What the 2026 Honda Passport Offers
The 2026 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on the same frame as the Ridgeline pickup truck, which means it prioritizes off-road performance over passenger space. It seats five, has a body-on-frame design (not unibody), and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The engine is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Honda positions the Passport as a vehicle for owners who want genuine trail capability without the bed of a truck. The frame-based construction, locking differentials, and available all-terrain tires set it apart from crossovers that look rugged but are designed for pavement. If you spend weekends on unpaved roads or need to tow a trailer, this is the vehicle Honda is building for. If you prioritize interior space, fuel economy, or a quieter highway ride, you should compare it against competitors before deciding.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Passport uses a truck frame and V6 engine, making it genuinely capable off-road but heavier and less fuel-efficient than crossover alternatives.
- Pricing starts around $48,000 for the base Sport trim and reaches into the mid-$60,000s for the fully equipped Trailsport, with no significant changes from the 2025 model.
- Real-world fuel economy runs 19–21 miles per gallon combined depending on driving conditions, which is lower than comparable crossovers.
- The interior is functional but not luxurious; the Passport prioritizes durability and straightforward cleaning over soft-touch materials and advanced infotainment.
- Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, adequate for small trailers but less than truck-based competitors like the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco.
Engine, Transmission, and Fuel Economy
The 3.5-liter V6 is the only engine available. It produces adequate power for highway merging and moderate towing, but it is not quick—0 to 60 mph takes roughly 8 seconds. The nine-speed automatic is smooth on the highway and shifts down predictably when you need power, though some owners report it can be slow to downshift during passing maneuvers on flat roads.
Fuel economy is a trade-off for the truck-based design. The EPA estimates 21 city, 26 highway, and 23 combined for two-wheel-drive models (not available on 2026), and 19 city, 24 highway, and 21 combined for all-wheel drive. Real-world numbers from owners typically fall in the 19–21 combined range depending on terrain and driving style. If you drive mostly highway miles, you may see closer to 24 combined; if you tow or drive in stop-and-go city traffic, expect 18–20.
The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons, giving a realistic highway range of around 450 miles on a full tank with all-wheel drive. That is competitive with truck-based SUVs but behind most crossovers in the same price range.
Off-Road Features and Capability
The Passport's frame-based construction and standard all-wheel-drive system are its strongest selling points for owners who leave pavement. The vehicle sits 8.6 inches off the ground and has 8.3 inches of ground clearance at the lowest point. It includes a two-speed transfer case (standard on all trims), which provides a low-range gear for crawling over rocks or steep terrain.
The Trailsport trim adds an electronic locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a slightly raised suspension. These upgrades make a real difference on technical trails—the locking differential prevents wheel spin when one rear wheel loses traction, and the skid plates protect the undercarriage from rocks. The base Sport and EX trims lack the locking differential, which limits their capability on rocks or deep ruts.
Honda does not publish approach, departure, or breakover angles (the measurements that define how steep a slope a vehicle can climb or descend). Owners report the Passport handles moderate trails confidently but is not in the same category as a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Ford Bronco Raptor for extreme terrain. It is better suited to forest service roads, rocky fire roads, and sandy washes than to rock crawling or deep water crossings.
Interior Design and Comfort
The cabin prioritizes durability and straightforward cleaning over luxury. Seats are covered in cloth or synthetic leather depending on trim, and the dashboard is hard plastic with minimal soft-touch surfaces. The design is functional—cup holders are large, door pockets are deep, and the materials can handle mud and sand without staining—but it does not feel premium compared to a Toyota 4Runner or Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Passenger space is tight for a five-seat vehicle. The second row has adequate legroom for adults on short trips but becomes uncomfortable on long drives. The cargo area behind the rear seats holds 28 cubic feet, which is smaller than most crossovers. If you fold the rear seats, you get 76 cubic feet, but the floor is high and the opening is narrow, making it harder to load large items than in a traditional SUV or truck bed.
Climate control is a dual-zone automatic system on higher trims, single-zone manual on the base Sport. All models include a power liftgate, but power windows and locks are not standard on the Sport trim. The infotainment system uses a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is responsive but lacks the refinement of systems in luxury brands or newer Honda models.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
The 2026 Passport has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), so crash test scores are not available. Honda's safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation on most trims. These features are standard on the EX and Trailsport; the base Sport includes collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation but not the adaptive systems.
