Honda Passport as a Road Trip Vehicle: Storage Capacity and Comfort for Long Drives
There’s something magical about loading up your SUV at dawn, coffee in hand, with 500 miles of open highway stretching ahead—and the confidence that your vehicle won’t leave you stranded or cramped.
The Honda Passport has quietly become one of the most underrated road trip champions in the midsize SUV segment. While the CR-V gets all the suburban glory and the Pilot claims the family hauler crown, the Passport sits in that sweet spot: rugged enough for adventure, spacious enough for comfort, and efficient enough that you won’t cringe at every gas station. Let’s dive into why this five-passenger SUV might be your next great road trip companion.
The Honda Passport: Built for the Journey
What Sets the Passport Apart from Other Honda SUVs
The Passport debuted in 2019 (second generation, actually—the original ran from 1994–2002) as Honda’s answer to adventure-ready SUVs like the Subaru Outback and Toyota 4Runner. Unlike the family-focused Pilot, the Passport ditches the third row entirely, trading those extra seats for something road trippers value more: cargo space and a more athletic driving experience.
The Passport shares its platform with the Pilot but feels completely different behind the wheel—more planted, more responsive, and dare we say, more fun.
Under the hood, you’ll find Honda’s proven 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough muscle to confidently pass slow-moving RVs on mountain grades while maintaining smooth highway cruising at 75 mph. The 9-speed automatic transmission keeps engine noise low during long stretches, and the available Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel drive handles everything from rainy interstates to dusty forest service roads.
Road Trip-Ready Features That Matter
Here’s where the Passport really shines for long-distance driving:
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard)
- Tri-zone automatic climate control (no more arguing over temperature)
- Available wireless charging pad keeps your phone topped up
- 7 USB ports scattered throughout (because everyone needs charging access)
- Power tailgate (hands-free on TrailSport and Elite trims)
- Acoustic laminated windshield reduces road noise significantly
The seats deserve special mention. Honda equipped the Passport with supportive, well-bolstered front seats that don’t leave you squirming after hour three. The driver’s seat offers 8-way power adjustment (10-way on higher trims), and there’s genuine lumbar support—not the fake kind that just pushes your lower back forward.
“The best road trip vehicle isn’t the one with the most gadgets—it’s the one that disappears around you, letting you focus on the journey rather than discomfort or mechanical worries.”
Storage Capacity: More Room Than You’d Expect
Cargo Space Breakdown
One of the Passport’s biggest advantages? Cargo volume that rivals three-row SUVs:
Behind Second Row:
- 41.2 cubic feet (seats up)
- Enough for four full-size suitcases, a cooler, and camping gear
Maximum Cargo:
- 77.9 cubic feet (seats folded flat)
- That’s more than a Honda Pilot (83.9 cubic feet) despite having fewer rows
The rear cargo area features a flat load floor when seats are down—no annoying bumps or slopes that make loading awkward. You’ll also find underfloor storage compartments perfect for hiding valuables, emergency supplies, or items you don’t need daily access to.
Pro tip: The Passport can swallow a full 4×8 sheet of plywood with the second row folded—perfect for that impromptu hardware store run during your cabin getaway.
Smart Storage Solutions Throughout
Road trips mean snacks, drinks, maps, sunglasses, phone chargers, and about 47 other small items that need homes:
- Deep center console with adjustable armrest
- Large door pockets (front and rear) that fit water bottles and folding maps
- Rear seat cup holders that actually hold modern oversized cups
- Overhead sunglasses storage
- Seat-back pockets with tablet holders
- Front passenger seatback table (Elite trim)
The second row offers 60/40 split-folding seats with adjustable recline—a godsend for passengers trying to nap between destinations. Legroom back there measures 39.6 inches, which means even tall adults won’t arrive at the destination with numb legs.
Comfort Features for the Long Haul
Ride Quality and Noise Insulation
Let’s talk about what matters during hour six of your drive. The Passport rides on an independent suspension tuned for comfort without feeling floaty. You’ll soak up highway expansion joints and rough pavement without the jarring impacts common in truck-based SUVs.
