Wouldn’t it be amazing if the best version of everything was always the cheapest? We hardly ever get that lucky as consumers. However, once in a while, an excellent product comes along and makes its best version shockingly affordable. For the Honda Passport, most experts recommend the cheapest trim level. Surprisingly, there’s one two-row SUV that’s better cheaper. Have you seen the 2022 Honda Passport EX-L?

Two-row SUVs are getting more popular

Two-row SUVs are taking over the SUV world. We’ve had plenty of exciting and excellent three-row options for many years now. More and more, families of all sizes require a stylish, safe vehicle with extra space for passengers and cargo. However, not everyone requires as much space as a Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and more provide. Have you seen the bold and brash new two-row Passport?

What about the 2022 Honda Passport TrailSport or Elite?

At the top of the Passport lineup are the TrailSport and Elite trims. First, the TrailSport is the new trim level intended for some light off-road driving. It starts at $44,265 and comes well-equipped for traveling away from the paved road. For example, all-wheel drive, an “aggressive” tire tread, a heated wiper rest zone to prevent freezing, navigation, and a 115-volt power outlet are standard. Although the 2022 Honda Passport can’t replace the Jeep Wrangler for rock crawling, it’s good for a short camping trip.

Next, the 2022 Honda Passport Elite sits atop the lineup for the two-row SUV. At $47,225, it’s easily the most expensive of the bunch. Does the Elite trim provide enough value to make it worth your while? Standard features include a hands-free liftgate, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear-seat climate controls, a 10-speaker premium sound system, HondaLink connected services, and more. Although there are many features, is it worth roughly $8,000 over the cheapest EX-L trim?

Experts recommend the cheapest 2022 Honda Passport EX-L

Luckily, unlike most vehicles, the cheapest version of the Honda two-row SUV is also the best. For example, Car and Driver recommend buying the 2022 Honda Passport EX-L over all other trims. “It comes equipped with a plethora of desirable features such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a large touchscreen with smartphone-mirroring functionality,” C/D said. The publication also mentions adding all-wheel drive costs $2,000, which keeps the EX-L cheaper than the TrailSport model.

Next, the experts at Edmunds also recommend the cheapest Passport. For the two-row SUV, the expert likes that it is the only trim with a choice between front and all-wheel drive. In addition, 20-inch wheels, leather seats, and plenty of technology make the EX-L trim far from basic. Although it’s the cheapest version of the 2022 Honda Passport, you could never tell.

A cheaper 2022 Honda Passport is a better SUV

Whatever you need from a three-row SUV, the Passport offers it in a more compact setting. Thankfully, the low price of the EX-L model provides everything you’ll need. Sure, it would be nice to upgrade to the Elite trim and get more. Who doesn’t enjoy ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, or a hands-free liftgate? However, it’s much more costly than the Passport base model, which more than gets the job done. Plus, it provides a bit more versatility with optional all-wheel drive, which lowers or raises the price quite a bit.