HONDA

2026 Honda Passport test

The 2026 Honda Passport is a fully redesigned, five-passenger midsize SUV that is available now at dealerships, having launched in early 2025. It features rugged, boxier styling, enhanced off-road capabilities, and updated technology. 

Since Honda resurrected the Passport nameplate in 2019, the vehicle has played the part of a mild-mannered two-row SUV, plying the middle ground between the smaller CR-V and the larger three-row Pilot. Over that time period, many competitors have amped up their brawn factor, or at least the appearance thereof—we see you Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition and Hyundai Santa Fe XRT. The redesigned 2026 Honda Passport isn't taking that lying down, meeting them head-on with a rugged appearance and hardware upgrades intended to help it retake some ground on both the showroom floor and on the trail. The improvements include a stiffer chassis, a beefed-up suspension, fresh styling and tech inside, and an exterior that looks to be the product of a torrid love affair between a Toyota 4Runner and a Ford Bronco Sport—and we mean that as a compliment.

Engine & Performance: All trims are equipped with a refined 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous 9-speed. The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard across all models, featuring Honda's second-generation Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4®) system for improved traction and stability on various terrains.

Off-Road Capability: The Passport emphasizes off-road readiness with a standard 8.3 inches of ground clearance, off-road-tuned suspension on TrailSport trims, and available steel skid plates and high-visibility recovery hooks. It offers seven drive modes, including Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Trail, Sand, and Tow.

Interior & Technology: The cabin is spacious with standard heated front seats across all trims. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with standard Google built-in (including Google Maps and Google Assistant) are also included. The cargo area is generous, offering 44 cubic feet with all seats in place and over 83 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Safety: The full suite of Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assist features comes standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. The TrailSport Elite trim adds a TrailWatch™ camera system for better visibility around the vehicle when navigating obstacles. 

Trim levels and pricing...The 2026 Passport is available in several trim levels, all with standard AWD: 

RTL: Starting MSRP around $44,750.

TrailSport: Starting MSRP around $48,450, adding specific off-road enhancements like all-terrain tires and off-road tuned suspension.

TrailSport Elite: Starting MSRP around $52,450, which includes premium features such as a 12-speaker Bose audio system, ventilated front seats, and the TrailWatch camera system.

Autonews