Choosing between the 2024 honda passport trim levels is actually a lot easier than it used to be, mostly because Honda decided to trim the fat and focus on what people actually enjoy about this beefy two-row SUV. If you're looking for a vehicle that's bigger than a CR-V but you don't quite need the "minivan-in-disguise" feel of the three-row Pilot, the Passport is basically the sweet spot. It's rugged, it's got a classic V6 engine that won't quit, and for 2024, the options are pretty straightforward.
Honda has narrowed the lineup down to three specific flavors: the EX-L, the TrailSport, and the Black Edition. Each one has a slightly different personality, so let's break down what you're actually getting for your money.
The Entry Point: The Passport EX-L
It feels a bit weird calling the EX-L a "base model" because, honestly, it's loaded. In the past, you might have found a "Sport" trim with cloth seats and fewer bells and whistles, but Honda scrapped that. Now, the entry point into the 2024 honda passport trim levels starts with leather.
If you're the type of person who just wants a reliable, comfortable, and powerful commuter that can handle a Costco run and a camping trip on the same day, the EX-L is probably all the SUV you'll ever need. Every 2024 Passport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is a huge plus. You don't have to pay extra for that peace of mind when the weather gets nasty.
Inside the EX-L, you get heated front seats, a power moonroof, and a power tailgate. It also comes with the "Honda Sensing" suite, which includes all the safety tech like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It doesn't feel like a compromise. The only reason to move up from here is if you really want a specific look or a few high-end luxury features.
The Rugged Middle Child: The Passport TrailSport
This is the trim that's been getting all the marketing love lately. The TrailSport is for the folks who want their SUV to look like it spends its weekends climbing mountains, even if it mostly just climbs curbs at the local mall. That said, for 2024, the TrailSport actually has some genuine hardware upgrades that make it more than just a "stickers and plastic" package.
What makes the TrailSport stand out among the 2024 honda passport trim levels is the suspension and the tires. Honda gave it a specially tuned off-road suspension that's designed to handle ruts and bumps a bit better. More importantly, it comes with General Grabber A/TX all-terrain tires. These give it a much more aggressive stance and much better grip if you actually decide to take it off the pavement.
Visually, you get orange contrast stitching inside, which looks pretty sharp against the black leather. You also get power-folding mirrors (super handy if you have a narrow garage) and a heated windshield wiper zone so your blades don't freeze to the glass in the winter. It's the "adventure" pick, and honestly, it's the one I'd probably buy just for the cooler wheels and the orange accents.
The Top Tier: The Passport Black Edition
For 2024, Honda retired the "Elite" trim and replaced it with the Black Edition. This is the "treat yourself" version of the Passport. If you want every single feature Honda offers in this platform, this is where you'll find it.
As the name suggests, the Black Edition goes heavy on the dark accents. You get 20-inch black alloy wheels, blacked-out grille trim, and black door handles. It looks mean in a good way—very stealthy. But the real reason to jump up to this level is the interior comfort.
The Black Edition is the only way to get ventilated front seats, which are an absolute lifesaver if you live somewhere with hot summers. You also get heated rear seats, so your passengers don't feel left out in the cold. The audio system gets a massive boost too—a 10-speaker premium setup that sounds significantly better than the standard system in the lower trims. Plus, you get red ambient lighting and red stitching, which gives the cabin a slightly more "executive" feel compared to the TrailSport's orange vibes.
What Stays the Same Across the Board?
Regardless of which of the 2024 honda passport trim levels you land on, there are some things you don't have to worry about missing. Every Passport is powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine. In a world where everyone is switching to small, turbocharged four-cylinders, there's something really refreshing about a naturally aspirated V6. It's smooth, it sounds good, and it's got plenty of grunt for merging onto the highway.
You also get a 9-speed automatic transmission across the board. It's a solid pairing. And let's talk about storage for a second—the Passport is a champion of "stuff." There is a massive storage bin under the rear floor where you can hide valuables or keep muddy gear separate from your groceries. The center console is also big enough to swallow a medium-sized handbag or a whole lot of snacks.
Which Trim Should You Actually Buy?
I'm a big believer in the "sweet spot," and for most people, that's going to be the TrailSport.
Here's my logic: The EX-L is great, but the Passport is marketed as a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle. The TrailSport actually backs that up with better tires and a cooler look for a relatively small price jump. You're getting a vehicle that feels a bit more special every time you walk up to it in a parking lot.
However, if you live in a place like Florida or Texas, you might find yourself eyeing the Black Edition just for those ventilated seats. Seriously, once you've had cooled seats, it's really hard to go back to regular leather. It's also the best choice if you do a lot of road trips and want the best possible sound system for your podcasts or playlists.
On the flip side, if you're looking for the best "bang for your buck," the EX-L wins every time. It has the same engine, the same AWD system, and the same interior space as the $48,000+ Black Edition, but for thousands less. You aren't "missing out" on the core experience by staying at the base level.
Final Thoughts on the 2024 Lineup
The 2024 honda passport trim levels reflect a brand that knows its audience. They didn't clutter the catalog with five or six confusing packages. They gave us a solid base (EX-L), a rugged adventurer (TrailSport), and a luxury-leaning flagship (Black Edition).
It's worth mentioning that the Passport is getting a bit older in its lifecycle—the interior tech, like the 8-inch touchscreen, feels a little small compared to some of the massive screens found in the newest competitors. But what it lacks in screen real estate, it makes up for in physical buttons, reliability, and sheer utility.
At the end of the day, you really can't go wrong with any of them. It just comes down to how much you value those extra creature comforts versus how much you want to keep in your bank account. If you want my advice? Go test drive the TrailSport first. It's the heart of the lineup and usually the one that puts the biggest smile on people's faces.