The 2026 Honda Passport steps up as Honda’s most adventurous midsize SUV yet. Fully redesigned with bolder, boxier styling and serious off-road upgrades, this two-row hauler blends rugged capability with everyday refinement. Powered by a potent V6 and standard AWD, it earned a spot on Car and Driver’s 2026 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for its impressive balance of trail-ready hardware and on-road comfort.
Curious if a family SUV can still deliver thrills beyond the pavement? This one aims to prove it can.
Bold New Look: Rugged and Ready for Anything
The 2026 Passport turns heads with its muscular flared fenders, rectangular LED headlights accented by amber highlights, and a clean, upright grille. It measures about 191.5 inches long, 79.4 inches wide, and stands tall with 8.3 inches of ground clearance for better approach angles. TrailSport models add skid plates, orange tow hooks, and all-terrain tires for that true adventure vibe.
This isn’t just styling it’s functional toughness that sets it apart from softer crossovers.
Cabin Comfort: More Space, Modern Tech, and Practical Touches
Climb inside to find a roomier cabin thanks to the longer wheelbase and wider track. Rear legroom feels generous for adults, and total passenger volume hits around 119 cubic feet. Front seats offer solid support with standard heating across the board.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen anchors the dash, running Google built-in for seamless navigation and voice commands. The 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster keeps info at eye level. Cargo space impresses with up to 83.8 cubic feet seats folded, perfect for gear or weekend hauls.
Under the Hood: Smooth Power and Smart Drivetrain
Press the accelerator, and the 3.5-liter V6 delivers a refined surge of 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 10-speed automatic featuring paddle shifters, it shifts crisply whether merging or climbing trails. The second-gen i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD responds faster for confident grip in snow, sand, or mud.
Seven drive modes—including Trail, Sand, Tow, and Sport let you tailor the experience. Expect quick, responsive handling that feels surprisingly agile for its size.
Fuel Economy: Solid for a V6-Powered Adventure SUV
Real-world efficiency holds up well with EPA estimates of 19 city/25 highway/21 combined mpg on RTL trims. TrailSport versions dip slightly to 18/23/20 due to off-road tires and tuning. Owners often report 20-22 mpg in mixed driving, making it practical for long trips or daily commutes.
It’s not the thriftiest in class, but the power payoff justifies the numbers for most buyers.
Safety First: Advanced Aids and Strong Ratings
Honda Sensing comes standard with collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and road departure mitigation. Features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert enhance awareness on higher trims. The rigid chassis and improved structure contribute to expected top safety scores.
It’s built to protect you whether on highways or light trails.
Trim Levels and Pricing: Options for Every Adventure
Starting in the mid-$40,000s, the lineup includes RTL (around $44,950), TrailSport ($48,650+), and top-tier TrailSport Elite (up to $52,650+). RTL focuses on comfort with premium touches, while TrailSport adds off-road hardware like all-terrain tires and tuned suspension. Elite brings extras like panoramic sunroof and advanced audio.
Value shines with standard AWD and capability that rivals pricier competitors.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Potent 285-hp V6 with smooth 10-speed transmission
- Impressive off-road upgrades on TrailSport models
- Spacious, tech-rich interior with ample cargo room
- Standard AWD and seven drive modes for versatility
- Strong Honda reliability reputation and solid resale value
Cons:
- Fuel economy trails hybrid rivals
- Higher trims push pricing into luxury territory
- No third-row option (that’s Pilot territory)
- Some road noise on coarser surfaces with all-terrain tires
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
The 2026 Passport outshines the Toyota 4Runner in on-road refinement while matching much of its trail prowess. Compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe, it offers more standard AWD capability and a proven V6 feel. Versus its sibling, the three-row Honda Pilot, the Passport prioritizes two-row space and rugged focus over extra seating.
Have you ever wondered how it compares to the classic Honda Element for quirky utility? Check out our take on the Honda Element for a fun contrast.
For those who loved the balanced daily driver appeal of past models, explore the 2018 Honda Accord as a sedan alternative.
Who Should Grab the Keys?
This Passport fits active families, weekend warriors, and commuters who want more than pavement performance. Outdoor enthusiasts love the TrailSport’s skid plates and modes for light off-roading. Couples or small families appreciate the cargo flexibility without third-row bulk.
If you tow boats, haul gear, or hit dirt roads regularly, it’s a sweet spot.
Wrapping It Up: A Top Pick for Adventure-Seekers
The 2026 Honda Passport excels with its powerful V6, enhanced off-road chops, spacious cabin, and advanced safety tech. Minor trade-offs in fuel economy don’t overshadow its strengths in capability, refinement, and Honda’s legendary reliability.
Whether you’re eyeing trails or highways, it’s worth a test drive. Visit a dealer soon to experience the upgrades firsthand.
For the full official specs and features, head to the 2026 Honda Passport page on Honda’s official site. For detailed expert insights, see Car and Driver’s coverage.
Soban Arshad is a car lover and founder of RoadLancer.com, sharing news, reviews, and trends from the automotive world.
