[HPWJR]

I have finally decided that I got the right vehicle. At first I was so put off by the Adaptive Cruise, which really is sorry, because I traded my 2017 CRV, which had excellent ACC and LKAS. But I'm over that, not that I like it but just that I'm used to it. With that out of the way (but I still don't see why Honda could not have put the same system in the Passport as the CRV), this Passport has been absolutely trouble free, drives wonderfully, and I love the inside space, which is why I traded up. I kept wondering about a Kia Telluride or a Suburu Ascent or any of the other SUVs out there, but the two row Passport is indeed perfect for me. It is so roomy, the visibility is great, and it really does drive great. If they had put a good ACC in it, I'd give six stars out of five. But yesterday I decided I really like it, and it is the perfect vehicle for me. If they'd only done a good ACC........I guess I'm not completely over it.

 

[stevenD]

Glad to hear it, seems like the majority of the new Forum users come here to complain or compare complaints, refreshing to have some happy people around here. I still loving mine, after 9+ months of ownership.. None of my previous cars had this safety stuff, so I don't have much to compare it to... cheers!

 

[esto70]

I completely agree.

My story: I’ve been driving Toyota 4Runner Limiteds for the better part of 20 years. I loved my 4Runners. They’re super reliable, comfortable, quiet, and have that aggressive off-road look that I really love. The past couple years, though, I’ve been wanting something a little more street-friendly, modern, with better electronics, gas mileage, and safety features. My wife recently bought a Subaru Forester, and I love the safety features. It’s a really nice little SUV, but I wanted something just a little bigger for traveling and mountain bike trips.

I started passively looking about a year ago. I looked at (and test drove) foresters, Highlander’s, crosstreks, outbacks, ascents, and pilots. I really liked the pilot and the ascent, but I found them both to be a little bland and i have no need for a third row. I was about to pull the trigger on an ascent, but I wanted to think about it just a little more. My wife and I left Subaru and went down the road to get some lunch, and the Honda dealership had a beautiful silver Passport out front. I was like...”what is that?” I never even considered a passport and had no clue what it was all about. We stopped, test drove, and the rest is history.

My passport is like a more practical version of a 4Runner. I love it. It looks aggressively awesome, has all the safety features, a great radio and electronics, and decent gas mileage (way better than the 4Runner). i like that it doesn’t have a third row, and I like that it’s shorter and taller than the pilot. I’m so happy I stumbled across it!

 

[stevenD]

Howdy esto, we too had a 1998 4 Runner Limited for over 17 years and 217,000 miles and itwas a great car (mostly driven by my wife) and just bought our daughter a 2019 Forrester, but I know what ya mean about the PP and stumbled onto myself late last year when I had taken my daughters (previous) Accord to the dealer and in chatting with the receptionist, she mentioned Honda coming out with a new SUV (and I thought yeah right another CRV.HRV clone, but once I heard about the size, engine and features of the PP, (as you said) the rest was history...

 

[Redbird221]

Esto/Steve,

I am currently in the market for a new SUV. I currently drive a Honda Pilot and am about to roll 300k on my 2011. So it’s safe to say I enjoy Honda vehicles. I just don’t care for the redesigned Pilot. I have two options on the table right now, Toyota 4Runner and the Passport. When you stated the gas mileage is much better can you share those numbers? Also, a practical version of the 4Runner can you elaborate a bit on that thought? I guess its almost been ten years since a bought a new car, I don’t remember it being this challenging. If any additional thoughts come to mind please share...Thanks for the feedback

 

[esto70]

Redbird, There are a bunch of really good midsize suvs on the market right now. It’s a tough decision, especially since new vehicles aren’t cheap. To answer your questions:

1. Gas Mileage: My 4Runner regularly got 18-20 mpg on the highway. I took a 5000 mile road trip this summer (Ohio to Arizona and back) and got 18.5 all highway mpg. That’s pretty bad imo. My passport easily gets 24-26 highway mpg. A little better if I’m in eco mode.

2. Practicality: 4Runners are boxy, heavy, body on frame trucks designed to be driven off road. They have solid read axles, locking diffs, and all the off road goodies you could want. The passport is not really an off road vehicle, but it looks the part. The current 5th gen 4Runner hasn’t changed since 2009. Literally...at all. Google some pictures of a 2009 vs a 2019. they also still have frame rust issues like all Toyota trucks do.

if you’re Looking for a nice vehicle for off-roading or overlanding, the 4Runner would be a good choice. The Passport, however, is more comfortable, quieter, more modern and more refined. it gets better gas mileage and has better safety features and infotainment. For me, the passport a much better vehicle.

 

[Redbird221]

Thanks Esto appreciate the feedback. I have been following a few 4Runner forms and they do offer up great details. It’s nice to hear from someone that’s has owned both. Again appreciate it...

