The 2026 Honda Passport stands out as a midsize SUV that blends serious off-road muscle with everyday usability. Honda has reinvented this model with tougher looks, smarter tech, and enhanced capability to appeal to adventure seekers and families alike. It hits dealerships early in 2026, starting around $45,000, promising to dominate rugged trails while cruising highways smoothly.
Rugged Exterior Redesign
Honda gave the 2026 Passport a bold, backpack-style profile that screams adventure. The front grille stretches wide with aggressive LED headlights and amber accents on TrailSport versions, paired with a long hood for a commanding stance. Roof rails handle heavy loads, and the matte-black cargo bay shrugs off dirt from skis or gear. Ground clearance rises to 8.3 inches, with a wider track and longer wheelbase for stability on uneven terrain.
Potent V6 Powertrain
Under the hood, a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, a slight boost from prior years. It pairs with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for precise power distribution. Drivers get seven modes, including Tow and Trail, to tackle sand, mud, or snow confidently. This setup hauls up to 5,000 pounds, perfect for boats or campers.
Trim Levels and Key Specs
The lineup spans seven trims, from accessible RTL to premium TrailSport Elite Blackout. Here’s a quick comparison of starting MSRPs and standout features:
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| RTL | $44,950 | Leather seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| RTL Towing | $45,650 | Class III hitch, Tow mode |
| RTL Blackout | $46,150 | Black accents, same core features |
| TrailSport | $48,650 | Off-road suspension, skid plates |
| TrailSport Blackout | $49,850 | Matte black wheels, recovery hooks |
| TrailSport Elite | $52,650 | Ventilated seats, ambient lighting |
| TrailSport Elite Blackout | $53,850 | Full blackout styling, premium audio |
TrailSport models add all-terrain tires and tuned shocks for rough paths.
Spacious and Tech-Rich Interior
Step inside to find more rear legroom and up to 104.6 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded. The cabin seats five comfortably, with 41.1 inches of front legroom and heated leather seats standard. A 12.3-inch touchscreen runs Google built-in navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster keeps eyes on essentials, while optional features like a head-up display add polish.
Advanced Safety Suite
Honda Sensing returns stronger, with collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic sign recognition work seamlessly. TrailSport gets TrailWatch cameras for off-road views, plus front/rear parking sensors. These tools earn top safety nods without overwhelming the driver.
Balanced Efficiency and Capability
EPA rates most trims at 19 city/25 highway mpg, with TrailSport at 18/23 thanks to chunkier tires. Real-world tests hit around 20-25 mpg mixed, solid for a V6 AWD SUV. The 10-speed shifts smoothly for relaxed drives or quick passes, and cylinder deactivation saves fuel on flats.
Why Choose the 2026 Passport
This SUV shines for those needing versatility—tow a trailer weekdays, hit trails weekends. Competitors like the Ford Explorer lag in pure off-road tweaks, while the Passport’s Honda reliability shines through. It’s built tough yet refined, making it a smart pick for active lifestyles.
FAQs
What is the towing capacity? Up to 5,000 pounds when equipped.
When does it go on sale? Early 2026.
What engine powers it? 3.5L V6 with 285 hp.
Disclaimer
The content is intended for informational purposes only. You can check the official sources; our aim is to provide accurate information to all users.
