[wizardoforange]

Hello all. I’m thinking seriously about getting a Passport in the next week or two, and I’m probably looking at getting the Touring or Elite model. I am currently driving a diesel Colorado ZR2. This is the first time I have had a pickup as a daily driver, and I really miss having an SUV. Here are my major requirements, in no particular order.

1. Carry my whitewater kayaks on top.
2. Trailer hitch to haul my mountain bike.
3. Back seats that lay flat so I can camp in the back when on kayaking trips.
4. Moderate off-road ability.
5. Good handling.
6. Decent fuel economy.
7. The ability to tow my Honda Pioneer 500 UTV on occasion.
8. Good on snow.
9. “Autopilot” features.
10. Durability.

My one and only Honda vehicle so far (with the exception of my little Pioneer 500) was a Honda Element. It was one of my favorite cars, excluding its miserable AWD system. I’m really impressed with the Passport, and will likely sell or trade the ZR2 for one in the near future. The off road ability of the ZR2 is great, but I really miss driving an SUV and I use the P-500 for all of my recreational off road driving. I’m also looking at the Cherokee Trailhawk and the VW Atlas, but Passport is at the top of my list. The Cherokee might be a little too small and the Atlas seems monstrous.

How well do you guys think the Passport will work for my situation?

 

[PPFury]

Similar usage for me, as well as serving as a day to day drive. It checked all the boxes for me, particularly points 4-10 (haven't tested in snow, obviously, but if the Pilot is any indicator I think it's going to be solid). Do more snowboarding than kayaking, but the crossbars and racking are more than enough to handle both in many configurations.

Handling, off road capability and durability seem to be top notch. It's snappy and responsive in traffic and the AWD really impressed in the hilly pasture I turned it on in -stable and didnt feel any slip, power was evident and didnt require a lot of manipulation on my part. That's probably about the same level of off-road as this thing will see from me going forward. Fuel mileage is about spot-on from what Ive read, but Ill offer up my experience after some more wheel time. Overall, a real treat to drive and look at in the driveway.

 

[elder prep]

Agreed with PPFury on all points mentioned. Perhaps only your point 4 might disappoint, but my Elite is an AWD SUV with a big engine. Its rated MPG's are what I'd expect to get.

 

[wizardoforange]

Thanks for the advice. I’d be happy with the estimated fuel economy, but I’m a pretty good at hypermiling and I’m rarely in a hurry to get where I’m going so I’ll bet I can beat it.

I’m planning on getting a silver or white elite model tomorrow. I’ll try to post some pics if I do.

 

[wizardoforange]

Got it - and I’m very excited. Drives like a dream. I have to go back to the dealer in a few days for hitch installation. I’m going to put my Thule cross bars on tonight, assuming my rail adaptors work.

 

[elder prep]

Got it - and I’m very excited. Drives like a dream. I have to go back to the dealer in a few days for hitch installation. I’m going to put my Thule cross bars on tonight, assuming my rail adaptors work.

I have the same model and color. Its been three weeks since delivery and I'm really enjoying driving it. It's the third Honda I've owned. Thanks for the photos.

 

[wizardoforange]

This is my second Honda. My first was an Element. It was, overall, a very remarkable vehicle with the exception of its abysmal AWD. This torque vectoring variety on my Passport is a massive step up. I remember getting stuck on wet grass in the Element. I think it had open differentials with no ability to brake the spinning wheel.

 

[Scooter Dude]

Nice ride guy

 

[ErnieD2]

Shopping the passport exl/Touring models. May be odd but also shopping '19 Outback Limited/Touring, 4 & 6 cylinder models.

Had my first test drive of a!l three today. Past Hondas, 08 Pilot, '12 Ridgeline. Wife still has the '13 Crosstour EX-L. I'll be trading '15Highlander. Would be my first Subie ever. They did drive nicely. But Subie is holding at full msrp @ 72 mos, 0%. REALLY?

I'm starting to get better email offers now from 3 Honda dealers. Initially they were barely off msrp. Told them I need best total drive out price for my CU pre-approval. The game has begun. We'll see where it ends.

 

[Scooter Dude]

Shopping the passport exl/Touring models. May be odd but also shopping '19 Outback Limited/Touring, 4 & 6 cylinder models.

Had my first test drive of a!l three today. Past Hondas, 08 Pilot, '12 Ridgeline. Wife still has the '13 Crosstour EX-L. I'll be trading '15Highlander. Would be my first Subie ever. They did drive nicely. But Subie is holding at full msrp @ 72 mos, 0%. REALLY?

I'm starting to get better email offers now from 3 Honda dealers. Initially they were barely off msrp. Told them I need best total drive out price for my CU pre-approval. The game has begun. We'll see where it ends.

Hello Ernie, hope you pick the PP as it’s a really good vehicle - not too sure about a Subie as never had one but not a fan and I’m in MN and there are a few here ? - but good luck out there as there are are choices for our bucks ??

 

[ErnieD2]

@Scooter Dude...thanks bud, appreciate the sentiments. These are the two brands i've narrowed my shopping too. After several other auto brands I considered, i'm down to these two now.

Ive owned 3 Hondas; nary a one Subie. Heck Im still a ROC.com member from my '12 Ridgy days. My buddy just bought new Subie Legacy 3.6 Limited. He's a !ong time Volvo guy and loves his Legacy.
We'll see how it shakes out in time. I'!l keep lurking n learning here meanwhile. peace, e.