The new 2026 Honda Passport is here, boasting a new architecture and a more equipped TrailSport edition, making it the ideal vehicle for weekend adventures.

It's no secret that there's a growing trend toward exploring the outdoors, which has motivated buyers   to seek out vehicles that are more capable of tackling rough terrain beyond pavement. 

The response from car manufacturers has been overwhelming. They've transformed their classic family vehicles into more adventurous models.

Honda Passport 2026, more comfortable and adventurous 

The previous Honda Passport was a very complete vehicle in every respect, although it lacked the adventurous character that many had hoped for. 

However, the 2026 model arrives with a bolder look and substantial improvements that make it a true off-road SUV.

Aesthetically, this new version marks a major step forward. With a more defined and streamlined profile, the new Passport is undoubtedly one of the most attractive SUVs the Japanese brand has produced in recent years.

Robust and attractive appearance

The almost vertical front design incorporates a narrow upper grille with an active hatch, which merges with well-defined rectangular headlights. 

The retro-inspired orange daytime running lights give it a more attractive appearance, while the more prominent lower grille with a metallic detail enhances its strong and rugged image.

Viewed from the side, the Honda Passport boasts a more square design that blends well with the sloping C-pillar and the black-painted rear roof section. All of these elements add a more dynamic silhouette. 

The presence of the roof bar also reinforces this more adventurous character. Beneath the noticeably widened wheel arches are 18-inch wheels that blend in well.

The rear end, meanwhile, is reminiscent of the first Pilot, with its vertical headlights and virtually flat hatch. The icing on the cake is the Passport name emblazoned on the tailgate.

An SUV that says “forward” to adventure

The unit we had the opportunity to test in the eastern part of Puerto Rico, including highway and some off-road routes, featured a Platinum Pearl White finish, which stands out elegantly against the black and dark silver details. 

If you want something more striking, you have other more striking shades at your disposal, such as Sunset Orange and Metallic Ash Green .

Inside 

Inside, the design is modest but attractive. The TrailSport Elite model adds sophisticated-looking leather seats with black and orange accents. 

The infotainment system includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen located in the center of the dashboard, complemented by a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. 

The graphics are clear and the use of Google Built-In makes for intuitive navigation through the main functions. 

In addition, the digital instrument panel is fully customizable and includes a special off-road view with tilt, angle, and altitude information. 

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard, and it's worth noting that connecting your phone to the system is extremely easy.

Of course, a Qi wireless charger is not missing.

Motorization

While some brands have adopted turbocharged or hybrid engines, Honda remains loyal to its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, the same one it used last year. 

It now features redesigned pistons and cylinder heads, boosting output to 285 horsepower—an increase of 5 hp—while torque remains at 262 pound-feet. 

This engine is coupled with a new, more modern and efficient 10-speed automatic transmission.

While it's perfectly fine for Honda to continue to stick with a non-supercharged V6, the Passport certainly could use a little more power. 

Driving experience

Low-rev torque delivery isn't its strong suit, which requires a firm press on the accelerator when tackling slow obstacles or when needing responsiveness on the highway.

However, it's not all bad. The 2026 Honda Passport offers a lively throttle response, making low-speed driving easier, especially when using the new Trail and Sand off-road modes. 

These, along with Sport mode, adjust pedal sensitivity to suit each situation. Of course, it's worth noting that much of this improvement is due to the new 10-speed transmission.

The Passport comes standard with all-wheel drive on all trim levels, which is a welcome addition to an SUV designed for off-roading. 

Added to this is a revamped electronic torque vectoring system capable of directing up to 70% of the power to the rear axle and up to 100% to either rear wheel. 

This ability to redirect engine torque to the wheel with the best traction becomes evident when faced with situations where one wheel is left in the air, helping to get out of trouble more easily.

A point against

If you're a fuel-efficient driver, we have bad news for you: The new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport's performance has declined. 

Unlike the previous model, which delivered 19 mpg city, 24 highway, and 21 combined, this new edition achieves only 18 mpg city, 23 highway, and 20 combined.

However, what it loses in efficiency, it makes up for in capability. The new TrailSport's design not only projects a more rugged appearance, but also incorporates a more rigid body and a suspension optimized for off-road handling. 

This significantly improves vehicle control, allowing you to tackle difficult terrain that you wouldn't have been able to tackle with the previous model.

The 2026 Passport features a 23-degree approach angle, allowing it to easily navigate obstacles on the road. Ground clearance has also been improved, from 8.1 to 8.3 inches.

A wider SUV

Additionally, the wheelbase has been extended by 2.7 inches, slightly reducing the breakover angle from 17.3 to 16.7 degrees. 

The increase in overhang also affects the departure angle, which is now 23.1 degrees compared to the previous 24.3. 

Despite these changes, handling hasn't been compromised. Thanks to the firmer chassis and new variable-ratio electric power steering, the TrailSport moves with agility and precision even on rough terrain.

Very capable of moving on difficult terrain

Thanks to Hill Descent Control and the Automatic Brake Hold function, the Passport handles steep descents with ease. 

The version we drove on an idyllic off-road route that took us through the mountains and then to the seaside was the TrailSport Elite, which came equipped with front and side cameras, which are essential if you explore off-road trails. 

Given the Passport's design, with its high front end and wide body, these cameras significantly improve surrounding visibility. A button located at the tip of the windshield wiper stalk allows you to quickly switch between two viewing angles.

Factory-fitted steel skid plates protect key components such as the crankcase, transmission, and fuel tank, while 31-inch all-terrain tires provide remarkable traction. 

A detail worth highlighting are the tow hooks located at the front, which were conveniently painted orange, 

In addition to being designed to quickly detach in the event of a frontal impact, these hooks are extremely durable, as Honda has just demonstrated with a surprising video that you can watch here .

Adventurous and very comfortable

It's important to highlight the comfort of this vehicle. After several hours on board, traveling on rough roads and then on highways, I didn't experience the slightest fatigue. 

The Elite's leather seats are plush and supportive, and Honda addressed a common criticism of the previous model: the high driving position. It now feels much more natural. The telescoping steering wheel also makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position.

Once on asphalt, the suspension is somewhat rough, which is unexpected given how well it responds on uneven terrain. 

This could be due to off-road tires, chassis design, or even road conditions.

In terms of dynamic performance, the Passport stands out from its rivals due to its agile nature. The increased rigidity gives it firmness in turns, and the steering, while precise, never feels heavy. 

2026 Honda Passport, prices and versions

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport starts at $49,900 including destination charges, which is about a $3,000 increase over the previous model. 

For those looking for a Passport that's less adventurous, consider the base RTL version, which is priced at $46,200, a high price considering its segment.

Overall, the 2026 Passport TrailSport stands out for solidly delivering on the basics: its design is attractive, the interior is well-designed, and it offers a pleasant ride. 

Add to this its off-road focus—an increasingly sought-after quality—and Honda has a   guaranteed best-seller on its hands.

• TAGS
• 2026
• Honda
• Passport
• Prueba
• SUV