2019 Honda Passport: A name from the past returns for Honda's new SUV

It's been 17 years since a new Passport was in Honda showrooms. That car was a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, while this, the 2019 Passport, is most certainly not.    

It's a Honda through and through, sharing a platform and drivetrain with the Pilot and Ridgeline. It will slot in between the CR-V and Pilot in the lineup.     

Unlike its brethren, the Passport adopts a slightly more rugged and outdoorsy persona.     

There is, however, some family resemblance with the sculpted hood, wheel arches and side character lines taken right from the Pilot.

The Passport does differ with a nearly 1-inch higher ride height for a better approach angle and shorter rear overhangs better prepare it for tackling trails.

Powering matters is a familiar 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque working with a nine-speed automatic transmission.     

Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel-drive is available for an additional $1,900.      

As for fuel economy, EPA estimates have it returning 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive cars doing 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. 

Passports with all-wheel drive can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is enough for adventure toys like small boats, campers or a couple of Jet Skis.

When the Passport officially goes on sale in early February, it'll wear a $33,035 base price, including $1,045 for destination.     

Click or swipe through for tons more photos of the 2019 Honda Passport from our spectacular first drive in Utah.