Honda Passport Review 2026: Wild Look, Useful Strength

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Honda

Passport

Enhanced | Honda | SUV

In this Honda Passport Review, the big question is whether the 2026 Honda Passport is finally the SUV it always looked like it wanted to be. Since Honda brought the name back, the Passport has been a solid, useful two-row SUV, but not always the one that stood out in a crowded field. For 2026, that changes in a meaningful way. Honda gave it a much tougher design, but more importantly, backed it up with real upgrades underneath: a stiffer platform, revised suspension, standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive, and a 285-hp V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic. The wheelbase is longer, cargo space is up, rear-seat room improves, and the cabin gets a much more modern tech setup with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, Google built-in, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So this is not just a styling refresh meant to look good in photos. The 2026 Honda Passport appears to be Honda’s attempt to make this SUV feel more competitive, more capable, and a lot more memorable.

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 many hardware changes 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 powers 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 navigating trail hazards. It all sounds great, but we won’t know how well this improved 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 exterior features a stronger roof rail, a new headlight design, fender flares, and a revised front fascia. The new Passport has a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase and a track that is 1.4 inches wider. 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.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The stereo and entertainment system comes with a 12.3-inch tablet running the latest Honda software 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 and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. 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.

Engine and Performance

The only engine available is Honda’s 3.5-liter V-6, which produces 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 the chassis is much more durable than the previous model because it is built on the Honda light truck platform, which also underpins the Ridgeline pickup truck. There are also stronger suspension parts added. The TrailSport models feature a custom suspension tune and several skid plates to protect key components. 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.

Fuel Economy

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.

Safety Features

Honda Sensing is a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance tools that is standard on all Passport models. Blind-spot recognition, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights are among the features included in 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.

Cargo and Towing 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, rear temperature controls, rear door shades, and more ambient lighting. The TrailSport Elite also includes a 12-speaker Bose luxury sound system with a subwoofer. 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.

Towing and Payload 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 are 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, rear temperature controls, rear door shades, and more ambient lighting. The TrailSport Elite also includes a 12-speaker Bose luxury sound system with a subwoofer. 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.

Price and How to Choose

The 2026 Honda Passport can cost between $46,200 and $53,900, depending on 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.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Rugged redesign finally gives the Passport the presence its badge always promised, without turning it into a clumsy truck substitute.
Stronger standard hardware than before, including a 285-hp V6, 10-speed automatic, and standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive across the lineup.
Real towing muscle for the class, with up to 5,000 pounds and standard hitch hardware on TrailSport models.
Much more convincing off-road story now, especially in TrailSport trims with all-terrain tires, skid plates, added ground clearance, and off-road-tuned suspension.
Cabin looks and feels more modern, with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital gauge display, wireless smartphone integration, and Google built-in.
Cargo space is one of its strongest practical advantages, with about 44.0 cu ft behind the rear seats and roughly 83.8 cu ft with the rear seats folded.
Honda seems to have improved the balance between daily comfort and trail readiness, so it does not feel like you have to sacrifice normal drivability to get the tougher look and hardware.

Cons

Fuel economy is still just average for the segment, and TrailSport models take another hit because of their all-terrain tires.
No hybrid or more efficient powertrain option, which makes the Passport feel a step behind rivals that now give buyers more than one path.
Torque peaks high in the rev range, so while the V6 is solid, it may not feel especially punchy at low speeds compared with some turbocharged competitors. This last point is an inference from the published torque peak and test impressions.
Pricing moves up quickly once you get into the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims, especially if your real use case is mostly pavement.
The tougher design is a big improvement, but some buyers may still find it more “rugged-looking” than truly rugged compared with more hardcore off-road SUVs. That is partly an editorial inference, but it matches how Car and Driver frames the model as practical first, emotional second.
TrailSport hardware is meaningful, but if you never leave the road, you may end up paying for capability and equipment you simply will not use.