Americans have always had a soft spot for SUVs.It’s not hard to see why, since they’ve pretty much replaced the old station wagon for hauling kids, gear, and everything in between.These days, buyers expect more than just space, though.
They want comfort, capability, and something that can handle both school runs and rougher weekend plans without breaking a sweat.That’s exactly the space the 2026 Honda Passport is aiming for.The two-row midsize SUV segment isn’t exactly short on talent anymore.
With rivals like the Ford Bronco, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Subaru Outback setting a high bar, Honda’s latest Passport has its work cut out.In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Honda and other authoritative sources, including CarBuzz, Edmunds, and TopSpeed.Related This Subaru SUV hits 60 mph in under 5 seconds—and seats seven Subaru’s new three-row EV packs 420 horspower, real off-road chops, and enough space for the whole family—without feeling boring.
Posts 1 By Adam Gray The 2026 Honda Passport brings real off-road grit without giving up daily comfort A refreshed midsize SUV that balances rugged capability with everyday usability Honda is calling the 2026 Passport its “ultimate adventure SUV,” which is a pretty bold way to introduce a family-friendly midsize rig.Still, this thing is clearly trying to back it up.The 2026 model gets a proper refresh, and it shows right away in the styling.
The softer, forgettable look is gone, replaced by a boxier, more rugged design that feels ready for dirt roads instead of just school runs.That squared-off vibe isn’t exactly unique these days, either, with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Wrangler all leaning into the same tough aesthetic.Underneath it all, the Passport sticks with a 3.5-liter V-6, now making 285 horsepower instead of 280, paired with a new 10-speed automatic for 2026.
The 2026 Passport also grows a bit where it matters.The wheelbase stretches from 110.9 to 113.6 inches, and both the front and rear tracks are wider than before.It also sits higher off the ground than the outgoing model, which helps give it more confidence when the pavement ends.
All of this isn’t just for show either, since Honda is clearly trying to make the Passport work as both a comfy daily driver and something you can actually take off-road.To make that happen, it gets an updated all-wheel drive system and more trail-focused kit, especially on the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims.A shorter front overhang also helps improve approach angles, giving it a better shot at tackling steep, uneven terrain without scraping up front.
Related 10 Honda SUVs You Should Buy Used These 10 used Honda SUVs offer great reliability, value, and performance for budget-conscious buyers.Posts 2 By Tyler Dupont New AWD system gives the Passport more control when the trail gets rough Upgraded torque-vectoring tech helps it handle dirt, snow, and everything in between For 2026, the Passport gets the latest version of Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system.The big upgrade here is a stronger rear drive unit that’s built to handle more abuse.
Honda says the new setup can take 40 percent more torque than before, while also reacting about 30 percent quicker than the outgoing system.In plain terms, it should feel more responsive when conditions get slippery or uneven.So how does it actually work? An onboard electric motor runs hydraulic pumps at each clutch pack, all managed by the SUV’s ECU to shuffle power where it’s needed.
The system can send up to 70 percent of the V-6’s power to the rear wheels, and then fine-tune it side-to-side depending on traction.The result is a torque-vectoring setup that can push power to a single wheel if it has to.That’s the kind of trick that makes it easier to keep moving even when one wheel is hanging in the air on rough terrain.
The 2026 Passport also adds more flexibility behind the wheel with seven drive modes now in the mix.Alongside Normal, Econ, Snow, and Sand, you now get Sport, Trail, and a dedicated Tow mode.Towing stays rated at up to 5,000 pounds, which matches the outgoing model.
That puts it ahead of rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Blazer, even if it still falls short of the Toyota Land Cruiser’s 6,000-pound max.Starting price lands at $46,455 The 2026 Passport’s new look isn’t the only thing changing—pricing is up across the board too.The base RTL starts at $44,750, slightly higher than last year’s $43,895 entry point.
Move up to the TrailSport, and you’re looking at $49,900, which is a $3,450 jump over the previous model year.At the top of the range, the TrailSport Elite comes in at $53,900.Even so, Honda keeps it competitive in the segment.
