2026 Honda Passport

Alabama's Rugged Middle Child

For years, the Honda Passport lived in the shadow of its larger sibling, looking like a Pilot that had been through a brief, half-hearted growth spurt. The 2026 Honda Passport finally finds its own voice, trading the minivan-adjacent styling of the past for a squared-off, muscular stance that actually looks like it belongs on a trailhead. Built in Lincoln, Alabama, this two-row adventurer bridges the gap between suburban errands and genuine weekend exploration.

Boxy Bravado and Real Recovery Hooks

The redesign is a departure from Honda’s recent trend toward soft, aerodynamic curves. The 2026 model embraces a "Born Wild" aesthetic with a more vertical front fascia and shorter overhangs to improve approach angles. The TrailSport trim is the visual standout, featuring bright orange recovery hooks and 18-inch wheels wrapped in General Grabber all-terrain tires. It looks purposeful rather than performative, a design choice that signals Honda is finally taking the off-road enthusiast seriously. The widened tracks and flared fenders give it a planted look that the previous generation lacked.

A Sanctuary for Muddy Boots

Inside, the Passport benefits from sharing its architecture with the newest Pilot, meaning the cabin is significantly wider and more modern than before. While it exclusively offers seating for 5 passengers, the lack of a third row creates a cavernous cargo area that easily swallows camping gear or mountain bikes. Honda has retained physical buttons for the climate control, a decision we applaud for its usability while wearing gloves. The materials feel durable; even on the higher trims, there is a sense that these surfaces were meant to be wiped down after a dusty day in the desert. The new 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment screen are sharp and responsive, thankfully ditching the laggy software of yesteryear.

The DOHC V6's Last Stand

Under the hood, Honda sticks with what it knows best: a 3.5L V6 producing 285 hp. While many rivals are moving toward small-displacement turbocharged engines, this naturally aspirated mill provides a predictable, linear power delivery that is particularly useful when modulating throttle over rocky terrain. The new 10-speed automatic replaces the old 9-speed, offering smoother shifts and better low-gear crawl capabilities. The real magic, however, is the i-VTM4 torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. It can send 70% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels and then distribute 100% of that torque to either the left or right side, effectively helping the car rotate through tight corners on pavement or find grip on loose shale.

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"The Passport is the rare SUV that treats the 'Sport' in its name as a lifestyle rather than a trim."

Calculated Costs of Capability

Living with a V6-powered box comes with a predictable trade-off at the pump. The Passport delivers an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. It is a thirsty beast compared to hybrid alternatives, but it offers a level of mechanical simplicity that many buyers in this segment value. Pricing starts at $44,950 for the RTL, but once you add the $1,495 destination fee, the entry point is $46,445. For those financing, expect an estimated monthly payment of around $920/mo. It is a significant investment, but one backed by Honda's historically strong resale values.

Choosing the Trailside Companion

The lineup is streamlined into three distinct tiers. The RTL ($46,445 total) covers the basics well with leather-trimmed seats and a power tailgate. However, the TrailSport ($48,650) is the heart of the range, adding the off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and a panoramic sunroof. We recommend the TrailSport as the best balance of capability and value. While the TrailSport Elite ($52,650) adds luxuries like ventilated front seats and a premium Bose audio system, it pushes the Passport into a price bracket where the fuel economy becomes harder to justify.

Standing Firm Against the Icons

The Passport occupies a unique space among its key rivals. The Toyota 4Runner remains the king of technical rock crawling, but its body-on-frame construction makes it far less composed on the daily commute. The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a more premium, near-luxury interior and better towing options, though it often comes with a higher price tag and lingering reliability questions. Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer provides more overall length and a third row, but it feels significantly more "street-oriented" than the rugged Passport. Honda has successfully threaded the needle, offering more refinement than the Toyota and more grit than the Ford.