Noise levels at 70 mph hover around 66–68 decibels—quieter than a Toyota 4Runner (72 dB) and competitive with the Subaru Ascent (67 dB). That acoustic windshield really does its job, and Honda added extra sound-deadening material in the doors and floor.
The TrailSport trim (introduced in 2022) adds:
- All-terrain tires (slightly noisier but more capable)
- Orange interior accents and contrast stitching
- Raised suspension (+0.6 inches ground clearance)
- Undercarriage skid plates
Technology That Enhances the Journey
Honda Sensing® safety suite comes standard across all Passport trims:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
The adaptive cruise control deserves extra praise—it smoothly maintains following distance in highway traffic, reducing driver fatigue significantly. On a 10-hour drive, this feature alone can make the difference between arriving exhausted or relaxed.
One Passport owner reported driving from Chicago to Denver (1,000 miles) and only disabling ACC for fuel stops—the system handled varying traffic speeds flawlessly.
Blind Spot Information System (standard on EX-L and above) gives extra confidence during lane changes when you’re towing a trailer or passing on unfamiliar highways.
Honda Passport Road Trip Comparison
| Feature | Honda Passport | Subaru Outback Wilderness | Toyota 4Runner | Mazda CX-9 | Ford Edge ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.4L Turbo-4 | 4.0L V6 | 2.5L Turbo-4 | 2.7L Turbo V6 |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 260 hp | 270 hp | 250 hp | 335 hp |
| Cargo Space (seats up) | 41.2 cu ft | 32.5 cu ft | 47.2 cu ft | 14.4 cu ft | 39.2 cu ft |
| Fuel Economy (AWD) | 19/24 mpg | 23/28 mpg | 16/19 mpg | 20/26 mpg | 19/26 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers | 5 passengers | 7 passengers | 7 passengers | 5 passengers |
| Starting Price | $42,000 | $40,000 | $43,000 | $39,000 | $45,000 |
The Passport wins on: Raw cargo volume (with seats up), V6 power delivery, Honda reliability reputation
Competition advantages: Outback gets better MPG, 4Runner offers third row and legendary off-road capability, CX-9 provides luxury feel at lower price
Real-World Road Trip Performance
Fuel Economy on Long Drives
Honda rates the AWD Passport at 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg. In real-world highway cruising at 70–75 mph, most owners report:
- Highway cruising: 25–27 mpg (better than EPA estimates)
- Mountain driving: 21–23 mpg
- Heavy traffic/city: 17–19 mpg
With a 19.5-gallon fuel tank, you’re looking at 450–500 mile range on the highway before refueling. That’s roughly Chicago to Nashville or Los Angeles to Phoenix on a single tank.
Pro tip: Use Econ mode on flat interstate stretches to maximize fuel economy—it softens throttle response and optimizes transmission shifting. Switch back to normal mode for mountain passes where you need instant power.
Towing Capacity for Adventure Gear
Need to bring bikes, kayaks, or a small camper? The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped (that’s the AWD model with the Honda towing package). That handles:
- Small travel trailers (16–20 feet)
- Boat and trailer combos
- Enclosed cargo trailers
- Utility trailers with ATVs or motorcycles
The integrated trailer hitch (available accessory) includes a wiring harness and transmission cooler to handle towing stress without overheating.
Midsize SUV Cargo Space Comparison (Seats Up)
Maximizing Comfort on Multi-Day Road Trips
Packing Strategy for the Passport
Here’s how to optimize your Passport’s storage for a week-long adventure:
Underfloor compartments:
- Emergency kit (first aid, flashlight, jumper cables)
- Tools and tire repair supplies
- Items you won’t access during the drive
Main cargo area:
- Large suitcases and duffel bags (use soft-sided luggage for easier tetris)
- Cooler positioned for easy tailgate access
- Camping gear or sports equipment
Second-row footwells:
- Smaller bags or backpacks
- Snack storage containers
- Kids’ entertainment supplies
Center console and door pockets:
- Navigation aids, sunscreen, hand sanitizer
- Charging cables and adapters
- Tissues, wet wipes, trash bags
One seasoned road tripper’s trick: Use packing cubes to compress clothing, freeing up 20–30% more cargo space.
