Honda Passport adds more horsepower and utility

HONDA

The 2026 Honda Passport in TrailSport package gives the sport utility vehicle better off-road capability powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine.

I don’t get a chance to drive Hondas much, but I still have a great appreciation for its products.

The company’s aura in the 1980s seemed unbreakable but there are cracks in the armor. Honda seems to have lost some steam. The Passport should help. It’s a marvelous machine that combines comfort and utility and adds a good dose of sport. 

The new Passport adds TrailSport trim to the fray to give the vehicle more off-road chops. My test vehicle was the Elite which is second only to the Elite Blackout which has some black exterior pieces. The Elite has all of what you need and a little more. Trailwatch, which is essentially off-road navigation, integrated rear door shades, power tailgate, trim-zone automatic climate control, ventilated and heated front seats and a premium Bose sound system are the biggest upgrades from the TrailSport Blackout.

All Passports are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 285 horsepower that’s mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels. There are five drive modes for varying road conditions and skid plates protect the underbelly.

The TrailSport also gets a specific suspension to help with traversing the outback. All-terrain tires are standard. There is 8.3-inches of ground clearance that allows going through some rough patches.

The engine has more horsepower and torque from last year. It’s still based on the Pilot but holds only five (no third row). The engine isn’t the most powerful, but it has nigh torque available throughout the power band for strong acceleration. I’m not sure about the 0-60 time but the vehicle felt quick. Making your way through traffic is a breeze with the Passport. You can pass and hit those on and off ramps with confidence.

The TrailSport ride quality is surprisingly good. Honda found a way to give the TrailSport better off-road chops without sacrificing real world highway comfort. It attacks larger bumps to send info through the cabin and even that’s not troublesome. The vehicle tracks straight and has fairly good handling properties.

The Passport is also pretty quiet on the road. It’s new, more upright shape is neutralized by thicker glass and acoustic foam placed in the doors. It’s not Acura quiet but the Passport’s lack of noise is refreshing.

I found the Passport to be a very comfortable vehicle. The driver’s seat had the right amount of padding and hug you enough to keep you from bouncing around during off-roading. It’s easy enough to find the correct seating position to get a clear view of the road.

The cabin is comfortable and fresh. The panoramic sunroof makes the spacious cabin feel even bigger. The 12-inch touch screen is responsive and intuitive. It’s also bright and has sharp graphics that are easy to see.

I’m not a fan of the push-button gear selector. As an older driver I felt I was putting too much effort in making sure I pushed the right button. That is important, of course, but a bit too complicated.

The Passport comes with a great deal of standard equipment: leather seats, heated steering wheel, surround view cameras, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and all the aforementioned stuff.

The Passport TrailSport Elite starts at $53,650. There are a few packages available and lots of accessories. Sadly, no hybrid or electric versions are available.

Pros:

• All-new

• Bold, blocky style

• More powerful engine 

• Lots of standard equipment 

• Better off road handling

• Smoother ride

• Quieter ride

• OK gas mileage

Cons:

• More expensive than competitors

• No hybrid or electric versions

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