The All-New 2026 Honda Passport: Born Wild

 

The 2026 Honda Passport has arrived as a complete redesign, leaning heavily into its "Born Wild" philosophy. This midsize SUV has shifted from a comfortable suburban cruiser to a truly rugged adventurer, featuring more power, enhanced off-road tech, and a bold new aesthetic.

Performance: More Muscle Under the Hood

Honda has stuck with its reliable V6 architecture but given it a significant boost for the 2026 model year.

Engine: A 3.5-liter DOHC V6 producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission: An all-new 10-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous 9-speed, offering smoother shifts and better low-end torque for crawling over obstacles.

Towing: It maintains a stout 5,000-pound towing capacity across all trims.

i-VTM4® AWD: The second-generation torque-vectoring system is now standard, capable of sending 70% of torque to the rear wheels and 100% of that to either the left or right side for maximum traction.

Rugged Design & Off-Road Capability

The most striking change is the exterior. The 2026 Passport is wider, longer, and taller, with a stance that demands attention.

Ground Clearance: Increased to 8.3 inches, with shorter front and rear overhangs to improve approach and departure angles on trails.

The TrailSport Trim: This is the flagship for off-roaders. It features an off-road tuned suspension, steel skid plates to protect the engine and fuel tank, and bright orange recovery hooks.

Wheels & Tires:18-inch wheels are standard on off-road trims, wrapped in 31-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires

A Tech-Forward Interior

Inside, the Passport is more spacious and modern, featuring a significant tech overhaul:

Displays: A standard 10.2-inch digital driver display and a much larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Built-in Connectivity:Google built-in (Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store) is now standard, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Utility: It boasts "best-in-class" cargo space, with up to 83.8 cubic feet available when the rear seats are folded flat.

Summary

The 2026 Honda Passport successfully bridges the gap between a family-friendly SUV and a legitimate trail-ready machine. While it retains the comfort and reliability Honda is known for, the added ground clearance and advanced AWD system make it a serious competitor in the outdoor adventure segment.