The Honda Passport, initially discontinued in 2002, made a triumphant return in 2019, emerging as a compelling option in the competitive midsize crossover segment. Often considered the smaller, sportier sibling to the Honda Pilot, the 2019 Passport offers a unique blend of practicality and fun. As an automotive expert at keyfobx.com, I’ve examined numerous vehicles, and the Passport stands out, particularly for small families seeking a versatile and reliable crossover. While it’s adept at everyday tasks like school runs and grocery shopping, the 2019 Honda Passport also boasts surprising off-road capabilities and a comfortable ride, making it a strong contender for the title of Best Midsize Crossover.
Unmatched Cargo Space: A Key Feature of the Best Midsize Crossover
One of the most significant advantages of the 2019 Honda Passport is its exceptional cargo capacity. For families, especially those with active lifestyles, trunk space is paramount, and the Passport delivers impressively. Offering 41.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, it easily accommodates luggage, sports equipment, and daily essentials. For larger loads, folding down the second-row seats expands the cargo area to a generous 78 cubic feet, rivaling many larger SUVs. Furthermore, the under-floor storage bin in the trunk is a thoughtful addition, providing divided compartments to keep items organized and concealed, perfect for muddy gear or valuables you want to keep out of sight. This focus on practical space is a major factor in considering the Passport as the best midsize crossover for families.
Beyond cargo, passenger comfort is also a priority in the 2019 Passport. It comfortably seats five adults with ample legroom in both rows. Families with young children will appreciate the spacious rear seats that can easily accommodate multiple car seats, a crucial consideration for those seeking the best midsize crossover for their needs. Even taller passengers will find the rear seats comfortable on longer journeys.
Off-Road Readiness: Surprising Capability in a Family Crossover
While primarily designed for on-road comfort and practicality, the 2019 Honda Passport offers surprising off-road capabilities, setting it apart from some competitors in the midsize crossover category. Equipped with an available all-wheel-drive system and selectable drive modes (Snow, Mud, and Sand), the Passport can confidently handle various terrains. These modes intelligently adjust the vehicle’s systems, including traction control, torque distribution, and transmission behavior, to optimize performance in different driving conditions. While not intended for extreme rock crawling, this capability adds a layer of versatility, making the Passport a suitable choice for families who enjoy weekend adventures or live in areas with challenging weather conditions. This blend of everyday usability and off-road potential strengthens its case as the best midsize crossover for active families.
The interior of the 2019 Passport is designed for comfort and convenience, even on rougher terrains. Features like power-adjustable front seats and available heated and ventilated front seats in the Elite trim enhance driver and passenger comfort, regardless of the weather.
Tech-Savvy Features that Elevate the 2019 Passport in the Midsize Crossover Class
In today’s market, technology is a crucial aspect of any vehicle, and the 2019 Honda Passport is well-equipped with a range of tech features that enhance connectivity, entertainment, and convenience. These features contribute to a more enjoyable driving experience and solidify the Passport’s position as a top contender in the best midsize crossover segment.
Key tech features include:
- Wireless Charging Pad: Provides convenient charging for compatible smartphones, keeping the cabin clutter-free.
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Offers seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and communication apps.
- Push Button Start: Adds a touch of modern convenience and ease of use.
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Ensures personalized comfort for all passengers with separate temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear occupants.
- Available 4G LTE WiFi: Keeps passengers connected on the go, ideal for families on road trips.
- 8-inch Touchscreen: User-friendly interface with smartphone-like gestures for intuitive control of infotainment functions.
- SiriusXM 2.0: Offers advanced satellite radio features, including pause, rewind, and fast-forward capabilities.
- Multiple USB Ports and 12-Volt Outlets: Provides ample charging options for all devices.
- Garmin-Based Navigation System: Offers reliable navigation with enhanced graphics and speed limit display, although smartphone navigation remains a popular alternative.
Standard Safety Features: Prioritizing Family Security in the Best Midsize Crossover
Safety is a paramount concern for families, and the 2019 Honda Passport excels in this area by offering a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. These advanced driver-assistance systems provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind, making the Passport a reassuring choice for those seeking the best midsize crossover with a focus on safety.
Key standard safety features include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects potential frontal collisions and automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to react in time.
- Forward Collision Warning: Alerts the driver to potential collision situations, providing early warnings to help avoid accidents.
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning: Helps drivers stay within their lane by providing warnings and gentle steering adjustments if lane drifting is detected.
- Road Departure Mitigation: Detects when the vehicle is about to leave the roadway and provides steering and braking assistance to prevent road departures.
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Provides enhanced visibility behind the vehicle when reversing, aiding in parking and maneuvering, and improving safety by revealing obstacles.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and automatically adjusts to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, enhancing safety and convenience on highways.
Honda Passport vs. Honda Pilot: Choosing the Right Honda Crossover for Your Needs
When considering a Honda crossover, buyers often weigh the 2019 Passport against its larger sibling, the Honda Pilot. Both are excellent vehicles, but cater to slightly different needs. The choice between them often comes down to family size and priorities.
Interestingly, at the base level, the larger, three-row Honda Pilot is actually slightly less expensive than the Passport. However, the Passport offers more standard safety features and enhanced off-road capability. When comparing higher trim levels like the Elite, the Passport becomes more affordable than the Pilot Elite. The better value ultimately depends on individual needs. For larger families requiring three rows of seating, the Pilot is the obvious choice. However, for smaller families of five or fewer who prioritize cargo space, off-road potential, and a slightly more compact and sporty crossover, the 2019 Honda Passport presents a compelling and potentially better value proposition as the best midsize crossover.
Ultimately, the 2019 Honda Passport distinguishes itself as a well-rounded and highly capable midsize crossover. Its blend of generous cargo space, comfortable passenger accommodations, surprising off-road abilities, tech-forward features, and comprehensive safety suite makes it a strong contender for the best midsize crossover, particularly for small families seeking a versatile and reliable vehicle.
By Maria Smith
Automotive Content Specialist
