Honda unveiled the fourth generation of its Passport SUV, primarily marketed in North America. Despite its popularity abroad, local distribution isn't expected anytime soon, as has been the case with previous models in the past.
The new design features a more angular, rugged appearance with a large front grille and lighting units, a hood-end air intake and an angled C-pillar typical of American SUVs.
The TrailSport trim, designed for off-road use, includes aggressive bumpers with dual tow rings that enhance the approach angle (23°, an increase of 2°), black plastic fender and door sill guards and robust roof rails. It also features dual-purpose General Grabber AT tires, which are wider by 1 cm compared to the base model.
The driver's environment has been updated with a digital instrument cluster (10.2") and a significantly larger touchscreen (12.3" compared to the previous 8"), equipped with a Google operating system.
Compared to its predecessor, the Passport is 4 cm longer (484 cm) with a wheelbase extended by 7 cm (289 cm), offering significantly more rear passenger space and expanding the trunk by 80 liters (1,246 liters total).
The model retains a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine, now with a dual overhead camshaft (instead of a single camshaft) and the ability to deactivate three cylinders under low loads to improve fuel efficiency. The output remains 280 hp, but the new transmission now offers 10 gears instead of the previous 9.
A new all-wheel-drive system delivers 40% more torque, 30% faster, to the rear wheels. Honda also added an electronic limited-slip differential, capable of transferring up to 100% of power to either rear wheel, effectively simulating a locking differential and enabling torque vectoring.
According to Honda, the platform has been reinforced by 72% at the front and 50% at the rear. The model’s stiffer stabilizer bars, widened axle tracks (3.3 cm front, 3.8 cm rear) and longer wheelbase are expected to improve directional stability. Ground clearance has also increased by 0.6 cm, now reaching 21.1 cm.
While Honda is experiencing unprecedentedly low sales in Israel, it continues to thrive in the U.S. with a broad and modern lineup across nearly every category. The new Passport is expected to further bolster its position in one of the most competitive segments on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Passport could have been a valuable addition to Honda’s Israeli showroom alongside other American models. This has yet to take place, however, despite the local importer’s efforts to introduce the Japanese manufacturer's American-made lineup.
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