The Honda Passport has at all times been a CAR favorite for its trustworthy V6, exemplary driving dynamics, spacious and ergonomically sound cabin, and engaging value level. This fully-redesigned 2026 mannequin goals to proceed that development with a rugged new look, bigger dimensions, and a TrailSport package deal that provides off-road functionality, improved floor clearance, and bigger tires.
In truth, the brand new silhouette bears nearly no resemblance to the outgoing Passport. It adopts that fashionable, muscular, geometric form that’s permeating the market – suppose G-Wagon, 4Runner, Defender, Bronco. All of them have blocky shoulders and cubic shadows, and patrons are soaking all of it up. Very similar to style traits, automotive design actually does work in cycles. However we benefit from the Passport’s extra humanoid face, like a grown-up Honda Aspect in pumpkin spec, simply in time for Halloween.
The inside hasn’t strayed off beam, although. It’s the identical acquainted structure, that includes an easy design that has been quietly improved and rearranged with ergonomics on the forefront, however it will probably seem considerably anodyne in comparison with its rivals. There’s no visible drama or garnish. We love its trustworthy look and low studying curve.
No fussy haptic contact sensors could be discovered, and there’s no overreliance on digital actual property both – the abundance of bodily switchgear for the air flow controls, quantity, and steering wheel is hardproof. The knobs and dials all have ridges and elevations too, making them simple to seek out and function with out taking your eyes off the street. That is person performance carried out accurately, and we’re glad Honda hasn’t given in to the development of fresh, buttonless interiors. Check out the Volvo EX30 to see the place the mania of decreasing button depend continues. We perceive Volvo’s technique to the insanity by decreasing materials utilization and its total carbon footprint, however the extreme affect on person performance makes it ineffective.
To not point out, that is the very best Honda touchscreen unit we’ve used, that includes a 12.3-inch measurement, crisp graphics, and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The display might not be as high-definition as the most recent iPad, but it surely’s getting there. And with Google Integration, it’s even simpler to verbally command and alter navigation factors.
For many who want extra room than a CR-V however discover the scale of a Pilot too intimidating, the Passport is a perfect selection. There’s extra rear seat room and trunk house than earlier than, because of the Passport’s longer wheelbase. It makes wonderful use of its cavernous inside with massive cubbies and easy accessibility to them. The door panel options a number of storage compartments and there’s a large, sq. middle field, which is extra helpful than the awkward, slim L-shaped field within the Mercedes GLC, which is unable to suit a lot.
To our shock, Honda retained its naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6, a extra characterful engine than the turbocharged variants utilized by the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco. The engine is the star of the present, a free-breathing, naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 that generates 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque by way of a 10-speed automated gearbox, which is 5 hp and one additional gear greater than the outgoing mannequin. It might be an ageing unit that lacks headlining energy figures, particularly in comparison with the punchier turbocharged items, however its trustworthy energy supply and seekable prime vary make it a pleasure to rev out and make the most of each horsepower within the chariot. Moreover, it solely requires 87-octane gas.
There’s a proportional relationship between the fuel pedal and ahead thrust, a welcome profit for newbie drivers and purists alike. That being mentioned, the V6 can really feel languid within the low-end, and you need to plunge your proper foot into the pedal and work in your efficiency. Nonetheless, the drive turns into extra involving and satisfying, evoking recollections of Honda’s VTEC items that freely revved to the moon. The V6 emits genuine exhaust notes and a peaky consumption noise, too, as if there’s one-quarter of an NSX V6 mendacity beneath the entrance hood. There’s that throaty, high-pitched, mechanical whine that’s playful and exhibits us that Honda DNA is dripping in its veins.
Nonetheless, the powertrain is let down by a sluggish 10-speed gearbox that tends to remain in prime gear and is hesitant to downshift. When cruising at 100 km/h, it takes roughly a full second after throttle kickdown for the gearbox to reply and downshift. It’s not essentially the most agreeable SUV due to this, and we don’t recall the outgoing 9-speed being this delayed. Sport mode and choosing the S gear don’t assist a lot both, however paddle shifting your self and retaining the needle greater within the RPM vary is essentially the most rewarding approach to extract efficiency.
A stiffer chassis and retuned suspension have additionally offered higher street compliance and luxury. The journey is extra fluid and polished, with solely bigger bumps and oscillations seeping by way of to the driving force’s seat. Even on the Normal Grabber All-Terrain tires (275/60R18), the brand new Passport reveals such pliancy and composure that it encourages you to sort out and clean out the worst of the street floor imperfections. The journey nonetheless has a light edge to it, however we’re genuinely stunned by how grippy and quiet these tires are.
Regardless of its bigger measurement, the Passport’s predictable energy supply and flat cornering make it extra enjoyable and satisfying to drive than the CR-V. The steering carries a imprecise on-center really feel but it surely’s gentle and exact, providing a good quantity of rotational resistance. When launched, the wheel will rapidly spring again to a impartial place, very like the hydraulic steering racks of yesteryear. In an try to mitigate physique roll and introduce higher dynamics, Honda outfitted the Passport with a intelligent torque vectoring system, and I don’t imply the brake-based type. That is true torque vectoring, that means the differential can re-route 70% of the torque to the rear axle, and 100% of that torque to both the fitting or left wheels – you possibly can view this distribution of energy in real-time within the instrument cluster as nicely. This enables for higher dealing with and traction when cornering, and you’ll instantly really feel the distinction when carrying this bruiser on a speedy flip. It doesn’t bestow a newfound athleticism, nonetheless, and you continue to get the same top-heavy lean that you’d get within the Pilot, but it surely’s nonetheless extra partaking than earlier than.
The brand new Passport appeals to each the center and the top with its rev-happy V6 and exemplary street compliance even within the off-road-focused TrailSport spec. We’re not too eager on the sleepy 10-speed gearbox, however its ergonomically designed inside and good-looking appears to be like make it each a commuting and street journey warrior that wouldn’t look misplaced in any storage.
Specs:
Mannequin: 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Touring
Paint Sort: Sundown Orange II
Base Worth: $60,540
Worth as Examined: $60,840
Wheelbase(mm): 2,885
Size/Width/Top (mm): 4,864 / 2,019 / 1,857
Curb Weight: 2,135 kg
Powertrain: 3.5-litre V6
Horsepower: 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automated
Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, AWD
Noticed Gasoline Consumption (L/100km): 12.7
Tires: Normal Grabber A/T Sport; 275/60R18
