If you’re looking at a Honda Passport, you probably want to know about its fuel efficiency. The Honda Passport MPG / Gas Mileage is a key factor for many buyers, as it balances SUV capability with daily driving costs. This guide covers every model year from its original 2002 run to the current 2023 version. We’ll give you the official numbers, real-world expectations, and tips to get the best mileage from your SUV.
Understanding the MPG helps you budget for fuel and understand the vehicle’s overall performance. The Passport has served two distinct roles for Honda, which greatly affects its efficiency. Let’s break down what you can expect at the pump.
Honda Passport Mpg / Gas Mileage
The official fuel economy ratings for the Honda Passport come from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These numbers are a standardized benchmark for comparison. It’s important to remember that your actual mileage will vary based on driving habits, weather, and vehicle condition.
We’ve organized the data by the two different generations of the Passport. You’ll see a significant gap in years because Honda paused the model for over a decade.
EPA Ratings for the First Generation (2002)
The original Honda Passport was actually a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. It was a body-on-frame SUV built for rugged use, not fuel efficiency. The EPA ratings for the final 2002 model year are as follows:
* 2WD Models: 15 MPG city / 19 MPG highway
* 4WD Models: 14 MPG city / 18 MPG highway
These numbers reflect early-2000s SUV technology and a focus on durability over economy. The 2002 model used a 3.2-liter V6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
EPA Ratings for the Second Generation (2019-2023)
The Passport nameplate returned for the 2019 model year as a modern, unibody midsize SUV. It shares a platform with the Honda Pilot but has a shorter wheelbase. All models use a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Here are the official EPA estimates for the newer generation:
* 2019-2023 FWD Models: 20 MPG city / 25 MPG highway
* 2019-2023 AWD Models: 19 MPG city / 24 MPG highway
As you can see, fuel economy improved dramatically with modern engineering. The 9-speed transmission is a major factor, allowing the engine to operate at lower, more efficient RPMs on the highway.
Real-World MPG Reports from Owners
Official ratings tell only part of the story. Owner reports on forums and fuel tracking websites provide a clearer picture of everyday driving. These figures often include a mix of city and highway miles.
For the 2002 Passport, owners commonly report an average of 16-17 MPG in combined driving. For the 2019-2023 models, most owners see a combined average of 21-23 MPG. Highway mileage can often meet or exceed the EPA rating on steady trips, especially in 2WD models.
Several factors cause the difference between EPA and real-world numbers:
* Heavy Traffic: Frequent stopping and starting kills city mileage.
* Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration and braking reduce efficiency.
* Cargo and Passengers: A fully loaded SUV has to work harder.
* Terrain: Hilly or mountainous roads increase fuel consumption.
* Climate Control: Constant use of A/C or heater puts extra load on the engine.
What Impacts Your Honda Passport’s Fuel Economy?
Many variables are within your control. Knowing how they affect MPG can help you save money on every tank. Small changes in habit can lead to significant savings over a year of driving.
Driving Habits: The Biggest Factor
How you drive is the most significant influence on gas mileage. Smooth, anticipatory driving can improve your MPG by up to 30% at highway speeds and even more in stop-and-go traffic.
Key habits to adopt include:
* Avoid Rapid Acceleration: Jackrabbit starts consume a huge amount of fuel. Accelerate gently and smoothly.
* Observe Speed Limits: Fuel economy typically drops sharply at speeds above 50 MPH. Reducing highway speed from 70 to 65 MPH can make a noticeable difference.
* Use Cruise Control: On flat highways, cruise control maintains a steady speed better than a human foot, improving efficiency.
* Anticipate Stops: Instead of braking hard at the last second, coast up to red lights and stop signs. This converts forward momentum into saved fuel.
Vehicle Maintenance: Keeping It Running Efficiently
A well-maintained Passport runs more efficiently. Neglected components force the engine to expend extra energy, which you pay for at the pump.
Follow this essential maintenance checklist:
1. Engine Air Filter: A clogged filter restricts airflow to the engine, making it run “rich” (using more fuel). Check it every 15,000 miles or as your manual recommends.
2. Spark Plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs cause incomplete combustion, wasting fuel. Replace them at the interval specified by Honda.
3. Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance. Check your tire pressure at least once a month when the tires are cold. Keep them inflated to the PSI listed on the driver’s side door jamb sticker.
4. Oil Changes: Use the correct grade of motor oil (like 0W-20 for newer models). Fresh oil reduces engine friction. Skipping changes can lead to sludge and reduced efficiency.
5. Oxygen Sensors: A faulty sensor can provide incorrect data to the engine computer, disrupting the fuel-air mixture. This can lower MPG by 20% or more.
Seasonal and Environmental Effects
The weather and where you drive play a major role. Cold weather reduces tire pressure and increases engine warm-up time, lowering mileage. Using the heater doesn’t directly use extra fuel, but the A/C compressor does put a load on the engine.
Driving in strong headwinds or on rough, unpaved roads will also decrease your MPG compared to calm weather on smooth pavement. It’s something to consider when planning trips or evaluating your usual mileage.
