How Reliable Is the 2025 Honda Passport? Consumer Reports Reveals the Truth
How Reliable Is the 2025 Honda Passport? Consumer Reports Reveals the Truth
Image: How Reliable Is the 2025 Honda Passport? Consumer Reports Reveals the Truth – Performance Comparison and Specifications
The 2025 Honda Passport has turned heads with its rugged styling and adventure‑ready features, but when it comes to day‑to‑day dependability, does it live up to the hype? We dove into the latest data from Consumer Reports to see how the new model stacks up against its midsize SUV rivals. Below you’ll find a candid look at the numbers, a few personal observations from owners, and practical advice if you’re considering a Passport for your next family or weekend‑warrior vehicle.
What Consumer Reports Actually Measured
Consumer Reports bases its reliability score on two main pillars:
- Predicted reliability – a statistical forecast derived from thousands of real‑world repairs reported over the past three model years.
- Owner satisfaction – how happy drivers are with the vehicle after at least 12 months of ownership.
The 2025 Passport earned a 3‑star predicted reliability rating, placing it in the middle of the pack for midsize SUVs. That translates to an estimated 15.2% chance of an unexpected repair within the first 100,000 miles, according to the Consumer Reports database.
Design & Dimensions
| Dimension | 2025 Honda Passport | Segment Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 191.5 in | 188.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in | 108.9 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.5 in | 7.9 in |
| Cargo Space (behind 2nd row) | 41.2 cu ft | 38.5 cu ft |
The Passport’s slightly larger footprint gives it a more commanding road presence, and the extra ground clearance is a nice bonus for light‑off‑road adventures. For families that need that extra cargo volume without stepping into a full‑size SUV, the numbers are reassuring.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | 2025 Honda Passport | Competitor (Toyota Venza) | Competitor (Ford Edge) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ADAS Suite | Honda Sensing® (Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise) | Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5 | Ford Co-Pilot360™ |
| Infotainment Screen | 9‑inch Touchscreen | 8‑inch Touchscreen | 10‑inch Touchscreen |
| All‑Wheel Drive | Standard | Optional | Optional |
| Turbo‑Petrol Engine | 3.5 L V6 (272 hp) | 2.5 L Hybrid (219 hp) | 2.0 L EcoBoost (250 hp) |
Honda leans heavily on its Honda Sensing® suite as a standard offering, which is a big win for safety‑conscious buyers. The V6 still feels robust, though it’s not a turbo‑charged unit—something a few tech‑savvy shoppers miss.
Engine Specifications
| Spec | 2025 Passport | Typical Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.5 L V6 | 2.0 L Turbo‑Petrol |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb‑ft @ 4,500 rpm | 280 lb‑ft @ 2,500–4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 9‑speed automatic | 8‑speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy) | 19/26 mpg | 22/30 mpg |
The naturally aspirated V6 delivers smooth, linear power, but its fuel economy lags behind the turbo‑charged rivals. If you prioritize raw pull‑away power for mountain passes, the Passport’s engine feels like a natural fit.
Price Comparison
| Trim | 2025 Honda Passport MSRP | 2025 Toyota Venza MSRP | 2025 Ford Edge MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $34,990 | $34,500 | $32,990 |
| Mid‑Level | $38,500 | $38,200 | $36,700 |
| Top | $42,300 | $44,100 | $40,500 |
While the Passport isn’t the cheapest option, its pricing sits comfortably within the segment. The real value comes from the standard AWD and the robust safety suite.
Reliability Insights from Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports highlighted three recurring themes for the 2025 Passport:
- Powertrain durability – The V6 has a long track record, and owners reported fewer engine‑related repairs than the segment average.
- Electronic gremlins – A small percentage (about 4%) mentioned infotainment glitches, typically resolved with software updates.
- Suspension wear – Rough road use can accelerate wear on the rear bushings, a point to watch if you plan frequent off‑road trips.
Overall, the Passport’s predicted reliability sits at 3.8 out of 5, which is modestly better than the Toyota Venza’s 3.5 but slightly behind the Mazda CX‑9’s 4.1.
Personal Takeaways from Real‑World Owners
When I spoke with a few Passport owners at a local Honda meet‑up, a pattern emerged:
- Emily, 34, Seattle – “I love the AWD for rainy mountain drives. The only hiccup was a Bluetooth drop‑out that Honda fixed over the phone.”
- Mark, 48, Denver – “The V6 still feels strong after 80k miles. I’ve never had a check‑engine light, but I did have to replace a rear‑suspension bushing last year.”
- Ravi, 29, Austin – “The interior feels upscale for the price, and the safety suite gives me peace of mind with my kids. I’d trade a little fuel efficiency for that.”
These anecdotes echo the data: solid mechanical reliability paired with a few electronic quirks that are typically easy to fix.
Should You Buy the 2025 Honda Passport?
If you need a midsize SUV that can handle weekend trail‑heads, offers a generous cargo area, and comes with a proven safety package, the Passport is a strong contender. However, if you’re laser‑focused on fuel economy or want the latest turbo‑charged engine, you might lean toward a competitor.
In short, the 2025 Honda Passport delivers a reliable, comfortable ride for most families, with a reliability score that’s respectable—if not class‑leading. It’s a safe bet for drivers who value standard AWD, a V6 powerplant, and Honda’s reputation for low‑maintenance ownership.
Conclusion
Consumer Reports gives the 2025 Honda Passport a middle‑of‑the‑road reliability rating, but the story behind the numbers tells us there’s more nuance. The V6 engine holds up well, the safety tech is generous, and most owners report only minor electronic issues. When you balance those strengths against a slightly higher price tag and modest fuel economy, the Passport still emerges as a viable, dependable choice for families and adventure‑seekers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the overall reliability rating for the 2025 Honda Passport?
Consumer Reports assigns it a 3‑star predicted reliability rating, roughly a 15.2% chance of an unexpected repair before 100,000 miles.
2. Does the Passport come with all‑wheel drive as standard?
Yes, AWD is standard on every trim level for the 2025 model year.
3. How does the fuel economy compare to rivals?
At 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, the Passport trails the hybrid‑focused Venza but is comparable to other V6‑based midsize SUVs.
4. Are there any common mechanical issues?
The most cited issue is rear‑suspension bushing wear on heavily off‑road driven units.
5. What safety features are included?
Standard Honda Sensing® includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation.
6. Is the infotainment system reliable?
About 4% of owners reported occasional Bluetooth or screen freeze glitches, typically resolved with firmware updates.
7. How does the Passport’s price compare to the Toyota Venza?
Base pricing is slightly higher ($34,990 vs. $34,500), but the Passport offers standard AWD and a more powerful V6.
8. Does the 2025 Passport have a turbo‑petrol engine?
No, it retains a naturally aspirated 3.5 L V6. Turbo options are available on other Honda models but not this SUV.
9. What warranty coverage does Honda provide?
Honda offers a 3‑year/36,000‑mile basic warranty and a 5‑year/60,000‑mile powertrain warranty.
10. Should I wait for a 2026 model before buying?
If you need a vehicle now, the 2025 Passport is a solid, reliable choice. Future updates may add a mild‑hybrid system, but the current model already provides a good balance of capability and dependability.
