2021 Honda Passport SL — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2021 Honda Passport SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $47,674–$63,702
Fuel Economy 19 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,763/yr
The 2021 Honda Passport SL scores 7.8/10 at Carivo, ranking #428 of 2454 suvs and an estimated $2,763/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2021 Honda Passport SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$47,674–$63,702

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2021 Honda Passport SL

The 2021 Honda Passport SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.4/10, while Value at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.4/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.7/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.3/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $47,674–$63,702, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Passport SL sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Honda Passport SL will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2021 Honda Passport SL ranks #428 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 83% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $47,674 starting price is about 32% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2021 Honda Passport SL

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$13,815 ($2,763/year at $3.50/gal)
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Passport SL Year Should You Buy?

Across the Passport SL model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.0/10$53,961 Read review →
2024 8.0/10$52,390 Read review →
2023 7.9/10$50,818 Read review →
2022 7.9/10$49,246 Read review →
2021 (this review) 7.8/10$47,674
2020 7.8/10$46,103 Read review →
2019 7.6/10$44,531 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Honda Passport SL

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Common Questions — 2021 Honda Passport SL

Is the 2021 Honda Passport SL reliable?

We rate the 2021 Honda Passport SL's reliability 8.4/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2021 Honda Passport SL worth buying?

It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #428 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 83% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2021 Honda Passport SL cost?

The 2021 Honda Passport SL starts at $47,674 and ranges up to $63,702 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Passport SL years should you avoid?

No standout weak years: across the 7 Passport SL model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.0/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.

Owner Essentials — Honda Passport SL

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.