2026 Honda Passport: Rugged Style, Advanced Tech, and Powerful Performance, When was the last time an SUV made you feel like you could take it beyond the pavement yet still enjoy every modern comfort? The 2026 Honda Passport aims to do exactly that — blending rugged style, advanced tech, and powerful performance into one balanced, versatile package. If you’ve been eyeing a midsize SUV that’s at home on the trail and civilized in the city, this one might be the sweet spot you’ve been waiting for.
Exterior
Outwardly, the 2026 Passport leans into its adventurous DNA without feeling overwrought. The front end is more muscular, with a bold grille, sharper LED headlights, and a tighter lower bumper design that gives it a forward-leaning stance. The TrailSport trim (or equivalent off-road–oriented versions) features extra cladding, tow hooks, unique wheels and tires, and rugged styling accents that hint at capability. Roof rails, skid plate touches, and reworked wheel designs round out the look.
From the side, you’ll notice refined character lines, a squared-off rear that gives it visual strength, and updated taillights for a more contemporary rear signature. The whole package strikes a balance — not overly aggressive, yet confidently ready for rougher paths.
Interior & Tech & Comfort
Slide inside, and the Passport wants to reassure you: this is no stripped-back adventure rig. It’s meant for real life. You’ll find a driver-focused cockpit with upgraded materials — soft-touch panels, contrast stitching, and better sound insulation. The layout is tidy; controls fall logically to hand. Available ambient lighting adds a touch of modern flair after dark.
Tech has been stepped up significantly. You get a larger central touchscreen (often 10 to 12 inches on higher trims) combined with a digital or semi-digital instrument panel in many versions. Connectivity is solid: wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and deeper smartphone integration make life easier. Upper trims might also offer navigation, premium audio, and additional USB-C ports.
Comfort features like heated and ventilated seats (front), heated steering wheel, power liftgate, multi-zone climate controls, and generous rear legroom make this cabin liveable. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split to open up cargo capacity when you need it. Storage cubbies, clever door bins, and lower floor compartments help keep things organized for daily use or weekend gear.
Powertrain & Performance
Under the hood, the 2026 Passport continues with a robust, tried-and-true powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing around 280 horsepower (give or take, depending on markets) paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Depending on configuration, you can expect either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option — and the Passport leans into AWD for many buyers wanting extra confidence in rough roads or poor weather.
In terms of capability, it feels solid. The V6 delivery is smooth, with torque available at lower rpm ranges so overtakes and highway merging feel composed. The 9-speed automatic shifts crisply in normal driving and holds gears when needed under load. When you press the accelerator a bit more, the Passport responds with authority. In off-pavement modes, if equipped, torque management and traction control systems help keep grip.
Fuel economy is decent for a V6 in this class. Expect mid-teens in more demanding driving and low to mid-20s in highway cruising (numbers will vary by region). It’s not a fuel economy champion, but for a V6 midsize SUV, it hits a reasonable balance between power and efficiency.
Here’s a specs snapshot:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 |
| Horsepower | ~280 hp |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drive Layout | FWD optional, AWD available |
| Seating | 5 |
| Cargo Volume (behind rear seats) | ~41 cu ft |
| Curb Weight | ~4,300–4,500 lbs (depending on trim & options) |
Price & Trim Options
The 2026 Passport lineup spans several trims — typically a base “Sport” or “EX” level, a mid-tier “EX-L” or “Elite”, and then a more off-road–oriented TrailSport / Adventure trim with special features. As you climb trims, you’ll unlock more comfort, tech, styling, and off-road readiness.
Base trims still come well-equipped: infotainment, safety suite, decent interior materials. Mid-level adds more leather, better audio, and comfort upgrades. The TrailSport (or similar) gives you rugged exterior accents, better wheels/tires, enhanced drive mode settings, and sometimes special suspension tuning.
Pricing is competitive among midsize SUVs with V6 power. Expect the base model to start in the mid-$30,000s (or world equivalent), with higher trims edging into upper $40,000s or more depending on options. The updates for 2026 emphasize more standard features — in some trims, elements previously reserved for upper levels (like power liftgate, advanced tech packages, or styling features) are now baked in, tightening the gap and improving base value.
One exciting shift for 2026: Honda is reportedly increasing the availability of AWD and off-road options even in mid trims, meaning you won’t have to go all the way up just to get the more rugged features. Also, updated exterior color palettes, new wheel designs, and more interior customization options ensure the Passport feels modern, not yesterday’s model.
Safety Features & Driver Assistance
Safety in the 2026 Passport is robust. The standard Honda Sensing suite remains comprehensive: collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition (in higher trims).
For certain trims or packages, you’ll get blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision mitigation, parking sensors, surround-view camera systems, and upgraded driver-assist features. The body structure is reinforced for crash resilience, and multiple airbags, stability control, and advanced ABS/traction systems are all part of the core design.
TrailSport variants often get extra underbody protection, hill descent control, and drive modes tailored for rougher terrain — not hardcore rock crawler, but capable for dirt roads, mud, and light trails.
Why the 2026 Passport Stands Out
What makes the 2026 Honda Passport attractive is its willingness to bridge worlds. It’s not so soft that it feels pampered, nor so rugged that it feels like a compromise for daily use. It delivers on both style and substance. The bold yet refined exterior, the upgraded cabin tech, and the dependable V6 powertrain give it credibility. The fact that Honda is pushing more features lower in the lineup, expanding AWD and off-road availability, and offering new colors and customizations shows they believe in the Passport’s role as a flexible mid-size SUV.
Whether your priorities lean toward weekend adventures, family road trips, or just driving something that feels confident and capable every day — the 2026 Passport has something compelling to offer.