It is basically a Honda Pilot with five seating.
According to rumors, a new SUV from Honda is coming soon. This well-covered people mover was captured by spy photographers in Southern California. Although it is smaller than the three-row pilot, it appears bulky enough to be a new or CR-V. This new offering, which is a five-passenger SUV with five seats, should be able to slot between them. Our sources suggest that it will revive the Passport name.
According to the same sources, the new Passport will be built on the Pilot’s underpinnings. This means that the engine will be a 3.5-liter V6. The current model has 280 horsepower (209kilowatts). It can be fitted with either a six speed or nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot is front-wheel driven with an option for all-wheel drive. This capability will likely continue. The prototype has a shorter wheelbase than Honda’s range-topper. This lends more support to the Pilot being smaller with five seats and plenty of cargo space.
Although the camouflage is great at hiding exterior details, a closer look at the front clip reveals similarities to the Pilot. The taillights also have some similarities, although it is difficult to determine the truth due to the camouflage. The Passport will likely borrow heavily from its platform-sharing sibling, but it will have a shorter rear overhang than the twin and a smaller wheelbase. This will require some Passport-unique parts.
The spy photos give us a quick glimpse inside the greenhouse. The glare from the windows makes it difficult to see but we are fortunate to have captured this prototype with the cover off the middle stack. The Pilot’s infotainment system looks exactly the same as the one control knob and the air vents that flank the screen. The Passport should be very similar to the Pilot inside.
When will Honda’s new SUV be revealed? We’re tempted not to believe that a reveal is yet to come, but automakers are moving at a rapid pace to get SUVs into production. This show could be seen at the 2018 LA Auto Show in just a few short months, with sales starting in the first quarter or second quarter 2019.