The 2026 Honda Passport is all-new, entering its fourth generation this year with a stylish overhaul to keep it fresh in a highly competitive segment. To launch the newcomer to American media, Honda flew us out to the lush island of Puerto Rico, where we had the opportunity to test the TrailSport trim both on-road and off-road. This two-row midsize SUV has been thoroughly redesigned in its fourth generation with improved off-road capability, but it doesn’t lose its comfortable family vehicle vibe. It’s not a hardcore off-road vehicle, but it’s surprisingly capable for more adventurous families.
The Passport has seating for five and slots just below the larger Pilot, which has seating for up to eight people depending on how it’s configured, and above the CR-V. It’s the just-right SUV in the middle for families who want the room and versatility of an SUV for family life, but don’t necessarily need that third row of seating.
First Drive events provide our initial impressions of a vehicle in a restricted environment under certain time constraints. Keep an eye on DrivingOnRoad for our comprehensive Test Drive review which will follow soon.
What’s Changed For This Model Year
This year marks the fourth generation of the Passport with a full redesign that enhances its rugged character. It now boasts significant off-road enhancements, particularly in the TrailSport trim, which is a key part of Honda’s increased off-road focus for its SUV lineup. Those off-road extras include reinforced skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an off-road-tuned suspension. The lineup starts with the RTL at $44,750, not including $1,450 destination, with the top trim climbing over $50K for those with more generous budgets.
Exterior Design: Rugged And Ready
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The new Passport has a stronger presence with a wider stance, flared fenders, and an aggressive grille. The Passport lettering stamped on the front fascia and liftgate adds extra visual appeal, while the TrailSport’s amber LED daytime running lights and bright orange recovery points make it the most striking trim in the lineup. Standard 18-inch wheels with 31-inch tires add to its powerful look. Available rock sliders up that off-road presence even further and came in handy during our off-road drive.
Interior: Comfortable And Ready For Adventure
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The Passport’s interior balances comfort with adventure-ready durability. Rear legroom has increased by 1.3 inches, and cargo capacity stretches up to 104.6 cubic feet behind the front row, making it seriously spacious for hauling larger items on your own. Even with the rear seats in place – in which case it’s plenty roomy for five adults, even on longer drives – there are 44 cubic feet of stowage capacity.
The base RTL offers standard leather upholstery and heated seats, while the TrailSport features synthetic leather with bright orange accents. The Elite elevates the experience with perforated leather and ventilated seats. A standout feature is the optional cargo shelf that doubles as a picnic table; it’s far sturdier than the version once offered in the Honda CR-V. We also love the topographical map of Baja tucked into places like the center console, passenger storage shelf, and even on the top of the cargo shelf picnic table.
Infotainment: Modern And Intuitive
All Passport models come equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, an increase of 54% over the outgoing model year. Standard features include Google built-in along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TrailSport Elite adds a 12-speaker Bose audio system, providing exceptional sound quality. There’s also an available TrailWatch camera system that uses four exterior cameras to aid navigation on challenging terrain as well as new pitch, roll, and elevation gauges.
Powertrain & Driving: Balanced Performance
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The 2026 Passport is powered by the same engine across the lineup; there’s no hybrid or extra-performance option. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive.
2026 Honda Passport Powertrain Specifications |
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| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Power | 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm |
On Puerto Rico’s winding roads, the V6 provided ample power for confident acceleration, with smooth shifts and paddle shifters for manual control if you’re so inclined. It’s not the most powerful engine, but it is responsive with plenty of oomph to get up to speed quickly. It’s not especially sporty, but it’s not underpowered either. The Passport once again manages to find ‘just right‘ with its engine.
Ride & Handling
The ride is smooth and composed on pavement, thanks to a wheelbase that is 2.55 inches long and wider tracks with an extra 1.3 inches up front and 1.5 inches in back. Its size was manageable on narrow, twisting Puerto Rican roads, making it ideal for urban and rural settings alike. Handling is solid for an SUV, with minimal body roll and a suspension that absorbs bumps without jarring occupants. A section of road torn up due to a construction project didn’t break the Passport’s composure. This is a comfortable ride for families that won’t tax the driver on longer treks.
Off-Roading
The Passport was the first Honda SUV to get the TrailSport badge and this year, Honda improves the Passport’s off-road prowess with features like off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and thick steel skid plates for protection on rough terrain. Bright orange tow hooks up front are strong enough to support twice the vehicle’s weight. We went for an off-road drive and tackled slick, muddy trails with ease. It was equally competent climbing up hills with the bonus of hill descent control for coming back down the other side.
A selection of drive modes that includes an off-road option further enhances its capability. Though it’s not built for extreme off-roading like a Jeep Wrangler, it’s a great choice for those who don’t want to go all out, but still plan to explore off-road. A standout feature is the addition of elevation, pitch, and roll gauges, which are new not just to the Passport but a first for Honda. A variety of camera views that now include guidelines so you can see just where your tires are about to roll make it easier to manage terrain with trickier obstacles and limited visibility.
Fuel Economy
The EPA estimates the fuel economy of the RTL at 19/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined, while the TrailSport drops slightly to 18/23/20 respectively. We were unable to confirm these figures on a relatively short first drive, so stay tuned for our full test drive impressions when we receive the new Passport on test soon.
Verdict & Pricing: A Versatile Contender
Pricing starts at $44,750 for the RTL, rising to $48,450 for the TrailSport and $52,450 for the TrailSport Elite, excluding $1,450 destination. An optional Towing package for the RTL adds $700 while a Blackout appearance package available on all three trims adds $1,200. It’s not the most affordable vehicle in the segment, but it’s well-priced given its features and capability.
2025 Honda Passport Pricing |
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| Trim | Price |
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| RTL | $44,750 |
| TrailSport | $48,450 |
| TrailSport Elite | $52,450 |
| * excludes $1,450 destination fee | |
The 2026 Honda Passport is a compelling midsize SUV, blending its off-road capability with on-road refinement. The smooth V6 has plenty of power and the spacious cabin is ideal for a full load of adults or family road trips. It’s an approachable off-road SUV that can tackle surprisingly rugged terrain, but it’s not for hardcore off-road enthusiasts. Its handling, on-road and off, makes it a great choice for those who want on-pavement comfort with the capability to explore on the weekend.