It is hard to see the point of the Passport, which offers little more utility compared to the less-expensive CR-V and lacks the third-row seat of the three-row Pilot. That said, many buyers will chose it because of its strong and silky V6 engine, and increasing rarity in this segment.

The Passport driver faces a peanut shaped instrument cluster with half-circle tachometer on the left side, a quarter circle fuel and temperature gauges on the right side, separated by a crisply-marked electronic info centre which is topped by a digital speed indicator. With plenty of matte-finished soft-touch surfaces, the cabin of the Passport is attractive. Trim levels with leather upholstery look quite elegant but the fabric in the base trim looks a bit dour. Big, supportive and comfortable, the front seats of the Passport are up to the high standard set by large Honda vehicles over the years. The rear seat is comfortable and passengers enjoy good legroom. Cargo space is ample with the rear seat arrayed to accept passengers and expansive when in full cargo mode. The 3.5L V6 powering the Passport is smooth, strong and flexible. The nine-speed automatic transmission harnessed the V6’s energy very well and permits low-rev cruising. Steering is accurate, nicely weighted and geared but not the last word in road feel. Handling is steady and secure and the Passport’s ride is nicely absorbent except for the Trailsport, which, due to its augmented offroad prowess, suffers from a harsher ride and less pleasing handling than mainstream versions of the car.

With a comprehensive active safety suite, L.E.D. headlights, a sunroof, power tailgate and deep-tint glass, the base Passport Sport is nicely equipped. The Trailsport upgrade, an acoustic windshield, an auto-dim rearview mirror, ambient lighting, wireless cellphone charging, front and rear parking sensors, heated rear seats and leather seating, but is ambitiously priced. The Black Edition includes 20 inch wheels, navigation and ventilated front seats, an upgraded audio system and is reasonably priced. The Passport is in that odd category of vehicles that don’t offer any more practical space than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester, but do offer silky V6 power, which is sadly becoming increasingly rare.

Above average reliability predicted. Some transmission issues have developed on large Honda vehicles. Some reports of front suspension clunks and premature brake wear.