All-New 2026 Honda Passport Sports True Rugged Design, Improved Off-Road Capability and V6 Power to Create the Ultimate Honda Adventure SUV

Dragoon · Nov 13, 2024

November 13, 2024 — TORRANCE, Calif.

2026 Passport is completely reimagined with a bold new design expressing its adventure-ready character
Passport TrailSport is the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever with increased ground clearance, off-road tuned suspension and specially developed AT tires
Spacious and tech-rich cabin supports adventure with more passenger and cargo room than key competitors
First-ever TrailSport Elite trim packs off-road capability with top-level feature content including new TrailWatch™ camera system
Broadest line of genuine Honda accessories ever adds rugged capability and functionality, including robust rock sliders and the return of the stowable picnic table
2026 Passport will begin arriving at dealers early next year with a starting price in the mid-$40,000s

Completely reimagined around a "Born Wild" concept fusing form and function, the all-new 2026 Honda Passport and Passport TrailSport represent the ultimate Honda adventure SUV with true rugged design, authentic off-road capability, next-level versatility and exceptional on-road performance. Starting in the mid-$40,000s, the fourth-generation Passport will arrive early next year in three very well-equipped and capable trim levels: RTL, TrailSport and TrailSport Elite.

The new Passport TrailSport is the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever, with standard rugged features, including off-road tuned suspension, expanded all-wheel drive system capabilities, robust steel skid plates, bright orange heavy-duty recovery hooks, specially engineered all-terrain tires and more to get weekend adventurers even farther down the trail or up the mountain.

"Our completely redesigned Passport redefines Honda rugged design and capability with tough new styling and substantially increased off-road performance for fun adventures without losing its everyday ride comfort," said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. "We top that off with the new Passport TrailSport, a new halo off-road vehicle that is the ultimate validation of our TrailSport concept, created to fully express Honda rugged design and capability."

The Ohio-based Passport development team started with the grand concept of "Born Wild", an aspirational value, that set the rugged attitude and adventure capabilities Passport delivers. Designed in California, Passport is brawny and broad shouldered, with an all-new look that enhances its superior rugged capabilities. Its new bold backpack design theme gives the new Passport a more robust C-pillar, stronger roof rails connecting to its blacked-out cargo bay with segment-leading functionality. For serious off-roading, Passport has increased ground clearance and a substantially shorter front overhang that provides an increased approach angle. At the rear, hidden exhaust tips are protected on the trail.

Passport's new front end is strong and powerful with a bold grille, long hood and aggressive hood scoop. A new LED DRL signature includes distinctive amber lighting for TrailSport models. The design is tough and aspirational with an increased dash-to-axle ratio, and "PASSPORT" proudly stamped both in the front fascia and in the steel tailgate. Flared fenders, wider tracks and 18-inch wheels with 31-inch tires on all Passports accentuate its powerful stance.

Every 2026 Passport features a new more powerful 285 hp (SAE net @ 6,100 rpm) DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with the model's first 10-speed automatic transmission. Refined and responsive, the new high-strength automatic transmission has been tuned exclusively for Passport. This is also the first Passport to get the second generation of the Honda torque vectoring i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive system, which features a stronger rear drive unit with 40% more torque capacity and 30% faster response, optimizing traction in all driving scenarios, especially slick and off-road conditions.

The new Passport interior is also adventure ready with improved rear seat legroom, increased cargo space and more standard tech than ever before, including a 10.2-inch digital driver instrumentation display, and a 54% larger touchscreen (12.3-inch) plus Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility all standard. New front Body Stabilizing Seats help reduce fatigue on long adventure drives for best-in-class comfort.

To take the rugged capability and appearance of Passport even further, Honda engineers have created the broadest line of genuine Honda accessories ever, including a variety of wheels, an aluminum front scuff plate and robust rock sliders with a stainless-steel plate. An extensive new line of available cargo accessories with an overlanding focus includes a cargo roof platform, MOLLE (modular light-weight load-carrying equipment) storage systems and a clever cargo shelf that transforms into a sturdy adventure-ready picnic table large enough to seat four. For durability, the lightweight composite cargo shelf/tabletop features a grippy rubberized surface finished with a unique Baja topographic map design.

Based on the longstanding Honda "Safety for Everyone" approach, a commitment to advance safety for everyone sharing the road, the next-generation Passport is a safety performance leader in the midsize SUV class with advanced active and passive safety technology standard on all models. These class-leading safety features include a new and improved suite of Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies, a next-generation front passenger airbag, improved front side airbags and new driver and front-passenger knee airbags.

