The 2026 Honda Passport: A Modern Revival with ’90s Off-Road Flair
Honda is breathing new life into its Passport SUV, returning it to its rugged roots. The original 1990s Passport was an off-road focused SUV, built on an Isuzu platform, and well-regarded for its adventure-ready design. In contrast, the revived 2019–2024 version of the Passport was more of a family-oriented crossover, closely resembling its sibling, the Honda Pilot. With the 2026 Honda Passport, however, the focus shifts back to off-road capability, with a fresh design aimed at competing with stalwarts like the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Subaru Outback.
A New Direction for the Passport
Honda’s 2026 Passport is built upon the same platform as the Pilot, but this iteration takes a significant departure by emphasizing off-road capability and adding bold styling elements. During our test of the Passport TrailSport prototype through Moab, Utah, we discovered that the Passport’s off-road enhancements extend beyond its trim, with two out of three Passport variants now featuring the off-road-oriented TrailSport setup. While the standard Passport RTL model retains much of the TrailSport’s features, it does not include all-terrain tires and skid plates.
For 2026, the Passport benefits from Honda’s improved “light truck” platform, shared with the Pilot, Ridgeline, and Odyssey. The updated structure enhances both front lateral and rear torsional rigidity, as well as a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase, improving ride quality and stability. The suspension has been reworked, enhancing off-road articulation and overall comfort, making the Passport more capable on rugged terrain than its predecessor.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the 2026 Passport gets an upgraded version of the Pilot’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine, producing 285 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. While the horsepower increase is modest, the new engine offers improved fuel efficiency due to its cylinder-deactivation feature. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the Passport’s drivetrain delivers both power and traction for off-road excursions.
Off-Road Features
Targeting key off-road competitors, the 2026 Passport offers a host of features designed to tackle tough terrain. The mid-tier TrailSport and the range-topping TrailSport Elite models come with 18-inch wheels, sunken valve stems, all-terrain tires, and steel skidplates to protect critical components like the oil pan, transmission, and fuel tank. Recovery points are included at the front and rear, capable of handling twice the Passport’s gross vehicle weight rating. Additional features like trail cameras and off-road drive modes (Trail, Snow, and Sand) further enhance the Passport’s capability.
For those seeking even more off-road readiness, steel rock sliders and a full-size spare are available as dealer-installed options. A unique feature includes a cleverly mounted spare tire, reminiscent of the old Jeep Cherokee, secured by a cupholder-like wedge and seatbelt webbing. Other accessories include a rooftop tent platform and a hard cargo shelf that doubles as a camp table.
Despite its rugged features, the Passport’s ground clearance is a modest 8.3 inches, a slight increase from the previous model, but still behind the competition—such as the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler—whose base models offer higher clearance. The Passport’s approach angle of 23 degrees is also relatively modest, while departure and breakover angles are likely to be in the mid-20s and mid-teens, respectively. For serious off-roading, rock sliders will be a must.
Bold New Design
The 2026 Passport’s styling marks a stark departure from the family-friendly appearance of its predecessor. Taking inspiration from its 1990s roots, the new design emphasizes a more rugged, truck-like profile. With a longer dash-to-axle ratio, flared fenders, and short overhangs, the Passport’s exterior exudes the spirit of adventure. A “bold backpack design theme” highlights the rear cargo area, incorporating a durable matte black finish, ideal for outdoor gear like skis or fishing rods.
In terms of trim, the Passport RTL comes with a black grille, matte black trim, and a silver skid garnish. The TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims feature gloss black and metallic silver accents, along with amber daytime running lights, orange recovery points, and unique wheels shod with all-terrain tires. All models include a rear trailer hitch, capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the 2026 Passport shares its basic layout with the Pilot but differentiates with unique materials, color palettes, and specialized off-road readouts on the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch Google-powered infotainment display. Standard features include heated power front seats, extensive storage options, water-bottle-friendly cupholders, a power tailgate, and fold-flat rear seats for added cargo capacity.
Trim-specific updates include the TrailSport’s faux leather and cloth seats with orange stitching, while the TrailSport Elite boasts perforated leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The TrailSport models also include power-folding mirrors, a heated windshield, and a panoramic sunroof.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Honda Passport is expected to hit dealerships in Spring 2025. Pricing is anticipated to start around $45,000, a slight increase over the current model’s base price of $43,795. The TrailSport variant is likely to begin at approximately $48,000, while the TrailSport Elite may be priced around $51,000. As for its off-road prowess compared to rivals from Ford, Jeep, Toyota, and Subaru, the 2026 Passport is poised to make its mark, but only time will tell how it stacks up.
2026 Honda Passport Specifications
- Base Price: $45,000–$51,000 (estimated)
- Layout: Front-engine, AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door SUV
- Engine: 3.5L/285-hp/262-lb-ft DOHC 32-valve V-6
- Curb Weight: 4,400–4,650 lb (estimated)
- Wheelbase: 113.8 inches
- Dimensions: 190.6 x 79.5 x 73.1 inches
- 0–60 MPH: 6.5 seconds (estimated)
- EPA City/Hwy/Combined Fuel Economy: 19/24/21 mpg (estimated)
- EPA Range (Combined): 350 miles (estimated)
- On Sale: Spring 2025
