Passport vs Recon
The Passport and the Recon compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Honda and Jeep each making its case. Neither wins across the board. The Passport makes its case with off-road & towing; the Recon makes its case with engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Recon wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Passport wins
- Engine & Performance1.1
- Off-road & Towing8.3
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Off-road & Towing5.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Recon has 385 hp more power
Few buyers will miss this one. The Recon brings 670 hp to the table; the Passport brings 285 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Recon has 358 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the Recon wins comfortably with 620 lb-ft against 262 lb-ft. The Recon’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The Passport has 1,700 lb more towing capacity
It’s a lopsided result (5,000 lb for the Passport, 3,300 lb for the Recon) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Passport | Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 193.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 113 in |
Engine & Performance
Recon leads
This section belongs to the Recon. In engine & performance, it leads the Passport by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Recon answers with 385 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. In short, the Recon is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
Passport: 285 hp Recon: 670 hp The Recon’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Passport: 262 lb-ft Recon: 620 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The Passport and the Recon match each other closely in this area. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Passport leads
The Passport is the clear pick if off-road & towing is what you care about most. The Passport gives you 1,700 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Passport’s higher rating gives you more margin. For off-road & towing, the Passport is the one to beat.
Max towing
Passport: 5,000 lb Recon: 3,300 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Passport | Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | Dual electric motors, 100 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 285 hp | 670 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 620 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD (dual-motor) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Passport | Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 222 mi Shortest electric range |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Passport | Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 30.3 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 65.9 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Passport | Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 9.10 in |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb (winner) | 3,300 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Passport | Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Passport | Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 193.3 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 113 in |
Price
| Spec | Passport | Recon |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $65,000 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Passport if…
- you want the higher towing capacity (5,000 lb vs 3,300 lb)
- you prefer staying with Honda
Choose the Recon if…
- you want more power (670 hp vs 285 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (620 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Jeep and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Passport or the Recon?
It depends on your priorities: the Passport is stronger on off-road & towing, while the Recon leads on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Passport and the Recon feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the Passport has 1,700 lb more towing capacity. To be fair, the Recon has 385 hp more power, and that’s not nothing.
I think of the Passport as the one for off-road & towing and the Recon as the one for engine & performance.
My pick: it depends. Go for the Passport if off-road & towing comes first for you, or the Recon if engine & performance does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.