The 2026 Honda Passport Elite is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame, designed for buyers who want off-road capability without the full size and fuel consumption of a larger truck

Honda positions the Passport Elite as the higher trim level of its two-door SUV lineup, sitting above the base Passport and below the Trailsport variant. It combines a body-on-frame construction—shared with the Honda Ridgeline pickup—with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Elite trim adds comfort and convenience features over the base model, including leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and upgraded infotainment technology.

The Passport Elite appeals to buyers who use their vehicle for both daily driving and weekend recreation. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of around 1,500 pounds, making it suitable for small trailers and gear. The truck-based frame gives it genuine ground clearance and approach angles that matter on rough terrain, though it rides higher and handles differently than a traditional car-based crossover.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Passport Elite uses a truck frame and V6 engine, offering more off-road capability than most crossovers but with higher fuel consumption than car-based SUVs.
  • The Elite trim includes leather seats, a power moonroof, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features.
  • Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds and payload is approximately 1,500 pounds, suitable for small trailers and recreational equipment.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically ranges from 19 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and whether you use two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
  • The two-door design limits rear-seat access and cargo flexibility compared to four-door SUVs, which is a trade-off for the Passport's more compact footprint.

Engine, transmission, and fuel economy

The 2026 Passport Elite is powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine is the same unit found in the Honda Ridgeline and Pilot, which means parts availability and service familiarity are generally good across Honda dealerships. The V6 produces adequate power for highway merging and moderate towing, though it is not designed for high-performance driving.

Fuel economy depends on whether you choose two-wheel or four-wheel drive. With two-wheel drive, the EPA estimates 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. Four-wheel drive reduces those figures to approximately 20 city and 24 highway. Real-world numbers often run slightly lower, particularly in stop-and-go driving or when towing. The Passport uses regular unleaded fuel, which keeps fuel costs lower than premium-fuel vehicles.

The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, giving a theoretical range of around 400 miles on a full tank with two-wheel drive. This is adequate for day trips and weekend getaways, though longer journeys will require refueling stops. The truck-based design means the Passport is less aerodynamic than car-based SUVs, which contributes to its fuel consumption being higher than comparable crossovers.

Interior features and comfort in the Elite trim

The Elite trim distinguishes itself from the base Passport through leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and a power moonroof. The cabin uses a mix of soft-touch materials and hard plastics, with the leather adding a more upscale feel than you would find in the base model. The front seats offer good support for long drives, and the driver's seat includes power adjustment with lumbar support.

Climate control is dual-zone automatic, allowing the driver and front passenger to set different temperatures. Rear passengers get manual climate vents but no independent temperature control. The rear seat is tight for three adults due to the two-door design, and legroom is limited compared to four-door SUVs. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 76.5 cubic feet, which is modest for an SUV this size.

The infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing wireless or wired smartphone integration. The system includes a backup camera as standard, and the Elite adds a multi-angle camera system that provides overhead and side views when parking or navigating tight spaces. A 12-speaker audio system comes standard on the Elite, and there is a wireless charging pad for compatible phones.

Safety features and driver information technology

The 2026 Passport Elite includes Honda Sensing, which is Honda's suite of driver information features. This package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These systems use cameras and radar to monitor the road and can intervene if the driver is drifting out of lane or approaching a vehicle too quickly.

The Passport has not yet received a full crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2026 model year, as testing results are released on a rolling schedule. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not published ratings for the current generation Passport. Buyers interested in crash test data should check both organizations' websites closer to the vehicle's release date, as ratings may become available.

Additional safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic headlights, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The vehicle is equipped with multiple airbags, including side-curtain airbags that extend the length of the cabin. Electronic stability control and traction control are standard, which is important for a vehicle with this much ground clearance.

