Honda makes CarPlay a standard feature of the 2021 Passport SUV

Honda has added support for Apple CarPlay to its 2021 range of Passport SUVs, with most models featuring a new Display Audio system that uses Apple's smartphone-car connectivity platform.

The Honda 2021 Passport has started to ship to dealerships in the United States, prompting the car manufacturer to alert potential buyers to one of its infotainment updates at the same time as its price list and models. The latest version of the SUV will include a new Display Audio system as standard on every second-tier or higher model in the range, which includes support for both CarPlay and Android Auto.

Though CarPlay is a standard feature, not all connectivity elements will be offered across the range. Wireless smartphone charging is available, but only on models with Elite trim.

2021 Honda Passport

The Honda 2021 Passport range with Carplay includes the:

Passport EX-L (2WD)
Passport EX-L (AWD)
Passport Touring (2WD)
Passport Touring (AWD)
Passport Elite (AWD)

The PassPort Sport in 2ED and AWD variants do not have CarPlay integrations built in to their base configurations. All models include a 280-horsepower V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, among other features.

The range starts from $32,590 for the Sport, while the EX-L starts at $36,610, Touring at $39,480, and Elite starts from $43,980.

Honda has previously included CarPlay support to its vehicles, including its luxury Insight model.

12 Comments

22july2013 11 Years · 3736 comments

About 4 years ago

I own a Honda, I think it's two years old, but their CarPlay system rarely works with the cable that comes with my iPhone. Honda tells me I need to get a better cable. I asked Honda if I could buy a cable from them (so I could be sure it would work) but they wouldn't sell me one. They said it was my responsibility to find a cable that worked. I never did bother to get a cable that worked, so I just drive it without CarPlay now. Sad. I would insist on wireless CarPlay from Honda in the future.

WarrenBuffduckh 5 Years · 158 comments

This story and just the mentioning of “brand x model y year z are now supporting CP” are just exemplary

RYC2000 7 Years · 5 comments

22july2013 said:

I own a Honda, I think it's two years old, but their CarPlay system rarely works with the cable that comes with my iPhone. Honda tells me I need to get a better cable. I asked Honda if I could buy a cable from them (so I could be sure it would work) but they wouldn't sell me one. They said it was my responsibility to find a cable that worked. I never did bother to get a cable that worked, so I just drive it without CarPlay now. Sad. I would insist on wireless CarPlay from Honda in the future.

I use the cable that Apple supplies and works on my CRV. Originally, I tried using an Anker cable but noticed it did not work as well. You might want to complain or file a warranty claim to see if they would replace your unit.

I notice the system is very sensitive. I can only turn the electronics on without starting the car and listen to something on my phone. If I were to start the car immediately after, the unit would loose connection to my phone. I have to disconnect and reconnect to get CarPlay back.

wood1208 10 Years · 2938 comments

No wonder Steve Jobs wanted to make Apple Car without all these connectivity and other issues. At this point every new car must come out with wireless Carplay support that should work out of the box. It is pathetic that people complain their wired carplay or android auto don't work seamlessly, all the time.

May be car manufacturers should hire more electronics and computer engineers to make it right.