Honda’s New 2026 Passport Wants to Be Taken Seriously as an Off-Roader

This is the all-new 2026 Honda Passport: a meaner, tougher and squarer version of the popular midsize SUV. Honda touts this as the most capable SUV ever – but honestly, it’s not the boldest claim, because the Japanese automaker isn’t known for its mud-clogging off-roaders.

But Honda wants you to take the new Passport seriously, especially the TrailSport version. To live up to these claims, it’s got terrain-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, recovery points and bash plates to protect its underbelly.

To read: 2026 Honda Passport Revealed at Rebelle Rally, Looks Like It’ll Win

You’ll also notice that, unlike some of its rivals, Honda has chosen not to bother with downsizing, turbos or hybrid systems. There’s a good old 3.5-liter V6 under the hood here; Another factor that is sure to attract the attention of off-road enthusiasts.

Box Styling, Go Anywhere Look

The biggest clue that the Passport aims to be something completely different is clearly seen in its styling. Gone is the rather laid-back “SUV or crossover” look, replaced by a more angular and sharp design. The front is vaguely reminiscent of the Honda Crossroad (second generation, not rebranded) LandRover A 90’s find that was never sold outside of Japan.

But while this model is too comfortable a soft-roader to last 10 minutes in the wilderness, the 2026 Passport means business. It has higher ground clearance than the previous model and has better approach angles for off-road capability thanks to a shorter front overhang.

The new Passport is also one inch wider than the previous model and has a 2.75-inch longer wheelbase. It has flared fenders and a prominent hood scoop. Bold “PASSPORT” lettering is stamped on the dashboard and steel trunk lid. Additionally, all Passport models feature 18-inch wheels wrapped in 31-inch tires.

Honda also expanded its accessory range and focused on those who like to go beyond the standards. The official accessory list includes rock sliders, roof platforms and aluminum skid plates. And as a bonus for fans of old Passports and CR-Vs, The foldable picnic table is back.

Honda Wants TrailSport to Mean Business

The TrailSport series was first introduced in 2022; In the first attempt, the Passport was given a minor visual makeover with extra plastic cladding, a special colour, all-season tires and fake skid plates. The 2024 update didn’t add much extra credence to what was supposed to be a dedicated off-road special, leaving things a little dull.

This situation seems to change with the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite versions of the 2026 Honda Passport. These skid plates are no longer fake and are instead rated to support the full weight of the vehicle. Equipped with TrailSports all-terrain General Grabber tires Developed together with General Tire. At the same time, the suspension is now tuned for off-roading – and perhaps most importantly, there is now more ground clearance with the TrailSport badge, which was conspicuously missing in previous versions.

The bright orange, functional front and rear recovery points are said to be rated for twice the Passport’s gross weight. The all-wheel drive system now has its own logic system and there are extra cameras to help you see where your wheels are on the road.

Honda says the platform was designed from the outset to give the TrailSport true off-road capabilities, which also benefits the ride, handling and overall refinement of the entire Passport range thanks to a 72% increase in front lateral rake. 50% increase in stiffness and rear torsional stiffness.

But not everything about the 2026 Passport is revolutionary. Under the hood lies a relatively simple 3.5-liter V6 engine. As with previous models, there is one engine option to rule them all, with a 10-speed automatic transmission handling the gear shifts. It will produce 285 hp, 5 more ponies than the 2025 Passport, and 262 lb.-ft of torque.

interior

Despite the rough and tough exterior, the interior remains a nice enough place. Honda allows the cabin to accommodate up to 83.5 cu.-ft.1 (+5.8 cu.-ft.) and 44.0 cu.-ft.1 (+2.8 cu.-ft.) behind the first row. It says it’s the swankiest cabin yet, with up to .-ft.) behind the second row, which includes a larger, redesigned underfloor storage area.

Creature comforts include new “body-stabilizing” seats and a standard 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster above the dash that displays things like elevation, pitch and roll on TrailSport Models. The central display has been increased to 12.3 inches and comes with a host of Google apps as well as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a new Bose 12-speaker audio system. TrailSport models also have 110V electrical sockets in the center console.

Availability and Pricing

Honda isn’t too specific about pricing yet, instead saying the Passport’s starting price will be “in the mid-$40,000s.” The Passport will continue to be produced at the Honda Automobile Plant in Lincoln, Alabama, and will begin appearing in dealerships early next year.