Your Honda Passport is built for adventure, ready to take you from the daily commute to the weekend trailhead without missing a beat. To keep it running smoothly for years and miles to come, few things are as fundamental as using the right engine oil. It’s the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine, reducing friction, managing heat, and keeping internal components clean. Using the correct Honda Passport oil type isn’t just a suggestion from the manual; it’s a key part of preserving your SUV’s performance and longevity.
You might be wondering why oil viscosity is such a big deal. With so many options on the shelf, from full synthetic to conventional blends, it can feel a little overwhelming. The good news is that Honda provides very clear recommendations tailored to your Passport’s specific engine. Sticking to these guidelines ensures your engine is protected across all driving conditions, whether you’re facing a chilly winter morning or a long, hot summer drive.
What Oil Does a Honda Passport Use?
For all Honda Passport models from 2019 to the present, the recommended engine oil is quite straightforward. Honda officially recommends using SAE 0W-20 viscosity oil. This specific grade is chosen by Honda’s engineers to provide optimal performance, fuel economy, and engine protection for the 3.5-liter V6 engine under a wide range of temperatures.
When it comes to oil type, the manual strongly suggests using a premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil that displays the API (American Petroleum Institute) certification mark. For the best protection, most owners and technicians opt for full synthetic 0W-20 oil. Full synthetic oils are refined and engineered to a higher degree than conventional oils, offering superior performance in extreme temperatures, better engine cleanliness, and improved longevity. While a synthetic blend or conventional oil meeting the API standard might be acceptable in a pinch, full synthetic is generally considered the best choice for modern, high-performance engines like the one in your Passport.
Why 0W-20 is the Right Choice for Your Engine
The numbers on a bottle of oil can seem like a secret code, but they’re actually quite simple to interpret. The “0W” refers to the oil’s viscosity, or thickness, in cold weather (the “W” stands for winter). A 0W oil remains very fluid in freezing temperatures, allowing it to flow quickly to critical engine parts the moment you start your car. This reduces wear and tear during those crucial first seconds of operation.
The “20” refers to the oil’s viscosity at the engine’s normal operating temperature (around 212°F or 100°C). This higher-temperature viscosity is thin enough to minimize engine drag, which helps with fuel efficiency, but still thick enough to maintain a protective film between moving parts. Using a 0W-20 oil gives your Passport’s engine the best of both worlds: excellent cold-start protection and efficient, robust lubrication when the engine is hot.
How Much Oil Does Your Honda Passport Need?
When you’re performing an oil change, it’s helpful to know exactly how much oil to have on hand. For a standard oil and filter change on a Honda Passport, you will need approximately 5.4 US quarts (5.1 liters) of 0W-20 oil. It’s always a good idea to buy a six-quart jug to ensure you have enough. After adding the new oil, be sure to check the dipstick to confirm the level is between the upper and lower marks. Overfilling can be just as harmful as underfilling, as it can cause foaming and increased pressure within the engine.
Checking Your Oil Level Between Changes
Keeping an eye on your oil level is a simple habit that can save you from major headaches. It’s a good practice to check it once a month or before a long trip. Here’s a quick guide:
- Park your Passport on a level surface and ensure the engine is turned off for at least a few minutes, allowing the oil to drain back into the pan.
- Open the hood and locate the yellow dipstick handle.
- Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel, and then fully reinsert it.
- Pull it out again and look at the oil level at the end. It should be between the upper and lower marks. If it’s near or below the lower mark, you’ll need to add oil.
Also, take note of the oil’s color and consistency. Fresh oil is a translucent amber color. If it appears very dark black and gritty, it’s likely time for a change. Any milky, frothy appearance could indicate a coolant leak, which requires immediate attention from a mechanic.
Sticking to Your Passport’s Oil Change Schedule
Modern vehicles, including the Honda Passport, use a sophisticated maintenance minder system that takes the guesswork out of oil change intervals. Instead of a rigid mileage schedule, your Passport’s onboard computer monitors your driving conditions—such as trip length, engine temperature, and RPMs—to calculate when an oil change is needed.
You’ll see a notification on your dashboard that says “Maintenance Due Soon” along with a percentage. When this percentage reaches 15%, you should start planning your service. At 5%, it’s time to schedule the appointment. When the message says “Maintenance Past Due,” along with a code (like “A123”), the service is overdue. The “A” in this code always signifies an oil change is required. For most drivers, this system will typically indicate an oil change is needed somewhere between 7,500 and 10,000 miles.
A Few Final Tips for Your Passport’s Health
While knowing the correct Honda Passport oil type is the most important step, a few extra considerations can help you maintain your vehicle perfectly. Always use a genuine Honda oil filter or a high-quality equivalent during changes. These filters are designed to work in harmony with your engine and the recommended oil. Also, be sure to keep a record of your oil changes, either in your vehicle’s logbook or a digital app. This not only helps you stay on top of maintenance but also adds value if you ever decide to sell your Passport.
In summary, giving your Honda Passport the right care is simple. By using full synthetic 0W-20 oil, changing it when the maintenance minder alerts you, and checking the level regularly, you are providing the best possible care for your SUV’s engine. This simple routine protects your investment and ensures your Passport remains a reliable partner for all the journeys ahead.