What the 2026 Honda Passport Is and Who's Buying It

The 2026 Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built on a truck frame, positioned between Honda's smaller CR-V and the larger Pilot. It seats five, has a body-on-frame design (meaning the body bolts to a separate steel frame underneath), and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Honda markets it as an off-road capable vehicle, though most owners use it for daily driving and occasional weekend trips.

The Passport competes directly with the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Bronco. It's aimed at buyers who want truck-like capability without the full-size truck bed and fuel consumption. The 2026 model year carries over the current generation's design with minor updates to trim levels and standard features.

Key Takeaways

  • Owners consistently praise the Passport's off-road capability, comfortable interior, and strong resale value, though fuel economy remains a weak point across all trims.
  • The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 280 horsepower and is reliable but not particularly powerful compared to competitors like the 4Runner.
  • Real-world fuel economy ranges from 18 to 22 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions and whether you use all-wheel or two-wheel drive.
  • Common owner complaints center on road noise at highway speeds, limited cargo space behind the rear seats, and a cramped back seat for three passengers.
  • Transmission issues and suspension noise have appeared in some owner reports, though these are not widespread across the model line.

Engine Performance and Fuel Economy in Real Conditions

The 2026 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Owners report the engine feels adequate for highway driving and light towing (up to 3,500 pounds), but not quick off the line. Acceleration from a stop is described as "leisurely" in multiple owner forums, and the engine doesn't feel as powerful as the Toyota 4Runner's V6 or the Jeep Wrangler's available turbocharged options.

Fuel economy is where owners express the most frustration. EPA estimates are 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with all-wheel drive, but real-world reports cluster around 18 to 20 mpg in mixed driving. Owners who frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic report numbers closer to 17 mpg. Highway-only trips yield better results, with some owners reporting 22 to 23 mpg on long interstate drives. The two-wheel-drive version is slightly more efficient, but the difference is typically one to two mpg.

Interior Comfort and Cargo Space

Owners consistently praise the front seats for long-distance comfort, with good lumbar support and adjustability. The dashboard layout is straightforward, and the infotainment system (an 8-inch touchscreen on base trims, 10.2-inch on higher trims) is responsive and intuitive. Climate control works well, and the cabin stays quiet at low speeds.

The back seat is where comfort drops off. Three passengers across the rear bench is tight, and the middle seat is noticeably narrower than the outboard seats. Legroom is adequate for children and shorter adults, but tall passengers will feel cramped on longer drives. Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 28 cubic feet, which is smaller than the CR-V and significantly smaller than the Pilot. Owners who need to haul gear regularly note that the Passport's truck bed-like design doesn't translate to practical storage space.

Off-Road Capability and Everyday Driving

This is where the Passport's reputation is strongest. Owners report genuine off-road ability: the standard all-wheel-drive system includes a two-speed transfer case, ground clearance is 8.6 inches, and the approach and departure angles are competitive with the Wrangler. Owners who take the Passport on dirt roads, rocky terrain, and mild trails describe it as capable and confidence-inspiring.

On pavement, the Passport feels more truck-like than car-like. Road noise is noticeable at highway speeds—owners frequently mention hearing tire and wind noise at 65 mph and above. The ride is firm, which translates to good handling in curves but a bouncier feel on rough roads compared to the CR-V or Pilot. Steering is responsive but not particularly communicative. Visibility is good thanks to the high seating position and large windows, though the thick rear pillars create some blind spots.

Reliability and Common Issues

The Passport shares its engine and transmission with other Honda models, and both components have solid reliability records. Most owners report trouble-free ownership through 50,000 miles. However, some owners have reported transmission hesitation or jerky downshifts, particularly in earlier model years of this generation. These issues are not widespread, but they do appear in owner forums and reliability databases.

Suspension noise—creaks and clunks from the rear suspension over bumps—has been reported by a smaller subset of owners, usually appearing after 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Some owners report this was resolved under warranty, while others say it persists. Wind and road noise complaints are far more common than mechanical issues and appear across all model years and trim levels.

Resale Value and Long-Term Ownership Costs

The Passport holds its value well compared to other mid-size SUVs. Three-year-old models typically retain 60 to 65 percent of their original purchase price, which is above average for the segment. Owners cite strong demand and limited supply as reasons for the strong resale market. Insurance costs are moderate—not as high as a full-size truck but slightly higher than a CR-V due to the vehicle's size and weight.

Maintenance costs are predictable. Oil changes, air filters, and routine service follow Honda's standard intervals and are competitively priced. Brake pads and tires are standard items with no unusual wear patterns reported. Owners who have kept their Passports past 100,000 miles report no major surprises, though sample sizes are still small since this generation launched in 2019.

How the 2026 Model Year Compares to Previous Years

The 2026 Passport carries over the same platform and engine as the 2024 and 2025 model years. Changes are minimal: some trim-level shuffling, updated standard features on certain trims, and minor color additions. If you're comparing a 2026 to a 2024 or 2025, the driving experience and capability are essentially identical.

Owners of earlier model years (2019–2021) report that the current generation has been refined since launch. Early models had more transmission issues and suspension noise complaints, which appear to have been addressed through software updates and component changes. If you're considering a used Passport from the first few model years, checking the service history for transmission work is worth doing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Passport better for off-roading than the Jeep Wrangler?

Both are capable, but they're different. The Wrangler is more modular and easier to customize for serious off-roading. The Passport is more refined on pavement and more comfortable for daily driving. For light trails and weekend use, owners report both perform similarly. The choice often comes down to whether you prefer the Wrangler's removable doors and top or the Passport's quieter, more car-like interior.

How does the Passport's fuel economy compare to the Toyota 4Runner?

The Passport is slightly more efficient. Real-world reports show the Passport averaging 18 to 20 mpg while the 4Runner typically achieves 16 to 18 mpg. The 4Runner is larger and heavier, which accounts for the difference. Neither vehicle is known for fuel economy, so if that's a priority, a CR-V or Pilot would be better choices.

Can you fit a car seat and two adults comfortably in the back?

Yes. The rear seat is tight with three adults, but a car seat plus two adults works fine. Owners with young children report the back seat is adequate for family trips under four hours. For longer drives, the cramped middle seat becomes noticeable if a third passenger is present.

What's the towing capacity, and is it reliable?

The Passport can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is suitable for small trailers and jet skis but not for larger boats or campers. Owners who tow regularly report the engine and transmission handle the load without issues. The firm suspension actually helps with towing stability compared to car-based SUVs.

Should I buy a 2026 or look at used 2024 or 2025 models?

Used 2024 and 2025 models are mechanically identical to the 2026 and typically cost $3,000 to $5,000 less. If you find a well-maintained used model with full service records, the savings may outweigh the benefit of a new-car warranty. Check the transmission service history on any pre-2023 model, as early examples had more reported issues.