[nullreference]

Hello,

I was set to purchase 2020 Passport because it's the right size for me, but after reading about its lackluster DCC & LCAS I decided to skip. I know there is a chance to enhance with OpenPilot, but I don't want to deal with some external gizmo. I currently have 2019 Rav4 and its "DCC & LCAS" type of system (aka TSS 2.0) do an excellent job, although far cry from what Tesla is offering.

So what are the chances Honda would update the system for 2021 model and when do we expect new model to arrive?

 

[ProdGirl]

Hello,

I was set to purchase 2020 Passport because it's the right size for me, but after reading about its lackluster DCC & LCAS I decided to skip. I know there is a chance to enhance with OpenPilot, but I don't want to deal with some external gizmo. I currently have 2019 Rav4 and its "DCC & LCAS" type of system (aka TSS 2.0) do an excellent job, although far cry from what Tesla is offering.

So what are the chances Honda would update the system for 2021 model and when do we expect new model to arrive?

Extremely doubtful after just 30 days into 2020 anyone outside of Honda, (if even them) will have this answer. The issues are minimal with owners and if it helps, I’ve had mine since 4/13/2019 and the only issue I have is the random reverse clunk maybe 1 in 30 times I reverse from a parking spot.

 

[Wrascal]

You are asking for opinions: mine is Honda won't make any meaninful changes during the first three model years. After three years perhaps some minor adjustments and refreshed cosmetics.

Looking further into the future, Passport Version 2.0 (2024) will offer many improvements. Passport Version 3.0 (2029) will be all electric and utilize 5G technology.

 

[nullreference]

I am mainly looking at possibility that 2021 model will have updated safety tech that's available in CRV or if there is a chance they can even update it in existing 2020 model

 

[TROPSSAP]

I can honestly say that I have had zero issues with any of the safety features, mine perform as they should. I think the reality could be that all the users on this forum are but a fraction of the actual number of Passport owners in the wild, and only relatively few have had or have taken issue with the safety features, personal preference and subjective functionality does not render these enhanced features defective but perhaps by design they are functioning within designed parameters, so it is doubtful that Honda will break what is not broken. That is not to say that there have been no defective systems, no doubt there are, but on the whole I get the impression that most are pleased with how their Passports are performing.

 

[darksky]

I agree with TROPSSAP. I've had my Passport since March 2019 and I've had no problems or complaints about the safety features. Most people who come to forums like this are looking for answers to problems with their vehicle. This is the nature of most automotive owner forums. There are countless owners completely satisfied who have never thought of joining a forum.

 

[nullreference]

By safety I meant dynamic cruise control and lane cenering abilities. Once you try excellent system from Toyota or Hyundai/KIA then Passport looks very dated in comparison.

 

[Wrascal]

Perhaps it's perspective.

By my starting with a 3 on the tree tyranny (w/ drum brakes all around), running on often popped biased ply tires (requiring frequent oil changes, spark plugs, points and condensers / and even 50K interval valve grinding) but happily equipped with a single 10W AM radio speaker - I find my Elite PP to be a modern marvel.

In fairness I also appreciate my current Ford 6.7L dually. In all three of my current buggies I suffer none of your anomalies.

My complaint would be the inflated prices of todays vehicles.

 

[stevenD]

Hello Null and welcome, well if you invested in a 2019 RAV4, not sure why you would be so eager to toss it aside and move up to a Passport, care to share?

You see, I read all the hype being put out by Toyota about how wonderful, the redesigned RAV4 was going to be; the new platform, the new powerful engine, all the electronic safety features, etc.

But when it came out, every review mentioned how disappointing it was; the excessive engine and road noise, they talked about the 200hp engine performing on par with the competitors 180hp engines, they complained about the cheap interior, the lack of Android support, the horrible stereo and on and on, one review had it in 4th place, can you imagine how Toyota must have felt when their brand new baby was rated 4th best in class, when the existing CR-V finished first?

Anyway, after driving it, I saw what they were talking about, it is simply an ENTRY-LEVEL SUV and coming off of driving (owning) two BMW's for the previous 16 years, there was no way in heck, I was going to be happy taking three steps back. Not to mention that the Toyo dealers were NOT dealing and a loaded AWD Adventure Model was priced the SAME as a Passport AWD Touring Model!

So my friendly advice to you would to go ahead and keep your RAV4 for as long as it makes you happy, and if you find yourself wanting to step up to a more powerful, better built vehicle, there will be a Passport somewhere for you!

Cheers!

 

[5500]

Personally, I find the Honda nannies do not function as well as the ones in the 2019 Tacoma I just traded. I think overall the Honda is the better vehicle for my needs so I was willing to take the hit to move into something I felt was more suitable for me. I think software updates and equipment calibrations would probably cure the overwhelming majority of issues with Honda's systems and am hopeful Honda will offer those updates as they become available. That said, realistically, vehicles priced in the 30-40K range these days are really middle of the road production vehicles, and all will have some trade offs. I think you need to spend up to the 50-60K range to get something truly satisfactory and superior in all domains.

 

[MattyNice]

I’m seeing over the air updates pop up on my screen about every 3-4 weeks. I have no idea if it’s for the entertainment or safety systems. I’m sure refinements will be rolled out as updates as they complete them and they won’t be delayed until a refresh. I’ve already noticed my false alarms have dramatically decreased from when I purchased the vehicle a little over 3 months ago.

I strongly considered the new RAV4 as it looked great online. Just looked too small in person and the overall refinement just didn’t seem to match the prices they are asking, imo. But the PP is in a totally different class. It’s WAY bigger with a NA v6.

