The 2022 Honda Passport equipped with the robust 3.5-liter V-6 (Engine Code J35Y6 3) is designed for both daily commuting and weekend adventures. To maintain its smooth operation and ensure long-term durability, it is critical to use lubricants that meet or exceed the manufacturer’s rigorous specifications. Using the correct oils and fluids not only protects against wear but also helps maintain optimal fuel economy and performance in extreme temperatures.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides unmatched engine protection for up to 25,000 miles with superior resistance to viscosity breakdown and wear.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers extended protection for up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A budget-friendly synthetic option that fights sludge and deposits while meeting OEM requirements.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles to boost detergency and reduce sludge.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Offers 99% efficiency at 20 microns to trap contaminants and provide a lower restriction for better lubrication.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket filter alternative with superior media for engine protection.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects against corrosion and freezing for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated high-performance coolant that offers extended life and excellent thermal stability.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection for differentials and transfer cases, controlling thermal runaway and rust.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent responsiveness and a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
Proper lubrication is the foundation of vehicle longevity, and the 2022 Honda Passport’s powertrain demands high-quality fluids to perform as intended. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine, known for its reliable output and torque, benefits significantly from synthetic oils that resist thinning in high heat and thickening in cold starts. This specific engine code requires 0W-20 viscosity to ensure proper clearance between moving parts. The oil capacity for this engine is 5.4 quarts, though a complete change with a filter installed requires 5.7 quarts. Filling to the correct level is essential to prevent aeration or over-pressure issues within the crankcase.
Engine Oil and Filtration
For the 2022 Passport, AMSOIL offers a range of synthetic motor oils tailored to different driving needs. The Signature Series 0W-20 stands out as the premium choice, offering protection for up to 25,000 miles in severe service. Its unique molecular structure is designed to minimize horsepower loss and reduce wear more effectively than conventional oils. Owners who frequently tow trailers or drive in extreme temperatures will find the enhanced stability of this oil invaluable.
For those seeking a balance between cost and performance, the Extended-Life 0W-20 provides a robust alternative with a guaranteed interval of 20,000 miles. It features increased cleaning power to combat carbon buildup, ensuring the engine runs smoothly. Additionally, the OE 0W-20 serves as an excellent synthetic substitute that meets original equipment standards without the premium price tag, while the High-Mileage 0W-20 is specifically engineered for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, helping to reduce oil consumption and seal leaks.
Filtration is equally critical. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K13-EA) is a direct replacement that features a synthetic blend media capable of capturing 99% of contaminants at 20 microns. This high efficiency ensures that dirty oil is circulated less, reducing wear on engine components. For drivers who prefer a well-known aftermarket brand, the WIX Oil Filter (57356-EA) is also a recommended option that offers superior filtration compared to many standard OEM filters.
Transmission and Drivetrain Fluids
The transmission in the 2022 Honda Passport plays a pivotal role in shifting smoothness and fuel efficiency. For models equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmission, the capacity for a total fill is 7.9 quarts for AWD models and 7.1 quarts for FWD models. Using a high-quality synthetic transmission fluid is essential for maintaining the precise hydraulic pressures required for this sophisticated gearbox. AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to reduce drag, which can translate to improved miles per gallon, while also providing the necessary thermal protection during heavy towing or climbing steep grades.
The drivetrain components, including the transfer case and rear differential, require specialized protection. The transfer case requires approximately 0.8 pints, while the rear differential holds about 3.8 pints. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube is an ideal choice for these applications. It contains friction modifiers that are essential for limited-slip differentials and provides a protective barrier against rust and corrosion, extending the life of the gears and bearings.
Cooling Systems and Brake Performance
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for the longevity of the engine, especially given the Passport’s capability for outdoor adventures. The system holds 7.8 quarts of coolant. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a pre-mixed, phosphate-free formula that protects against corrosion in all cooling system metals. For those who prefer a concentrated option that requires mixing with distilled water, the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze offers an even longer service life of up to 150,000 miles.
Brake safety cannot be compromised. The Passport utilizes a brake fluid system that benefits from AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid. This fluid offers a higher boiling point than conventional mineral-based fluids, which is crucial when towing heavy loads or driving in mountainous regions where brakes are heavily used. Its stable viscosity ensures consistent pedal feel and reliable ABS function in all weather conditions.
Vehicle Background
The 2022 Honda Passport represents a significant step up from the smaller Honda Crosstour, filling a vital niche in the mid-size SUV market. Based on the Honda Ridgeline platform, it shares a unibody construction that offers a more car-like ride quality while retaining the utility of a rugged off-roader. This unique platform allows it to deliver better handling and interior space compared to many body-on-frame competitors, making it a favorite among owners who value comfort on the daily commute but need capability for weekend trips.
Under the hood, the Passport is powered by the J35Y6 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6 engine. This powerplant is renowned for its smooth power delivery and impressive torque curve, capable of producing 280 horsepower. This engine design is known for its efficiency and reliability, often praised for maintaining its power output well into the higher mileage ranges. The transmission, available as a 9-speed automatic, is designed to keep the engine in its optimal power band, further enhancing fuel economy in highway driving scenarios.
Owners of the 2022 Passport typically appreciate its spacious interior and versatile cargo area. The rear seats slide and fold, offering flexible storage options that are rare in this segment. The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive system, available on most trims, provides confidence in various weather conditions without sacrificing the agility needed for city driving. It strikes a balance between a family hauler and an adventure vehicle, capable of handling light off-road trails while remaining comfortable on the highway.
Despite its reliability, there are common issues that can affect this model over time. One known concern is the potential for carbon buildup on the intake valves, a common trait in Direct Injection (GDI) engines. Using a fuel additive like AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver regularly can help restore injectors and clean these deposits. Another potential issue involves the transmission shifting, which can sometimes feel rough due to fluid degradation. Flushing with a high-quality synthetic transmission fluid like AMSOIL Signature Series ATF can restore smooth shifting. Owners may also experience oil consumption issues as the vehicle ages, particularly if the seals begin to harden, a problem that the AMSOIL High-Mileage 0W-20 helps mitigate with its specialized additives. Finally, the battery can sometimes drain prematurely due to parasitic draw or age; while not a lubrication issue, maintaining the vehicle with high-quality fluids ensures the alternator and starter operate efficiently, reducing the electrical load on the battery.