The 2026 Honda Passport 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 pickup
Honda positions the Passport as a more rugged alternative to its CR-V crossover. It shares its platform and engine with the Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a body-on-frame construction rather than the unibody design of most SUVs. For 2026, Honda has made updates to the exterior styling, interior technology, and available features, though the core mechanical layout remains the same.
The Passport seats five and comes in two main trim levels: Sport and EX-L. Both are available with either front-wheel drive or Honda's Real Time AWD system. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Passport uses a truck frame and V6 engine, making it heavier and less fuel-efficient than crossover SUVs but more capable on rough terrain.
- Honda offers the Passport in Sport and EX-L trims, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive as standard options on both.
- Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, and the Passport can ford water up to 24 inches deep when properly equipped.
- The 2026 model year includes a redesigned infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration on higher trims.
- Real-world fuel economy ranges from approximately 19 to 22 mpg depending on drivetrain and driving conditions, which is lower than comparable crossover SUVs.
Engine, transmission, and towing specifications
The 2026 Passport uses a single engine choice: a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. This engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to either the front wheels or all four wheels depending on the configuration you choose.
Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the available towing package. The Passport does not offer a trailer brake controller as standard, so confirm whether your intended trailer weight and type require one. Payload capacity is approximately 1,500 pounds, which is moderate for a vehicle this size.
Fuel economy estimates from the EPA are 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, and 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive models. Real-world results tend to run slightly lower, particularly in city driving or when towing. If fuel economy is a priority, the CR-V crossover typically achieves 2 to 4 mpg better across the board.
Trim levels and standard features
The Sport trim is the entry point and includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired connection), a rearview camera, and Honda Sensing safety features as standard. Cloth upholstery and manual seat adjustment are standard on Sport.
The EX-L trim adds leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, a larger 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a power liftgate, and a sunroof. Both trims include a multi-angle rearview camera and a blind-spot display on the driver's side mirror.
Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation, comes standard on all 2026 Passport models. This suite of driver aids cannot be removed as an option.
Off-road capability and ground clearance
The Passport's truck-based design gives it a ground clearance of 8.6 inches, which is higher than most crossover SUVs. The approach angle is 29 degrees and the departure angle is 26 degrees, meaning it can handle steeper inclines and descents than lower-slung vehicles. The breakover angle is 22 degrees.
With the available all-terrain tires and all-wheel-drive system, the Passport can ford water up to 24 inches deep. This capability requires proper technique and is not recommended for inexperienced drivers. The vehicle does not include electronic locking differentials, which limits its performance in extreme off-road conditions compared to purpose-built off-road vehicles.
The Passport's wheelbase is 109.6 inches, which is longer than many compact SUVs but shorter than full-size trucks. This balance gives it better maneuverability in tight spaces while still providing the frame stiffness needed for off-road use.
Interior space and cargo capacity
The Passport offers 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This is less than the CR-V, which provides 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. The difference is minimal, but the Passport's cargo area is taller and narrower due to its truck-based design, which can affect how certain items pack.
Rear legroom is 38.4 inches, which is adequate for adults on short trips but can feel tight on long drives. The Passport is genuinely a five-seater with no third-row option, unlike some competitors. The rear seats do not recline, which is a limitation if you plan to use the vehicle for sleeping or extended rest.
The center console includes a small storage bin, and door pockets are modest in size. If you regularly carry a lot of small items, you may find the interior storage less convenient than in crossovers designed with daily commuting in mind.
Pricing and available packages
The 2026 Passport Sport with front-wheel drive starts at a manufacturer's suggested retail price in the mid-$40,000 range, though actual prices vary by dealer, region, and current incentives. The EX-L trim adds approximately $5,000 to $6,000 depending on configuration. All-wheel drive adds roughly $2,000 to the base price of either trim.
Honda offers several option packages for the 2026 model year. The Towing Package adds a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and skid plates. The Technology Package on the EX-L adds a power sunroof and upgraded audio. Standalone options include all-terrain tires, roof rails, and a cargo management system.
Destination charges and dealer fees are separate from the manufacturer's suggested price and vary by location. Always request an out-the-door quote that includes all fees before committing to a purchase.
Comparison to other mid-size SUVs
The Passport competes directly with the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as indirectly with crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. The key difference is that the Passport uses a truck frame, while most competitors use a car-based platform. This makes the Passport better for off-road use but worse for fuel economy and on-road comfort.
The Wrangler offers more extreme off-road capability and removable doors and roof, but at the cost of even lower fuel economy and a noisier cabin. The Grand Cherokee splits the difference, offering more luxury and better on-road manners than the Passport but less off-road prowess. The CR-V is more efficient and has more cargo space, but cannot handle rough terrain as well.
Your choice depends on how much off-road driving you actually plan to do. If you rarely leave paved roads, a crossover will serve you better. If you regularly drive on dirt roads, rocky terrain, or need to ford water, the Passport's truck-based design is a genuine advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Passport have a third row of seats?
No. The Passport is a five-seater only and does not offer a third row. If you need seating for more than five people, you would need to consider a full-size SUV like the Honda Pilot or a truck with a crew cab.
Can I tow a travel trailer with the Passport?
Yes, the Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the towing package. Confirm that your trailer and cargo weight do not exceed this limit, and check whether you need a trailer brake controller based on your specific trailer's weight and type.
How does the Passport's fuel economy compare to the CR-V?
The Passport typically achieves 19 to 22 mpg combined, while the CR-V achieves 21 to 26 mpg combined depending on drivetrain. The difference is due to the Passport's heavier truck-based frame and less aerodynamic shape. If fuel economy is important, the CR-V is the better choice.
What is Honda Sensing and can I remove it?
Honda Sensing is a suite of driver information features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and collision mitigation braking. It comes standard on all 2026 Passport models and cannot be removed as an option, though some features can be disabled through the vehicle's settings menu.
Is the Passport good for off-roading if I have no experience?
The Passport is capable of handling moderate off-road terrain, but it lacks electronic locking differentials and extreme articulation. If you are new to off-roading, take a training course before attempting challenging terrain. The vehicle's fording capability and ground clearance are genuine assets, but driver skill matters more than vehicle capability in rough conditions.