Comfort Accessories Worth Adding
Consider these aftermarket additions for ultimate road trip comfort:
- Roof cargo box (adds 10–15 cu ft without sacrificing interior space)
- Cargo organizer with dividers (keeps groceries from rolling around)
- Seat cushion lumbar pillows for passengers
- Sunshades for rear windows (keeps back seat cooler)
- Cargo liner (protects carpet from spills and dirt)
The Honda Genuine Accessories catalog includes crossbars rated for 150 pounds, perfect for roof boxes, bike racks, or kayak carriers.
What Passport Owners Say About Long Drives
Real feedback from cross-country road trippers:
Pros commonly mentioned:
- “Seats stay comfortable even after 8-hour days”
- “Cargo space swallows everything without needing roof storage”
- “V6 power makes mountain passes effortless”
- “Adaptive cruise control is a game-changer”
- “Fuel economy beats expectations on highway trips”
Cons to consider:
- “Infotainment system isn’t as intuitive as newer competitors”
- “No panoramic sunroof option” (fixed sunroof only)
- “Third row would be nice for occasional extra passengers”
- “Cargo area floor sits high—lifting heavy items requires effort”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Passport compare to the Pilot for road trips?
The Pilot offers a third row and slightly more cargo space (83.9 vs 77.9 cu ft max), but the Passport feels more agile, gets marginally better fuel economy, and provides more usable cargo space with seats up (41.2 vs 16.5 cu ft).
Q: Can the Passport handle dirt roads and light off-roading?
Yes—especially the TrailSport trim with 8.1 inches ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and intelligent AWD. It’s not a Jeep Wrangler, but forest service roads and gravel campground access are no problem.
Q: What’s the real-world highway fuel economy?
Most owners report 25–27 mpg cruising at 70–75 mph, which beats Honda’s 24 mpg EPA highway rating. Use Econ mode and keep speeds reasonable for best results.
Q: Is the Passport comfortable for tall drivers and passengers?
Absolutely—front headroom measures 40.1 inches and legroom hits 41.2 inches. Even 6’4″ drivers report comfort on long trips, though the fixed sunroof slightly reduces headroom compared to non-sunroof models.
Q: How reliable is the Passport for cross-country trips?
Honda reliability scores remain excellent—Consumer Reports gives the Passport a 4/5 predicted reliability rating. The V6 engine and 9-speed transmission are proven across multiple Honda models with strong track records.
Q: Can I sleep in the back of a Passport?
With second-row seats folded, you get roughly 6 feet of flat cargo space—enough for adults under 6′ tall to sleep comfortably with a sleeping pad. Consider the cargo liner for easier cleanup.
Q: Does the Passport have a panoramic sunroof?
No—it offers only a standard power moonroof, which some road trippers find disappointing compared to the sweeping glass roofs in vehicles like the Subaru Outback or Hyundai Palisade.
The Verdict: Your Next Road Trip Awaits
The Honda Passport won’t win SUV beauty contests, and it lacks the third-row flexibility of the Pilot or the fuel efficiency of the CR-V Hybrid. But what it does brilliantly is fill the gap between rugged capability and everyday comfort—perfect for the adventurous driver who spends weekends exploring national parks but also needs a reliable daily driver.
That 280-horsepower V6 provides confidence on mountain passes. The 41.2 cubic feet of cargo space swallows everything from camping gear to airport luggage without needing roof racks. Honda Sensing® technology reduces driver fatigue on long interstates. And that proven Honda reliability means you’re planning your next adventure, not your next repair visit.
For the price (starting around $42,000), you’re getting a capable, comfortable, and surprisingly fun-to-drive SUV that won’t complain whether you’re navigating rush hour traffic or crawling up a fire road to a hidden trailhead.
Where’s the most memorable place your road trips have taken you? Drop a comment with your favorite driving destination—bonus points if you share what vehicle got you there!
References
- Honda Passport Official Specs – Cargo dimensions and towing capacity
- Car and Driver – Long-term test reviews and real-world fuel economy
- Edmunds – Road trip vehicle comparisons and owner reviews
- Consumer Reports – Reliability ratings and owner satisfaction surveys
