The 2026 Honda Passport is a midsize SUV built on a truck frame

The 2026 Honda Passport is Honda's body-on-frame SUV, designed for both highway driving and off-road capability. It sits between Honda's smaller CR-V crossover and larger Pilot three-row SUV. The Passport shares its platform and engine with the Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it has a truck's structural rigidity and towing capacity rather than the car-like handling of a crossover.

Honda positions the Passport as an alternative to vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco — vehicles meant for owners who want genuine off-road performance without sacrificing on-road comfort. The 2026 model year continues this positioning with updates to technology and styling that Honda typically announces in the fall before the model year begins.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Passport uses a truck frame and Honda's 3.5-liter V6 engine, giving it towing capacity around 5,000 pounds and genuine off-road geometry.
  • Honda offers the Passport in multiple trim levels, each with different standard features, and pricing varies by trim and options selected.
  • The Passport seats five passengers and has a cargo area behind the rear seats, but no third row like the Pilot.
  • Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping information, with additional driver-information options available depending on trim.
  • Fuel economy is typically in the low-to-mid 20s miles per gallon on highways, lower in city driving, because of the truck-based design and weight.

Engine, transmission, and towing capability

The 2026 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. All Passport models come with all-wheel drive as standard — there is no front-wheel-drive option.

Towing capacity is approximately 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, which covers most boat trailers, utility trailers, and small travel trailers. Honda publishes exact towing specs closer to the model year's release, and capacity can vary slightly based on trim level and optional equipment. The Passport's truck frame means it handles towing differently than crossovers — the weight sits lower and the suspension is tuned for load-carrying rather than passenger comfort alone.

Trim levels and what comes standard

Honda typically offers the Passport in three to four trim levels for each model year, though the exact lineup for 2026 may shift. Historically, these have been Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring, with each step adding features like leather upholstery, power moonroof, upgraded audio systems, and additional technology. The base Sport trim includes the essentials — air conditioning, power windows and locks, a touchscreen infotainment system, and smartphone integration.

Higher trims add comfort and convenience features rather than performance changes. All trims use the same engine and transmission. The difference between trims is primarily interior materials, sound systems, and driver-information technology. Pricing for each trim level is set by Honda and varies by region and dealer, so you will see different prices at different locations even for the same trim and options.

Off-road features and suspension design

The Passport's truck frame allows for a higher ground clearance and more departure angle — the angle at which the rear bumper clears obstacles — than a crossover can achieve. The suspension uses independent double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear setup tuned for both highway comfort and light trail work. Ground clearance is approximately 8.6 inches, which is higher than most crossovers but lower than full-size trucks.

The Passport does not come with low-range gearing or locking differentials as standard, features found on more extreme off-road vehicles like the Wrangler. It is capable on unpaved roads, rocky terrain, and moderate trails, but it is not engineered for rock crawling or extreme four-wheeling. Owners who want more serious off-road capability typically add aftermarket suspension upgrades and skid plates.

Interior space and seating

The Passport seats five people across two rows — driver, front passenger, and three in the rear bench seat. There is no third-row option. The rear seats fold flat to create a large cargo area, useful for hauling gear, luggage, or equipment. Cargo space behind the rear seats is approximately 39 cubic feet, and with the rear seats folded, that expands to around 76 cubic feet.

The interior design emphasizes durability and ease of cleaning over luxury — materials are more rugged than you would find in a Pilot or CR-V. This is intentional; the Passport is built for owners who plan to use it in dusty or muddy conditions. Climate control, power windows, and infotainment are standard across all trims, but the quality of materials and the number of power adjustments increase with higher trim levels.

Fuel economy and real-world consumption

The 2026 Passport's fuel economy is lower than comparable crossovers because of its truck-based design and heavier weight. EPA estimates typically fall in the range of 21 to 23 miles per gallon on the highway and 17 to 19 miles per gallon in city driving, though real-world results vary based on driving habits, terrain, and how the vehicle is loaded. Towing or carrying heavy cargo will reduce fuel economy further.

All Passport models use regular unleaded gasoline — premium fuel is not required. The fuel tank capacity is approximately 19.5 gallons, which translates to a driving range of around 330 to 460 miles per tank depending on driving conditions. Owners who frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or mountainous terrain should expect fuel economy closer to the city rating.

Safety features and driver information technology

The 2026 Passport includes Honda Sensing, Honda's suite of driver-information features, as standard on most or all trims. This includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and lane departure warning. Higher trims add features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle.

The Passport has been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though specific ratings for the 2026 model year are released after the vehicle launches. Previous model years have performed well in crash testing, and the truck-based structure provides inherent protection in side-impact collisions. Safety features vary by trim level, so review the specific trim you are considering to see which features are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2026 Passport compare to the Jeep Wrangler?

Both are body-on-frame SUVs designed for off-road use, but they differ in approach. The Wrangler offers more extreme off-road capability with available locking differentials and low-range gearing, plus removable doors and roof panels. The Passport prioritizes on-road comfort and highway manners while still handling moderate trails. The Passport seats five; the Wrangler typically seats four or five depending on configuration.

Can I fit a third row in the Passport?

No. The Passport is a two-row vehicle by design. If you need three rows, Honda's Pilot SUV is the alternative within Honda's lineup. The Pilot uses a similar engine and all-wheel-drive system but adds a third row and more interior space.

What is the difference between the Passport and the CR-V?

The Passport uses a truck frame; the CR-V uses a car-based platform. This makes the Passport heavier, more capable off-road, and better for towing, but it also means lower fuel economy and a stiffer ride on highways. The CR-V is more efficient and more comfortable for daily commuting. The CR-V also offers three rows; the Passport does not.

Does the 2026 Passport come in hybrid?

Honda has not offered a hybrid version of the Passport. The vehicle uses only the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. If fuel economy is a priority, the CR-V hybrid may be worth considering, though it sacrifices the Passport's off-road capability and towing capacity.

What warranty does Honda provide on the 2026 Passport?

Honda typically provides a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on new vehicles, though specific terms for the 2026 model year should be confirmed with a Honda dealer. Extended warranties are available for purchase at the time of sale.