2026 Honda Passport: Price, V6 Engine, Specs, and Features

2026 Honda Passport is a completely different vehicle from the model it replaces. Honda threw out the old design entirely and started fresh — giving the Passport a boxy, rugged new body, a longer wheelbase, 31-inch all-terrain tires on TrailSport models, and a stronger 285-horsepower V6 engine paired with a new 10-speed automatic. The result earned a spot on Car and Driver’s 2026 10Best Trucks and SUVs list — the most competitive shortlist in American automotive journalism. Starting from the mid-$40,000 range, the 2026 Honda Passport is now the most capable Honda SUV ever built. This is not an update. This is a reinvention.

2026 Honda Passport Overview

The Honda Passport has always sat in an interesting position — larger than the CR-V, smaller than the three-row Pilot, and consistently underappreciated by buyers who chose one of those two instead. The previous generation was a capable, comfortable two-row midsize SUV that never quite found its own identity.

The 2026 Honda Passport fixes that completely. Honda gave it a purpose: be the most off-road-capable Honda SUV ever built, without sacrificing the on-road manners that make it liveable every day. The squared-off new body, the wider track, the all-terrain tires, and the TrailWatch camera system all serve that mission directly.

According to Cars.com, who drove both TrailSport variants at the launch event in Puerto Rico, the 2026 Passport “has a more pleasant on-road demeanor than most body-on-frame vehicles and more off-road capability than all but the most hardcore enthusiasts will ever need.” That is a strong endorsement — and an accurate one based on what this redesign delivers.

2026 Honda Passport Release Date and Availability

The 2026 Honda Passport is on sale now at Honda dealers across the United States. It went on sale in early 2026 following its reveal in late 2025. The Passport is available in select international markets — availability varies by region.

Seven distinct trim configurations are available: RTL, RTL Towing, RTL Blackout, TrailSport, TrailSport Blackout, TrailSport Elite, and TrailSport Elite Blackout. The Blackout Package is available on all trims for $1,200 and adds gloss-black exterior accents. The Towing Package is available on the RTL for $700 and adds a hitch, harness, ball mount, and under-floor tool organiser.

2026 Honda Passport Price

The 2026 Honda Passport starts at approximately $43,000 for the base RTL trim including the $1,450 destination charge. That is a meaningful increase over the 2025 Passport’s $42,400 starting price — but the 2026 is a completely redesigned vehicle, not a carryover.

The TrailSport adds off-road hardware including all-terrain tires, off-road suspension, skid plates, and recovery hooks over the RTL. The TrailSport Elite is the comfort and technology flagship — adding ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and premium interior materials. Exact final pricing for all seven trims varies by region and dealer.

Cars.com notes one interesting pricing observation: the base RTL Passport is actually more expensive than the starting price of the larger three-row Pilot. Both offer the same powertrain. But the Passport comes standard with AWD across all trims — the Pilot does not. For buyers who want standard AWD and two-row practicality, the 2026 Honda Passport is the right choice at the right price.

2026 Honda Passport Engine and Performance

2026 Honda Passport Engine: 3.5L V6

The 2026 Honda Passport uses a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. That is a 5-horsepower increase over the previous model — modest in number, but the new 10-speed automatic transmission that replaces the old nine-speed is the more meaningful improvement.

The 10-speed automatic shifts more smoothly and more quickly than its predecessor. It pairs with Honda’s second-generation i-VTM4 AWD system — standard across all 2026 Passport trims. Seven selectable drive modes are available: Normal, ECON, Sport, Snow, Sand, Tow, and Trail. Each mode adjusts throttle response, transmission behaviour, and AWD torque distribution for the intended surface.

The V6 is not turbocharged. It delivers power linearly and predictably — strong in the mid-range and pulls cleanly to redline. In a midsize SUV this capable off-road, the naturally aspirated character is more reliable under sustained hard use than a turbocharged engine would be in similar conditions.

2026 Honda Passport Off-Road Capability

The TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims are where the 2026 Honda Passport’s off-road story becomes genuinely compelling. Honda equipped them with General Grabber all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, an off-road-tuned suspension, underbody skid plates, orange recovery hooks, and the TrailWatch camera system.

TrailWatch provides multiple camera angles — including a forward underbody view — displayed in the digital instrument cluster to help navigate obstacles. Ground clearance is 8.3 inches with approach angles of 23 degrees. Hill Descent Control manages brake pressure automatically on steep descents. The Trail mode in the drive selector specifically calibrates AWD torque split for loose or uneven terrain.

The 2026 Passport is a unibody SUV — not body-on-frame. Cars.com addressed this directly: “Detractors will focus on the Passport TrailSport’s unibody design as if it were a fatal flaw, but the Passport has more off-road capability than all but the most hardcore enthusiasts will ever need.” That is a fair and accurate framing.

