2026 Honda Passport: The car market was once brimming with amusing little secrets, a hidden feature that most modern car purchasers have long since forgotten. Honda is more fond of these amusing embellishments than many other manufacturers.
One of the most famous odd features is the Honda Motocompacto, a strange folding scooter that Honda offered as a factory add-on from 1981 to 1983.
Fast-forward to the 90s, and Honda began offering its customers a fun, though not as fun as a scooter, additional feature on the original Honda CR-V: a picnic table. Yep, many CR-V owners may not know that the original version had a built-in picnic table extending from the cargo area. After many years, Honda is returning a picnic table for the 2026 Honda Passport.
The 2026 Honda Passport is a more trail-inclined, bolder, and more adventurous SUV that reintroduces the picnic table, but it will be more apparent this time. Officially (and bureaucratically) referred to as the Tailgate Table Rack, this accessory is no longer considered standard cargo; it is priced at $425.
This version is situated directly in the vehicle’s center whenever the hatch is opened, in contrast to its predecessor, the CR-V, which necessitated complete unloading to ascend. It can accommodate up to 44 pounds of whatever you are transporting on the weekend, whether it is placed flat on the cargo floor or elevated into a rack position.
In the underfloor storage area, the legs are stowed in a drawstring pouch, as they no longer fit into a clever manually screwed folding design. The new table, which measures 42 by 36 inches, surpasses the previous 31×25 and 34×30 CR-V versions, albeit with a slight increase in labor.
Under the pines, there is ample space for a camp buffet or a four-person supper. The composite tabletop is rubberized for traction and engraved with a topographic map of the California desert near Barstow, a subtle tribute to the location where Honda Racing Corporation trains for the Baja 1000.
2026 Honda Passport Review
A comprehensive redesign of the 2026 Honda Passport has been implemented. Fundamentally, it is strikingly comparable to the Passport of the previous generation, which was in operation from 2019 to 2025. Like the larger three-row Pilot, it is mechanically similar but shorter and lacks a third row of seating.
In essence, the 2026 Passport is designed for consumers who desire a slightly larger vehicle and more aggressive than the typical small SUV (such as the CR-V) but do not require or desire the complete utility of a mid-size three-row SUV. Its boxier appearance, upgraded powertrain, new technology features, and enhanced on-road and off-road performance are among its standout highlights.
What’s New
- Completely redesigned for 2026
- Boxier styling and smoother ride quality
- New technology features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen
- The 2026 model begins the fourth Passport generation
Honda Passport is Ready for Adventure
Honda’s two-row midsize SUV finally lives up to its road-ready name while upholding its family-hauling credentials.
As the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport limped over an off-road obstacle, one of its rear wheels dangling helplessly in the air, we wondered if most people who bought this two-row midsize SUV would feel out of their comfort zone.
Although SUVs that promote an adventurous lifestyle are evidently popular, it is uncertain how many individuals actually desire to crawl over the red rocks of Moab or replicate the balancing act of our TrailSport, which was one of several off-road stunts we attempted while driving the new fourth-generation Passport in Puerto Rico.
Honda unquestionably developed the new Passport with the TrailSport in mind. The new platform, which is shared with the larger three-row Honda Pilot, boasts a substantially stiffer structure than the previous one, and the styling is bolder and boxier.
Every Passport also gets a revised suspension with larger control arms and steering knuckles. With its reinforced underpinnings, the sturdier TrailSport trim can better play in the dirt and tackle terrain too treacherous for soft-bellied, smooth-tire alternatives.
- All-Terrain Tires: 31-inch tires on 18-inch wheels provide better traction.
- Skid Plates: Steel skid plates protect critical components from rough terrain.
- TrailWatch System: A 360-degree camera system helps navigate obstacles.
- Riding Modes: Various modes, including Trail, Sand, and Snow, adjust vehicle dynamics for various terrains.
Honda Passport 2026
Ford’s extroverted Raptor model helped spur the many off-road subbrands that flooded the market and perhaps inspired the Passport TrailSport’s yellow daytime running lights and bold lettering emblazoned on the front bumper and rear tailgate.
The new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport model also has plastic body cladding and a (fake) hood, but the tough aesthetic is also supported by official equipment like knobby General Grabber A/T Sport all-terrain tires and orange-painted front recovery points.
Honda officials assert that the Passport is capable of supporting twice the weight of an SUV, but it is specifically engineered to ensure that it survives a frontal collision. In contrast to those of the Pilot TrailSport, the Passport’s front tow connections are easily accessible.
The latter is built into the TrailSport’s standard trailer hitch (it’s optional on lower RTL trims we haven’t driven), allowing the Passport to tow up to 5,000 pounds. We took advantage of the SUV’s shorter overhangs compared to the previous model, with the front bumper providing a better approach angle of 23.0 degrees (versus 21.1 degrees previously), making it easier to climb steep inclines.
Furthermore, the implementation of the new descent control feature. The TrailWatch surveillance system is an additional valuable tool for both novices and professionals; however, it is exclusively available in the TrailSport’s upscale Elite trim. It is capable of displaying four distinct perspectives at speeds of up to 15 mph, which simplifies the process of traversing narrow roads and hills, much like maneuvering the Accord into the parking lot at Trader Joe’s.
