The 2026 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on the same platform as the Honda Ridgeline truck

Honda has not yet released official specifications or pricing for the 2026 Passport, as the model year typically becomes available to order in late 2025. The Passport sits between Honda's smaller CR-V and larger Pilot in the SUV lineup, and it shares its frame and many mechanical components with the Ridgeline pickup truck. This shared platform gives the Passport body-on-frame construction rather than the unibody design used by most competitors in its class.

The current generation Passport (introduced in 2019) uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Honda has not announced changes to the powertrain for 2026, though fuel economy, horsepower, and torque figures may shift slightly depending on emissions updates or transmission refinements. The vehicle is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations.

Trim levels for recent model years have included Sport, EX-L, and Touring, though Honda may adjust the lineup for 2026. Standard features typically include all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive capability, a touchscreen infotainment system, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add leather seating, a power liftgate, and upgraded audio systems.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Passport is a mid-size SUV that shares its frame and engine with the Honda Ridgeline truck, giving it body-on-frame construction.
  • Honda typically releases 2026 model year information and pricing in late 2025, so official details are not yet public.
  • Recent Passport models use a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive.
  • The Passport competes with vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Edge in the mid-size SUV segment.
  • Trim levels and standard features may change for 2026, so checking Honda's official website closer to the release date will show the final configuration.

How the Passport's truck-based design affects what it can do

The Passport's body-on-frame construction means the vehicle has a separate steel frame underneath the body, rather than an integrated structure. This design choice makes the Passport heavier than unibody competitors but gives it a higher towing capacity and more ground clearance. Recent model years can tow up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, and the approach angle and departure angle are steeper than most car-based SUVs, which helps with off-road driving.

The trade-off is that body-on-frame vehicles typically have a softer, more truck-like ride on highways compared to unibody SUVs, which feel more car-like. The Passport's suspension is tuned for both on-road comfort and light off-road use, but it is not designed for serious rock crawling or extreme terrain. Buyers who want a vehicle that can handle unpaved roads and rough trails will find the Passport capable; those prioritizing highway smoothness may prefer a unibody competitor like the Toyota Highlander or Mazda CX-9.

Engine performance and fuel economy expectations

The 3.5-liter V6 in recent Passport models produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This is adequate for highway merging and moderate towing but not exceptional compared to turbocharged engines in some competitors. The nine-speed automatic transmission helps manage fuel economy by keeping the engine at lower RPMs during steady driving.

Real-world fuel economy for the current Passport ranges from 18 to 22 miles per gallon depending on whether you choose two-wheel or four-wheel drive and how you drive. The EPA estimates are typically around 19 mpg combined for four-wheel-drive models. The 2026 model may see slight improvements if Honda updates emissions systems, but major changes to efficiency are unlikely without an engine redesign.

The Passport requires regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), and the fuel tank holds approximately 19 gallons. This gives a driving range of roughly 350 to 420 miles per tank depending on driving conditions and whether you are towing.

Interior space and seating configuration

The Passport seats five passengers across two rows. The front seats are separate buckets with adjustable lumbar support on higher trims, and the rear bench seat folds to expand cargo space. Headroom and legroom are generous in both rows, and the driving position is higher than in a sedan, which many SUV buyers prefer.

Cargo space behind the rear seats measures approximately 39 cubic feet, and with the rear seat folded down, that expands to around 76 cubic feet. This is less than the larger Pilot but more than the smaller CR-V. The cargo area has tie-down points and a power liftgate on EX-L and Touring trims, making it easier to load heavy items.

Climate control is dual-zone on most trims, meaning the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures. Higher trims add heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which are useful in cold climates. Rear passengers do not get individual climate controls, though air vents reach the back seat.

Technology and infotainment systems

The 2026 Passport will likely include Honda's latest infotainment system with an 8-inch or larger touchscreen, depending on trim level. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims, allowing you to mirror your smartphone's navigation, music, and messaging apps. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, and higher trims add wireless smartphone charging.