New Passport Features:

Rugged exterior design is brawny and broad shouldered
Unique backpack design theme fuses form and function
More powerful 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine and high-strength 10-speed automatic transmission
Second-generation i-VTM4™ torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system improves off-road capability is standard
Trail torque logic optimizes off-road performance of i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive system
Special off-road hardware: off-road tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, steel skid plates, recovery hooks (TrailSport and TrailSport Elite)
TrailWatch™ camera system with tire path graphics to help drivers navigate obstacles (TrailSport Elite)
Available rugged accessories including rock sliders, aluminum front scuff plate and MOLLE boards
More modern and comfortable interior
More rear seat legroom
Increased storage and cargo volume
Standard 10.2-inch digital instrument display
Off-road tech includes readouts for Roll, Pitch and Elevation (TrailSport and TrailSport Elite)
Standard 12.3-inch HD touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto™ compatibility
All-new Bose 12-speaker premium audio system (TrailSport Elite)
7 available drive modes, including new Sport, Trail and Tow modes
Standard Honda Sensing® system with new wide-view camera and radar
Standard Hill Descent Control
Next-gen front passenger airbag designed to reduce potential for traumatic brain and neck injuries
Standard driver and front-passenger knee airbags

Dragoon · Nov 13, 2024

Rugged Design
Matching its rugged off-road capabilities, the aggressive new look of the new next-generation Honda Passport further advances the rugged design direction of Honda light trucks. Designed in the Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles, Passport features all-new bodywork conceived around a bold backpack design theme.

The new Passport is an inch wider with aggressively flared fenders covering trail-ready 18-inch wheels and tires for a stronger, more aggressive stance. A 2.75-inch longer wheelbase, pulled back A-pillars and long hood create a longer dash-to-axle ratio for a sportier profile.

The unique matte black finish of the rear roof section – a key component of Passport's backpack design theme – enables owners to lean skis, fishing poles and other adventure equipment against Passport without damage. New LED taillights and a sleek roof spoiler help make the next-generation Passport instantly recognizable from the rear.

Another thoughtful off-road touch is the Passport's antenna, now integrated into the passenger side rear glass, replacing the more traditional "shark-fin" style roof antenna. This placement eliminates the possibility of damage to the antenna during trail driving or when loading and unloading equipment and gear from the available cargo roof platform.

The new Passport RTL features black trim and grille, matte black rocker trim and roof spoiler and a silver skid garnish front and rear. Gloss Shark Gray 18-inch wheels and all-season tires (265/60R18) are standard.

The Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Elite add even more rugged design and exclusive off-road hardware. Both feature a gloss black grille and exterior trim, signature amber DRL, metallic silver front and rear skid garnishes and TrailSport badges. LED fog lights are standard and mounted higher in the front fascia for additional protection on the trail.

For the first time, Passport TrailSport models are equipped with stout front and rear recovery points rated at twice the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of Passport. New, orange front recovery hooks are powder coated to resist corrosion and engineered to break away in the event of a front collision. This patented design is a world's first and enables the Passport to target top of class safety ratings. The trailer hitch with 7-pin connector, standard on all TrailSport Models, integrates two rear recovery points and helps protect the rear fascia from off-road damage.

Both Passport TrailSport models feature uniquely styled 18-inch wheels in exclusive finishes such as Matte Shark Gray and Dark Tinted Clearcoat with Gloss Black lug nuts that include a protected sunken valve stem to avoid damage on the trail. New General Grabber all-terrain tires (275/60R18), co-developed exclusively with General Tire for the new Passport TrailSport, are extremely capable in sand, mud, rocky terrain and snow, but still quiet and comfortable on the road.

Passport is available in eight eye-catching exterior colors that highlight its rugged design and adventurous spirit, including two all-new paint colors, Sunset Orange and Ash Green Metallic, exclusive to TrailSport models.

More Spacious, Adventure-Ready Interior
Inside, the Honda Passport is ready for both the adventures of daily life and the rigors of rugged weekend escapes. The all-new cabin is modern, clean and uncluttered with more comfort, storage and cargo space than ever before. The layout is simple and intuitive with premium materials and design throughout, including high-quality switchgear and a unique topographic map design that lines its front storage bins.

New Body Stabilizing power adjustable heated front seats with memory are standard across the lineup. The already spacious second-row legroom is increased a generous 1.3 inches for increased comfort. RTL comes equipped with leather-trimmed upholstery and a power tailgate.

The TrailSport cabin stands out with comfortable, easy to clean synthetic leather upholstery and a sliding panoramic sunroof. Exclusive orange contrast stitching and head restraints embroidered with the TrailSport logo align to the rugged design direction. All-season floor mats add function and durability, protecting the carpet from snow, mud and debris. Power folding mirrors and a heated windshield are standard.

