- Unique blend of on- and off-road prowess / capability
- Sophisticated all-wheel drive, robust towing
- Multiple accessory personalisation options

LOS ANGELES, California – Honda has launched an all-new 2019 Honda Passport five-seat V6 SUV at the 2018 Los Angeles auto show ahead of global sales beginning in early 2019.
The automaker describes the Passport as having ”a unique combination of on-road driving refinement and off-road adventure capability – along with best-in-class cabin space”.

The handsome new SUV will slot between the Honda’s compact CR-V and three-row Pilot in Honda’s SUV range. It has a reinforced unibody frame, direct-injection i-VTEC V6 engine, independent suspension and ”nimble” steering.
ON-ROAD ABILITY
Off-road ability comes, Honda says, from torque-vectoring all-wheel drive through individual electronic control of each wheel ”to tackle terrain normally reserved for less-refined body-on-frame or off-road focused SUVs”.
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Henio Arcangeli, a senior vice-president with American Honda , told The Corner: “The Passport has on-road comfort and nimble handling that commuters but can change into a robust off-roader / all-weather vehicle for great weekend adventures.
”We saw an opportunity to deliver something Honda, uniquely, is capable of making and the new Passport is in a great position to capture buyers looking for a more personal, powerful and capable Honda SUV.”

The vehicles were designed and developed by Honda North America’s research and development teams in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio. Engines will be assembled at the company’s plant in Lincoln, Alabama.
Here are some product highlights, as supplied by Honda…
- 210kW, 3.5-litre, direct-injection V6 engine spinning a nine-speed auto transmission
- Variable torque control for on- and off-road performance
- Traction management re-settable for snow, sand or mud
- Various hazard warnings and driving assistance technology
- 20” alloy wheel rims and tyres on all versions
- Best-in-class underfloor cargo volume
- Wide range of Honda accessories for active lifestyles
Helping to emphasise the Passport’s rugged exterior design and stance are, its maker says, highlighted by big wheels, a matte-black grille, ”floating” roof, bold wheel-arches, ride height and width-accentuating tail door.

Passenger volume is said to be ”best-in-class” passenger space and total interior volume including cargo space – including a segmented underfloor cargo compartment for such as soiled clothes or hiding valuables.
Depending on market, the Passport will be offered in four trims: Sport, upgraded EX-L, high-tech Touring, and fully equipped Elite. Each except the Elite can be configured with front- or all-wheel drive (all Elite units have 4×4).
All trims will have 20” alloy wheels/tyre combinations, electronic driving assistances, diode headlights, fog lights, and running lights, ”smart” start and entry, and aircon. More-expensive units will have a 20cm touch screen covering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Options will include a hands-free power tail door, a one-touch tilt/slide moon roof and heatable auto-dimming and power-folding external mirrors. More includes blind-spot coverage, cross-traffic monitor, and front and rear parking radar.
209kW V6 UNDER THE HOOD
Go for a premium kit and Honda will add second-row sunshades, wireless phone charging, satnav, wi-fi, and cloud-based services covering remote un/locking and vehicle tracking if stolen.
All units will have a 3.5-litre V6 engine capable of makes 209kW / 210Nm and spins a nine-speed autobox. They will be rated to tow 1600kg (front-wheel drive) or 2300kg (AWD). Towball extra…

The whole package rides on Honda’s light-truck platform that involves a rigid unibody construction and the Passport Sport includes an audio system with a 13cm display and six speakers, plus a sub-woofer. Touring and Elite trim adds a 20cm screen and smartphone connection. Touring and Elite adds mobile wi-fi that can support seven devices.