Traditionally known for its practicality and comfort, the Passport now emphasizes ruggedness and capability, making it more than just a family-friendly SUV. With a design crafted around Honda’s “Born Wild” concept, the 2026 Honda Passport delivers performance, tech, and style in a way that’s bound to attract attention on and off the road.
In this article, we’ll break down the key features of the 2026 Honda Passport, from its toughened exterior and interior upgrades to its off-road performance and advanced tech integration.
Table of Contents
A Bold Exterior Design for True Adventurers
The 2026 Honda Passport is not only larger but also sports a more assertive look, drawing inspiration from its “Born Wild” ethos. Designed in Los Angeles, the new Passport incorporates features that boost both its rugged appearance and functionality.
Key Exterior Features
- Chunky Wheel Arches and a Bluff Front End: These give the Passport an aggressive stance and practical benefits, like improved approach angles that allow for better maneuvering on challenging trails.
- Increased Ground Clearance and Shorter Front Overhang: These features are crucial for serious off-roaders, enabling the Passport to handle steeper climbs and uneven terrain.
- Backpack-Inspired Rear End: This unique design isn’t just stylish; it also improves functionality, providing more storage options and space for outdoor gear.
- 18-Inch Wheels and Amber LED Daytime Running Lights: The TrailSport trim comes with these features, adding a touch of rugged style and enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
- Stamped “PASSPORT” Branding: Bold lettering on both ends reinforces the Passport’s identity as a vehicle made for adventurers, projecting confidence and a no-nonsense attitude.
TrailSport Trim: Elevating the Passport’s Off-Road Potential
The TrailSport trim is where the Passport fully embraces its off-road identity. While the entry-level RTL trim includes all the essentials, the TrailSport adds specialized components tailored for those who crave adventure. With these features, the TrailSport transforms the Passport into a capable off-road machine.
Standout Off-Road Features in the TrailSport Trim
- Off-Road Tuned Suspension: Designed to absorb shocks and maintain stability on rough terrains, this suspension setup makes challenging trails feel manageable.
- Steel Skid Plates and Heavy-Duty Recovery Hooks: Essential for off-road adventures, the steel skid plates protect the vehicle’s underbody from rocks and debris, while the heavy-duty hooks provide security during recovery operations.
- All-Terrain Tires and Wider Track: The TrailSport trim’s all-terrain tires improve traction on mud, sand, and other tough surfaces, and the wider track gives better stability.
- Off-Road Readouts: Drivers can monitor essential off-road metrics like pitch and roll, helping them gauge the vehicle’s position on uneven terrain.
With its rugged upgrades, the TrailSport trim makes the 2026 Passport a serious contender for outdoor enthusiasts who want both performance and practicality.
A Spacious, High-Tech Interior for Comfort and Connectivity
Inside, the Passport has been reimagined to offer not only more space but also a suite of tech features designed for modern convenience. The cabin’s spaciousness is evident, with increased rear legroom and a cargo area that’s capable of fitting two adult mountain bikes (with front wheels removed) when the rear seats are folded flat. This is ideal for active families or outdoor lovers who need the flexibility to transport bulky gear.
Infotainment and Tech Upgrades
- 12.3-Inch Touchscreen with Google Built-In: This large touchscreen integrates Google Maps, Assistant, and other apps, making navigation and entertainment a seamless experience. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping passengers connected on the go.
- 10.2-Inch Digital Instrument Display: The new digital display is easy to read and provides essential driving information within the driver’s line of sight, ensuring they stay informed and focused.
- TrailSport Elite Trim Additions: The top-level TrailSport Elite trim adds ventilated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, rear climate controls, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. These features add an element of luxury to the off-road experience, ensuring passengers remain comfortable no matter where the journey leads.
Power and Performance Built for the Trails
The 2026 Passport doesn’t just look the part—it has the performance to back it up. The Passport’s powertrain is a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and providing ample torque for both on-road and off-road driving. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, this engine ensures smooth acceleration and efficiency on highways, as well as enough power to tackle rough trails.
Torque Vectoring and Advanced AWD
Honda’s new torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system is a game-changer for the 2026 Passport. With 30% faster response times, this system enhances control on slippery or uneven terrain, providing better stability and confidence on trails. Whether driving through mud, sand, or gravel, this AWD system adapts to provide optimal traction, giving drivers more control in unpredictable conditions.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
As expected from Honda, the 2026 Passport is packed with safety features that make it suitable for both city driving and adventurous excursions. Honda’s suite of advanced driver-assistance systems includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe following distance, ideal for long drives on highways.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Helps the vehicle stay centered in its lane, providing gentle steering adjustments if it detects the Passport drifting.
- Forward-Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects obstacles in front of the vehicle and applies the brakes if a collision seems imminent, adding an extra layer of security.
The TrailSport Elite trim also includes Honda’s TrailWatch camera system, which provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings, enabling drivers to spot obstacles and navigate tight spaces with confidence. For off-road drivers, this feature is particularly useful in difficult terrain.
The Verdict: 2026 Passport — A New Era of Adventure
The 2026 Honda Passport represents a bold step in Honda’s evolution, positioning itself as a more adventurous and capable SUV that doesn’t compromise on comfort. With its powerful V6 engine, advanced AWD system, and the addition of the TrailSport trim, Honda has transformed the Passport into a vehicle that can handle serious off-road challenges. For active families and adventure enthusiasts, the Passport is now a worthy companion for journeys both on and off the road.
Starting in the mid-$40,000s, the 2026 Passport offers an enticing package for those who value Honda’s reputation for quality and dependability but want a vehicle that can take them further into the wilderness. With its combination of rugged design, spacious interior, advanced tech, and customizable options, the 2026 Passport is a welcome addition to the mid-sized SUV market—an invitation to explore new trails and embrace the unknown.
