appeal. However, revised front and rear fascias, with updated grille designs, new headlight and taillight signatures (likely LED across all trims), and perhaps some new wheel designs, would freshen up the Passport's appearance.

The Trailsport Trim: Doubling Down on Off-Road Capability

The Trailsport trim, introduced in the current generation, has been a success, appealing to buyers who want a more rugged and off-road-capable Passport. We expect the 2025 Passport Trailsport to continue this trend, potentially with even more enhancements. This might include:

• More Aggressive Tires: While the current Trailsport has all-terrain tires, a slightly more aggressive tread pattern could improve off-road grip.
• Improved Suspension Tuning: Specific suspension tuning for the Trailsport, perhaps with slightly increased ground clearance or upgraded shocks, would further enhance its off-road prowess.
• Additional Skid Plates: More underbody protection, in the form of additional skid plates, would protect vital components when navigating challenging terrain.
• Unique Interior and Exterior Accents: The Trailsport will likely continue to feature unique badging, orange interior stitching, and other distinctive design elements to set it apart.

Competitive Landscape:

The 2025 Honda Passport will continue to face stiff competition from rivals like the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, and Hyundai Santa Fe. The 4Runner offers superior off-road capability but is less refined on-road. The Grand Cherokee offers a more luxurious interior and a wider range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option. The Blazer is more style-focused, while the Edge prioritizes comfort and technology. The Santa Fe, with its redesign for 2024, becomes a significantly more stylistically bold competitor.

The Passport's strength lies in its balanced approach, offering a good combination of ruggedness, practicality, and comfort. By addressing the areas mentioned above, Honda can ensure the 2025 Passport remains a compelling choice in this competitive segment.

Conclusion: A Promising Future

The 2025 Honda Passport is poised to build upon the strengths of the current model while incorporating key improvements to enhance its appeal. By focusing on technology, interior refinement, and potentially fuel efficiency, Honda can solidify the Passport's position as a versatile and capable SUV for the modern adventurer. While we await official details, the future looks bright for the Honda Passport. It will continue to be the best all-around option for those wanting space, and practicality, without going to a three-row SUV.