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For most buyers, seeking out a remaining 2019 Honda Passport is the smarter financial decision, as the 2020 model is virtually identical but comes with a higher price for all-wheel-drive versions.
The mid-size, two-row SUV segment is fiercely competitive, but the Honda Passport made a strong entrance for the 2019 model year. Positioned as a sportier, more agile alternative to the three-row Pilot, it quickly gained attention for its spacious interior and capable performance. If you're deciding between the inaugural 2019 model and the subsequent 2020 model, the choice is surprisingly straightforward due to a lack of significant updates.
The only change for the 2020 model year is a price increase for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. For the Sport, EX-L, and Touring trim levels, adding AWD now costs $2,000, which is a $100 increase over the 2019 model year. AWD remains standard on the top-tier Elite trim. There are no mechanical, feature, or styling revisions between the two model years.
This minimal update makes the 2019 and 2020 Passports mechanically identical. Both are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 280 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Standard features across all trims include 20-inch wheels and the comprehensive Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assist technologies. This package includes:
The primary reason to choose a 2019 model is potential cost savings. Since the 2020 model introduced no new features, a leftover 2019 model sitting on a dealership lot represents the same vehicle for a lower price. Dealers are often motivated to clear out previous model-year inventory, which can lead to significant discounts or more negotiable pricing. This is especially true for buyers interested in AWD, as you can avoid the 2020 model's price hike for that option.
When evaluating a new 2019 Passport, it's crucial to ensure it has not been used as a frequent demo or test-drive vehicle. A thorough inspection and review of the vehicle's history are recommended. Based on our assessment experience, the value proposition of a well-priced, unused 2019 model is exceptionally high.
Whether you choose a 2019 or 2020 model, the Passport's strengths remain the same. It stands out in the mid-size SUV class for its generous passenger and cargo space, a direct benefit of being based on the larger Honda Pilot. This was a key factor in its strong performance in competitive evaluations against rivals like the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
A new direct competitor arrived in 2020: the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, which follows a similar concept of being a two-row, sportier version of a three-row SUV (the VW Atlas). Key trim levels for the Passport start with the base Sport ($33,085 including destination), moving up to the more feature-rich EX-L ($37,505), the premium Touring ($40,375), and the top-of-the-line Elite ($44,875 for AWD).
Higher trims like the EX-L and above add valuable features such as a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert and a multi-angle rearview camera with a dynamic guidelines and an overhead "bird's eye" view to assist with tasks like trailer hitching.
The optimal strategy is to actively search for a leftover 2019 Honda Passport. Given the identical feature set, any discount on the previous model year translates directly into savings for you. The $100 AWD price increase on the 2020 model, while small, further reinforces the value of the 2019 model.
To make the best decision:
By prioritizing the 2019 model, you are getting the same capable, spacious, and well-equipped SUV while maximizing your investment.
