The 2026 Honda Passport at a glance

The 2026 Honda Passport is a three-row midsize SUV that sits between Honda's CR-V and Pilot in size and price. It seats up to eight passengers, offers all-wheel drive as standard, and comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base model starts around $48,000, with higher trims reaching into the mid-$60,000s before options.

Reviewers consistently praise the Passport's spacious interior, strong towing capacity (up to 5,000 pounds), and comfortable ride quality on highways. The main criticisms center on fuel economy (averaging 21–23 mpg combined), a somewhat dated infotainment system compared to newer competitors, and higher pricing than some rivals with similar features.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 Passport offers genuine three-row seating and standard all-wheel drive, making it practical for families who need the extra space and capability.
  • Owners report strong reliability and low maintenance costs, though fuel economy remains a weak point for a vehicle in this class.
  • The infotainment interface lags behind newer systems from Toyota and Mazda, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims.
  • Real-world pricing often includes dealer markups and destination fees that push the final cost well above the advertised starting price.

Interior space and comfort

The Passport's interior is one of its strongest selling points. The first two rows offer generous legroom and seat width, with power-adjustable front seats on most trims. The third row is genuinely usable for children or shorter adults on trips under two hours, though taller passengers will find it tight. Cargo space behind the third row measures 18 cubic feet, expanding to 47 cubic feet with the third row folded.

Reviewers note that the cabin feels solidly built, with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels. Climate control is available as dual-zone on higher trims. The main complaint is that the overall design feels conservative compared to newer competitors—nothing looks outdated, but nothing stands out either. Noise insulation is adequate for highway driving, though some reviewers mention wind noise at speeds above 70 mph.

Performance and fuel economy

The 3.5-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, which reviewers describe as sufficient but not exciting. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes roughly 8.5 seconds—adequate for highway merging and passing, but slower than turbocharged competitors like the Mazda CX-9. The 10-speed transmission shifts smoothly in normal driving, though some owners report occasional hesitation when downshifting for passing.

Fuel economy is the engine's weak point. The EPA rates the Passport at 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with all-wheel drive, which translates to roughly 22–23 mpg in real-world mixed driving. Owners who tow regularly report dropping to 18–19 mpg. This is noticeably worse than the Toyota Highlander (24 mpg combined) and Mazda CX-9 (25 mpg combined), both of which offer turbocharged engines. All-wheel drive is standard and cannot be removed, which contributes to the lower efficiency.

Technology and infotainment

The 2026 Passport uses Honda's older infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen on base models and a 10.2-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all trims, which most owners use to bypass the native system entirely. The native interface is functional but slower to respond than systems in the Toyota Highlander or Kia Sorento, and the menu structure requires more taps to reach common functions.

Safety features include Honda Sensing, which bundles adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and collision mitigation. Reviewers find these systems reliable and less intrusive than some competitors. Wireless charging is available on higher trims, and USB-C ports are standard. The lack of a wireless CarPlay option (still wired only) is a notable omission for a 2026 model, especially at this price point.

Reliability and ownership costs

Honda's reputation for reliability carries through to the Passport. Owners report minimal unexpected repairs in the first three years, and scheduled maintenance costs are lower than average for the class. Oil changes run $50–$75, and brake service is straightforward. The V6 engine has a proven track record across Honda's lineup, with no widespread issues reported by owners or reviewers.

Warranty coverage is standard for Honda: three years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage, and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain. Extended warranties are available but not commonly recommended by reviewers, given the model's reliability history. Resale value is solid—three-year-old Passports typically retain 55–60% of their original price, which is competitive for the class.

Pricing and trim levels

The 2026 Passport lineup includes four main trims: EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The EX starts around $48,000 and includes all-wheel drive, Honda Sensing, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The EX-L adds a power liftgate, leather seats, and a 10.2-inch screen for roughly $52,000. The Touring ($57,000) adds a panoramic sunroof and upgraded audio. The Elite ($62,000) includes semi-aniline leather and additional luxury features.

Real-world prices often exceed these figures. Destination fees add $1,295, and dealer markups vary by region—some dealers charge $2,000 to $5,000 above MSRP, particularly on popular colors and higher trims. Reviewers recommend shopping multiple dealers and checking inventory at nearby locations to negotiate effectively. Lease options are available but generally not recommended, as the Passport's residual value makes purchasing more economical over time.

How the Passport compares to rivals

The Toyota Highlander is the Passport's closest competitor in size and price. The Highlander offers better fuel economy (24 mpg combined), a more modern infotainment system, and a hybrid option. However, the Passport offers more cargo space and a more comfortable third row for occasional use. The Mazda CX-9 is smaller and more expensive but delivers better handling and a more upscale interior. The Kia Sorento is cheaper and offers more technology features, though it seats only seven and has less towing capacity.

Reviewers generally recommend the Passport for buyers who prioritize spacious seating and cargo capacity over fuel economy and cutting-edge technology. It is a solid choice for families with multiple children or those who tow occasionally, but not the best option for buyers focused on efficiency or the latest infotainment features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the third row really usable for adults?

The third row has 28 inches of legroom, which is tight for adults over 5'10" on trips longer than two hours. It works well for children or as emergency seating for shorter adults. Most owners use it primarily for cargo when not needed for passengers.

What is the towing capacity?

The Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the proper hitch and brake controller installed. This is sufficient for small trailers and jet skis but below the 5,600-pound capacity of the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9.

Does the Passport come in front-wheel drive?

No. All-wheel drive is standard on every 2026 Passport trim and cannot be removed. This contributes to the higher fuel consumption but improves traction in snow and on unpaved roads.

How does the infotainment system compare to other SUVs?

The native system is functional but slower and less intuitive than systems in the Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, and Kia Sorento. Most owners rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto instead. A wireless CarPlay option would be expected at this price point but is not available.

What is the real-world fuel economy?

Most owners report 21–23 mpg in mixed driving, which is lower than the EPA estimate of 23 mpg combined. Towing drops this to 18–19 mpg. Highway driving at steady speeds can reach 25–26 mpg, but city driving typically falls to 19–21 mpg.