The Ford Bronco starts at $42,490, while the Toyota Land Cruiser begins at a much steeper $59,095 for its entry trim.Sitting just under the $50,000 mark, the 2026 Passport TrailSport is arguably the sweet spot in the lineup.It gets a suspension tuned specifically to balance everyday comfort with proper off-road ability.
It also comes loaded with the right kind of rugged extras, including skid plates, a four-view camera system, unique 18-inch wheels, and a bit more ground clearance than the pre-facelift model.It’s clearly aimed at buyers who want real capability without jumping to the top trim.Above it sits the TrailSport Elite, which is more about comfort than crawling over rocks.
That version adds ventilated leather seats, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, rear climate controls, and a heated steering wheel for a more premium feel.2026 Honda Passport TrailSport specs Engine Naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 Transmission 10-speed auto Drivetrain All-wheel drive Power / torque 285 hp / 262 lb-ft Cargo volume 44 cubic feet (behind second row) Curb weight 4,676 lbs Towing capacity 5,000 lbs Related Honda Adds Rugged Capability to Its Best‑Selling SUV for 2026 For 2026, Honda’s best-selling SUV gets a tougher edge with more off-road capability, Trailsport styling, and improved versatility.Posts By Tyler Dupont A small power bump for 2026 keeps the Passport competitive The V-6 gains a few extra horses, but it still leans on smooth, everyday usability For 2026, the Passport gets a small but welcome bump in power.
The familiar 3.5-liter V6 carries over, but output climbs from 280 to 285 horsepower, along with 262 lb-ft of torque.It’s a modest gain, but enough to edge past its predecessor and even nudge ahead of the 2026 Toyota 4Runner’s 278-hp turbocharged four-cylinder.That said, it still can’t quite match the Ford Bronco’s stronger turbocharged setups, which top out at 300 hp and 330 hp depending on the engine.
Unlike some rivals, there’s no manual option here either.The Passport sticks with a 10-speed automatic only, which also replaces the outgoing gearbox as part of the 2026 update.Related 2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport Breaks Cover With Trail-Ready Upgrades It rolls on tough Continental CrossContact ATR all-terrain tires, ready for dirt, gravel, and everything in between.
Posts By Adam Gray A roomy, no-nonsense cabin built for real-life use Plenty of space, easy-clean materials, and comfort-focused touches throughout The 2026 Passport keeps things clean and uncomplicated inside, which is honestly refreshing.Even the base model comes with leather-trimmed seats, so you’re not stuck with bargain-basement materials.Move up to the TrailSport and you get easy-to-wipe faux leather and a panoramic sunroof that instantly makes the cabin feel airier.
It’s a nice blend of practical and premium without going overboard.Space is another strong point.With 44 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 83.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, it has plenty of room for family trips, Costco runs, or both.
It falls a bit short of the Toyota 4Runner’s max capacity, but for most people, it’s more than enough.Related A comprehensive guide to every Toyota SUV on sale in 2026 From compact to full-size, here’s the complete Toyota SUV lineup.Posts By Tyler Dupont The 2026 Passport levels up in all the right ways More capability, smarter features, and a tougher attitude than last year The 2026 Passport brings a lot more to the table than a fresh face.
Its makeover comes with noticeably improved off-road chops, plus some fun, surprisingly practical extras—like a MOLLE-style storage system and a removable picnic table that feels tailor-made for weekend adventures.There’s more space inside this year, too, along with a quieter and more refined cabin that doesn’t shout for attention.It’s still very much a Honda, just a more capable and more comfortable one.
Towing capacity carries over unchanged, but the TrailSport trim now includes a standard hitch and seven-pin connector, giving it an edge over some competitors.Honda even proved its confidence in the Passport’s strength by hanging three of them from a crane using only their recovery points—an over-the-top flex, sure, but an effective one.With pricing starting at $44,750 and the TrailSport landing just under $50,000, the Passport stays competitive in its segment without pretending to be a bargain-bin off-roader.
It’s simply a tougher, more well-rounded SUV than it was last year.
Read More
