Tricky transmission: The logbook frequently mentioned the transmission’s low-speed performance. The testers said that the transmission felt as if it didn’t initially allow the full engine power to reach the wheels. Then it would come on abruptly. This was particularly noticeable at rolling stops, such as coming to an intersection where you slow down for a red light but it quickly changes to green. Going back on the throttle resulted in hesitation, not power.
In addition, low-speed upshifts and downshifts could be rough, where the cabin occupants could feel the transmission change gears.
One tester said that they felt the transmission wasn’t as happy with partial and low-throttle inputs. Rather, it’s more responsive when the driver wants hard acceleration.
Some ADAS hiccups: A few testers said that the lane centering assistance system could use some fine-tuning. The Passport wanders in a lane, almost bouncing or ping-ponging between the lane markers. While the system lets the driver make small steering adjustments without disengaging, it becomes challenging to keep the SUV in its lane in high-speed curves.
The lane departure warning system shakes the steering wheel to warn the driver rather than use an audible alert or simply buzz the steering wheel. The shaking is disconcerting and doesn’t help with maintaining control of the SUV.
Finally, the adaptive cruise control is slow to recognize that the driver has pulled out to pass a vehicle ahead. At times, it will slow down and keep that reduced speed even though the driver has moved the Passport fully into the adjacent lane.
Honda quirks: There are a few universal Honda settings or features that we find annoying. For example, the infotainment system on the higher-level trims only has four preset spaces displayed at one time. Plus, changing the presets is an odd two-step process. This is the “Honda Way,” but we don’t see a reason why.
In addition, there isn’t a dedicated phone button on the steering wheel to initiate a phone call. The driver can use the thumbwheel to end a call, however. There’s a voice command button to go that route, but not everyone likes using that, particularly when there are passengers in the car.
Fit and finish: There are a number of issues, big and small, that disappointed us about the Passport’s assembly and appearance. Overall, the interior feels a lot more “sturdy,” more like a work truck or true off-road SUV, than “a nice place to be.” There are hard plastics throughout the cabin, the rear window sills aren’t padded, the air vents have a hitch when sliding them to adjust airflow, and there are rough, visible mold lines on the upper and lower door pockets. The unlined glove box doesn’t have any damping action and just flops open. Maybe that’s acceptable in a $20,000 SUV, but not in a $46,000 one. We had similar reservations about some parts of the Pilot’s interior.
We saw exposed weld lines and paint overspray on the upper doorframe of the front window, an area that isn’t covered by the door panel. It doesn’t affect usability, but it’s a big oversight.
