Let's dive deep into the 2021 Honda Passport engine specs and performance. If you're curious about what powers this versatile SUV, you've come to the right place. The Honda Passport is known for its reliability, capability, and comfortable ride, and a significant part of that is thanks to its robust engine. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about the 2021 Passport's engine, from its specifications to its performance characteristics and more.

Engine Overview

The heart of the 2021 Honda Passport is a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine is part of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series, designed to offer a balance of power and fuel efficiency. The engine is a V-type, meaning the cylinders are arranged in two banks, set at an angle to each other. This configuration helps to reduce engine vibration and improve overall smoothness.

Engine Specifications

Here are the key specifications for the 2021 Honda Passport engine:

• Engine Type: 3.5-liter V6
• Horsepower: 280 hp at 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 262 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm
• Displacement: 3,471 cc
• Bore and Stroke: 89 mm x 93 mm
• Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
• Fuel System: Direct Injection
• Valve Train: 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC

Technical Details

Let's break down some of these specifications to understand what they mean for the Passport's performance.

• Horsepower and Torque: Horsepower is a measure of the engine's power output, indicating how quickly it can do work. The 2021 Passport boasts 280 horsepower, which provides ample acceleration and passing power. Torque, on the other hand, is a measure of the engine's rotational force, indicating its ability to perform work at lower speeds. The 262 lb-ft of torque ensures the Passport can confidently tow trailers and tackle off-road conditions.
• Displacement: Engine displacement refers to the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. The 3.5-liter displacement of the Passport's engine is a sweet spot, providing a good balance of power and efficiency.
• Bore and Stroke: Bore refers to the diameter of each cylinder, while stroke refers to the distance the piston travels within the cylinder. These measurements affect the engine's characteristics, such as its torque and horsepower curves.
• Compression Ratio: The compression ratio is the ratio of the volume of the cylinder when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke to the volume when the piston is at the top of its stroke. A higher compression ratio generally means better efficiency and power, but it also requires higher-octane fuel. The Passport's 11.5:1 compression ratio is relatively high, contributing to its strong performance.
• Fuel System: The Passport uses a direct injection fuel system, which injects fuel directly into the cylinders rather than into the intake manifold. This allows for more precise control over the fuel mixture, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
• Valve Train: The valve train is responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the engine's valves. The Passport uses a 24-valve SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) i-VTEC system. i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) is Honda's variable valve timing system, which optimizes valve timing and lift to improve performance and efficiency across the engine's operating range. This system helps the engine deliver strong power at high RPMs while maintaining good fuel economy at lower RPMs.

Performance Characteristics

Acceleration and Handling

The 2021 Honda Passport offers impressive acceleration for its class. The V6 engine provides plenty of power for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles. The Passport can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds, which is quite respectable for a mid-size SUV. The engine's smooth power delivery and responsive throttle make it a joy to drive in various conditions.

In terms of handling, the Passport strikes a good balance between comfort and control. The suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride on the road, while still offering enough firmness to handle corners with confidence. The Passport also has a relatively tight turning radius, making it easy to maneuver in parking lots and urban environments.

Towing Capacity

For those who need to tow trailers or other equipment, the 2021 Honda Passport is up to the task. When properly equipped, the Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This is enough to tow small boats, campers, and trailers. The Passport also comes with features like trailer stability assist, which helps to keep the trailer stable while towing.

Fuel Efficiency

Despite its strong performance, the 2021 Honda Passport also offers decent fuel efficiency. The EPA estimates for the Passport are as follows:

• City: 20 mpg
• Highway: 25 mpg
• Combined: 22 mpg

These figures are competitive for a V6-powered mid-size SUV. The Passport's fuel efficiency is aided by features like direct injection and i-VTEC, which optimize fuel consumption.

Transmission and Drivetrain

9-Speed Automatic Transmission

The 2021 Honda Passport comes standard with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is designed to provide smooth and efficient gear changes. The 9-speed transmission has a wide gear ratio spread, which helps to improve both acceleration and fuel economy. The transmission also has paddle shifters, allowing drivers to manually select gears if desired.

Intelligent Traction Management

The 2021 Honda Passport is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system is Honda's Intelligent Traction Management system, which can automatically adjust the distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions. The Intelligent Traction Management system has different modes for different types of terrain, including snow, mud, and sand. These modes optimize the all-wheel-drive system for the specific conditions, providing enhanced traction and control.

Reliability and Maintenance

Honda's Reputation

Honda has a long-standing reputation for building reliable and durable vehicles. The 2021 Honda Passport is no exception. The Passport is built with high-quality components and is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Honda vehicles are known for their longevity, and many owners report driving their Hondas for hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal issues.

Maintenance Requirements

To keep the 2021 Honda Passport running smoothly, it's important to follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance items include:

• Oil Changes: Oil changes should be performed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or as recommended by the vehicle's maintenance minder system.
• Filter Replacements: Air filters and cabin air filters should be replaced regularly to ensure proper airflow and air quality.
• Fluid Checks: All fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, should be checked and topped off as needed.
• Tire Rotations: Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear.
• Brake Inspections: Brakes should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good working condition.

Following the recommended maintenance schedule will help to keep the 2021 Honda Passport running smoothly and reliably for years to come.

Technology and Features

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The 2021 Honda Passport comes with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, designed to enhance safety and prevent accidents. These systems include:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): This system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to reduce the severity of the impact.
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): This system can detect when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and can provide steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This system can maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and can automatically adjust the vehicle's speed to maintain that distance.
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): This system can provide steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane.
• Blind Spot Information System (BSI): This system can detect vehicles in the vehicle's blind spots and can provide a visual alert.

Infotainment System

The 2021 Honda Passport comes with a user-friendly infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display. The infotainment system includes features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Passport also has available features like a premium audio system and a navigation system.

Conclusion

The 2021 Honda Passport is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a great balance of power and efficiency. With 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, the Passport offers impressive acceleration and towing capability. The Passport also comes with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission and an available all-wheel-drive system with Intelligent Traction Management. Combined with Honda's reputation for reliability and a suite of advanced technology features, the 2021 Honda Passport is a compelling choice for those in the market for a mid-size SUV. Whether you're looking for a comfortable daily driver or a capable weekend adventurer, the Passport's engine and overall performance make it a standout in its class.