Updated Honda Passport Loses Base Trim, Now Starts at $39,095

Honda updated its mid-size, two-row Passport SUV for the 2022 model year with exterior styling tweaks and a new, off-road-themed trim level called the TrailSport. The automaker revealed pricing today, with a simplified trim structure that replaces the 2021 Passport’s four trim levels with three. Gone is 2021’s base model, the Sport, as well as the Touring edition. The 2022 model reprises the EX-L and top-of-the-line Elite trims, with the new TrailSport sandwiched between.

Related: 2022 Honda Passport Gets a New Face and the First TrailSport Badge

That moves the Passport’s base price up considerably. The SUV now starts at $39,095 (all prices include destination) for the front-wheel-drive EX-L, up some five grand over the now-defunct Sport trim. Versus the 2021 Passport EX-L, a more apples-to-apples comparison, pricing increases $1,060. With all-wheel drive, the EX-L runs $41,195, while the TrailSport ($43,695) and Elite ($46,665) are AWD only.

Here’s how pricing shakes out by trim:

• Sport: Discontinued
• EX-L: $39,095 with FWD (up $1,060), $41,195 with AWD (up $1,160)
• Touring: Discontinued
• TrailSport: $43,695 with AWD (new)
• Elite: $46,665 with AWD (up $1,260)

Note, the prices above exclude factory options available on select trims. The 2021 Passport spanned $34,015 to $45,405 across four trim levels, but base models had considerably fewer standard features. Leather upholstery, a moonroof, a power liftgate and heated front seats with power adjustments are all now standard — features included on the 2021 EX-L but not the Sport.

Honda says the move reflects customer demand; indeed, just 13% of new Passports that passed through Cars.com dealers in November were the Sport model. It also moves the Passport into more premium territory than rival mid-size, two-row SUVs. The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge and Nissan Murano all start in the mid-$30,000s; the Hyundai Santa Fe starts under $30,000.

The 2022 Honda Passport will hit dealers by March 2022.

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• What’s New From Honda for 2021?
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