HONDA

Passport make your debuts in EUA The 2019 Honda Passport has made its debut in Los Angeles. The rugged new crossover will slot in between the three-row Pilot and mid-size CR-V in Honda's crossover portfolio. With seating for five, a standard 280 hp V6 engine and available all-wheel drive, the Passport hopes to offer customers a "more personal, powerful and capable Honda SUV."

An American product through and through, the Passport was developed and designed by Honda's team in Torrance, California and Raymond, Ohio and will be built at the automaker's plant in Lincoln, Alabama. Its 3.5-liter iVTEC engine, which will be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, will also be built at the Lincoln facility.
The Passport will be offered in Sport, EX-L, Touring and fully equipped Elite trim levels from launch. Standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, a multi-view rear view camera, a 215-watt 6-speaker audio system, LED headlights and taillights, remote start and a 5-inch center console display. Honda Sensing is also standard across the board, bringing a suite of active safety features to the family-focused crossover.

Honda's 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will come standard on EX-L, Touring and Elite trim levels. Other options include navigation, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, 10-speaker premium audio system, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, an automatic tailgate and more. A tow package will also be offered, enabling 3,500 lb towing capacity for FWD models and 5,000 lb tow capacity for AWD models.

Honda is also looking to capitalize on off-roaders' habits of customizing their vehicles, offering a range of accessories for the Passport including roof boxes, roof-mounted bike, snowboard, ski and kayak racks. Two accessories packs will also be offered from launch: the 'Adventure Package', which adds running boards, to trailer hitch, fender flares and more, along with the 'Urban Package' which brings front and rear lip extensions, unique 20-inch wheels , cargo storage bins and roof rails.

The 2019 Honda Passport will go on sale next year. Stay tuned for a full price breakdown for this new American developed and built crossover when it becomes available.

Autonews