The all-new Honda Passport has been unveiled, billed as a tougher, more rugged, and boxier version of the popular mid-size SUV.
Honda has advertised it as their most capable SUV ever, but to be honest, that’s not the boldest statement as the Japanese car manufacturer isn’t known for their off-roaders that can tackle muddy terrains.
2026 Honda Passport Quick Review: Does It Live Up to Its Aspirations as a Serious Off-Roader?
But Honda wants you to take the new Passport seriously, especially the TrailSport version. To back up these claims, it features a suspension tuned for off-roading, all-terrain tires, recovery points, and an underbody shield.
You’ll also notice that, unlike some competitors, Honda has chosen not to mess with downsizing, turbocharging, or hybrid systems. There’s an old-school 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood here, another factor that will surely appeal to the off-road faithful.
Boxy Styling, All-Around Capability
The biggest clue that the Passport is aiming for a different target lies in its design. Gone is the ambiguous SUV/Crossover-like appearance, replaced by a more angular and sharp look. The front vaguely recalls the Honda Crossroad (second generation, not the Land Rover Discovery rebadge of the ’90s), which was never sold outside Japan.
But while that vehicle was a soft off-roader that couldn’t handle 10 minutes of rough terrain, the 2026 Passport is the real deal. It has a higher ground clearance than its predecessor, and thanks to a shorter front overhang, it has better approach angles for improved off-road capability.
The new Passport is also noticeably wider by 1 inch, about 0.03 meters, and has a 2.75-inch longer wheelbase, 0.06 meters longer than the previous model. It sports flared fenders and a prominent hood. There’s bold “Passport” lettering on the front and rear steel doors. Additionally, all Passport models come with 18-inch wheels wrapped in 31-inch tires.
Honda has also expanded its range of accessories, again focusing on those who like to go off the beaten path. The official accessories list includes rock sliders, roof racks, and aluminum mud flaps. And as a bonus for fans of the old Passport and CR-V, the fold-out picnic table has made a comeback.
Honda Means Business with TrailSport
The TrailSport line was first introduced in 2022, with the initial effort offering a minor facelift with plastic cladding, exclusive colors, all-season tires, and a faux underbody shield. The 2024 update didn’t bring much credibility to the special edition dedicated to off-roading, making it feel a bit lackluster.
That seems to have changed with the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Elite versions. Those underbody shields are no longer faux but are instead rated to withstand the full weight of the vehicle.
The TrailSports are fitted with General Grabber all-terrain tires co-developed by General Tire. Additionally, the suspension has been tuned for off-roading, and perhaps most importantly, there’s now greater ground clearance with the TrailSport badge, something notably absent in previous versions.
The bright orange front and rear recovery hooks are said to be able to withstand twice the total weight of the Passport. The all-wheel-drive system now has dedicated logic and is aided by an additional camera to help you see the wheel placement on the trail.
Honda states that this platform was designed from the ground up to give the TrailSport genuine off-road capability while also benefiting the handling, on-road performance, and overall refinement of the entire Passport line, thanks to a 72% increase in front lateral rigidity and a 50% increase in rear torsional rigidity.
However, not everything about the 2026 Passport is revolutionary. Under the hood sits a relatively simple 3.5-liter V6 engine. Like its predecessors, this is an all-dominating engine choice, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It will produce 285 horsepower, up by 5 hp from the 2025 Passport, and 262 lb.-ft. of torque.
Interior
Despite its rugged exterior, the interior remains a comfortable enough place to be. Honda states that the cabin is the roomiest ever, with up to 2,364 liters of volume behind the first row (an increase of 153 liters) and up to 1,246 liters (an increase of 79 liters) behind the second row, including a larger redesigned underfloor storage area.
Amenities include new “body-stabilizing” seats and a standard 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster on the dashboard, displaying information such as altitude, pitch, and roll on the TrailSport models.
The center screen has been upgraded to 12.3 inches and comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a suite of Google apps. There’s also a new 12-speaker Bose audio system. The TrailSport models also feature a 110V power outlet on the center console.
Pricing
Honda has not yet revealed specific pricing, instead stating that the Passport will start at “around $40,000,” approximately 946 million VND. The Passport will continue to be produced at the Honda auto plant in Lincoln, Alabama, and will begin arriving at dealerships early next year.
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