Our Opinion - 2026 Honda Passport Review Since 2019, when Honda brought back the Passport name, it has been a mild-mannered, two-row SUV that fits between the larger Pilot and the smaller CR-V. Many of their rivals in that market have improved their “brawn,” or how strong they look, over the years. One example is the Santa Fe XRT. Another is the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition. The updated 2026 Honda Passport isn’t going down without a fight. It has a tough design and a lot of hardware changes that are meant to help it make up lost ground on the sales floor and the road. At this point, we know that the changes include a stiffer chassis thanks to Honda’s small light truck platform, a stronger suspension, new technology and design inside, and an exterior that looks like the happy child of a Ford Bronco Sport and a Toyota 4Runner. The Passport now has a 10-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to an improved all-wheel drive system. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine is also back and has more horsepower. There is more space for the back seat and cargo with a longer wheelbase, but the approach angle is higher with a shorter front overhang, which is good for getting around trail dangers. It all sounds great, but we won’t know for sure how well this better Passport works until we test one. Honda said that you will be able to buy the 2026 Passport in early 2025. What's New? The 3.5-liter V-6 engine is back, but it now has 285 horsepower instead of 285 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic gearbox has replaced the old nine-speed transmission. Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system sends power to all four wheels. Brake calipers and wheels that are up to 1.2 inches in diameter are better for stopping. The outside has a stronger roof rail, a new headlight design, fender flares, and a front fascia that has been changed. The new Passport has a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase and a track that is 1.4 inches bigger. The ground clearance has gone up to 8.3 inches. Inside, there is a bigger touchscreen, power-folding mirrors, a heated windshield, and heated seats as standard. We are excited to say that the extra picnic table will be back. Pros and Cons Pros More tools and screens that are bigger. There are two off-road TrailSport types. Expanded cargo capacity. Cons It’s not likely that efficiency will go up by much. You can’t get an electric car or a hybrid car. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The only engine that can be bought is Honda’s 3.5-liter V-6, which has 285 horsepower and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A peak power of 262 pound-feet is reached at an extremely high 5000 rpm. It’s likely because the Pilot SUV has the same engine and drive as THAT car. Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive tech will also be in the 2026 Passport. The torque-vectoring system is said to react 30% faster than the old system, and the rear drive unit is said to be stronger and able to handle 40% more torque than the old Passport. Honda says that the chassis is much more durable than the last model because it is built on the Honda light truck platform, which is also known as the Ridgeline pickup truck. There are also stronger suspension parts added. The TrailSport models have a custom suspension tune and several skid plates to protect the important parts. All-terrain 275/60R-18 General Grabber tires come standard on the TrailSport cars. The powertrain can be adjusted to the conditions using seven drive modes, including the new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes. Check out our Passport prototype drive to pass the time until we can test one. Safety Honda Sensing is a full set of driver-assistance tools that are standard on all passport models. Blind-spot recognition, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights are some of the features that come with the package. The following are important safety features: Typical automated emergency braking recognizes people. Typical blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic warning It comes with adaptive speed control. Internal and External Cargo Capacity Honda completely redesigned the Passport’s interior, focusing on a clean look and better materials. The front seats are now power-adjustable and heated as standard. The base RTL has an automatic tailgate and leather-trimmed seats. The TrailSport, on the other hand, comes with a panoramic sunroof and seats made of synthetic leather that is easy to clean. You will also find all-season floor mats. The TrailSport Elite goes above and beyond with features like perforated leather seating, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, temperature controls in the back, door shades in the back, and more ambient lighting. There is also a 12-speaker Bose luxury sound system with a subwoofer that comes with the TrailSport Elite. The new Passport’s longer length gives you more room for your bags and an extra 1.3 inches of legroom in the back seats compared to the old one. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA says that the Passport’s single engine and basic all-wheel drive will get 21 mpg across the board. That number and 19 mpg in the city are the same as the last generation, but 25 mpg on the highway is better. The TrailSport grades get 18 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg total. This is because their all-terrain tires are a bit chunkier. Infotainment and Connectivity The stereo and entertainment system comes with a 12.3-inch tablet that runs the newest software from Honda and a 10.2-inch display for the gauges. That’s 54% bigger than the touchscreen screen on the old model for those keeping track. As standard, the car comes with 5G-LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a way to charge your phone wirelessly. You can get a free three-year plan with unlimited internet for Google Assistant, Maps, and other Google Play services. There are two USB-C ports on the front and back of the center console. For TrailSport models, 110-volt power outlets have been added to the center console and the cargo area. Towing and Payload Capacity The 2026 Honda Passport’s highest towing capacity of 5,000 pounds will remain unchanged. The Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, can only hold 35,000 pounds, while the Chevy Blazer can hold 4500 pounds. TrailSport models come with trailer hitches that have seven-pin plugs as standard. Price and How to Choose The 2026 Honda Passport can cost anywhere from $46,200 to $53,900, depending on the options and specs. The Passport lineup has been changed for 2026. The TrailSport Elite has replaced the Black Edition, and the new RTL trim has replaced the EX-L. We don’t want to make a formal suggestion yet, but the TrailSport model’s stronger suspension, unique styling, and standard trailering gear will make up for the higher price.
