Extra Off-Road Fun Without The On-Road Compromise

JUMPLINKS

The 2026 Honda Passport is all-new, getting into its fourth era this yr with a classy overhaul to maintain it recent in a extremely aggressive phase. To launch the newcomer to American media, Honda flew us out to the plush island of Puerto Rico, the place we had the chance to check the TrailSport trim each on-road and off-road. This two-row midsize SUV has been totally redesigned in its fourth era with improved off-road functionality, nevertheless it doesn’t lose its snug household car vibe. It is not a hardcore off-road car, nevertheless it’s surprisingly succesful for extra adventurous households.

2026 Honda Passport

Base Trim Engine

3.5L V6 Gasoline

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Transmission

10-speed automated

Base Trim Horsepower

285 hp @ 6,100 rpm

Base Trim Torque

262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm

Professionals & Cons

• Improved off-road capbility
• Easy experience on pavement
• Roomy, snug inside

• Not for heavy-duty off-road adventures
• Middling gas financial system
• Worth climbs steeply for high trims

The Passport has seating for 5 and slots slightly below the bigger Pilot, which has seating for as much as eight individuals relying on the way it’s configured, and above the CR-V. It’s the just-right SUV within the center for households who need the room and flexibility of an SUV for household life, however don’t essentially want that third row of seating.

What’s Modified For This Mannequin Yr

This yr marks the fourth era of the Passport with a full redesign that enhances its rugged character. It now boasts vital off-road enhancements, significantly within the TrailSport trim, which is a key a part of Honda’s elevated off-road focus for its SUV lineup. These off-road extras embrace strengthened skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an off-road-tuned suspension. The lineup begins with the RTL at $44,750, not together with $1,450 vacation spot, with the highest trim climbing over $50K for these with extra beneficiant budgets.

Exterior Design: Rugged And Prepared

The brand new Passport has a stronger presence with a wider stance, flared fenders, and an aggressive grille. The Passport lettering stamped on the entrance fascia and liftgate provides further visible enchantment, whereas the TrailSport’s amber LED daytime operating lights and vibrant orange restoration factors make it essentially the most placing trim within the lineup. Commonplace 18-inch wheels with 31-inch tires add to its highly effective look. Obtainable rock sliders up that off-road presence even additional and got here in helpful throughout our off-road drive.

Inside: Snug And Prepared For Journey

The Passport’s inside balances consolation with adventure-ready sturdiness. Rear legroom has elevated by 1.3 inches, and cargo capability stretches as much as 104.6 cubic toes behind the entrance row, making it significantly spacious for hauling bigger objects by yourself. Even with the rear seats in place – during which case it is loads roomy for 5 adults, even on longer drives – there are 44 cubic toes of stowage capability.

The bottom RTL gives customary leather-based upholstery and heated seats, whereas the TrailSport options artificial leather-based with vibrant orange accents. The Elite elevates the expertise with perforated leather-based and ventilated seats. A standout characteristic is the optionally available cargo shelf that doubles as a picnic desk; it’s miles sturdier than the model as soon as provided within the Honda CR-V. We additionally love the topographical map of Baja tucked into locations like the middle console, passenger storage shelf, and even on the highest of the cargo shelf picnic desk.

Infotainment: Fashionable And Intuitive

All Passport fashions come geared up with a ten.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a rise of 54% over the outgoing mannequin yr. Commonplace options embrace Google built-in together with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TrailSport Elite provides a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering distinctive sound high quality. There’s additionally an accessible TrailWatch digicam system that makes use of 4 exterior cameras to assist navigation on difficult terrain in addition to new pitch, roll, and elevation gauges.

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Powertrain & Driving: Balanced Efficiency

The 2026 Passport is powered by the identical engine throughout the lineup; there’s no hybrid or extra-performance choice. Underneath the hood is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque paired to a 10-speed automated transmission with customary all-wheel drive.

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On Puerto Rico’s winding roads, the V6 supplied ample energy for assured acceleration, with clean shifts and paddle shifters for handbook management should you’re so inclined. It’s not essentially the most highly effective engine, however it’s responsive with loads of oomph to stand up to hurry rapidly. It’s not particularly sporty, nevertheless it’s not underpowered both. The Passport as soon as once more manages to search out ‘excellent‘ with its engine.

Experience & Dealing with

The experience is clean and composed on pavement, because of a wheelbase that’s 2.55 inches lengthy and wider tracks with an additional 1.3 inches up entrance and 1.5 inches in again. Its dimension was manageable on slim, twisting Puerto Rican roads, making it excellent for city and rural settings alike. Dealing with is strong for an SUV, with minimal physique roll and a suspension that absorbs bumps with out jarring occupants. A piece of highway torn up as a result of a development mission didn’t break the Passport’s composure. This can be a snug experience for households that gained’t tax the driving force on longer treks.

Off-Roading

The Passport was the primary Honda SUV to get the TrailSport badge and this yr, Honda improves the Passport’s off-road prowess with options like off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and thick metal skid plates for defense on tough terrain. Brilliant orange tow hooks up entrance are sturdy sufficient to help twice the car’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 management for coming again down the opposite facet.

A choice of drive modes that features an off-road choice additional enhances its functionality. Although it’s not constructed for excessive off-roading like a Jeep Wrangler, it’s an amazing selection for individuals who don’t need to go all out, however nonetheless plan to discover off-road. A standout characteristic is the addition of elevation, pitch, and roll gauges, that are new not simply to the Passport however a primary for Honda. Quite a lot of digicam views that now embrace tips so you may see simply the place your tires are about to roll make it simpler to handle terrain with trickier obstacles and restricted visibility.

Gas Economic system

The EPA estimates the gas financial system of the RTL at 19/25/21 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed, whereas the TrailSport drops barely to 18/23/20 respectively. We had been unable to verify these figures on a comparatively brief first drive, so keep tuned for our full take a look at drive impressions after we obtain the brand new Passport on take a look at quickly.

Verdict & Pricing: A Versatile Contender

Pricing begins at $44,750 for the RTL, rising to $48,450 for the TrailSport and $52,450 for the TrailSport Elite, excluding $1,450 vacation spot. An optionally available Towing bundle for the RTL provides $700 whereas a Blackout look bundle accessible on all three trims provides $1,200. It’s not essentially the most reasonably priced car within the phase, nevertheless it’s well-priced given its options and functionality.

The 2026 Honda Passport is a compelling midsize SUV, mixing its off-road functionality with on-road refinement. The graceful V6 has loads of energy and the spacious cabin is right for a full load of adults or household highway journeys. It’s an approachable off-road SUV that may deal with surprisingly rugged terrain, nevertheless it’s not for hardcore off-road lovers. Its dealing with, on-road and off, makes it an amazing selection for individuals who need on-pavement consolation with the aptitude to discover on the weekend.