Honda has released pricing for the 2022 Passport lineup and it appears that the cost of entry is about to go up. However, this is more than just a simple price increase and is in fact a response to current sales demands as Honda prepares to ratchet up its online presence.
Base Passport Trim Axed For More Equipment
Unlike some other price increases that we have seen in recent years, Honda’s is not a traditional one and instead involves the axing of the base Sport model. The elimination of the Sport model means that the base trim is now the EX-L model which comes packed with more equipment and a higher $39,095 base sticker. Oh, and did we forget to mention that this new figure is in itself, a $1,060 increase over the 2021 version? That causes the Passport (which is smaller than the Pilot) to go over the $40,000 barrier with the optional $2,100 all-wheel-drive system pushing the price further to $41,195. For comparison, a base Pilot Sport starts at $36,830 with the EX-L version being slightly less expensive ($39,060) than its Passport cousin.
While we’re still trying to fully understand Honda’s methodology here, it’s important to note that the other big change for 2022 is the addition of the all-new Passport Trailsport. This trim is the most trail-focused member of the family and appropriately comes standard with all-wheel drive. A base Trailsport starts at $43,695 but buyers get a small list of key upgrades to help it conquer the trail. They include 10mm of extra width, off-road tires, trim exclusive 18-inch wheels, and exterior styling tweaks. The interior is ablaze in orange and amber hues with rubber floor mats and even a heated zone in the windshield to help promote its four-season capability.
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As for the range-topping Elite trim it continues its role as the luxury laden model of the bunch and arrived with standard 20-inch wheels, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and even a heated steering wheel. The $45,430 sticker is on par with segment rivals but Honda is giving consumers an offering that’s fully loaded with the only options available (besides accessories) being some minor exterior packages.
Honda claims that the 2022 Passport will be arriving at Honda dealerships this winter, but the company stopped short of giving a formal timeframe for that. We suspect that the first units could begin arriving in January which would give Honda time to prepare for the full nationwide rollout. Honda will have plenty of momentum to ride here, with the SUV already making waves with buyers and the press (including our own Matt Barnes a while back. Â
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.