The 2026 Honda Passport RTL is a mid-size SUV built for both highway driving and light off-road use

The 2026 Honda Passport RTL sits in Honda's lineup as a rugged SUV positioned between the smaller CR-V and the larger Pilot. It shares its platform with the Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a truck-based frame rather than a car-based one. This design choice gives it more ground clearance and a higher towing capacity than most competitors in its class.

The RTL is the mid-range trim level for the Passport. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Honda positions this model toward buyers who want genuine off-road capability without the full size or fuel consumption of a full-size truck, and who plan to use it for both daily driving and weekend adventures.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Passport RTL uses a truck frame and V6 engine, giving it more towing power and ground clearance than car-based SUVs in the same price range.
  • Standard features on the RTL trim include all-wheel drive, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Honda Sensing safety technology.
  • Real-world fuel economy typically falls between 19 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and whether you use the available i-VTEC engine management.
  • The RTL can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it suitable for small trailers and boats but not heavy construction equipment.
  • Seating is five passengers across two rows, with a cargo area behind the rear seats that expands when you fold them down.

Engine, Transmission, and Fuel Economy

The 2026 Passport RTL comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The V6 is the only engine option for the Passport line — Honda does not offer a smaller four-cylinder or a hybrid version.

Fuel economy for the RTL averages around 19 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway, according to EPA estimates. Real-world results vary based on driving style, terrain, and load. The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons, which means a full tank typically gives you a range of around 350 to 400 miles before you need to refuel. The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline, not premium.

Standard Features and Technology on the RTL Trim

The RTL trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. This means you can mirror your phone's navigation, messaging, and music apps directly to the dashboard screen. The system also includes Bluetooth audio streaming and a six-speaker audio system.

Honda Sensing, the brand's suite of driver-information technologies, comes standard on the RTL. This package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These features work together to reduce driver fatigue on long drives and provide warnings if you drift out of your lane or approach a vehicle too quickly.

Other standard conveniences on the RTL include a power liftgate, roof rails for cargo carriers, and a rearview camera. Depending on the model year configuration, you may also find a power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry and push-button start.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The 2026 Passport RTL can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory towing package. This capacity is enough for small utility trailers, jet skis, or modest boat trailers, but not for heavy construction equipment or large horse trailers. Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the bed or cargo area — is approximately 1,500 pounds, though this varies slightly based on options and configuration.

To achieve the full 5,000-pound towing capacity, you need to order the towing package, which includes a trailer hitch receiver, integrated trailer brake controller, and upgraded cooling systems. Without this package, towing capacity is lower. If you plan to tow regularly, confirm the exact capacity with your dealer based on the specific options you choose, because adding certain features like a sunroof can affect the final number.

Interior Space and Seating

The Passport RTL seats five passengers across two rows. The front row has two bucket seats with adjustable lumbar support on the RTL trim, and the rear row is a bench seat that fits three. The rear seats fold flat to create a larger cargo area, expanding usable space from roughly 28 cubic feet behind the rear seats to approximately 76 cubic feet with the seats down.

The cabin is designed with durability in mind — materials are more rugged than you would find in a luxury SUV, with textured plastics and cloth upholstery on the RTL. This makes the interior easier to clean after muddy outdoor activities. Storage cubbies are scattered throughout the cabin, including a center console with a sliding armrest and door pockets large enough for water bottles.

Off-Road Capability and Terrain Response

The Passport RTL comes with all-wheel drive as standard, but it is not a true four-wheel-drive system with a transfer case and low-range gearing. Instead, it uses an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that automatically shifts power between the front and rear wheels based on traction conditions. This setup works well for light off-road driving, gravel roads, and slippery surfaces, but it is not designed for serious rock crawling or deep water fording.

Ground clearance is 8.6 inches, which is higher than most car-based SUVs but lower than full-size trucks. The Passport has a 21.5-degree approach angle and a 24.1-degree departure angle, meaning it can handle moderate inclines and rocky terrain without scraping the undercarriage. If you plan to do serious off-roading, you should test-drive the vehicle on the specific terrain you intend to use it on, because the all-wheel-drive system has limits.

Safety Ratings and Crash Test Results

The Passport has been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). NHTSA gave the Passport five stars overall in their testing, with five stars for frontal crash, four stars for side crash, and five stars for rollover resistance. IIHS ratings vary by test category — check the specific model year and trim with IIHS directly, as ratings can differ between years.

The RTL trim includes Honda Sensing as standard, which provides multiple layers of protection. Automatic emergency braking can reduce the severity of a collision if the driver does not respond in time. Lane-keeping information and road departure mitigation help prevent accidents caused by driver inattention. These systems are not a substitute for attentive driving, but they do reduce risk in common accident scenarios.

Pricing and Available Options

The 2026 Passport RTL is the middle trim level between the base Sport and the higher-end Trailsport and TrailSport Trailsport. Pricing varies by region and dealer, so you should contact local Honda dealers for current quotes. The RTL typically costs more than the Sport trim but less than the Trailsport, with the difference usually reflecting additional features like upgraded audio, more comfortable seating, and enhanced technology.

Common options available on the RTL include a sunroof, a power moonroof, upgraded leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and the towing package mentioned earlier. Some dealers bundle options into packages rather than selling them individually, so ask about package pricing when you shop. Factory-installed accessories like roof racks, skid plates, and all-terrain tires are also available through Honda dealers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Passport RTL compare to the Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler?

The Passport is smaller and more fuel-efficient than the 4Runner but less capable off-road. It is larger and more highway-focused than the Wrangler, with better comfort on long drives. The Passport sits between these two in size, price, and off-road ability — it is a better choice if you want a vehicle that works well for both daily commuting and occasional weekend adventures.

Can I use the Passport RTL for serious off-roading?

The Passport can handle light to moderate off-roading on gravel roads, dirt trails, and rocky terrain. It is not designed for extreme rock crawling, deep water fording, or technical trails that require low-range gearing. If serious off-roading is your primary use, a full-size truck or a purpose-built off-road vehicle would be a better choice.

What is the difference between the RTL and the Trailsport trim?

The Trailsport adds all-terrain tires, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and a slightly higher suspension tuning for better off-road performance. It also includes additional interior features and upgraded technology. The RTL is the better choice if you prioritize comfort and highway driving; the Trailsport is better if off-road capability is your main focus.

Does the 2026 Passport come with a warranty?

Honda provides a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty on all new vehicles, plus a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. Maintenance and wear items like brakes and tires are not covered. Extended warranties are available through Honda dealers if you want coverage beyond these periods.

What kind of maintenance does the Passport RTL require?

Honda recommends an oil and filter change every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Tire rotation is recommended every 7,500 miles. Other routine maintenance includes air filter replacement, transmission fluid checks, and coolant flushes at intervals specified in your owner's manual. Following the maintenance schedule helps preserve the vehicle's reliability and resale value.