Honda Passport 2026: What We Know and What to Expect
The Honda Passport has carved out a clear role in Honda's SUV lineup since its relaunch in 2019: a mid-size, two-row SUV positioned between the smaller CR-V and the three-row Pilot. For shoppers researching the 2026 Honda Passport, here's a grounded look at what this vehicle is, how it fits the mid-size SUV segment, and what factors shape whether it makes sense for a given buyer.
What Is the Honda Passport?
The Passport is a mid-size, two-row SUV built on the same platform as the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline. It seats five passengers and offers a longer cargo area than the CR-V, without the added length and weight of a third-row configuration.
Key characteristics of the current Passport generation include:
- A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (3.5L V6 was replaced by the turbo-4 in the 2022 redesign)
- Standard front-wheel drive on base trims, with available AWD on most configurations
- A 9-speed automatic transmission
- A focus on off-road capability relative to typical crossovers, including available i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD on higher trims
The Passport occupies a practical middle ground — more cargo space and towing capacity than a compact SUV, without the fuel economy penalty or footprint of a full three-row vehicle.
What's New or Expected for 2026?
Honda has not officially confirmed full specifications for the 2026 Passport at the time of this writing. Model year details, trim structures, pricing, and powertrain updates should be verified directly with Honda or an authorized dealer, as automakers frequently revise these between announcement and production.
That said, the 2025 Passport received a notable update cycle that included refreshed styling and standard safety technology. For 2026, buyers should watch for:
- Trim carryover or reshuffling — Honda has historically offered Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, and Elite trims on the Passport
- Technology updates, particularly to the infotainment system and driver assistance suite
- Electrification direction — Honda has been expanding its hybrid offerings across the lineup, and whether a hybrid variant appears in the Passport's future is a question many shoppers are tracking
Nothing in this area should be treated as confirmed until Honda releases official model-year specifications.
How the Passport Compares in Its Class
The two-row mid-size SUV segment is competitive. Understanding where the Passport sits helps frame the buying decision.
| Feature | Passport General Profile | Typical Compact SUV | Typical Three-Row Mid-Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 passengers | 5 passengers | 6–8 passengers |
| Cargo (behind 2nd row) | Larger than compact | Smaller | Varies widely |
| Towing capacity | ~3,500–5,000 lbs | ~1,500–2,500 lbs | ~5,000–6,000 lbs |
| Length | Mid-size footprint | Shorter | Longer |
| Off-road focus | Moderate-high (TrailSport) | Low | Low-moderate |
Figures are general comparisons — verify exact specs for the model year and trim you're considering.
Trim Levels and How They Affect Value 🚙
Honda typically structures the Passport across four to five trims, with meaningful differences between them:
- Base/Sport trims focus on value and include core safety tech but fewer luxury features
- EX-L adds leather seating, power features, and upgraded audio
- TrailSport emphasizes off-road hardware — all-terrain tires, specific AWD tuning, underbody protection, and exterior styling cues
- Elite sits at the top with premium technology, heated/ventilated seats, and a panoramic roof
The TrailSport trim is distinctive because it targets buyers who genuinely want light off-road capability, not just the appearance of it. Whether that hardware justifies the price difference depends on how and where you actually drive.
What Affects the Total Cost of Ownership
Researching any vehicle involves more than the sticker price. For the Passport, relevant cost factors include:
- Fuel economy: Turbocharged engines can vary significantly based on driving conditions and style — EPA estimates are a starting point, not a guarantee
- Insurance rates: SUVs in this size class generally have higher insurance costs than compact cars, but exact premiums depend on your location, driving record, coverage choices, and insurer
- Maintenance intervals: Honda's maintenance schedule for turbocharged engines typically includes oil changes at 5,000–7,500 miles depending on oil type and driving conditions — always follow the manufacturer's specified intervals
- Resale value: Honda vehicles have historically held value well compared to the broader market, though this varies by trim, mileage, condition, and regional demand
Safety Technology on the Passport
Honda Sensing — Honda's suite of standard driver assistance technology — has been included across Passport trims in recent model years. This typically includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Road Departure Mitigation
The specific calibration and performance of these systems can vary, and NHTSA and IIHS ratings for each model year are worth reviewing independently before purchase.
The Variables That Shape the Decision
Whether the 2026 Passport fits a given buyer comes down to factors no spec sheet can answer on its own:
- How many passengers you typically carry (two-row vs. three-row becomes a real question above five people)
- Towing needs and what your specific vehicle will actually pull
- Terrain and climate, which affect whether AWD or TrailSport-level hardware is genuinely useful
- Local fuel prices and commute patterns, which shift the real-world cost of a turbocharged engine
- State and regional availability, which affects dealer inventory, incentives, and even which configurations are common on lots
The 2026 Passport, like any model-year vehicle, won't be fully defined until Honda releases complete specifications. What's true for a base Sport trim in one region won't necessarily match the experience of a TrailSport buyer in another — and that gap is exactly where individual research becomes essential.