The top-of-the-line TrailSport Elite adds smart entry, perforated leather seating with piping, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rear climate controls, rear door shades and expanded ambient lighting, plus a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system custom-engineered for the new interior. With Bose Centerpoint technology, SurroundStage digital signal processing and a new, larger 16.4-liter (+.07-liter) capacity subwoofer box, the new system places all occupants in the middle of the music, regardless of their seating position, with a clear listening experience.

Expanded storage space in the cabin includes two-tier door bins, a large multi-use tray ahead of the shifter that can accommodate two smartphones side-by-side, a massive console bin that fits a full-size tablet, and a clever passenger-side instrument panel shelf. Passport is equipped with 10 large cupholders throughout the cabin, including six that will fit wide 32 oz water bottles.

The 2026 Passport has the most cargo room in the model's history, with up to 83.5 cu.-ft..1 behind the first row (+5.8 cu.-ft.), and up to 44.0 cu.-ft.1 (+2.8 cu.-ft.) behind the second row, which includes a larger redesigned underfloor storage area. The new wider cargo area can now hold full-size golf bags laid sideways across the cargo floor or a large stroller. With its rear seats folded flat, Passport can accommodate two full-size adult mountain bikes with their front wheels removed.

Intuitive Technology
Intuitive easy-to-use technology has been smartly integrated into the new modern Passport cabin, including a standard 10.2-inch digital instrument panel digital instrument display. The configurable multi-information display features user-selectable functions, such as Honda Sensing® settings, vehicle information and more. New elevation, pitch and roll off-road readouts are standard on both TrailSport models, adding driver confidence on tough trails.

Every new Passport comes standard with a 54% larger touchscreen (12.3-inches) with the latest HMI software for lag-free performance. A lip at the bottom of the touchscreen makes it easier to use by providing a stable surface as a finger rest.

Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility, 5G-LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot capability and a Qi-compatible 15W wireless smartphone charger are standard. The first integration of Google built-in in Passport includes apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps and more on Google Play for a helpful, personalized and connected driving experience with a complimentary 3-year unlimited data plan.

The large multi-use tray ahead of the shifter and the rear of the center console both feature a pair of standard 60W 3.0A USB-C ports that can charge personal electronic devices, including a laptop. TrailSport models feature 110-volt power outlets in the center console and conveniently located in the cargo area.

More Power and Performance
Developed by a team of Honda engineers in Ohio and built* at the Alabama Auto Plant, Passport's new, more powerful 24-valve DOHC 3.5-liter engine produces 285 horsepower (SAE net @ 6,100 rpm) and 262 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net @ 5,000 rpm).

One of the most powerful engines in its class, the all-aluminum V6 features low-profile cylinder heads with high-tumble ports and a narrow 35-degree valve angle for better combustion. The low-profile design of the DOHC cylinder heads is primarily a product of a more compact rocker arm and hydraulic lash adjuster design, further assisted by doing away with separate cam bearing caps, instead incorporating them directly into the valve cover itself. The result is a 30 mm reduction in overall cylinder head height, while also reducing the number of parts. Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.

Performance is further enhanced by a refined and responsive, high-strength 10-speed automatic transmission tuned exclusively for Passport. Paddle shifters are standard for manual control, making Passport more fun-to-drive.

To expand its off-road and inclement weather capabilities, Passport comes standard with the second generation of the Honda torque vectoring i-VTM4™ all-wheel drive system. The new and more capable i-VTM4™ system, which debuted on the current Pilot, features a stronger rear drive unit that can handle 40% more torque and provides 30% faster response, optimizing available traction in all driving scenarios. Up to 70% of the engine's torque can be sent to the rear axle, and 100% of that torque can be distributed to either the left or right rear wheel.

Seven standard selectable drive modes optimize the driving experience for various conditions: Normal, Sport, Econ, Snow, Sand, Tow and Trail. The new Trail mode optimizes off-road capabilities and a new Tow mode for additional capability.

Passport can comfortably tow as much as 5,000 pounds, which is more than enough for most boats, campers or "toy" trailers that serve as the key to adventure for many customers.

Dragoon · Nov 13, 2024

Sportier and More Engaging to Drive
Based on the extremely rigid Honda light truck platform, the 2026 Passport is sportier and more engaging to drive, both on and off road. The platform was engineered from the very beginning with the intention of giving TrailSport true off-road capabilities, which also benefits the ride, handling and overall refinement of the entire Passport lineup thanks to a 72% increase in front lateral rigidity and a 50% increase in rear torsion rigidity.