The 2026 Honda Passport is also slightly elevated compared to its predecessor, with a clearance of 8.3 inches between the ground and the TrailSport’s steel skid plate. The engine oil pan, transmission, and fuel tank were spared from a disastrous day, even though the scratching sound from ascending rocks caused us to clench our teeth.
Additional TrailSport protective measures include 18-inch wheels with concealed rims and concave valve stems. The matte black section above the rear side windows, which Honda refers to as a “backpack” design, is not exclusive to the off-road model.
Its purpose is to prevent the paint from being marred when tall objects, such as skis, lean against the vehicle. Honda offers a full-size vertical spare tire mount for the cargo area in the event that a pointed object punctures the tire. This mount is more convenient to access than traditional underbody-mounted units.
The 2026 Honda Passport is equipped with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Honda claims the new rear differential is 40% more torque-capable and responds more rapidly than its predecessor. Trail mode is activated, which transfers up to 70% of the engine torque to the rear axle and 100% of that rotation to the rear wheels with traction. It functions similarly to a locking differential, enabling the TrailSport to ascend and descend impermanent off-road trails, even when one wheel has departed the ground.
2026 Honda Passport Specs
it’s not just about the table. The new Passport, especially in its TrailSport trim, is Honda’s most off-road capable vehicle.
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport doesn’t just take you to the trailhead. According to Honda, it’s built to run. Under the hood, you have a trusty 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, all channeled through a 10-speed automatic that knows how to go fast.
The real party trick, however, is Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system, which intelligently shuffles power and grips for days. Throw on a set of 275/60R18 all-terrain tires and an off-road suspension, and you’ve got a rig that won’t budge when the asphalt runs out. Skid plates underneath help protect critical parts when the track starts to get elbow.
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 3.5L DOHC V6 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| All-Wheel Drive | i-VTM4 torque-vectoring |
| Recovery Points | Exposed, heavy-duty front loops |
| Skid Plates | Steel (engine, transmission, fuel tank) |
| Tires | 31-inch all-terrain |
| TrailWatch System | 360-degree camera views |
| Drive Modes | Trail, Sand, Snow |
2026 Honda Passport Interior
Inside, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport has enough rugged charm to match its exterior. The seats are made from a combination of faux leather and fabric with orange stitching, while a suite of tech keeps things civilized.
The Passport does not dazzle with its design, but impresses with its practicality. The dash and center console have ample storage space, and we’re glad Honda retained the physical knobs and buttons for the stereo and climate controls. We just wish Honda had replaced the push-button shifter with a traditional lever.
The dash and door panels of the standard TrailSport are adorned with attractive fabric that extends to the seats, which are trimmed in black synthetic leather that is simple to clean. The vehicle’s surfaces are primarily black. Orange contrast stitching and “TrailSport” logos on the front headrests provide a pop of color. However, perforated leather is exclusively available in the Elite trim, which is the more expensive of the two TrailSport models. Additionally, the Elite trim offers brown and gray interior hues.
The 2026 Honda Passport has a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster running the show, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa, and even built-in Google apps with three years of unlimited data. Honda also packs a complete Sensing safety suite with lane keeping, automatic braking, and cruise control that doesn’t disrupt traffic.
Comfortable, adjustable front seats make the Passport a great travel companion, and rear-seat riders get an extra 1.3 inches of legroom thanks to a wheelbase that’s been extended 2.7 inches to 113.6 inches. Cargo space behind the second row now measures 44 cubic feet (an increase of three cubes), and lowering the rear seatbacks opens up 84 cubic feet of space (six more than before).
In short, this is a do-it-all, go-anywhere crossover that really feels like it wants to go somewhere, and can provide a picnic table when you get there.
2026 Honda Passport Engine
For those who appreciate the richer sound of a naturally aspirated V-6 over a muffled turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Passport gets kudos for the 285-hp 3.5-liter V-6 it shares with the Pilot.
The engine now mates to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission instead of the previous nine-speed.
Performance
Honda may have intended the TrailSport to accumulate grime, but it has not neglected the Passport’s fundamental objective: transporting individuals and their belongings.
Despite the updated suspension, which includes revised spring rates, retuned dampers and valvetrains, and a reduced front anti-roll bar for improved articulation, the vehicle remains as stable and agile on paved roads as any midsize SUV.
Additionally, the car employs knobby tires. Honda also increased the Passport’s steering ratio. Although the steering lacks the feedback of the Civic Si, it is satisfyingly weighted and off-center.
A new electronic brake booster and larger front brake rotors (13.8 versus 12.6 inches) should increase stopping power, but the real effect is a shorter pedal stroke. We also noticed almost no tire noise on the roads around San Juan, likely due to the Passport’s better soundproofing.
2026 Honda Passport MPG
We’ll see how those improvements affect the Passport’s fuel economy when we test it, but for now, the EPA estimates the TrailSport twin’s 20 mpg combined is 1 mpg less than the Passport RTL on its all-season tires.
