Passport's dependable four-wheel drive system allows shift-on-the-fly engagement at speeds up to 60 mph: Simply push a button to grab 4WD-High. To drop into 4WD-Low you need to stop and shift a floor-mounted lever.

The 4-speed automatic transmission offers a winter mode. When it's engaged, the transmission starts out in third gear to prevent wheelspin on icy or snowy surfaces. The transmission also has a power mode that gives better acceleration by raising up-shift points. Buttons in the center console controls both functions.

Passport consistently delivers responsive handling and a stable ride. It owes its solid feel to a ladder frame with eight crossmembers and box-section side rails. Steel tubes in the doors contribute to a rigid feel, as well as passenger protection.

Two-wheel-drive LX models ride on 225/75R16 tires; all other Passports use 245/70R16s. All come with a full-size spare, which on LX models is mounted on a rack on the rear tailgate. On EX and EX-Luxury models the spare is under the rear cargo area. Moving the tire down there does give the Passport a cleaner look, but it also means that the spare tends to drag on the ground as you start up a steep grade.

Passports are available in six colors: Alpine White, Canal Blue, Ebony Black, Palazzo Red, Bright Silver, and Huntman Green.