2026 Honda Passport Horsepower, Acceleration, and Towing

The 2026 Honda Passport covers 0–60 mph in approximately 6.5–7.0 seconds — a solid result for a midsize SUV producing 285 horsepower. The V6’s smooth, linear power delivery makes it feel stronger in real-world driving than the sprint time alone suggests.

Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped — enough for most boats, mid-size campers, and equipment trailers. The RTL Towing Package adds a factory-fitted hitch and all necessary hardware. Payload capacity is approximately 1,450 pounds. These figures keep the Passport competitive in the midsize SUV segment without approaching the tow-focused numbers of truck-based rivals.

2026 Honda Passport Fuel Consumption

The 2026 Honda Passport RTL returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG with all-wheel drive. The TrailSport trims on all-terrain tires see slightly lower numbers — KBB confirms the TrailSport Blackout returns approximately 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG.

These figures are competitive for a V6-powered midsize SUV with standard AWD. The naturally aspirated engine is consistent at highway cruise speeds. One owner criticism noted by Cars.com is the relatively small 18.5-gallon fuel tank on TrailSport models — limiting range on longer trips compared to rivals with larger tanks.

Is There a Hybrid Honda Passport?

The 2026 Honda Passport is a pure V6 petrol vehicle. No hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric variant is available for this generation. Honda has not announced electrification plans for the Passport at time of writing.

Buyers who want a Honda midsize SUV with hybrid technology should consider the Honda Pilot e:HEV. The Passport’s focus is on off-road capability and two-row practicality — and the V6 delivers both without the complexity or cost premium of a hybrid system at this vehicle’s price point.

Driving the 2026 Honda Passport

Edmunds awarded the 2026 Honda Passport a 7.5 out of 10 following comprehensive on-road and track testing. That is a strong score for a midsize SUV — and it reflects the balance Honda achieved between off-road capability and on-road refinement.

The RTL rides on all-season tires and behaves like a premium everyday SUV. Steering is accurate and well-weighted. Body roll is controlled without feeling unnecessarily stiff. The 10-speed automatic shifts smoothly in Normal and Sport modes — the transition between gears is noticeably cleaner than the previous nine-speed.

The TrailSport’s all-terrain tires change the character on sealed roads — slightly more road noise and a fractionally firmer ride. Off-road, the difference is significant. The Grabber tires, off-road suspension tuning, and Trail drive mode combine to give the 2026 Passport genuine capability on muddy tracks, rocky paths, and loose gravel surfaces. Cars.com drove the TrailSport Elite off-road in Puerto Rico and confirmed it “lives up to the billing” as Honda’s most capable SUV.

Owner reviews on Edmunds back this up. One TrailSport owner who traded in a Jeep Gladiator notes the Passport’s “smooth ride is amazing, as is the quiet cabin” — a real-world endorsement from a buyer with direct basis for comparison.

2026 Honda Passport Exterior Design

The 2026 Honda Passport wears an entirely new design — boxy, upright, and purposeful. The squared-off silhouette is a deliberate departure from the previous model’s softer crossover proportions. Honda added 2.75 inches to the wheelbase and widened both the front and rear tracks for a more stable, planted stance.

A unique matte-black rear roof section — Honda calls it the “backpack” design — serves a practical purpose: it prevents scratches when leaning gear or equipment against the vehicle. Gloss-black roof rails are standard. Short front and rear overhangs improve approach and departure angles for trail use.

The RTL gets an 18-inch Shark Gloss Gray alloy wheel with all-season tires. The TrailSport and TrailSport Elite add amber daytime running lights, gloss-black grilles, silver underbody trim, and 18-inch wheels with General Grabber all-terrain tires. The Blackout Package replaces chrome and silver trim with gloss-black accents across any trim it is applied to. New colors for 2026 include Radiant Red Metallic II and Sonic Gray Pearl.

2026 Honda Passport Interior and Technology

The 2026 Honda Passport’s longer wheelbase pays off most visibly inside. Rear passengers gain 1.3 inches of extra legroom — a meaningful improvement for a two-row SUV that frequently carries adult passengers on longer journeys. The rear seats now offer nearly as much legroom as the front seats.

Cargo space behind the second row measures 44.0 cubic feet — up from the previous generation. With the rear seats folded flat, total cargo volume reaches 83.8 cubic feet. Fourteen cupholders — including holders that fit 32-ounce bottles — are distributed throughout the cabin. Under-floor storage has been redesigned for better usability on the 2026 model.

A 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In is standard across all trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The digital instrument cluster displays Trail Info — including approach angle, departure angle, and vehicle pitch and roll data — on all 2026 Passport models, not just TrailSport variants. Wireless phone charging is standard.

