[aarondixon]

I like the idea of the push button shifter, but thinking of all my other vehicles, every once in a while you spill your drink, and with the shifter being right next to the drink-holders, I can't help but wonder if those shift buttons have a waterproof seal around them(?)

 

[josechaney]

...with the shifter being right next to the drink-holders, I can't help but wonder if those shift buttons have a waterproof seal around them(?)

Good point. But I doubt they have that.

 

[rebeccacochran]

There are various hydrophobic sprays that you can buy. That could serve as a good protection against spills and the like.

 

[josechaney]

hydrophobic sprays

Is that when someone has a fear of aerosols?

 

[blankenshiplaura]

I doubt the switches have any special seals. Typical electrical connections should shield from moisture. Large spills will simply drain down into the nether regions under the center console. Yuck!

Since some Pilot trims have the 6-speed transmission, it was likely most cost effective to simply replace the stick shift with the push-button module. Passport is simply borrowing from Pilot. Same as how different Accord trims with different transmissions types place the shifter in the same location. A benefit of the same location as "normal" shifters is to familiarize and assimilate Honda drivers (there are many) with this "new" way of shifting gears. Honda probably thinks that putting it up on the dash will be "too much too soon" for Joe and Jane Driver and all forms of DWS (drivng while stupid) accidents will be blamed on "muh push buttons confused me". I don't like the location, but I can understand why they are putting it there and unifying the ergonomics across models. The first " baby-step" is to simply place the push button module in the exact same location where other shifter types would be.

 

[dpatterson]

My understanding is that a lot of the new high gear count transmissions don't have a physical control linkage anymore and require electronic shift commands, which is why every manufacturer is putting their own spin on an electronic replacement.

Personally I'd prefer an electronic column shift like Mercedes and Tesla (tap up for reverse, down for drive, press the end for park).

 

[blankenshiplaura]

Some manufacturers are using a rotary dial. I like how RAM Truck does it by putting the dial selector on the dash just to the right of the steering wheel. Leaves the center console wide open and useful.

 

[daniellevazquez]

JLR has been using this style of gear selector for years now and I agree its one of the better systems we've seen. Love how those ones lay complete flat until the vehicle has been turned on.

 

[cjackson]

Really Honda? No room for a real shifter ?? Really? No handle to hold on to while driving. Most Americans I think prefer a gear shift even though it probably has no mechanical connection with the transmission itself.

 

[aarondixon]

The Passport has a number of advancements that I have NEVER had in any vehicle, including:
1) The Push button Trany (I REALLY like the way RAM did it in the above photo)
2) The lack of a CD Player
3) A Digital Speedometer
4) A reconfigured Tachometer
5) All those advanced Safety features
6) The super-advanced Info-tainment center (Including Apple Play)

I dunno, just gotta accept it, take the good & the bad, I mean what is the alternative? A 68 Mustang with an 8-Track?