The 2019 Honda Passport will arrive in dealerships nationwide on February 4. Prices start at $33,035 and surpass $44,000 on the top trim.
Standard features on the Passport Sport include a 5.0-inch display, seven-speaker audio system with subwoofer, 20-inch alloy wheels, three-zone automatic climate control, and fabric seats. Honda Sensing is also standard, which brings forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. Key competitors have lower starting prices, including the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer ($29,995), Ford Edge ($31,090), 2019 Nissan Murano ($32,315).
Upgrade to the EX-L, and you’re looking at a starting price of $37,455. This trim adds heated front seats, leather-trimmed upholstery, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch screen, and two additional USB ports for a total of four.
One level up is the Touring, priced from $40,325. This vehicle comes with a hands-free power liftgate, upgraded 10-speaker audio system, ambient lighting, heated rear seats, and acoustic front and rear door glass among other goodies. All-wheel drive is available on the Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims for an additional $1,900.
The top-of-the-line Elite comes standard with all-wheel drive. Priced from $44,725, this model boasts ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing front wipers, a wireless phone charger, and unique exterior trim.
Powering the Passport is a 3.5-liter V-6 with 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes paired to a nine-speed automatic. In our First Drive, we praised the Passport for its balanced steering feel, as well as minimal body roll on the highway. However, we noticed a few instances where the gearbox took a long time to downshift. We look forward to getting another round in the Passport and gleaning some performance numbers in an upcoming First Test.
Even if you’re not a fan of the Hyundai Veloster N‘s asymmetrical doors, there’s no denying it’s a performance bargain. With the Veloster N successfully launched, though, you have to wonder which model is next in line to receive the N treatment. According to the latest report, it’s the Tucson.
According to Auto Express, Hyundai’s compact crossover has been chosen to receive a high-performance makeover. Citing anonymous sources, the report says the Tucson N will be aimed squarely at the Audi SQ5. It’s also said to make about 340 hp and be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than six seconds. In theory, that would also make it a direct competitor for the Ford Edge ST.
Expect handling to be more impressive than the acceleration, too. The anonymous source reportedly said that Hyundai is “not interested in making also-ran cars with N badges on them in whatever class they compete.” Hopefully, that means it’s also more fun to drive than the Edge ST.
Assuming the report is accurate, one important piece of information that’s still missing is an on-sale date. Is this something we’ll see in the next year? Will we have to wait three or four years? All Auto Express‘ source would say is, “We are going to take our time with this one—because when it appears it will blow everything else away in its sector.”
To celebrate its golden anniversary in Australia, Honda has commissioned a special NSX and Civic Type R.
As if these cars needed to stand out more, they receive gold bodywork courtesy of Vinyl Wraps and Graphics, a company based in Melbourne. The cars feature a gold chrome film that was laminated with a clear satin film to help disperse reflections, Honda says. They also have special badging and satin black accents.
Honda established its Australian subsidiary on February 4, 1969, although other companies had been importing and distributing Honda products around the continent since the 1950s. Today, Honda Australia sells a variety of cars including the Accord, Jazz (Fit), Civic sedan, Civic hatch, Civic Type R, HR-V, CR-V, Odyssey, NSX, and the subcompact City sedan.
Honda has created other gold products to celebrate 50 years in Australia. These include a gold CBR1000RR Fireblade motorcycle, CRF450L motorcycle, CRF50F Kids Fun bike, and even a HRU19 Buffalo Premium lawnmower. An EU22i Generator also gets the golden touch.
“We thought about how we could celebrate our birthday and our unique diversity in a bold and fun way,” said Hidehiko Shiomi, managing director and CEO of Honda Australia, in a release. “I mean, who has ever seen a golden mower or generator before?” Indeed.
Honda will showcase the one-off gold products throughout Australia this year.
A luxury vehicle is a status symbol; it’s you telling the world you’ve made it. You have an adult job and can indulge in the finer things in life. But what if you want to do that without calling attention to yourself? Something that gives you the luxury experience but flies under the radar is what you’re looking for. For consumers who couldn’t care less what badge is on the hood but still want a luxury car, here are 11 vehicles that will pamper you while staying incognito.