The TrailSport Elite adds a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a premium audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control with rear controls, and rain-sensing wipers with a heated wiper zone. The EX-L gains ambient footwell lighting, silver steering wheel spokes, and dynamic climate control illumination for 2026 — visual refinements that make the top-spec cabin feel genuinely premium.

2026 Honda Passport Safety Systems

The 2026 Honda Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing across all trims. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking and advanced pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard. Front and rear parking sensors are available on higher specifications. The TrailWatch system — available on TrailSport trims — adds a multi-angle camera with graphic overlays for off-road navigation and obstacle assessment. Honda’s ACE body structure and next-generation airbag system are standard across the lineup.

The 2026 Honda Passport has not yet received IIHS or NHTSA crash test ratings at time of writing. Honda is targeting a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS — the organisation’s highest award. The 2025 Passport achieved Top Safety Pick+ in its last year of production, and the reinforced 2026 body structure is designed to maintain or improve on those results.

2026 Honda Passport Pros and Cons

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Car and Driver 2026 10Best Trucks and SUVs — highest recognition in US automotive journalism	Only 18.5-gallon fuel tank on TrailSport — limits range on long trips
Full redesign — longer wheelbase, wider track, boxier body, and 31-inch AT tires	Starting price higher than larger three-row Pilot — value comparison is complex
285 hp V6 + new 10-speed automatic — smoother, stronger, and more refined than before	No hybrid option — V6 petrol only for the full generation
Standard AWD across all trims — no FWD penalty for buyers who want traction	Unibody construction limits extreme off-road capability vs body-on-frame rivals
44 cu-ft cargo space + 83.8 cu-ft folded — class-competitive and very practical	No garage door opener even on top trim — flagged by multiple owner reviews
TrailWatch camera system + Trail Info display — genuine on-trail technology tools	No SiriusXM built-in — requires CarPlay workaround for satellite radio

2026 Honda Passport vs The Competition

The 2026 Honda Passport competes directly against the Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner is body-on-frame and has greater extreme off-road capability — but rides more harshly on sealed roads and returns worse fuel economy. The 2026 Passport is more comfortable daily, almost as capable off-road for typical use, and equally well-equipped with technology. For buyers who split time 80% pavement / 20% trail, the Passport is the better daily choice.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most direct rival in terms of positioning and price. The Grand Cherokee offers more powertrain variety — including a PHEV — and arguably a more refined interior on top trims. But the Passport’s standard AWD, its stronger off-road hardware on TrailSport grades, and its simpler ownership costs make it a compelling alternative for buyers who don’t need the Grand Cherokee’s plug-in capability.

The Subaru Outback is a softer alternative — comfortable, fuel-efficient with its turbocharged engine, and highly practical. But the Outback’s on-road car-like character is very different from the Passport’s truck-inspired SUV feel. Buyers who want genuine off-road capability and a more rugged identity will not find it in the Outback.

Against the Ford Bronco Sport, the Passport is significantly larger, more powerful, and more expensive — they serve different buyers. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento both undercut the Passport on price and offer hybrid powertrains, making them more fuel-efficient choices for buyers who rarely leave sealed roads. For buyers who need the Passport’s specific mix of real off-road hardware and everyday refinement, nothing in the segment matches it as precisely.

2026 Honda Passport Final Verdict

The 2026 Honda Passport is the vehicle this nameplate always had the potential to be. Honda gave it a clear identity — rugged, capable, trail-ready — and backed that identity with genuine hardware rather than just a new coat of paint.

The full redesign delivers on every front that matters. The V6 is stronger. The transmission is smoother. The interior is more spacious. The TrailSport’s off-road equipment is serious enough to take real trails seriously. And the standard AWD across every single trim removes a frustrating compromise that other SUVs still impose on entry-level buyers.

The small fuel tank on TrailSport models is a real limitation for long-distance adventure trips. The absence of a garage door opener on the top trim is a frustrating omission. And the starting price being higher than the three-row Pilot requires careful justification for family buyers comparing the two. But none of these criticisms undermine the core achievement: the 2026 Honda Passport is the most capable, most distinctive, and most purposeful Honda SUV ever built. Car and Driver agreed. So do its owners. That consensus is well-earned.

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Specifications and pricing sourced from Cars.com, Edmunds, CarGurus, Kelley Blue Book, Honda USA Newsroom, Honda Info Center, and Silko Honda. Performance figures and fuel economy from EPA official ratings and Edmunds independent testing. Off-road capability details confirmed at Honda’s Puerto Rico launch event as reported by Cars.com. Owner reviews sourced from Edmunds consumer review platform.

2026 Honda Passport Images

Specifications