2021 Honda Passport Adds Features, Ups Price

 The base Passport Sport now boasts standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Honda may have been a little late in reintroducing its five-seat midsize SUV, the Passport, but the model still manages to hit all the right notes. Along with strong performance, the Pilot's smaller sibling boasts a cavernous interior and a lengthy list of standard features. The 2021 Honda Passport—now in dealerships—brings even more standard features to the model. But this kid comes at a slightly higher price.

Last year, the base Passport came with a 5.0-inch infotainment screen. Now, all Passport trims get the previously available 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. That means Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as well.

With the extra features, the price of the cheapest Sport model is up by $600, which brings the price up to $33,710. In other words, the 2021 Passport is a lot more expensive than the base 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, which starts at $29,995 but packs a wheezy four-cylinder engine underhood. Other standard goodies on the base Sport include push-button start, tri-zone automatic climate control, and LED foglights. Lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high beams also come free of charge.

The Passport EX-L—now $200 more expensive for 2021—adds the likes of a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a power liftgate, heated front seats, and leather-trimmed upholstery. On the Touring level, buyers receive full LED headlights, roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, heated rear seats, an upgraded 10-speaker sound system, and navigation. These models start at $40,600, an increase of $200.

At the top of the lineup sits the Elite, which is also $200 more expensive than last year. It boasts perforated, heated, and ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and other goodies. With the small price increase, the Elite costs a pretty penny at $45,100.

All Passports come with a hearty 3.5-liter V-6 delivering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy figures reflect the performance capabilities, topping out at 20/25/22 mpg city/highway/combined with front-wheel drive and 19/24/21 mpg with all-wheel drive.