Individuals have all the time had a gentle spot for SUVs. It’s not onerous to see why, since they’ve just about changed the previous station wagon for hauling children, gear, and every little thing in between.
Today, patrons anticipate extra than simply area, although. They need consolation, functionality, and one thing that may deal with each college runs and rougher weekend plans with out breaking a sweat. That’s precisely the area the 2026 Honda Passport is aiming for.
The 2-row midsize SUV phase isn’t precisely quick on expertise anymore. With rivals just like the Ford Bronco, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Subaru Outback setting a excessive bar, Honda’s newest Passport has its work lower out.
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The 2026 Honda Passport brings actual off-road grit with out giving up day by day consolation
A refreshed midsize SUV that balances rugged functionality with on a regular basis usability
Honda is asking the 2026 Passport its “final journey SUV,” which is a reasonably daring technique to introduce a family-friendly midsize rig. Nonetheless, this factor is clearly attempting to again it up.
The 2026 mannequin will get a correct refresh, and it reveals straight away within the styling. The softer, forgettable look is gone, changed by a boxier, extra rugged design that feels prepared for dust roads as an alternative of simply college runs.
That squared-off vibe isn’t precisely distinctive nowadays, both, with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Wrangler all leaning into the identical powerful aesthetic. Beneath all of it, the Passport sticks with a 3.5-liter V-6, now making 285 horsepower as an alternative of 280, paired with a brand new 10-speed computerized for 2026.
The 2026 Passport additionally grows a bit the place it issues. The wheelbase stretches from 110.9 to 113.6 inches, and each the entrance and rear tracks are wider than earlier than.
It additionally sits greater off the bottom than the outgoing mannequin, which helps give it extra confidence when the pavement ends. All of this isn’t only for present both, since Honda is clearly attempting to make the Passport work as each a comfortable day by day driver and one thing you may truly take off-road.
To make that occur, it will get an up to date all-wheel drive system and extra trail-focused package, particularly on the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims. A shorter entrance overhang additionally helps enhance method angles, giving it a greater shot at tackling steep, uneven terrain with out scraping up entrance.
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New AWD system offers the Passport extra management when the path will get tough
Upgraded torque-vectoring tech helps it deal with dust, snow, and every little thing in between
For 2026, the Passport will get the most recent model of Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system. The massive improve here’s a stronger rear drive unit that’s constructed to deal with extra abuse.
Honda says the brand new setup can take 40 % extra torque than earlier than, whereas additionally reacting about 30 % faster than the outgoing system. In plain phrases, it ought to really feel extra responsive when circumstances get slippery or uneven.
So how does it truly work? An onboard electrical motor runs hydraulic pumps at every clutch pack, all managed by the SUV’s ECU to shuffle energy the place it’s wanted. The system can ship as much as 70 % of the V-6’s energy to the rear wheels, after which fine-tune it side-to-side relying on traction.
The result’s a torque-vectoring setup that may push energy to a single wheel if it has to. That’s the sort of trick that makes it simpler to maintain shifting even when one wheel is hanging within the air on tough terrain.
The 2026 Passport additionally provides extra flexibility behind the wheel with seven drive modes now within the combine. Alongside Regular, Econ, Snow, and Sand, you now get Sport, Path, and a devoted Tow mode.
Towing stays rated at as much as 5,000 kilos, which matches the outgoing mannequin. That places it forward of rivals just like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Blazer, even when it nonetheless falls wanting the Toyota Land Cruiser’s 6,000-pound max.
Beginning worth lands at $46,455
The 2026 Passport’s new look isn’t the one factor altering—pricing is up throughout the board too. The bottom RTL begins at $44,750, barely greater than final 12 months’s $43,895 entry level.
Transfer as much as the TrailSport, and also you’re $49,900, which is a $3,450 soar over the earlier mannequin 12 months. On the prime quality, the TrailSport Elite is available in at $53,900.
Even so, Honda retains it aggressive within the phase. The Ford Bronco begins at $42,490, whereas the Toyota Land Cruiser begins at a a lot steeper $59,095 for its entry trim.