Safety features on recent Passport models include Honda Sensing, which bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. These systems are standard on all trims. Some trims add a surround-view camera system that displays a 360-degree view of the vehicle when parking, and a blind-spot display that shows the passenger-side blind spot on the instrument cluster.

The instrument cluster is a 7-inch digital display on most trims, showing fuel economy, trip information, and vehicle diagnostics. Higher trims may add a larger or more customizable display, though Honda has not confirmed the 2026 specifications.

Comparing the Passport to similar vehicles in its class

The Passport's main competitors are the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Edge. The 4Runner is also body-on-frame and truck-based, making it the closest rival in terms of construction and off-road capability. The 4Runner is larger and more expensive, with three rows of seating and a more rugged reputation. The Grand Cherokee and Edge are unibody vehicles that prioritize on-road comfort and car-like handling over off-road performance.

In terms of price, the Passport typically sits in the mid-range of this segment. Recent model years started around $48,000 for the base Sport trim and reached into the mid-$60,000s for the Touring trim. The 2026 pricing will likely be slightly higher due to inflation and any new features Honda adds, but the exact figures will not be available until late 2025.

Fuel economy is competitive with the 4Runner but slightly better than the Grand Cherokee in real-world driving. Towing capacity is lower than the 4Runner but comparable to the Grand Cherokee. The Passport's main advantage is its balance of truck-like capability with a more refined interior and modern technology compared to the 4Runner.

What maintenance and reliability look like for the Passport

Honda has a strong reputation for reliability, and the Passport has performed well in owner surveys and third-party testing. The shared platform with the Ridgeline means many components are proven across two vehicle types, which can reduce the risk of design flaws. Routine maintenance includes oil changes every 10,000 miles, tire rotations, and fluid checks.

The V6 engine is durable and does not have known widespread issues in recent model years. Transmission reliability has also been solid, though some owners report occasional hesitation during downshifts. The four-wheel-drive system is straightforward and requires minimal maintenance beyond regular fluid checks.

Warranty coverage for the 2026 Passport will likely match recent years: a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Extended warranties are available through Honda dealers if you want coverage beyond these periods. Maintenance costs are moderate compared to luxury brands but slightly higher than some Japanese competitors due to the V6 engine and four-wheel-drive system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Passport and the Honda Ridgeline?

The Ridgeline is a pickup truck with an open bed, while the Passport is a closed SUV. Both share the same frame and V6 engine, but the Passport has an enclosed cargo area and seating for five. The Ridgeline offers more cargo flexibility and towing capacity, while the Passport provides better weather protection and a more traditional SUV driving experience.

Can the Passport handle serious off-roading?

The Passport is capable on light trails, unpaved roads, and moderate terrain, but it is not designed for extreme off-roading. The body-on-frame construction and available four-wheel drive give it more capability than most unibody SUVs, but it lacks the specialized suspension and underbody protection of dedicated off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner.

How does the Passport compare to the Honda CR-V and Pilot?

The CR-V is smaller and uses unibody construction, making it more fuel-efficient and car-like. The Pilot is larger with three rows of seating. The Passport sits between them in size and uses truck-based construction, offering a different driving experience than both. Choose the Passport if you want truck-like capability; choose the CR-V for efficiency or the Pilot for maximum seating.

What trim level offers the best value?

The Sport trim includes most essential features at the lowest price, while the EX-L adds comfort upgrades like leather seating and a power liftgate. The Touring adds premium audio and additional technology. Your choice depends on whether those features matter to you and your budget. Test driving multiple trims will help you decide what is worth the extra cost.

When will 2026 Passport pricing and specs be available?

Honda typically releases detailed specifications, pricing, and trim information for new model years in late 2025, usually in September or October. You can check Honda's official website or contact local dealers in the fall to see the final 2026 lineup and place a pre-order if you want a specific configuration.