2021 Honda Passport vs 2022 Honda Passport

In 2021, the Honda Passport presented itself as a slightly abbreviated version of the Honda Pilot, mirroring its larger sibling's styling but shedding the third row for a more compact form. This vehicle flaunted a familiar aesthetic that was effortless to appreciate, with its spacious interior decked out in high-quality materials and its dashboard a carbon copy of the Pilot's. However, both suffered from the cumbersome "button shifter" design, a quirk that might detract from the overall ease of use for some drivers.

Transitioning to the 2022 model, the Passport underwent a stylistic transformation to closely resemble the Honda Ridgeline from the doors forward, adopting a tougher exterior demeanor that aligned with its platform-shared relatives, the Odyssey and the Pilot. With the addition of the new TrailSport trim, the 2022 Passport leaned into a more rugged identity, aimed to appeal to off-road enthusiasts with its elevated look and enhanced all-terrain capabilities, despite retaining a fundamental focus on urban usability.

Both the 2021 and 2022 Honda Passports are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 2021 model proffered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the latter enhancing off-road capability via intelligent traction management that adjusts for Snow, Sand, and Mud. This model promised a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with AWD. While the engine's stop-start system was noted for its abruptness, its disable switch provided a workaround for smoother operation.

The following year's model maintained this powertrain setup but refined the driving experience. The 2022 Passport also offered better fuel efficiency figures slightly adjusted due to the standard AWD configuration in the TrailSport and Elite trims. Moreover, Honda's i-VTM4 AWD system featured prominently, with mechanical torque vectoring supporting spirited driving dynamics and providing substantive control in off-pavement scenarios, though not to the extent of more dedicated off-road vehicles.

The 2021 Passport maximized its interior spatial efficiency with up to 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, marking it as highly accommodating for storage. The comfortably upright seating position and thoughtful inclusion of ample in-door pockets emphasized utility as much as passenger comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 redesign introduced a marginally reduced cargo capacity, delivering 77.7 cubic feet when the seats were down, still formidable but slightly less than its predecessor. This model enhanced access and comfort with larger doors and improved seating ergonomics, ensuring a pleasurable ride even on longer trips. Both models boasted significant legroom and commodious seating arrangements but the newer model edged out slightly with enhanced material quality and strategic interior storage solutions.

Safety technology across both model years was robust, featuring Honda’s Sensing technologies such as collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2021 model performed admirably in national safety tests, securing a commendable set of ratings, though with some room for improvement in headlight performance and child-seat anchor accessibility.

The 2022 Passport maintained these standards but struggled with the intrusiveness and finesse of some safety features, which, despite their effectiveness, proved less user-friendly. These technological niggles suggested a need for refinement to match the seamlessness of competitors' offerings without undermining the substantial protective measures provided.