How to Improve Your Honda Passport’s MPG
Want to squeeze more miles from every gallon? Here are actionable steps you can take. You don’t need to be a mechanic to implement most of these tips.
Step-by-Step Efficiency Check
Perform this simple tune-up to ensure your SUV isn’t wasting fuel unnessarily.
1. Check Tire Pressure. Use a reliable gauge. Inflate all four tires, plus the spare, to the recommended cold pressure.
2. Inspect the Air Filter. Open the airbox and hold the filter up to the sun or a bright light. If you can’t see light through it, it’s time for a replacement.
3. Reduce Weight. Remove any unnecessary items from your cargo area and back seat. An extra 100 pounds can reduce MPG by about 1%.
4. Review Your Roof. If you have a roof rack, cargo box, or bike carriers that you aren’t using, take them off. They create substantial aerodynamic drag.
5. Plan Your Trips. Combine errands into one outing so the engine stays warm. A cold engine uses more fuel for the first few miles of a trip.
Technology and Driving Modes (2019-2023 Models)
The newer Passports come with technology designed to aid efficiency. The Eco Assist system is standard. When you press the ECON button, it does several things:
* Adjusts throttle response to encourage smoother acceleration.
* Makes the transmission shift earlier.
* Modifies the performance of the climate control system.
* Can increase the idle-stop duration (if equipped).
In real-world use, the ECON mode can slightly improve city mileage in stop-and-go traffic. However, some drivers find it makes the SUV feel sluggish, especially when merging or climbing hills. It’s worth experimenting with to see if it works for your driving style.
The Idle-Stop feature (which turns the engine off at stoplights) also saves a small amount of fuel in heavy traffic. You can deactivate it with a button if you find it annoying.
Comparing the Passport to Key Competitors
How does the Passport stack up against other midsize SUVs? This context is crucial when you’re shopping. Here’s a quick look at EPA combined ratings for recent AWD models.
* Honda Passport AWD: 21 MPG combined
* Toyota 4Runner AWD: 17 MPG combined
* Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 AWD: 21 MPG combined
* Ford Explorer AWD (2.3L EcoBoost): 23 MPG combined
* Nissan Pathfinder AWD (2022+): 23 MPG combined
The 4Runner, like the old Passport, uses a body-on-frame design and has lower efficiency. The Passport is competitive with rivals like the Grand Cherokee but falls slightly behind newer turbocharged or hybrid options. Its strength is offering competitive MPG within the traditional V6 segment.
Cost of Ownership: Fuel Expenses Calculated
Let’s translate MPG into actual annual costs. This can help you budget or compare vehicles. We’ll use a national average gas price of $3.50 per gallon and an annual driving distance of 15,000 miles.
For a 2023 Honda Passport AWD (21 MPG combined):
* Gallons used per year: 15,000 miles / 21 MPG = ~714 gallons
Annual fuel cost: 714 gallons $3.50 = $2,499
For a 2002 Honda Passport 4WD (16 MPG combined):
* Gallons used per year: 15,000 miles / 16 MPG = ~938 gallons
Annual fuel cost: 938 gallons $3.50 = $3,283
The difference is about $784 per year, or $65 per month. Over five years, that’s nearly $4,000 saved on fuel alone with the newer model. This calculation clearly shows the advancment in fuel technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the highway MPG for a Honda Passport?
For the 2019-2023 models, the EPA rates the FWD version at 25 MPG highway and the AWD version at 24 MPG highway. The 2002 model was rated at 19 MPG highway (2WD).
Does the Honda Passport require premium gas?
No, all model years of the Honda Passport are designed to run perfectly on regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline. Using premium fuel will not improve performance or mileage under normal conditions.
Is the Honda Passport good on gas for an SUV?
The newer generation (2019-2023) is competitive for a midsize SUV with a V6 engine. It’s more efficient than truck-based SUVs but less efficient than newer turbo-four or hybrid competitors. The 2002 model was typical for its era but is not considered efficient by today’s standards.
What is the gas tank size, and what is the range?
The 2019-2023 Passport has a 19.5-gallon fuel tank. With a 21 MPG combined average, that gives you an estimated range of about 410 miles on a full tank. The 2002 model had a 21.1-gallon tank, offering a similar range despite lower MPG due to the larger tank.
How can I reset my trip computer to track my MPG?
In newer models, use the steering wheel controls to navigate to the fuel economy display in the instrument cluster. There will be an option to reset the current reading. For older models, consult your owner’s manual, as the process varies. Tracking this helps you see the impact of your driving habits.
Does AWD reduce gas mileage?
Yes, in the Honda Passport, the AWD system reduces the EPA ratings by 1 MPG in both city and highway estimates compared to the FWD version. This is due to the added weight and mechanical drag of the AWD system, which is always partially engaged in normal driving.
Choosing a Honda Passport means you value space, capability, and Honda’s reliability. While it’s not a hybrid, its fuel economy is respectable for its class. By understanding the official ratings, real-world expectations, and the tips outlined here, you can make an informed decision and maximize your miles per gallon. Whether you own a classic 2002 or a modern 2023, a little attention to maintenance and driving style goes a long way toward keeping your fuel costs in check.