2026 Honda Passport: A Better SUV for Adventure

The 2026 Honda Passport is going to change the midsize SUV game, with off-road capability and on-road comfort. Building on the foundation of the past, the 2026 gets modern updates and tech to make it a city and trail-ready vehicle. With Honda's commitment to durability and reliability, the Passport is a great option for those who want to go off the grid without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Honda has given the 2026 Passport a total exterior makeover. The front fascia has been redesigned with a more angular and aggressive grille, updated LED headlights, and daytime running lights. This gives the Passport a more muscular and dynamic look, it's an adventure-ready SUV. The sculpted hood and flared fenders add to the boldness while maintaining the clean lines Honda is known for.

One of the most noticeable changes in 2026 is the added cladding around the lower body and wheel wells to show off the off-road capability. The 18-inch or 20-inch wheels (depending on trim) with all-terrain tires will help on unpaved roads. Roof rails are standard so you can easily mount your gear and accessories, making the Passport a great option for outdoor enthusiasts.

The tough and refined look of the Passport is on full display in the TrailSport trim which Honda has dubbed the most off-road capable in the lineup. This trim gets exclusive design elements like unique badging, higher ride height, and skid plates to protect the underbody when you're off-road.

Under the hood, the 2026 Honda Passport will continue with the proven 3.5-liter V6 engine producing around 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission this powertrain is a balance of power and efficiency. The V6 engine is strong enough to handle demanding off-road conditions and has the acceleration and responsiveness for city and highway driving.

Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system is key to the Passport's off-road capability. This system sends power to the rear wheels when needed to maximize traction on loose surfaces like gravel, mud, or snow. With multiple drive modes (Snow, Mud, Sand) you can easily adapt to any terrain, making the Passport a vehicle for all weather and all terrain.

Towing capacity remains strong for the 2026 Passport with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Perfect for those who need to tow small boats, trailers, or other recreational equipment.

Inside the 2026 Honda Passport, the design philosophy is comfort, practicality, and tech. The cabin feels spacious and airy with plenty of legroom for front and rear passengers. High-quality materials are used throughout with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels to give the interior a premium look and feel.

Leather-trimmed seats are standard on most trims with heated and ventilated front seats available on higher trims for long road trips or extreme weather. The rear seats have plenty of headroom and legroom making the Passport a family-friendly SUV for long road trips.

One of the big changes for the 2026 Passport is the new infotainment system. The 10.2-inch touchscreen display now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration for music, navigation, and communication. Honda has also added more USB ports and wireless charging so passengers can keep their devices charged on the go. For audiophiles, an optional premium audio system is available for an immersive listening experience for daily commutes and long road trips.

Cargo space is one of the Passport's best features. With over 41 cubic feet of space behind the second row and up to 78 cubic feet with the rear seats folded the Passport has more than enough room for gear, groceries, and everything in between. And for added convenience the hands-free power tailgate available on higher trims lets you access the cargo area even with your hands full.

Safety has always been a top priority for Honda and the 2026 Passport is no exception. The SUV comes with the latest Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. New for 2026 is a rear cross-traffic monitor with braking assist to help when backing out of parking spots or driveways.

TrailSport will have off-road specific safety features like hill descent control and a surround-view camera system with terrain monitoring to give you a better view of obstacles when off-road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) will likely give the Passport 5-star ratings for crash safety like all Honda vehicles.

Fuel economy is always a top priority for SUV buyers and Honda has managed to improve the Passport's fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The 2026 will get around 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway thanks to improved aerodynamics and engine tuning. That's competitive in the class for a vehicle with this much capability, especially for those who prioritize fuel savings on long road trips or daily commutes.

A hybrid version of the 2026 Passport has been teased but details are still pending. If it happens it will likely improve fuel economy and have the same performance as the Passport.

The 2026 Honda Passport is a balance of off-road capability and everyday practicality. Its rugged design, powerful V6 engine, and advanced safety features make it a great choice for those who need a vehicle that can handle city streets and outdoor adventures. Honda's innovation is evident in the new tech and refined interior so the Passport will remain a midsize SUV leader for years to come.