You’re looking for the 2025 Honda Passport Elite, aren't you? It makes sense. For years, the Elite was the "boss" of the lineup—the one with the cooled seats and the fancy lights. But if you walk onto a Honda lot today asking for a 2025 Elite, the salesperson might give you a slightly puzzled look.
Honda basically killed the Elite nameplate for the 2025 model year.
Technically, it was replaced by the Black Edition. It’s the same "top-of-the-line" vibe, just with a much moodier wardrobe. If you want the most expensive, most feature-packed version of this SUV before the massive 2026 redesign takes over, the Black Edition is your target. Honestly, calling it the 2025 Honda Passport Elite isn't "wrong" in spirit, but on the window sticker, it’s all about that blacked-out aesthetic now.
What Happened to the 2025 Honda Passport Elite?
The shift from "Elite" to "Black Edition" wasn't just a random whim. Honda noticed that people were obsessed with the "blackout" look—gloss black wheels, black grille, black trim. Instead of making it an add-on package, they just made it the flagship.
It’s the same 280-horsepower V6 we’ve known and loved. It still has the same i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system that actually shifts power between the rear wheels, not just front-to-back. If you were looking for the Elite because you wanted the ventilated front seats and the premium 10-speaker audio system, the Black Edition has exactly those things. It just also happens to have red ambient lighting and some very aggressive 20-inch wheels.
The V6 Engine: The Last of a Dying Breed
One thing most people get wrong about the 2025 model is thinking it’s underpowered compared to the turbo-fours everyone else is using.
It’s not.
That 3.5-liter V6 is smooth. Like, butter-smooth. While the competition is busy trying to make a 2.0-liter four-cylinder sound like a real engine, the Passport just hums. It produces 262 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty for merging onto a fast-moving highway with a car full of kids and a week’s worth of camping gear.
The 9-speed automatic transmission is also a solid performer here. Some people complain about the "push-button" shifter—and yeah, it takes a second to get used to—but once you’re moving, the shifts are almost invisible. It’s a powertrain that feels "old school" in the best way possible. It’s reliable. It’s predictable. It doesn't have a tiny turbocharger working itself to death.
Real Talk on Gas Mileage
Don't expect a miracle at the pump. You're looking at 19 mpg in the city and maybe 24 on the highway. If you have a lead foot, that city number is going to drop. Fast. It’s a trade-off for having a big, naturally aspirated V6.
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Why the 2025 Model is a Weird "In-Between" SUV
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: the 2026 redesign.
Right now, the 2025 Honda Passport is in its sunset year. The 2026 model (which is actually arriving as we speak) is a total ground-up rebuild. It looks boxier, like a classic Land Rover or an old-school SUV. So, why would you buy the 2025 version?
- Reliability: The 2025 parts have been refined for years. The "bugs" are gone.
- The Interior Layout: The 2025 has a very specific, wide-open feel. It’s huge inside.
- Value: Dealers are much more likely to wiggle on the price of a 2025 Black Edition than a brand-new, first-year 2026 TrailSport Elite.
The cargo space is also kind of legendary. You get over 100 cubic feet if you fold the seats down. That’s massive for a two-row SUV. Most three-row SUVs don't even have that much usable room unless you’re driving a literal bus.
Inside the Cabin: Is it Actually "Elite"?
If you’re spending nearly $50,000, you expect some luxury. The Black Edition (our honorary 2025 Honda Passport Elite) delivers, but it’s "Honda Luxury," not "Lexus Luxury."
The leather is high-quality. The red stitching looks sharp. The seats are wide and comfortable, designed for American-sized humans on long road trips. You get a heated steering wheel, which is a lifesaver in January, and those ventilated seats for when the humidity hits in July.
However, the tech is where it shows its age. The 8-inch screen is... fine. But compared to the massive 12-inch tablets in some rivals, it looks a bit like a relic. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it’s the wired version in the lower trims (though the top-tier trims do get wireless charging).
Safety and the "Honda Sensing" Suite
Every 2025 Passport comes with the same safety tech. You don't have to pay extra for the "good stuff."
- Adaptive Cruise Control: It handles the gas and brakes on the highway.
- Lane Keeping Assist: It gently nudges you back if you drift.
- Collision Mitigation: It’ll slam on the brakes if it thinks you're about to hit something.
It works well, though the lane-keep can be a bit "naggy" on curvy roads. I usually turn it off when I'm driving through the mountains.
Actionable Advice for Buyers
If you are dead-set on the 2025 Honda Passport Elite experience, here is how you actually buy one without getting ripped off:
- Search for "Black Edition": Stop searching for "Elite" on dealer websites. You'll find way more inventory by using the correct trim name.
- Check the Build Date: Look for models built late in the cycle. They usually have the most "refined" assembly quality.
- Compare to the 2026: Before you sign, sit in the new 2026 TrailSport. If you hate the new "box" look or the new 10-speed transmission, the 2025 is your last chance to get the classic "Pilot-lite" styling.
- Ask about Towing: The Passport is rated for 5,000 lbs. If you plan to tow, make sure the dealer includes the actual hitch ball and wiring; sometimes they charge extra for the "towing package" hardware even though the car is "ready" for it.
The 2025 model represents the end of an era for Honda. It’s the final version of the "rounded" Passport before it becomes an off-road beast. For most families, this "Elite" experience is exactly the right amount of rugged and refined.