With 21 MPG combined, the 2023 Honda Passport AWD 3.5L V6 won’t win any awards for less gas, but it’s an acceptable trade-off for the capability and strong build of this SUV. The Passport fills a unique niche: a comfortable, spacious, and genuinely off-road capable two-row SUV that prioritizes practicality over fuel efficiency. Its buyers are active families and weekend adventurers who need space for gear, a confident all-wheel-drive system, and Honda reliability. They need to understand that this requires a compromise at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway do represent the Passport’s fuel consumption. The 3.5-liter V6 engine, while not the most technologically advanced, provides ample power for confident acceleration and highway cruising. The nine-speed automatic transmission (S9) is generally smooth and responsive, but some drivers report occasional hesitation during low-speed maneuvers. In city driving, the Passport’s weight and traditional automatic transmission contribute to the lower MPG figure. On the highway, the engine settles into a more efficient stride, allowing the SUV to approach, and sometimes even exceed, the EPA’s 24 MPG estimate depending on driving style and conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Honda Passport AWD 3.5L V6 at $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, location, and current gasoline prices, but $2,100 provides a baseline for understanding the Passport’s impact on your annual budget. Remember that this is an estimate, and factors like aggressive driving or prolonged idling can increase your real-world fuel expenditure.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy fluctuates. You can expect to see numbers close to the EPA’s ratings with mindful driving. Drivers using the Passport primarily for city commuting with frequent stop-and-go traffic may see averages closer to the 19 MPG city rating, or even slightly below. Conversely, drivers who spend a significant amount of time on the open highway, using cruise control and maintaining consistent speeds, frequently report achieving or surpassing the 24 MPG highway estimate. The key to maximizing fuel efficiency in the Passport is to drive smoothly and avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.

How it compares

The Passport’s fuel economy is within the expected range for its class of reliable, two-row SUVs with standard all-wheel drive. Rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee (two-row) with its 3.6L V6 achieve about 22 MPG combined, which is a slight edge, but the Passport offers a more refined driving experience. A Toyota 4Runner, known for its off-road capability, only manages around 17 MPG combined, making the Passport more economical. Even some smaller SUVs, if equipped with all-wheel-drive and powerful engines, struggle to beat the Passport’s fuel economy, making it suitable for some situations. For consumers prioritizing fuel efficiency, smaller crossovers or hybrid SUVs would be more appropriate, but those vehicles sacrifice the Passport’s off-road capability and spacious interior.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize idling, especially during cold starts. The Passport’s V6 engine consumes fuel when idling, particularly when the engine is cold and the system is working to reach optimal operating temperature. Avoid letting the vehicle idle for extended periods, shut it off if you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Even a few PSI below the recommended pressure of 32 PSI can lower fuel efficiency.

Anticipate traffic and maintain a consistent speed. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, as these actions consume fuel. By anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a consistent speed, you can minimize unnecessary fuel consumption and improve your overall MPG. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a steady speed and enhance your fuel efficiency.

Consider using a lighter touch on the accelerator. While tempting to enjoy the V6s responsiveness, practice smooth gradual acceleration. A more relaxed driving style can improve fuel economy in this vehicle. Learn to use the engine’s torque to get around more slowly, and in many cases more efficiently.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements, ensures that the engine is running efficiently. A poorly maintained engine will typically experience decreased fuel economy, so make sure you stick to the maintenance schedule.