2026 Honda Passport: A Rugged Redesign

Honda’s Passport SUV is poised for a complete overhaul, and fans of the adventurous, two-row midsize SUV have plenty to be excited about. Slated for release in early 2025, the next-generation Honda Passport will arrive as a 2026 model, bringing significant upgrades in design, off-road capability, and performance. Honda has teased details about the upcoming Passport, previewing its rugged TrailSport variant, which suggests that the brand is doubling down on off-road performance and outdoor lifestyle appeal.

A New Look: More Than Just a Two-Row Pilot

In the past, the Honda Passport has been known for being essentially a two-row version of the popular Honda Pilot. It shared the Pilot's platform, engine, and even much of its styling. However, for the 2026 model year, Honda is changing things up, making the new Passport visually distinct from its three-row sibling.

From what we’ve seen in camouflaged images, the 2026 Passport will have a boxier, more upright stance, with squared-off headlights and a beefier, more robust appearance. The stubbier rear overhang that defined the previous Passport is being toned down, giving the new model a more substantial presence on the road. It’s clear that Honda wants the Passport to carve out its own identity rather than simply being a "Pilot Lite."

TrailSport Leads the Way

Honda is putting the 2026 Passport TrailSport front and center, teasing this off-road-ready variant ahead of the standard models. The current Passport TrailSport is more of an off-road-themed trim, but for 2026, Honda has indicated it will offer serious upgrades, making it a much more capable adventure vehicle.

Spy shots and videos show the Passport TrailSport undergoing testing on the rugged trails of Moab, Utah, where it appears equipped with off-road-focused features such as:

• Skid plates for protection against rough terrain
• All-terrain tires for better grip on loose surfaces
• A suspension lift to improve ground clearance
• Improved approach, breakover, and departure angles

These enhancements signal that the 2026 Passport TrailSport is not just for looks—it’s designed for genuine off-road capability, rivaling other midsize SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Upgraded Powertrain: More Power for the Trails

Under the hood, the 2026 Honda Passport will continue to use Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 engine, but with some notable improvements. Honda has confirmed that the next-gen Passport will feature a more powerful version of this V6, which currently produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque in the outgoing model. While exact power figures for the 2026 Passport haven’t been confirmed, it's expected that it will match or exceed the 285 horsepower found in the new 2024 Honda Pilot.

In addition, the old nine-speed automatic transmission will be replaced by a new 10-speed automatic, promising smoother shifts and better fuel efficiency. This powertrain will be paired with Honda’s second-generation torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. This advanced AWD system is designed to improve off-road traction by sending power to either rear wheel as needed, ensuring the Passport maintains grip even on challenging terrain.

Non-Trailsport Variants: Expect a Balanced Offering

While Honda is currently highlighting the TrailSport model, the standard Passport lineup will also see its share of upgrades. Expect the non-TrailSport versions to carry much of the new design language and features of the TrailSport, minus some of the more hardcore off-road equipment. These versions will likely appeal to drivers looking for a reliable, comfortable, and capable SUV for daily driving and light off-road use.

Interior details haven’t been fully revealed yet, but we can expect the 2026 Passport to borrow heavily from the redesigned Pilot’s cabin, with high-quality materials, a larger infotainment system, and Honda’s suite of advanced safety features. Honda's interior technology has consistently been competitive, so expect modern conveniences like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of driver-assistance features as standard.

Off-Road and On-Road: Balanced Versatility

The new Passport is shaping up to be more versatile than ever. The 2026 TrailSport model seems to be pushing Honda’s off-road credentials further than before, but don’t think this will come at the cost of on-road comfort. Honda has a long history of blending off-road prowess with everyday practicality, and this Passport will likely maintain that balance. Its improved suspension setup, powerful V6, and torque-vectoring AWD should offer a confident ride whether you’re navigating city streets, highways, or dirt roads.

Why a 2026 Model Year?

Interestingly, Honda has chosen to badge this upcoming Passport as a 2026 model, despite its anticipated early 2025 release. While this might seem unusual given the typical release cycles, it reflects Honda’s commitment to future-proofing the Passport and aligning it with upcoming trends in the SUV market. The gap between the 2024 Passport and the 2026 model allows Honda to introduce a truly next-gen SUV, packed with enough upgrades to differentiate it from its predecessor and maintain its competitive edge in a crowded segment.

Key Takeaways: What We Know So Far

• Redesigned Exterior: The 2026 Honda Passport will feature a more upright, boxy design, distinguishing it from the Pilot and emphasizing its rugged, off-road potential.
• TrailSport Model: Leading the charge will be the off-road-oriented TrailSport variant, featuring serious off-road enhancements such as skid plates, lifted suspension, and all-terrain tires.
• Upgraded Powertrain: A more powerful version of the 3.5-liter V6 and a new 10-speed automatic transmission will power the Passport, paired with Honda’s latest torque-vectoring AWD system for improved off-road capability.
• Balanced Offering: Non-TrailSport models will offer many of the same upgrades, making the Passport a versatile midsize SUV option for both adventurers and city dwellers alike.
• Release Timing: The 2026 Honda Passport is set to debut in the fall of 2025, with an on-sale date expected in early 2026.

Honda’s 2026 Passport is shaping up to be a serious contender in the midsize SUV segment, particularly for those who want an SUV that’s just as comfortable off the beaten path as it is on city streets. With a bold new design, enhanced off-road capabilities, and upgraded powertrain, the next-generation Passport is ready to take on any adventure. Keep an eye out for more details as Honda releases further information leading up to its official debut.