The 2026 Honda Passport comes in three trims: Sport, EX, and EX-L
Honda offers the 2026 Passport in three distinct trim levels, each adding features and comfort as you move up the lineup. The Sport is the base model with core capabilities and essential features. The EX adds convenience technology and interior upgrades. The EX-L is the top trim, bringing premium materials and advanced driver information systems. Your choice depends on which features matter most to you and your budget.
All three trims share the same engine—a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower—and the same standard all-wheel drive. The differences lie in what's inside the cabin, what technology comes standard, and what comfort features are included. Understanding what each trim offers helps you decide whether the base model meets your needs or whether stepping up makes sense for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- The Sport trim includes a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a backup camera as standard equipment.
- The EX trim adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Honda Sensing safety features that the Sport does not include.
- The EX-L trim includes leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and additional driver information technology.
- All three trims use the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive, so fuel economy and performance are identical across the lineup.
- The price difference between trims typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, though this varies by dealer and current incentives.
Sport Trim: Core features and standard equipment
The Sport is the entry point to the 2026 Passport lineup. It comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a backup camera, and a six-speaker audio system. You get power windows, power locks, and manual seat adjustments. The steering wheel is manually adjustable, and the interior uses cloth upholstery.
Safety features on the Sport include a rearview camera, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Sport does not include Honda Sensing, which is Honda's suite of driver information and collision avoidance systems. If you want those features, you need to step up to the EX trim. The Sport also lacks heated seats, a power liftgate, and the larger touchscreen that higher trims offer.
EX Trim: Added convenience and Honda Sensing
The EX trim adds meaningful comfort and technology upgrades. It includes heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen (though the display itself is the same size, the software and responsiveness improve). You get Honda Sensing as standard, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation.
The EX also adds a power driver's seat with lumbar support, allowing you to adjust your seating position electronically. Dual-zone automatic climate control becomes standard, so the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures. The interior trim upgrades slightly, though upholstery remains cloth. For many buyers, the EX represents the best balance between cost and features—the addition of Honda Sensing alone makes a meaningful difference in daily driving and long trips.
EX-L Trim: Premium materials and advanced technology
The EX-L is the top trim and brings the most premium experience. It includes leather-trimmed upholstery throughout the cabin, a power moonroof, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (replacing the analog gauges in lower trims). The touchscreen gains additional functionality, and the audio system upgrades to a premium brand with more speakers and better sound quality.
The EX-L also includes all Honda Sensing features from the EX, plus additional driver information systems such as adaptive headlights and an expanded suite of parking aids. The power driver's seat gains memory settings, so you can save your preferred position and have the seat automatically adjust when you get in. Heated rear seats come standard on the EX-L, a feature not available on lower trims. The overall cabin feel is noticeably more refined, with better materials and more attention to detail in the design.
Comparing the trims side by side
| Feature | Sport | EX | EX-L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen size | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches |
| Honda Sensing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Heated front seats | No | Yes | Yes |
| Heated rear seats | No | No | Yes |
| Leather upholstery | No | No | Yes |
| Power moonroof | No | No | Yes |
| Power liftgate | No | Yes | Yes |
| Digital instrument cluster | No | No | Yes |
| Power driver's seat with memory | No | Yes (no memory) | Yes (with memory) |
Which trim makes sense for different buyers
Choose the Sport if you want the core Passport experience without paying for features you won't use. The Sport handles off-road driving and everyday commuting equally well as higher trims. You sacrifice Honda Sensing and some comfort features, but you save money upfront. This trim appeals to buyers who prioritize value and don't need heated seats or advanced safety systems.
The EX is the most popular choice for most buyers. Honda Sensing is genuinely useful on highways and in heavy traffic, and heated seats matter if you live in a cold climate. The power liftgate is a small convenience that adds up over time. The price jump from Sport to EX is typically $3,000 to $4,000, which many buyers find worth it for the combination of safety technology and comfort upgrades.
The EX-L appeals to buyers who spend significant time in the vehicle and want the most comfortable, refined experience. If you take long road trips, value premium materials, or want every available feature, the EX-L justifies its higher cost. The heated rear seats, leather interior, and digital instrument cluster create a noticeably different driving environment. The jump from EX to EX-L is typically $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the dealer and any active incentives.
Engine and performance across all trims
Every 2026 Passport trim uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This means fuel economy, acceleration, towing capacity, and off-road capability are identical across Sport, EX, and EX-L. The trim you choose does not affect how the vehicle drives—only what's inside the cabin and what technology features are available.
The engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Towing capacity is the same on all trims. If performance and capability are your primary concerns, the Sport delivers the same experience as the EX-L at a lower price. Your trim choice should focus on comfort, convenience, and technology features rather than driving dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add features from a higher trim to a lower trim?
Some features can be added as options or packages, but not all. Heated seats, the power liftgate, and some technology upgrades may be available as standalone options on lower trims, though pricing and availability vary by dealer. Honda Sensing, however, typically comes only on EX and EX-L trims and is not offered as an option on the Sport. Contact your dealer to see what options are available for the specific trim you're considering.
Is the difference in touchscreen size noticeable between trims?
All three trims have 8-inch touchscreens, so there is no size difference. The EX-L's digital instrument cluster (12.3 inches) is separate from the infotainment touchscreen and provides a different benefit—it replaces traditional analog gauges with a customizable digital display. If you're comparing screen size alone, all trims are the same.
Does the EX-L's leather upholstery require special maintenance?
Leather does require more care than cloth. It should be cleaned regularly and conditioned periodically to prevent cracking and fading. If you live in a hot climate or park in direct sunlight frequently, leather can fade faster. Cloth upholstery on the Sport and EX is more forgiving and easier to clean, though it can stain more easily. Consider your climate and maintenance preferences when deciding between leather and cloth.
What is Honda Sensing, and is it worth the upgrade?
Honda Sensing is a collection of driver information features including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These systems reduce driver fatigue on long drives and provide an extra layer of safety in emergency situations. If you drive frequently on highways or in heavy traffic, most buyers find it worth the cost of stepping up to the EX trim.
Do all trims have all-wheel drive?
Yes, all-wheel drive is standard on every 2026 Passport trim. There is no front-wheel drive option. This means you get the same off-road capability and traction regardless of which trim you choose.