 

[TROPSSAP]

I test drove several new vehicles prior to seeing the Passport including the new RAV4, I urgently handed the keys back to Toyota, the RAV was a joke! Had no power, was so loud and uncomfortable and just felt like a rattle trap, clunky and clumsy on the road, epic fail! .And this was the higher trim level! I thought how can they want so much money for this? The Highlander was somewhat better comfort wise and was much quicker, but so underwhelming, no fun factor at all, just a people mover, I couldn't see myself being satisfied with it. I remember being caught off guard with Toyota's safety stuff, seemed aggressive and distracting to me. Across the street was the Honda dealership and I caught sight of the Passport, stepped in, asked for keys...where do I sign?
Since we are all our own subjective experts on functionality of enhanced safety features, the next story will probably read quite differently with high praise for the rival SUV.

 

[Gmjohnson]

The issues I’ve had with the safety features are more refinement than anything. I can’t imagine they won’t work on continuous improvement of these features, as they are still relatively new and the technology is ever-evolving. I’m looking forward to seeing what they change in 2021. I like my PP, and with a few refinements I would be interested in trading in for a slightly improved one in a year.

 

[nullreference]

Hello Null and welcome, well if you invested in a 2019 RAV4, not sure why you would be so eager to toss it aside and move up to a Passport, care to share?

You see, I read all the hype being put out by Toyota about how wonderful, the redesigned RAV4 was going to be; the new platform, the new powerful engine, all the electronic safety features, etc.

But when it came out, every review mentioned how disappointing it was; the excessive engine and road noise, they talked about the 200hp engine performing on par with the competitors 180hp engines, they complained about the cheap interior, the lack of Android support, the horrible stereo and on and on, one review had it in 4th place, can you imagine how Toyota must have felt when their brand new baby was rated 4th best in class, when the existing CR-V finished first?

Anyway, after driving it, I saw what they were talking about, it is simply an ENTRY-LEVEL SUV and coming off of driving (owning) two BMW's for the previous 16 years, there was no way in heck, I was going to be happy taking three steps back. Not to mention that the Toyo dealers were NOT dealing and a loaded AWD Adventure Model was priced the SAME as a Passport AWD Touring Model!

So my friendly advice to you would to go ahead and keep your RAV4 for as long as it makes you happy, and if you find yourself wanting to step up to a more powerful, better built vehicle, there will be a Passport somewhere for you!

Cheers!

Thanks! Rav4 hybrid limited is my wifes car, it's excellent in every aspect and will be keeping it long term. I actually have 2014 Durango which I would like to replace, because we still need bigger car, but I don't want 3 row SUV so Passport fit the bill, but like I said I don't want to compromise on having dated DCC & LKAS. I use that heavily in rav4 not just for trips but also in stop and go traffic. So that's the major turn off with the current Passport for me.

 

[herothedog]

Most manufacturer update cycles are 5 years. I wouldn't expect the next revision until 2023/24. Until then there will be minor updates, colors, options, trim levels, critical safety features for ratings like the 2019.5 version... I am not sure the driver aids on the PP can be fixed through software (I don't think the front camera is aimed or focused correctly, but that is my guess).

Tesla features are irrelevant really unless you are buying a Tesla. Tesla as a company was designed to operation and design many years ahead of other manufacturers. They are a technology company first then an auto manufacturer. By the time current Tesla features are on a Honda, Teslas will be levitating over roads rather than driving on them.

 

[nullreference]

So there is a chance that we may see 2020.5 with updated software?

 

[stevenD]

Most manufacturer update cycles are 5 years. I wouldn't expect the next revision until 2023/24. Until then there will be minor updates, colors, options, trim levels, critical safety features for ratings like the 2019.5 version... I am not sure the driver aids on the PP can be fixed through software (I don't think the front camera is aimed or focused correctly, but that is my guess).

This is just a guess, but I think the next major Passport design update will happen the year AFTER the next Pilot one. Pilot is the money maker here, the big seller and they would not make any mistakes with it!

 

[herothedog]

This is just a guess, but I think the next major Passport design update will happen the year AFTER the next Pilot one. Pilot is the money maker here, the big seller and they would not make any mistakes with it!

I'm lumping the two together really, but I agree the PP will follow the Pilot, thus 2024 more likely. Given the trend, the next Pilot/Passport platform will offer a mild hybrid and/or plugin hybrid. If they don't they won't be able to compete purely from a market offering standpoint.

So there is a chance that we may see 2020.5 with updated software?

Assuming just a software update, this would likely be applied to all starting from 2019.

Why won't there be significant changes until the next major version? It is not just about the development of the new features, that is comparatively easy. Retooling a factory, production line that includes robotics, welders, punches, presses, lifts, supply chains inside and outside the factory. They have to get the return on the investment. Think about gutting and renovating a house, how frequently would a homeowner be able to do that (not even every five years, or ten years, or ever)?

 

[nullreference]

I would doubt it's "just software update", might require new hardware. Kind like what we have in 2019 Rav4 which doesn't have Android auto, but 2020 has and it's a new hardware part number

 

[Gray_Beard]

I’m seeing over the air updates pop up on my screen about every 3-4 weeks. I have no idea if it’s for the entertainment or safety systems. I’m sure refinements will be rolled out as updates as they complete them and they won’t be delayed until a refresh. I’ve already noticed my false alarms have dramatically decreased from when I purchased the vehicle a little over 3 months ago.

I strongly considered the new RAV4 as it looked great online. Just looked too small in person and the overall refinement just didn’t seem to match the prices they are asking, imo. But the PP is in a totally different class. It’s WAY bigger with a NA v6.

Interesting, I usually will do a manual check for updates each weekend in the hopes of seeing something come across and mine has always stated that my PP is up to date. And I purchased mine back in October.