2026 Honda Passport Colors
- Metallic Green Ash
- Ash Green Metallic
- Sunset Orange
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Modern Steel Metallic
- Obsidian Blue Pearl
- Platinum White Pearl
- Radiant Red Metallic
- Sonic Gray Pearl
2026 Honda Passport Models
The 2026 Honda Passport is a two-row midsize SUV. It slots between the smaller CR-V and the larger Pilot, the latter of which is essentially a longer, three-row version of the Passport. The Passport has three main trim levels: RTL, TrailSport, and TrailSport Elite. All Passports use a 3.5-liter V6 engine (285 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque) mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard.
2026 Honda Passport RTL
Get started with Passport with:
- The rims measure 18 inches
- LED headlights
- Electric tailgate
- Leather and fabric upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Digital instrument display
- 12.3-inch touch screen display
- Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Built-in Google (including Google Maps, Google voice assistance, and more)
- Wireless charging pad
- Nine-speaker audio system
Standard driver aids and safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-determined distance between the Passport and the car in front)
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane keeping assist (directs the Passport back on track if it starts to drift past a lane marker)
- Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert (alerts you if the vehicle is in a blind spot when changing lanes or when reversing)
- Front and rear parking sensors
RTL is available with two main packages:
- RTL Towing (adds a Class III trailer hitch with 5,000-pound towing power)
- RTL Blackout (wheels and badges painted black)
2026 Honda Passport Trailsport
Enhances the Passport’s off-road capabilities by:
- Special 18-inch rims with all-terrain tires
- Underbody protective skid plate
- The suspension is revised for better off-road capability
- Class III trailer hitch
- Front and back recovery hooks
- Sunroof panorama
- Heated windshield
- The seats are made of synthetic leather with orange accents
- Household style outlet
2026 Honda Passport Trailsport Elite
The loaded TrailSport Elite comes with all the extra features, including:
- Full leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Noise-reducing front side windows
- Sistem audio Bose 12 speaker
- Surround view camera with forward-facing trail camera (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings in tight parking situations)
- Hands-free electric liftgate
- Honda also offers TrailSport Blackout and TrailSport Elite Blackout versions with black-painted wheels and badging.
Competitor
Like the Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and Subaru Outback, they have all been around for decades. While they’ve gotten better over the years, they haven’t let go of their SUV roots and, like the Passport, are a bit more capable off-road than the average crossover. The Mazda CX-70 is another option. It’s not meant for off-roading, but it has a classier interior and sportier performance than the Passport.
2026 Honda Passport Price
We didn’t get to drive the RTL, but with a starting asking price of $46,200, it looks like a solid choice for those who want a spacious, well-equipped two-row SUV but don’t need the Trailsport treatment.
Along with many driver aids (adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist), every Passport has a customizable digital gauge cluster, heated front seats, remote start, and a wireless charging pad.
There’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen with built-in Google apps and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TrailSport and TrailSport Elite start at $49,900 and $53,900, respectively, and we think the extra features are well worth the price. However, the TrailSport is more expensive than off-road rivals like the Kia Sorento X-Pro and Subaru Outback Wilderness.
Whether customers choose to go for its higher capabilities or not, the new Honda Passport TrailSport manages to shake off the stigma of being a fake off-roader. Of course, it’s still not at the level of a Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner, but it’s better than its predecessor.
And while most people probably won’t balance their TrailSport on a tricycle, they should appreciate that the TrailSport is ready for adventure.
- Price Range: $44,750 – $53,650
2026 Honda Passport Release Date
We cannot yet confirm the official attendance schedule. However, we hope the 2026 Honda Passport can fill several city showrooms near you in the coming year.
Verdict
The 2026 Honda Passport is slightly larger than last year and has more interior space. Fold the rear seats and you have 83.8 cubic feet of cargo space to work with. Hidden from view is a slightly more powerful V6 engine and a smoother-shifting automatic transmission.
And the Passport’s advanced driver aids (such as adaptive cruise control) have also been upgraded to work more smoothly and less distractingly. As before, there’s a TrailSport trim aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and comes with features like off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and underbody protective skid plates.
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport isn’t as specialized or capable as a Jeep Wrangler, but it will take you farther in the dirt than the average crossover SUV.
We will get more updates about the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport soon. So, bookmark our website right now for more information regarding Honda Review, Specs, Price, Release Date, and continuous news updates.
FAQs: People also ask about the Honda Passport 2026
Q: Is Honda going to redesign the Passport?
A: The new 2026 Honda Passport isn't ignoring that; with a tough look and hardware improvements meant to help it reclaim some ground on both the sales floor and on the trail, it confronts them directly.
Q: What is the spec of the Honda Passport 2026?
A: With a 285-horsepower* V-6 engine and 10-speed transmission to help traverse challenging terrain, the 2026 Passport is more robust and capable. Uncompromising stability and performance are provided by the off-road adjusted suspension and second-generation i-VTM4® AWD System. Rough roads call very careful planning and engineering.
Q: Where will the 2026 Honda Passport be built?
A: Today, associates at the Honda Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) marked the beginning of production of the all-new 2026 Honda Passport and Passport TrailSport, the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever, made only in Lincoln, Alabama.
