The fourth-generation Passport is here, with the first units due to arrive in dealer showrooms early next year. It's expected to start in the mid-$40,000s for the RTL grade, which is joined by the better-equipped TrailSport and TrailSport Elite.
To whom it may concern, the outgoing 2025 model is $42,400 for the EX-L, along with $45,000 for the TrailSport and $48,470 for the Black Edition. Said prices do not include the $1,395 destination freight charge.
From the standpoint of design, Passport is noticeably boxier than before. In addition to the rugged, upright exterior styling, American Honda Motor has also made it roomier, with the wheelbase now measuring 2.75 more inches. A pillars that have been pulled back from the previous model also need to be mentioned, along with a longer hood.
Equipped with LED headlights and taillights, Passport comes with the double-overhead-cam engine of the fourth-generation Pilot. Internally referred to as J35Y8, this fellow drops the SOHC and intake-only VTEC setup of the old J35Y6 in favor of VTM. Simply put, the VTC system continuously adjusts intake and exhaust timing as opposed to low- and high-RPM camshaft lobes for VTEC.
Developed in Ohio and manufactured in Alabama, said 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 generates a respectable 285 horsepower at 6,100 revolutions per minute and 262 pound-feet (342 Newton-meters) at 5,000 revolutions per minute. That's five additional horses over the J35Y6 and slightly higher engine speeds for both maximum power and torque.
Photo: Honda
Gone is the ZF-supplied automatic of the 2025 model, with its replacement being the Pilot's 10-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is obviously standard, with Honda quoting a beefier rear drive unit (40 percent more torque capacity) and better response (30 percent faster). The i-VTM4 is a torque-vectoring system. 70 percent of the torque can go to the rear wheels, with i-VTM4 distributing up to 100 percent of said torque to either wheel.
The broad-shouldered utility vehicle promises more rear-seat legroom, along with increased cargo and storage volume. Coming as standard with a 10.2-inch digital instrument display and 12.3 inches of hi-def touchscreen for the Google built-in infotainment system with cordless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, the 2026 Honda Passport is also big on safety.
Not only do both the driver and front passenger get knee airbags by default, but the front passenger airbag was designed to reduce the potential for serious brain and neck injuries in the event of a crash. Listed with up to 44.0 cubic feet (1,246 liters) behind the second row of seats or 83.5 (2,364) behind the first row, the Passport further boasts a 15-watt wireless smartphone charger as standard equipment.
Capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kilograms), the Passport really comes into its own if you decide on either TrailSport grade to the detriment of the RTL. All are equipped with 18-inch wheels, but going TrailSport means all-terrain rubber instead of all-season tires. Both TrailSport grades rock 275/60R18 rubber, with the RTL featuring 265/60R18s.
Honda claims the 2026 Passport TrailSport is the most capable series-production Honda sport utility vehicle off the beaten path. In addition to the aforementioned tires and i-VTM4 system, the TrailSport sweetens the deal with a shorter front overhang, therefore improving on the 2025 model's approach angle. Honda hid the exhaust to protect them from any potential damage on the trail.
The recovery points are rated at twice the GVWR of the Passport TrailSport. Powder coated orange, said recovery hooks are joined by a TrailSport-standard trailer hitch with a 7-pin connector. The TrailSport-spec wheels feature sunken valve stems to protect them from damage when driving off-road.
Sunset Orange (pictured) and Ash Green Metallic are new colors for 2026, with both exclusive to the TrailSport grades. The lesser trim comes with a heated windshield, all-season floor mats, orange contrast stitching, a sliding panoramic sunroof, and synthetic leather upholstery. Upgrading to TrailSport Elite results in perforated leather seating, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, expanded ambient lighting, rear door shades, a 12-speaker audio system from Bose, and climate controls for the rear occupants.
Equipped with 10 cupholders, of which six accommodate bottles no larger than 32 fluid ounces (1 liter), the Passport isn't too shabby in RTL specification either. From the Gloss Shark Gray-painted wheels to the blacked-out radiator grille and exterior trim, power tailgate, and leather-trimmed upholstery, there's a lot to like even if you don't need the off-road capability of the pricier TrailSport twins.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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