2026 Honda Passport.
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After all these years, we finally get to see an all-new Honda Passport, and it’s not a disappointment.
I drove the current generation a couple of times and was always impressed. However, I was also disappointed by the super bland design and outdated interior. The new one seems to change everything for the better.
First, it looks really good. Inside and out. The new Passport was designed in California and it’s another really good-looking Honda SUV design following the Prologue.
Honda is now focusing on the “Trailsport” trim and there is no “regular” versions of the Passport available anymore. The current generation is available as “EX-L”, “Trailsport’ and “Black Edition”. While the new 2026 model will be available as “RTL”, “Trailsport” and “Trailsport Elite”. There is also an RTL version of the Ridgeline available. Which, in the Ridgeline is not a base model.
The new Passport is rumored to start at around $45,000. Which would be a $2500 premium over the current base model. However, the current Trailsprt also starts at $45,000. From what we can see here, the new Passport is well worth $2500 over the old one.
The Trailsport trim comes with synthetic leather with cloth inserts and adds a panoramic sunroof to the RTL. Trailsport Elite adds Honda’s excellent 12-speaker Bose system, perforated later, etc…
As usual with most new Hondas it seems the middle trim could be the best one to get.
Other good news includes the 3.5 Liter V6 now with 285HP, and a 10-speed auto. No 2.0 Liter Turbo here. That also means no Hybrid for those looking for something a bit more efficient.
I think Honda hit the bullseye with the new Passport, and focusing on off-road capabilities and rugged looks is a great idea. This could basically be a much more refined vehicle to own than a Ford Bronco, for most people. Also a more affordable alternative to a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Good news!
They did a very good job with this redesign. Both inside and out, it has an outdoorsy vibe to it, even though it will never see more than a dirt driveway. But that price is bonkers, if true. I’m going to guess that this is roughly Chevy Equinox-sized. The newly redesigned Equinox starts at just $28k and the off road Activ trim is $33k. There is no way they can justify a price that is over $10k more on this 45k
This is supposed to have the same wheelbase as the Pilot but shorter and wider. ie. the Passport is one size up from the Equinox, which is a CR-V competitor. And I’m willing to bet the Passport comes outfitted with a lot more kit (including that V6). Equinox Activ AWD starts at $36,295 with the 1.5L turbo 4cyl the only engine option.
Can’t really decide if this is giving me Ford vibes or bits of Honda Element.
I’m assuming that large screen will now make it into the Pilot, they must have been running behind on the design because the Pilot was clearly built for the larger screen but didn’t get one (yet the Accord got it). Glad to see they are making the Passport look more distinct from the Pilot, curious if the Ridgeline will get it’s own look or be more like the Passport.
Reminds me of Element, first gen Pilot and yes Ford. Ford has just been copying what was done in the late 90s/early 00s, that has come back into style. Also regarding the Equinox conversation- This vehicle will probably tow 5k pounds. The Equinox can only tow 1500 pounds. So this Passport is in the mid-size segment. Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Mazda CX-70, Nissan Murano, Subaru Outback. All 2 row SUV/CUV vehicles with verifying degrees of off road ability. I believe the Super Handling AWD is a major plus for this vehicle. More on road compliant then a 4Runner because of its unibody construction, but with some serious AWD chops that you cant find in most of the competition.
It’s a box. Zero personality. Looks like every other SUV from the last decade, especailly Ford and Toyota.