Volvo S90/V90
Volvo’s midsize sedan and wagon, the S90 and V90, offer ultra-comfortable seats and an exquisitely crafted interior that epitomizes minimalist design. The S90 and V90 are tastefully styled yet avoid being overly flashy. Opt for the two-tone black and brown Nappa leather upholstery with matching matte wood trim for a truly Scandinavian look.
Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental is one of a handful of recent vehicles that have made the words “American luxury” mean something again. Its interior can be dressed in colorful two-tone schemes paired with real metal and wood trim to add another layer of sophistication. For those in search of the most exclusive Continental, Lincoln has released the special Coach Door Edition, which brings back the car’s iconic suicide doors. However, that model was limited to 80 units and is now sold out.
Acura RLX
Even with its new grille and reshaped headlights and taillights, the Acura RLX is still relatively conservative-looking. Regardless of whether you opt for the standard version or the hybrid, the RLX will be subtly stylish even in the brightest of exterior colors.
Kia K900
With less than 1,000 Kia K900 luxury sedans sold last year, K900 owners belong to a pretty exclusive club—and their cars are a bargain for those in search of something luxurious yet unassuming. The second-generation model, which now comes standard with all-wheel drive, a 365-hp twin-turbo V-6, and a well-appointed interior, is a credible alternative to second-tier full-size luxury sedans like the Lexus LS.
Cadillac CT6
Cadillac’s flagship CT6 recently got a refresh, but even with angular looks, it’s easy to mistake it for something else. The similarities to the smaller ATS and CTS, both of which are being discontinued, will make onlookers think that it’s one of the CT6’s smaller stablemates. If you want power to contrast your car’s sedate looks, there’s the twin-turbocharged, 550-hp CT6-V, which should make for a fun full-size luxury rocket.
Buick Enclave Avenir
Sitting atop the Buick Enclave lineup is the Avenir model that features unique design cues like a special grille with chrome wings, unique alloy wheels, chrome window surrounds, higher-quality leather upholstery, two-tone interior themes, and wood-look accents. There are also a number of extra features like continuously controlled dampers for improved ride comfort.
Kia Cadenza
The Kia Cadenza is a classic large sedan, emphasizing ride quality above all else. Like many new-generation Kia models, its exterior is attractively restrained. In the SXL trim, the Cadenza becomes a proper luxury vehicle with a cabin upholstered in Nappa leather and other high-quality materials.
Genesis G80
Formerly known as the HyundaiGenesis, the Genesis G80 remains a solid midsize luxury sedan that offers a comfortable ride and a spacious, well-appointed interior all for less than its chief rivals. Time has been kind to the G80’s exterior design; it’s tastefully conservative, attractive, but far from plain even among its newer competitors.
Ram 1500 Limited
Yes, there is such a thing as a luxurious pickup truck, and the most obvious example is the 2019 Ram 1500 Limited. Get inside, and you’ll find an interior swathed in leather and materials that will make some models wearing more desirable badges blush. For maximum eye candy, FCA’s UConnect 4 interface comes with a massive 12.0-inch touchscreen that dominates the dash.
Acura TLX
Like the larger RLX, the Acura TLX flies under the radar even with its giant new grille and redesigned headlights. Acura’s SH-AWD system is available on V-6-powered TLXs, giving the sedan all-weather capability. The A-Spec model adds a unique front fascia, oval exhaust tips, black 19-inch wheels, and cool interior trims.
Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve
Technically a rebadged Nissan Patrol minus much of that international model’s off-road hardware, the Armada comes standard with V-8 power and is available in a trim that can rival its posh sibling, the Infiniti QX80, when it comes to luxury. The Platinum Reserve grade gets you second-row captain’s chairs, two-tone black/brown leather upholstery, open-pore wood and black Quartz trim, a grille and door handles finished in dark chrome, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
