Mid-sized SUVs have become a popular choice for families, blending versatility, comfort, and practicality. Among the many options available, the 2019 Honda Passport stands out as a compelling contender, especially for smaller families seeking a vehicle that balances everyday usability with adventurous spirit. Discontinued in 2002 but triumphantly reintroduced in 2019, the Honda Passport has returned with enhanced features and a renewed focus on meeting the needs of modern families. This review delves into why the 2019 Honda Passport could be considered the best mid-sized SUV in its class.
Unmatched Cargo Space and Family-Friendly Interior
One of the most significant advantages of the 2019 Honda Passport is its generous cargo capacity. For families constantly juggling groceries, sports equipment, and luggage, space is a premium, and the Passport delivers impressively. Offering 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row, it easily accommodates daily necessities and weekend getaway gear. Need to haul larger items? The Passport’s rear seats fold down effortlessly, expanding the cargo area to a substantial 78 cubic feet. Furthermore, the clever under-floor storage bin in the trunk provides a hidden compartment, perfect for stowing away muddy shoes, wet gear, or valuables, keeping the main cargo area organized and clutter-free.
Beyond cargo, passenger comfort is also a key aspect of a family-friendly SUV. The 2019 Honda Passport comfortably seats five adults with ample legroom, ensuring even taller passengers remain comfortable on longer journeys. Families with young children will appreciate the rear seat’s capacity to accommodate multiple car seats, including car seats and booster seats, making it a practical choice for growing families. The spacious interior ensures that everyone rides comfortably, whether it’s a quick trip to school or a cross-country road trip.
Ready for Adventure: Off-Road Capability Meets Daily Driving
While many mid-sized SUVs prioritize on-road comfort, the 2019 Honda Passport distinguishes itself with its notable off-road capabilities. While it’s perfectly suited for daily commutes and errands, the Passport is also equipped to handle more adventurous terrains. Featuring an intelligent all-wheel-drive system and selectable drive modes for Snow, Mud, and Sand, the Passport allows drivers to confidently tackle various road conditions. These modes adjust the vehicle’s traction control, torque distribution, and shifting behavior to optimize performance on different surfaces. For families who enjoy outdoor activities or live in areas with challenging weather conditions, the Passport offers an added layer of versatility and peace of mind.
However, the Passport doesn’t compromise on-road comfort for its off-road prowess. It delivers a smooth and refined driving experience on highways and city streets, offering good fuel efficiency for its class. Its maneuverability and responsive handling make navigating tight parking spaces and urban environments easy. The 2019 Honda Passport truly strikes a balance, providing both rugged capability and everyday usability.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Connectivity and Convenience
In today’s connected world, technology features are crucial, and the 2019 Honda Passport is packed with user-friendly tech to enhance every drive. The available 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on the Elite trim, offers seamless smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easy access to navigation, music, and communication apps. Features like a wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports, and an available embedded 4G LTE WiFi hotspot ensure devices stay charged and connected on the go. The tri-zone automatic climate control system further enhances passenger comfort, allowing personalized temperature settings for different areas of the vehicle.
The Passport also incorporates a user-friendly navigation system developed with Garmin, offering improved graphics and speed limit displays. While smartphone navigation remains a popular choice, the integrated system provides a reliable backup and added convenience. Furthermore, features like push-button start and SiriusXM 2.0 with pause, rewind, and fast-forward capabilities add to the overall modern and convenient driving experience.
Prioritizing Safety: Standard Features for Peace of Mind
Safety is paramount for families, and the 2019 Honda Passport excels in this area by offering a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, comes standard on all Passport trims, providing an extra layer of protection and confidence on the road.
This suite includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking: This system can detect potential frontal collisions and automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid an accident.
- Forward Collision Warning: Alerts the driver to a potential collision with visual and audible warnings, providing crucial extra seconds to react.
- Lane Keeping Assist System and Lane Departure Warning: These systems work together to help drivers stay centered in their lane. Lane Departure Warning alerts when the vehicle drifts out of its lane, while Lane Keeping Assist can gently guide the vehicle back into the lane.
- Road Departure Mitigation System: Uses a camera to detect if the vehicle is about to leave the road and can provide steering and braking assistance to help prevent road departures.
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing, enhancing visibility and safety, and even includes adjustable angles for better perspective.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed to maintain a safe gap, especially useful in highway driving.
These standard safety features provide families with added peace of mind, knowing that the 2019 Honda Passport is equipped with advanced technologies to help protect them on every journey.
Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot: Choosing the Right Honda SUV for Your Family
When considering a Honda SUV, families often weigh the Honda Passport against its larger sibling, the Honda Pilot. While both are excellent vehicles, they cater to slightly different needs. The Honda Pilot, with its three rows and seating for up to eight passengers, is ideal for larger families requiring maximum passenger capacity. However, for smaller families of five or fewer, the Honda Passport offers a compelling alternative with its focus on spaciousness, off-road capability, and value.
Interestingly, at the base level, the larger Honda Pilot LX can sometimes be less expensive than the Passport Sport. However, the Passport comes standard with more safety features and greater off-road capability. When comparing higher trim levels, the Passport Elite often comes in at a lower price point than the Pilot Elite. The best choice ultimately depends on family size and lifestyle. For families who prioritize cargo space, off-road adventures, and a slightly more compact size, the 2019 Honda Passport represents an excellent value.
Conclusion: The 2019 Honda Passport – A Top Choice in the Mid-Sized SUV Segment
The 2019 Honda Passport successfully blends practicality, capability, and advanced features, making it a strong contender for the title of best mid-sized SUV, particularly for small families. Its generous cargo space, comfortable five-passenger seating, off-road readiness, and comprehensive suite of standard safety and technology features make it a versatile and appealing choice. Whether navigating city streets or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, the Honda Passport is designed to accommodate the diverse needs of modern families, offering a compelling package in the competitive mid-sized SUV market.
