The 2026 Honda Passport EX-L is a mid-size SUV trim with leather seating and a touchscreen infotainment system

The 2026 Honda Passport EX-L sits in the middle of Honda's Passport lineup, above the base Sport trim and below the top-tier TrailSport. It comes standard with leather-trimmed seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power liftgate, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Passport itself is a body-on-frame SUV designed for both on-road driving and light off-road use, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and available all-wheel drive.

The EX-L trim focuses on comfort and convenience features rather than off-road capability. If you're comparing trims, the main difference between EX-L and Sport is the interior materials and infotainment screen size; the main difference between EX-L and TrailSport is that TrailSport adds all-terrain tires, skid plates, and all-wheel drive as standard, plus a terrain management system for off-road driving.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Passport EX-L comes with leather seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, power liftgate, and dual-zone climate control as standard equipment.
  • The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive.
  • Fuel economy is approximately 21 city / 26 highway with two-wheel drive, and slightly lower with all-wheel drive.
  • Safety features include Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-information technologies standard on all Passport trims.
  • The EX-L is positioned as a comfort-focused trim; if you plan serious off-road driving, the TrailSport trim is better suited.

Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain

The 2026 Passport EX-L uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Power goes through a 9-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available as an option and improves traction in snow and on slippery surfaces, though it reduces fuel economy slightly.

The Passport is not a high-performance vehicle — acceleration is moderate, and the V6 is designed for steady, reliable power rather than quick response. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the standard two-wheel-drive setup. If you plan to tow regularly or carry heavy loads, confirm the towing capacity with your dealer, as it may vary based on configuration.

Interior Features and Comfort

The EX-L interior includes leather-trimmed seats (not full leather, but leather on the seating surfaces), heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. The 8-inch touchscreen is larger than the Sport's 6.8-inch screen and includes smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze directly from the screen.

Climate control is dual-zone automatic, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures. The cabin is spacious for a mid-size SUV, with 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate opens and closes automatically, which is convenient when your hands are full.

Safety Technology and Driver information

Honda Sensing is standard on the 2026 Passport EX-L. This suite includes adaptive cruise control (which maintains a set distance from the car ahead), lane-keeping information (which gently corrects if you drift out of your lane), collision mitigation braking (which can explore the brakes if a collision is imminent), and road departure mitigation. These systems are designed to reduce driver fatigue on long drives and provide a safety net if attention lapses.

The Passport also includes a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Blind-spot monitoring shows a light on the side mirror if a vehicle is in your blind spot; rear cross-traffic alert warns you if a car is approaching from the side when you're backing out of a parking space. None of these systems replace attentive driving, but they do reduce the likelihood of common accidents.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

The 2026 Passport EX-L with two-wheel drive is rated at approximately 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway, for a combined rating around 23 mpg. With all-wheel drive, expect roughly 1 to 2 mpg lower across all driving conditions. These figures assume normal driving; actual mileage varies based on driving habits, road conditions, and how much weight you carry.

The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), not premium. Routine maintenance includes oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks. Because it's a body-on-frame vehicle with a V6 engine, maintenance costs tend to be moderate compared to smaller SUVs, but higher than sedan ownership. Ask your Honda dealer for a maintenance schedule and cost estimate before purchasing.

Exterior Design and Off-Road Capability

The Passport has a boxy, upright design that gives it a rugged appearance. It sits higher off the ground than a typical crossover SUV, which improves visibility and gives it a commanding driving position. The EX-L trim does not include all-terrain tires or skid plates, so it's better suited for paved roads and light dirt roads than serious off-roading.

If you plan to drive on rocky terrain, ford streams, or navigate steep grades regularly, the TrailSport trim is a better choice — it adds all-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, all-wheel drive as standard, and a terrain management system that adjusts engine and transmission behavior for different surfaces. The EX-L can handle unpaved roads and light trails, but it's not engineered for extreme conditions.

Comparing EX-L to Other Trims

Honda offers the Passport in four trims: Sport, EX, EX-L, and TrailSport. The Sport is the base model with cloth seats and a smaller touchscreen. The EX adds leather seats and the larger 8-inch screen. The EX-L adds heated front seats, power liftgate, and dual-zone climate control. The TrailSport adds all-terrain tires, skid plates, all-wheel drive as standard, and terrain management.

For most buyers, the choice comes down to budget and intended use. If you want comfort features and don't plan off-road driving, the EX-L is a solid middle ground. If you want the lowest price, the Sport works fine. If off-road capability matters, the TrailSport is worth the extra cost because it includes features you can't add later as options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2026 Passport EX-L come with all-wheel drive?

No, two-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the EX-L. If all-wheel drive is important to you, confirm it's included before finalizing a purchase, because it's not automatic on this trim.

Can I add off-road features to the EX-L later?

You can add aftermarket all-terrain tires and some skid plates, but the TrailSport's terrain management system is built into the vehicle's computer and cannot be added afterward. If serious off-roading is in your plans, buying the TrailSport from the start is more practical.

How much cargo space does the Passport EX-L have?

With the rear seats up, you have 39.3 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded flat, that expands to 76.5 cubic feet. That's enough for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment, but smaller than a full-size SUV.

Is Honda Sensing worth the cost?

Honda Sensing is standard on the EX-L, so there's no additional cost. The features — adaptive cruise, lane-keeping information, and collision mitigation — reduce driver fatigue and can prevent accidents, making them practical for highway driving and heavy traffic.

What's the difference between the 8-inch and 6.8-inch touchscreens?

The 8-inch screen (EX-L and above) is larger and easier to read at a glance. Both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen doesn't change functionality, just visibility and ease of use while driving.