Honda redesigned the Passport for the 2026 mannequin 12 months, however saved the basics that made this two-row crossover an important alternative. A few of the adjustments, together with the TrailSport mannequin addition, enhance on the Passport’s capabilities with out going overboard.
At a look
- Extra rugged look and design
- Nonetheless V6-powered, however with a brand new transmission
- Surprisingly succesful on and off the pavement
- Quietly competent with out gimmicks
The 2026 Passport’s new design is boxier and extra rugged. A flatter grille, much less tumblehome on the higher greenhouse, and a taller look consequently. The TrailSport mannequin will get knobby tires, some added off-road accoutrements, and a slight elevate in clearance.
Beneath, Honda saved the three.5-liter V6, which outputs 285 horsepower (210 kW) and about the identical quantity in torque. A brand new 10-speed automated transmission gives higher gasoline economic system and response from the smooth-running six. Honda’s all-wheel drive system has additionally been improved to go together with that new transmission. It’s laborious to argue with the graceful energy supply of a naturally-breathing V6, and Honda is aware of that. I used to be actually glad for it throughout my week with this utility.
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport isn’t, nonetheless, a trail-lugging beast. For gentle and a bit medium off-road, it’ll just do high quality, however for those who enterprise away from Subaru-ready trails into Jeep territory, you would possibly discover issues a bit bit bushy within the TrailSport mannequin. That mentioned, most individuals don’t want greater than unpaved highway functionality of their off-road adventures anyway. Even so, the skid plates on the oil pan, trans, and gasoline tank are customary and welcome.
Honda
The upside right here is that for many of its life, the Passport goes to be on pavement, and the brand new transmission delivers there. Confidence is the very best phrase to make use of to explain the V6 and 10-speed mixture. It will get the job finished with out a lot fuss and with none jerky “turbo’s kicked in” feeling.
In the event you’re on the lookout for them, you’ll discover the adjustments in chassis that improved the Passport on this new fourth era. It’s extra inflexible and the suspension has been retuned to accommodate in order that the added stress doesn’t add vibration. Some may also notice the improved steering really feel, which provides a bit extra suggestions than the outgoing model had.
Honda
There are tradeoffs to the off-road possibility, although. The TrailSport is EPA rated at 18 mpg within the metropolis and 23 mpg on the freeway (13.1 and 10.2 l/100km). That’s a few factors under the usual miles per gallon returns on the usual Passport fashions. It’s a great enchancment over the earlier era, nonetheless, and achievable in the true world. My week with the rig returned a 19.5 mpg (12.0 l/100km) common regardless of excessive altitude, winds, and a good quantity of off-road time.
The best purpose to contemplate the Passport, in fact, is its two-row payoff in larger cargo. There’s plenty of house again there. The inside is made up largely of well-considered switchgear placement and lack of gimmicks. Primary know-how expectations are met with out fanfare within the Passport, and every little thing simply works. Frills some would possibly anticipate, like semi-self-driving tech and big screens, aren’t discovered. However collision prevention and digital camera views are all there.
Aaron Turpen / New Atlas
In the event you’re looking for a SUV that may commute quietly, maintain its personal on maintained forest roads, and nonetheless really feel composed at 75 mph (121 km/h), the 2026 Passport TrailSport hits these targets. Its price ticket is larger than the phase common, however you’re getting extra car for the cash. Base value is US$46,245, however most patrons will need the center floor TrailSport possibility at about $50,000.
Product web page: 2026 Honda Passport