The wheelbase has been extended to 113.8 inches (+2.75 inches), benefitting ride comfort and straight stability, and significantly wider tracks (+1.3 inches in front, and +1.5 inches in the rear) improve cornering stability.

The all-new suspension of Passport is fortified with stronger forged steel suspension arms and sturdy cast-iron knuckles. Re-tuned MacPherson struts in front and an all-new rear multilink suspension help give Passport a more confident handling feel, while simultaneously improving ride quality.

The confidence-inspiring dynamics are further enhanced by a revised variable steering ratio that quickens response for sharper handling and agility around town, and more enjoyable on twisty backroads. Steering feel and stability are also improved with a new, stiffer steering column and stiffer torsion bar to enhance communication with the driver.

Stopping power is increased with larger front 13.8-inch brake rotors (+1.2 inches) and larger calipers. A reduced overall pedal stroke and improved heat resistance improve driver confidence, especially in emergency situations and on wet or snowy roads and trails.
A new standard Hill Descent Control system increases off-road capability with more control and confidence on steep, slippery declines of up to 7+ percent allowing drivers to select speeds between 2 and 12 mph.

Sound absorbing technologies, including acoustical spray foam insulation inserted in the body structure, fender liners, thicker carpet and other measures, reduce wind, road and powertrain noise inside the cabin for a more refined driving experience.

Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Elite
The all-new Passport TrailSport is an authentic, off-road capable SUV tested on challenging terrain throughout the United States – from the red rocks of Moab, Utah and the deep sands of Glamis, California to the challenging muddy trails in the hills of Kentucky and North Carolina.

TrailSport models deliver top class off-road performance with a unique suspension tuned for off-road driving, featuring exclusive spring rates and damper valve tuning, plus optimized stabilizer bars that improve articulation and off-road ride comfort.

Thick steel skid plates protect the oil pan, transmission and gas tank from damage. Designed in collaboration with Honda Powersports engineers, the skid plates can support the entire weight of the vehicle crashing down on a rock. A full-size spare is available.

Standard on TrailSport Elite, the new TrailWatch™ camera system uses four exterior cameras to offer four camera views (front, rear, side and 360 degree) along with clever tire placement graphics to help drivers navigate obstacles outside their natural line of sight by slope or proximity such as blind crests, deep ruts and the trail's edge. When driving In Trail mode at speeds below 15 mph, the forward view camera automatically turns on and then deactivates when speeds rise above 15 mph. For additional driver support, and unlike competitor trail camera systems, TrailWatch™ automatically reactivates if the vehicle speed dips below 12 mph.

To quantify target metrics and off-road performance, Honda engineers developed a new proprietary Honda off-road capability rating system in cooperation with the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC), a pioneer in off-road testing.

Class-Leading Safety Performance and Features
The next-generation Passport is the class-leader in SUV standard safety features and performance due to advanced active and passive safety technology that includes the latest version of Honda Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) architecture, world's first airbag technology and an expanded Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver assistive technologies.

ACE™ features an optimized structure integrated into front sub-frame and side-frame that improves crash compatibility with smaller vehicles and occupant protection in oblique frontal collisions. Targeting today's top safety ratings, Passport is designed to meet the new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ rating, plus its Side Impact Crashworthiness Evaluation (SICE) 2.0.

Passport features eight standard airbags, including an award-winning Honda front passenger airbag that uses a three-chamber design that is particularly effective in angled frontal impacts in which lateral collision forces can cause an occupant's head to rotate severely or slide off the airbag, increasing the chance of serious injury. Front knee airbags and side curtain airbags are also standard.

Passport features an updated Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver assistive technologies enabled by a new camera with a wider 90-degree field (+40 degrees) of view and wide-angle radar with a 120-degree (+70 degrees) field of view. This wide angle improves collision prevention performance via improved ability to recognize attributes of objects, such as vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians, as well as white lines and road boundaries like curbs and road signs.

Blind spot information (BSI) has been expanded, now with a significantly increased radar range (+72 feet). Also new are Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), which are standard. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS) have been updated to feature more natural responses.

Rear Seatbelt Reminder and Rear Seat Reminder systems are standard on Passport; the latter notifies drivers to check the rear seating area for children, pets or other precious cargo when exiting the vehicle.

Manufacturing Passport in America
The new second-generation Passport and Passport TrailSport will continue to be built* exclusively at the Honda Auto Plant in Lincoln, Alabama, continuing the 45-year legacy in America of the Honda commitment to build products close to the customer. Since 2001, Honda has produced* nearly 10 million light trucks in the U.S. including more than 6.5 million light trucks in Alabama.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine that powers the new Passport is also made* at the company's auto plant in Lincoln, Alabama.