The Honda Passport rolls into 2023 minimal changes.

While most manufacturers are downsizing their engines and adding turbochargers, Honda has opted to fit the Passport with a large 3.5L V6 engine which produces 280 horsepower and 5000 lbs towing capacity. This engine ensures that the Passport feels powerful at the full RPM range. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. This means the Passport is quicker than most people would expect from a mid-sized SUV, and while the Passport doesn't come out and claim to be a sports car, it does provide relatively sporty driving characteristics when compared to most of its direct competitors.

The Passport is available as a FWD or AWD with three trim levels. The EX-L is available with both drive types, while the TrailSport and Elite trim is only available on the AWD. This SUV has an array of standard safety features including blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, lane keeping system, adaptive cruise control, and front/rear parking sensors.

The Passport is richly equipped, so even the entry level trim comes with plenty of equipment.

The EX-L trim is equipped with 20-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights, sunroof, heated side mirrors with power reverse tilt down, power liftgate, remote start, leather seats, proximity keyless entry and push-button start, three-zone automatic climate control, heated power front seats, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with 7-speakers audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and wireless phone charging.

The TrailSport trim includes additional convenience features, such as standard all-wheel drive, 18-inch aluminum wheels with rugged terrain tires, roof rails, compass, front wiper de-icer, power folding mirrors, voice activated navigation, and interior ambient lighting.

The Elite trim tops them all with special design 20-inch aluminum wheels, hands-free liftgate, HondaLink connected services, vehicle tracker system, three-zone automatic climate control with rear seat controls, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming mirrors, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, and 10-premium speaker audio system.

The packages available for all trims are Function (cargo net, cargo cover, first-aid kit), HPD Bronze (bronze wheels, HPD lower door trim and decal, bigger fender flair), HPD Black (black wheels, HPD lower door trim and decal, bigger fender flair), and Utility (cross bar, EX-L gets roof rails, and trailer hitch).

The Honda Passport is in competition with other SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Bronco, and the Toyota 4Runner. Like those SUVs, it compromises a bit of space in favor of offering a more rewarding driving experience and more rugged styling. Nobody will confuse the Passport with a minivan unlike several other SUVs on the market, which simply concentrate on offering the most space for the money. Instead, Passport owners will find themselves in a vehicle that feels premium without necessarily having a premium price point.

Rugged styling; available all-wheel drive; powerful V6 engine; upscale features; smart interior design; standard Honda Sensing safety in all trims