 

[stevenD]

Hello Redbird, I can tell you that I have never kept a vehicle over about 140K, before keeping our 1998 4-Runner for 17 years and 217k miles! It was super reliable, rugged looking, and a great SUV. My first choice for a SUV for myself (after driving back-to-back 3-Series BMW's) was a 4-Runner, but what I discovered was a that just as Esto said, the engine & transmission have NOT changed in 10 years, it does not have all the latest technology (Electronics, Stereo, Safety, etc), not to mention it is rated at 17mpg (city) and 20mpg (highway) mileage. Meanwhile Toyota has updated the RAV4 and Highland many, many times. My feeling is that Toyota does not have any incentive to update as long as people keep buying them. Nope, not me Toyota...!

On the other hand, the Passport is modern, quiet, smooth and modern. Don't be fooled...

 

[Redbird221]

Steve thank you for the feedback I do appreciate it...

 

[HPWJR]

I, too, owned two 4Runners. 2004 and 2005 4x4s Limiteds. Incredible reliability and very good off road. But no comparison to the Passport in interior space, comfort and on road drive-ability. And the Passport does get decent mileage. I have 8004 miles on mine, which unfortunately includes many very short trips. Less than a few miles. But I've left my B trip odometer un-reset from when I bought the Passport, and I'm still at 23.5 mpg overall. It's not my CR-V, but it is way better than the 4Runner. And the Passport can go offroad, just not quite as good as the 4Runner. I'm happy.....if they'd just fix the ACC.

 

[Wrascal]

Two month owner here - to date I'm generally pleased with my PP.

 

[MattyNice]

Me too, Wrascal. About 2.5 months with mine. At first I wasn’t quite sure about it but I did come out of a 2 door coupe. I just hit 2k miles and I’ve grown quite fond of it. It rides good and handles well enough for something this high up. The seats have broken in some and I find them very comfortable (really very pleasurable compared to the coupe) and love the seating position. Can see everything well out the front and sides and love being up high. I’ve always loved Honda’s v6 but it really purrs in the PP (some artificial noise but I love it) and the 9 speed really makes great use of the power. The acceleration is outstanding and I think takes other drivers by surprise as this beast over takes them (I can be a little heavy footed). Several trips to Lowe’s have put a smile on my face as everything fits in with ease. 800lbs of pavers on one trip didn’t faze it. And that center console can hold whatever you need and when closed allows plenty of space to set down whatever you want. Lots of places to put stuff in general.

And in the LSM it looks tough but also sporty. Not keen on the sensing or acc but to be honest, I’d rather it not have it to start with. Only technology related things I care for are Apple car play and auto lights (not brights). I’ll take care of the rest.

 

[Wrascal]

Likely my biggest PP complaint is the seat; it's very much like my previous CRV with it's sculptured (for a smaller/ thinner person) seat. My wifes Ody is more flat, more forgiving.

But ohhh the shame, a man being seen in grannys - van.

 

[HPWJR]

Also, I'd like to comment on the nine speed transmission. It has been flawless on my Passport. I did not realize when I bought the Passport the trouble Honda had had with previous year nine speeds in the Pilot, but very soon ran across the many references to its problems. My transmission is excellent, and, in addition, the AWD is very good as well. I'm looking forward to a little snow action to fully prove its worth, but I'm thoroughly pleased so far with all aspects of the drive train including torque vectoring. If they'd only gotten the ACC right......

 

[esto70]

If they'd only gotten the ACC right......

I've heard a few other people comment about the ACC. What's the issue with ACC? It seems to work well for me, but I have no field of reference.

 

[HPWJR]

Compared to the CR-V's smooth acceleration and slowing down when in ACC, the Passport is very abrupt and jerky. Plus the CR-V had low speed follow that allows the ACC to operate down to zero MPH and restart, which is great for traffic jams. My Ford truck's ACC is way, way better than the Passport's ACC. It works but is very jerky in its operation. It's just clear that it can be made to work smoothly, but Honda just didn't do it.

 

[TROPSSAP]

The ACC issues could very well be fixed with a fimware update, no doubt the way it reacts to the various sensors that provide input to the system is software based. Enough feedback from all of the PP drivers will perhaps give Honda a reason to address it. Key word: Perhaps

 

[HPWJR]

Many, many have commented negatively about the ACC, and I, too, believe it could be greatly enhanced through a software update, though probably not to the Low Speed Follow that the CR-V has.

 

[Gray_Beard]

OK, I'll jump in....owned my PP for 3 months and 4,100 miles so far. My wife has a 2018 CR-V so yes I know first hand about the ACC. The PP has become my favorite vehicle I've ever owned, it's perfect in everything I ever wanted out of a SUV, it's rugged, super roomy, quiet, solid, fuel economy, and no slouch on the rural back roads or the highway, it's no rock crawler but it will definitely take you off the beaten path with confidence. I feel Honda will come out with subsequent software updates and make the PP even better than it is. What's not to love

 

[TROPSSAP]

Indeed, I would have to concur, every time I drive the PP it puts me in a good mood, I’m like “ wow! This is such an awesome vehicle! “ I’ve had several brand new cars but the PP is in its own class, Rugged, comfortable, road refined and has a unique fun factor! I admire and enjoy my wife’s Lexus ES but I would drive the PP over it any day.