2026 Honda Passport Review — Rugged Capability Meets Everyday Usability
2026 Honda Passport Review — Rugged Capability Meets Everyday Usability
The 2026 Honda Passport represents a major evolution of Honda’s two‑row midsize SUV. With a bold, rugged design, updated powertrain, advanced AWD system, and more refined interior, the Passport aims to offer a compelling blend of on‑road comfort, off‑road capability, and everyday practicality. It’s designed for families, weekend adventurers, and anyone wanting SUV performance without sacrificing comfort or technology.
The Passport has also earned recognition as one of the 10Best Trucks and SUVs of 2026, showcasing its strengths in design, performance, and overall value in the segment. (Car and Driver)
🚘 Exterior: Bold, Rugged, and Distinctive
The 2026 Passport carries forward a strong visual presence that sets it apart from typical crossover SUVs. Its design blends rugged SUV cues with modern proportions:
- Bold front grille and LED lighting signature
- Boxy, muscular body lines with flared fenders
- Increased ground clearance and shorter front overhangs for added capability
- TrailSport‑style accents on off‑road‑oriented trims
- Wide stance and tough SUV stance for everyday driving and trail confidence (autoevolution)
The Passport’s exterior isn’t just about looks — its purposeful design enhances approach/departure angles and improves off‑road traction and visibility.
🔧 Performance & Powertrain
At the heart of the 2026 Passport is a naturally aspirated 3.5‑liter V6 engine paired with Honda’s 10‑speed automatic transmission.
Engine & Output
| Specification | 2026 Passport |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.5L DOHC V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb‑ft @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 10‑speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD with torque vectoring |
This updated V6 engine delivers smooth, linear power across everyday driving tasks, highway merging, and towing. Compared to the previous generation, the new powertrain also benefits from slight efficiency improvements and stronger low‑end torque response. (Times Drive)
Acceleration & Tow Capability
- The Passport accelerates briskly for its class, with 0–60 mph times in the mid‑7‑second range in testing, especially on TrailSport trims. (MotorTrend)
- Towing capacity is rated up to 5,000 lbs, making it capable of hauling boats, trailers, or campers with confidence. (Honda Automobiles)
All‑Weather & Off‑Road Performance
The SUV’s torque‑vectoring AWD and selectable drive modes — including Sport, Snow, Sand, Tow, Trail, and more — give the Passport adaptability for varied conditions: wet pavement, gravel roads, and light trail use. TrailSport models add off‑road suspension tuning, all‑terrain tires, and additional skid protection for more serious back‑country driving. (Honda Automobiles)
🪑 Interior & Technology
The Passport’s interior strikes a comfortable yet practical balance, combining space, comfort, and technology.
Cabin Highlights
- 10.2‑inch digital instrument cluster for driver info
- 12.3‑inch infotainment touchscreen with Google‑built‑in experience
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Premium Bose sound system available
- Heated and ventilated front seats (upper trims)
- Wireless charging and multiple USB‑C ports
- Honda Sensing® suite standard for safety and driver assistance (Wikipedia)
Layout and ergonomics are modern and intuitive, with physical climate controls that many drivers still prefer to overly touch‑centric setups. Optional ambient lighting and premium materials add refinement on higher trims.
Interior Space
The Passport offers generous room for five passengers and a spacious cargo area, with up to around 83–84 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. A hidden underfloor storage area and clever stowage bins enhance practicality for weekend gear or grocery runs. (Suno News)
📊 Fuel Economy & Driving Impressions
The 2026 Passport delivers real‑world fuel economy that’s competitive for a V6 AWD SUV in its class:
| Driving Condition | Estimated MPG |
|---|---|
| City | Approx. 19–20 mpg |
| Highway | Approx. 23–25 mpg |
| Combined | Approx. ~20–21 mpg |
Fuel economy is respectable, especially considering the Passport’s size, AWD capability, and 5,000‑lb towing rating. (Car and Driver)
Drivers describe the Passport’s ride as smooth and confident, with improved steering feel and chassis rigidity over past models, making everyday driving and highway cruising equally comfortable.
🛡 Safety & Driver Assistance
Standard across all trims, Honda Sensing® brings many advanced driver‑assistance features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind‑Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross‑Traffic Alert (higher trims) (Honda Automobiles)
Safety and technology features combine to boost confidence on long drives and daily commuting alike.
💵 Price & Trims
The 2026 Passport is offered in multiple trims that balance comfort, capability, and style:
| Trim | Focus |
|---|---|
| RTL | Balanced comfort & tech |
| TrailSport | Rugged off‑road features |
| TrailSport Elite | Premium comfort & off‑road capability |
Pricing can range from the mid‑$40,000s up to the mid‑$50,000s depending on trim, options, and market, with Elite TrailSport models reaching higher figures due to additional features and rugged equipment. (Honda Automobiles)
🧠 Pros and Cons
👍 Pros
- Rugged, purposeful styling with true capability
- Strong V6 performance and smooth power delivery
- Advanced AWD system with multiple drive modes
- Spacious, tech‑rich interior and cargo flexibility
- 5,000‑lb towing capacity — strong for class
👎 Cons
- Fuel economy is average for a midsize SUV
- TrailSport off‑road tires can be noisy on pavement (common for all‑terrain setups)
- Premium trims push pricing into SUV territory where rivals may offer hybrid options
🏁 Final Verdict
The 2026 Honda Passport emerges as a well‑rounded midsize SUV that delivers both everyday usability and adventurous capability. Its updated V6 powertrain, refined AWD system, rugged design, and spacious tech‑forward interior make it a strong contender in the competitive SUV segment.
Whether you’re a family looking for a comfortable and practical SUV, an outdoor enthusiast needing off‑road readiness, or simply someone wanting a reliable and capable ride, the Passport stands out for its versatility, strength, and comfort. Its inclusion on the 2026 10Best list underscores its value and refinement compared to rivals in the midsize SUV class. (Car and Driver)