Four-wheel drive system and off-road capability

The Passport Elite offers an available intelligent variable torque management (i-VTM4) four-wheel drive system that can send power to the rear wheels on demand. This is not a full-time all-wheel drive system like you would find on a crossover; it is a true four-wheel drive setup designed for off-road use. The system includes a locking rear differential, which allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed for maximum traction on rocks or sand.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most crossovers but lower than full-size trucks. The approach angle—the steepness the vehicle can climb without hitting the front bumper—is 38 degrees, and the departure angle is 33 degrees. These numbers matter if you plan to drive on rocky trails or steep terrain. The Passport also has a wading depth of 19.7 inches, meaning it can ford through shallow water crossings.

The four-wheel drive system includes multiple terrain modes: Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. Each mode adjusts throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control to match the driving surface. The locking rear differential engages manually through a button on the dashboard, giving the driver control over when maximum traction is activated. This is useful for technical off-road driving but requires the driver to understand when locking is appropriate.

Pricing, warranty, and ownership costs

The 2026 Honda Passport Elite pricing has not been officially announced as of early 2025, but the previous generation Elite trim started around $48,000 before options and destination charges. Expect the 2026 model to be in a similar range, with potential increases due to inflation and any new features Honda adds. The final price will depend on your location, dealer markup, and any available incentives at the time of purchase.

Honda provides a 3-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. The powertrain warranty extends to 5 years or 60,000 miles, covering the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components. These warranty periods are standard across the industry and do not include routine maintenance like oil changes, filter replacements, or tire rotations.

Ownership costs include insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repairs. Insurance rates for the Passport Elite are typically moderate for an SUV in this class, though rates vary by location and your driving history. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable because the Passport shares many components with other Honda vehicles, making parts and service widely available. Tire replacement is a significant cost item due to the vehicle's size and weight.

How the Passport Elite compares to other mid-size SUVs

The Passport Elite competes with vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Chevrolet Blazer, though each takes a different approach. The Wrangler is lighter and more focused on off-road performance, while the 4Runner is larger and heavier with more cargo space. The Blazer is car-based and prioritizes on-road comfort over off-road capability. The Passport sits in the middle: more capable than a crossover but more comfortable than a dedicated off-roader.

Unlike the Wrangler, the Passport is not designed for extreme rock crawling or with removable doors and roof panels. Unlike the 4Runner, it does not offer a third row of seating or the same towing capacity. The two-door design is a significant differentiator—it makes the Passport more nimble in tight spaces and gives it a sportier appearance, but it limits practicality for families who need frequent rear-seat access.

The Passport Elite's main advantage over competitors is its balance of capability, comfort, and fuel economy. It offers genuine off-road features without the size penalty of a full-size truck or the complexity of a hybrid system. The V6 engine is proven and reliable, and Honda's reputation for long-term durability is a factor many buyers consider when comparing options in this segment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Passport Elite and the Trailsport trim?

The Trailsport is positioned above the Elite and adds off-road-specific features like all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a more aggressive suspension tuning. The Elite focuses on comfort and convenience features like leather and a moonroof. If you plan serious off-road use, the Trailsport is the better choice; if you want a comfortable daily driver with occasional trail capability, the Elite is sufficient.

Can the Passport Elite tow a travel trailer?

Yes, the Passport Elite can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is suitable for small travel trailers in the 2,000 to 4,000 pound range. You will need a proper hitch installation and brake controller, and the vehicle's payload capacity limits how much gear you can carry in addition to the trailer. Larger trailers require a full-size truck.

Is the two-door design a problem for families?

The two-door design limits rear-seat access, making it inconvenient if you frequently transport rear passengers or need to install child car seats. Adults can fit in the back for short trips, but legroom is tight. If rear-seat access is important to you, a four-door SUV like the Honda Pilot is a better choice.

How does the Passport perform in snow and ice?

With the four-wheel drive system and Snow mode engaged, the Passport handles winter conditions well. The locking rear differential provides extra traction on slippery surfaces. However, winter tires are strongly recommended for snow and ice driving, as all-season tires lose grip in cold temperatures regardless of the vehicle's drivetrain.

What is the real-world fuel economy most owners report?

Owners typically report 19 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions, terrain, and whether they use two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Highway driving yields better fuel economy than city driving, and using four-wheel drive reduces efficiency compared to two-wheel drive. Towing and carrying heavy loads will lower fuel economy further.