If you’re a car nut that used to read publications like Car and Driver and Motor Trend back in the 1990s, then you may have heard of the Honda Passport. Moreover, you may be aware that that model was actually a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo only offered in the US market.. Well, the Passort name is back and it’s an all-Honda iteration this time around.
Debuting at this year’s Los Angeles Motor Show that opens its doors to the public today, the Honda SUV slots right between the CR-V and its bigger Pilot sibling. While its size is closer to that of the 7-seat Pilot, Honda says that this one will strictly be a five-seater (in the US market, at least). This means more than ample room for passengers and of course, their cargo.
Spekaing of hauling, the Passport is capable of towing up to 2,268kg , thanks in part to its 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 280hp. Mated to a 9-speed automatic, it can be had in either front- or intelligent all-wheel drive, dubbed I-VTM4. This clever system can transfer up to 70 percent power to the rear wheels or switch between left and rear wheels as needed. Think of it as some kind of torque vectoring system.
Of course, this SUV is packed with the marque’s latest Honda Sensing sfety systems. You’ve got adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking with forward collision warning, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, cross-traffic alert, and the like—all standard.
Expect to see the new Honda Passport hit US dealers early next year. As for our country, this still remains to be seen.