Sitting just below the $50,000 mark, the 2026 Passport TrailSport is arguably the candy spot within the lineup. It will get a suspension tuned particularly to steadiness on a regular basis consolation with correct off-road potential.
It additionally comes loaded with the correct of rugged extras, together with skid plates, a four-view digicam system, distinctive 18-inch wheels, and a bit extra floor clearance than the pre-facelift mannequin. It’s clearly aimed toward patrons who need actual functionality with out leaping to the highest trim.
Above it sits the TrailSport Elite, which is extra about consolation than crawling over rocks. That model provides ventilated leather-based seats, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, rear local weather controls, and a heated steering wheel for a extra premium really feel.
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport specs
|
Engine |
Naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
10-speed auto |
|
Drivetrain |
All-wheel drive |
|
Energy / torque |
285 hp / 262 lb-ft |
|
Cargo quantity |
44 cubic toes (behind second row) |
|
Curb weight |
4,676 lbs |
|
Towing capability |
5,000 lbs |
Honda Adds Rugged Capability to Its Best‑Selling SUV for 2026
For 2026, Honda’s best-selling SUV will get a harder edge with extra off-road functionality, Trailsport styling, and improved versatility.
A small energy bump for 2026 retains the Passport aggressive
For 2026, the Passport will get a small however welcome bump in energy. The acquainted 3.5-liter V6 carries over, however output climbs from 280 to 285 horsepower, together with 262 lb-ft of torque.
It’s a modest achieve, however sufficient to edge previous its predecessor and even nudge forward of the 2026 Toyota 4Runner’s 278-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. That stated, it nonetheless can’t fairly match the Ford Bronco’s stronger turbocharged setups, which prime out at 300 hp and 330 hp relying on the engine.
Not like some rivals, there’s no guide possibility right here both. The Passport sticks with a 10-speed computerized solely, which additionally replaces the outgoing gearbox as a part of the 2026 replace.
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It rolls on powerful Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires, prepared for dust, gravel, and every little thing in between.
A roomy, no-nonsense cabin constructed for real-life use
Loads of area, easy-clean supplies, and comfort-focused touches all through
The 2026 Passport retains issues clear and uncomplicated inside, which is truthfully refreshing. Even the bottom mannequin comes with leather-trimmed seats, so that you’re not caught with bargain-basement supplies.
Transfer as much as the TrailSport and also you get easy-to-wipe fake leather-based and a panoramic sunroof that immediately makes the cabin really feel airier. It’s a pleasant mix of sensible and premium with out going overboard.
Area is one other robust level. With 44 cubic toes behind the second row and as much as 83.8 cubic toes with the seats folded, it has loads of room for household journeys, Costco runs, or each. It falls a bit wanting the Toyota 4Runner’s max capability, however for most individuals, it’s greater than sufficient.
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The 2026 Passport ranges up in all the suitable methods
Extra functionality, smarter options, and a harder perspective than final 12 months
The 2026 Passport brings much more to the desk than a contemporary face. Its makeover comes with noticeably improved off-road chops, plus some enjoyable, surprisingly sensible extras—like a MOLLE-style storage system and a detachable picnic desk that feels tailored for weekend adventures.
There’s extra space inside this 12 months, too, together with a quieter and extra refined cabin that doesn’t shout for consideration. It’s nonetheless very a lot a Honda, only a extra succesful and extra snug one.
Towing capability carries over unchanged, however the TrailSport trim now consists of a typical hitch and seven-pin connector, giving it an edge over some rivals. Honda even proved its confidence within the Passport’s power by hanging three of them from a crane utilizing solely their restoration factors—an over-the-top flex, positive, however an efficient one.
With pricing beginning at $44,750 and the TrailSport touchdown just below $50,000, the Passport stays aggressive in its phase with out pretending to be a bargain-bin off-roader. It’s merely a harder, extra well-rounded SUV than it was final 12 months.
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