Real-World MPG for the 2026 Honda Passport

The 2026 Honda Passport with its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers an EPA estimate of 21 miles per gallon combined — 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. That figure holds across all trim levels (Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring) when paired with the standard automatic transmission. The Passport does not offer a hybrid or alternative powertrain option for 2026.

Real-world fuel economy typically falls within a few miles per gallon of the EPA estimate, depending on your driving habits, terrain, and how heavily you load the vehicle. Highway driving at steady speeds will push you closer to the 24 mpg figure; frequent city stops and aggressive acceleration will pull you down toward 18 mpg or lower. Towing, which the Passport is rated to do at 5,000 pounds, will noticeably reduce fuel economy — expect to lose 2 to 4 mpg when pulling a trailer.

The Passport's fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, which means a combined-driving range of roughly 410 miles on a full tank. This is useful to know when planning longer trips or routes through areas with sparse gas stations.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Passport achieves 21 mpg combined (18 city, 24 highway) across all trim levels with its standard V6 engine.
  • Real-world fuel economy varies based on driving style, terrain, and load — highway driving yields better results than city driving.
  • Towing reduces fuel economy by 2 to 4 mpg, so plan accordingly if you regularly pull a trailer.
  • The 19.5-gallon tank gives you roughly 410 miles of range on a full tank under combined driving conditions.

How the 2026 Passport Compares to Similar Vehicles

The Passport sits in the midsize SUV category alongside vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Chevrolet Blazer. The Wrangler with a V6 engine achieves similar numbers (around 21 mpg combined), while the 4Runner typically falls slightly lower at 19 to 20 mpg combined. The Blazer, which is lighter and uses a smaller turbocharged engine, can reach 23 to 26 mpg combined depending on the engine choice.

If fuel economy is your primary concern in this class, the Blazer with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine will save you money at the pump. However, the Passport's V6 offers more towing capacity and a different driving character — the trade-off is a few miles per gallon. The Wrangler, by contrast, prioritizes off-road capability over efficiency, so it typically costs more to fuel.

Factors That Affect Your Actual Fuel Economy

EPA estimates assume moderate driving under controlled conditions. Your real-world mileage depends on several factors you control. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking can reduce fuel economy by 10 to 15 percent. Keeping your tires properly inflated (check the driver's door jamb for the correct pressure, not the sidewall) improves economy by 1 to 3 percent. Underinflated tires create rolling resistance and force the engine to work harder.

Terrain and climate matter significantly. Mountainous driving, cold weather, and high-altitude locations all reduce fuel economy. Idling, roof racks, and carrying excess weight in the cargo area also eat into your mileage. If you regularly drive in stop-and-go city traffic, expect to see numbers closer to 18 mpg. If most of your driving is highway miles at steady speeds, you may see 24 mpg or slightly better.

The Passport's all-wheel-drive system (standard on all trims) uses slightly more fuel than a rear-wheel-drive setup would, though Honda does not publish separate estimates for a rear-wheel-drive version — all 2026 Passport models come with all-wheel drive.

Fuel Tank Size and Range Planning

With a 19.5-gallon tank and 21 mpg combined economy, you can expect roughly 410 miles of range before the fuel warning light appears. On highway driving at 24 mpg, that extends to around 468 miles. In city driving at 18 mpg, range drops to about 351 miles. These are estimates; your actual range depends on your specific driving pattern.

The Passport does not have a fuel-economy display that updates in real time, so you will rely on the fuel gauge and your trip odometer to track consumption. Resetting your trip odometer at each fill-up and dividing miles driven by gallons used gives you an accurate picture of your actual economy over time. This is especially useful if you want to understand how your driving habits or vehicle changes (like a roof rack) affect your mileage.

Engine Specifications and Fuel Type

The 2026 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The V6 is a naturally aspirated engine, meaning it does not use a turbocharger or supercharger — it relies on engine displacement for power, which generally means higher fuel consumption than a smaller turbocharged engine would deliver.

The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum). Using premium fuel (91 or 93 octane) will not improve fuel economy or performance, so there is no benefit to paying extra at the pump. Stick with the fuel grade specified in your owner's manual.

Maintenance and Fuel Economy

A well-maintained Passport will deliver fuel economy closer to the EPA estimate. Regular oil changes using the correct viscosity oil (specified in your owner's manual) reduce engine friction. A clean air filter improves airflow to the engine and helps maintain economy. A clogged air filter forces the engine to work harder and can reduce fuel economy by 5 to 10 percent.

Wheel alignment also plays a role — misaligned wheels create drag and reduce efficiency. If you notice your fuel economy dropping suddenly without a change in driving habits, have your alignment checked and your air filter inspected. Worn spark plugs and a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can also reduce economy, though these issues typically trigger warning lights on the dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2026 Passport come in a hybrid or electric version?

No. Honda does not offer a hybrid or electric Passport for 2026. The V6 gasoline engine is the only powertrain option. If fuel economy is a top priority, you may want to compare the Passport to the Chevrolet Blazer, which offers turbocharged four-cylinder engines that achieve better mileage.

Will my fuel economy improve after the first few hundred miles?

Slightly. New engines typically show a small improvement in fuel economy during the first 500 to 1,000 miles as internal components settle. The difference is usually 1 to 2 mpg. After that, economy stabilizes and remains consistent unless your driving habits or maintenance changes.

What happens to fuel economy if I tow a trailer?

Towing reduces fuel economy by 2 to 4 mpg depending on trailer weight and aerodynamics. A 5,000-pound trailer on flat highway will cost you less economy than the same trailer on hilly terrain. Plan for roughly 17 to 19 mpg combined when towing regularly.

Can I improve fuel economy by using premium gasoline?

No. The 2026 Passport is designed for regular 87-octane fuel. Premium fuel will not improve economy or performance. Save your money and use the fuel grade specified in your owner's manual.

How do I know if my Passport is getting worse fuel economy than it should?

Track your mileage over several fill-ups by resetting your trip odometer and dividing miles driven by gallons pumped. If your average drops more than 2 to 3 mpg below the EPA estimate without a change in driving habits, have your air filter checked, your wheel alignment inspected, and your engine scanned for diagnostic codes.