The vehicle's high center of gravity and truck-based suspension mean it is more prone to rollover than a crossover in emergency maneuvers, though the electronic stability control system works to prevent this. The frame-based design also means it transmits more road noise and vibration into the cabin than a unibody vehicle, which some owners perceive as less refined but others view as more connected to the road.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2026 Passport comes in four trims: Sport, EX, Trailsport, and TrailSport. Pricing starts at approximately $48,000 for the Sport and reaches the mid-$60,000s for the fully equipped Trailsport. Honda has not announced significant changes from the 2025 model, so the 2026 is largely a carryover with minor updates to colors and standard features.
The Sport is the entry point and includes the basics: all-wheel drive, the V6 engine, two-speed transfer case, and collision mitigation braking. The EX adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, a power liftgate, and upgraded interior trim. The Trailsport is the off-road focused model with the locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a slightly raised suspension. The TrailSport (note the capital S) is a newer variant that sits between the EX and Trailsport in capability and price.
Destination charges add roughly $1,300 to the final price. No trim includes a third-row seat or a diesel engine option. Honda does not offer a plug-in hybrid or fully electric version of the Passport.
Reliability and Maintenance Costs
Honda's track record with the V6 engine and nine-speed transmission is solid. The Passport shares its powertrain with the Ridgeline, which has been in production since 2006 and has a good reliability history. Owners report few major issues in the first 50,000 miles, though some have experienced transmission hesitation or rough shifts under certain conditions—this is not widespread but has been documented in forums.
Routine maintenance costs are moderate. Oil changes run $50–$80 at a Honda dealership, and scheduled maintenance intervals follow Honda's standard pattern: every 10,000 miles or annually for oil changes, every 30,000 miles for air filter replacement, and every 60,000 miles for transmission fluid inspection. Tire replacement for all-terrain tires (if equipped) costs more than standard all-season tires, typically $150–$250 per tire depending on brand and size.
The frame-based design means rust protection is important in snowy or coastal climates. Honda applies a rust-inhibiting coating at the factory, but owners in harsh climates often explore additional undercoating or use a spray-on rust preventative every 1–2 years. This is an optional cost but a common practice for truck-based vehicles in regions with road salt.
How It Compares to Competitors
The Passport's closest competitors are the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Toyota 4Runner. The Wrangler is lighter, more nimble on rocks, and available with a diesel engine, but it has less interior space and a rougher highway ride. The Bronco offers more interior space and a more modern infotainment system but costs more and has had quality control issues in early model years. The 4Runner is larger, more spacious, and more luxurious but significantly more expensive and less fuel-efficient.
If you want a vehicle that is genuinely capable off-road but also comfortable for daily driving and highway trips, the Passport is a reasonable choice. If you prioritize interior space, fuel economy, or a quieter cabin, a crossover like the Honda CR-V or Toyota Highlander will serve you better. If you want maximum off-road capability and do not care about fuel economy, the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco may be worth the trade-offs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Passport have a third row of seats?
No. The Passport is a five-seat vehicle with no third-row option. If you need to carry more than five people regularly, you would need to consider a larger SUV like the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander.
Can the Passport tow a travel trailer?
Yes, but with limits. The towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, which is adequate for small trailers (under 2,500 pounds loaded) but not for larger travel trailers or boat trailers. Check the dry weight and loaded weight of any trailer you plan to tow before purchasing.
What is the difference between the Trailsport and TrailSport trims?
The Trailsport is the off-road focused model with a locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, and skid plates. The TrailSport is a newer variant with some of those features but positioned as a middle ground between the EX and Trailsport in price and capability. Check the specific features on Honda's website or with a dealer, as the distinction has shifted between model years.
How does the Passport handle in snow?
The standard all-wheel-drive system and available all-terrain tires make the Passport capable in snow, but it is heavier than most crossovers and has a higher center of gravity, which can affect handling in emergency maneuvers. Winter tires are recommended in regions with frequent snow, just as they are for any vehicle.
Is the 2026 model significantly different from the 2025?
No. Honda has not announced major changes for 2026. The vehicle is largely a carryover with minor updates to colors, standard features, and trim availability. If you find a good deal on a 2025 model, the differences are not substantial enough to wait for 2026.