Did you know that this is technically the fourth generation of Honda’s two-row SUV, the Passport?
Back in 1993, Honda needed a mid-size SUV. They turned to Isuzu, whom they had a collaboration with. They got the Indiana-built Rodeo four-door and slapped on Honda badges and the Passport name. After a couple of generations, Honda decided to go on their own and develop their own line of SUVs by 2002.
After a successful run from 2019, the new 2026 Passport has arrived. It looks more rugged than any of its predecessors. They also tout that it can play further away from the highway. But, does it really?
Built on the latest platform shared with the current Pilot, the 2026 Passport has its own design. A more squared off exterior that looks like it means business. The grille texture is bold, flanked by an LED lighting cluster on each side. The hood is flat, leading to a tall roofline, finishing with a flatter rear end design, a pair of vertical LED taillights and a high liftgate. The Passport name is stamped both front and rear of the vehicle. 
Our TrailSport Elite tester adds a pair of 18-inch alloy wheels wearing all-terrain tires. Along with the TrailSport badges, there is additional cladding and trim to maintain its rugged look. .
Inside the Passport, there is a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster screen that is clear with all the information you need. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, along with the climate and audio controls, command the center stack. The main center console offers a few controls, including a series of buttons for the automatic transmission.
You are treated to a set of huge two-tone leather-trimmed front seats that are both comfortable and supportive. The stitched TrailSport logos also makes these seats attractive to all occupants. There is a lot of room between the two rows of seats for four adults or a family of five. The expansive cargo space starts with a sizeable 44.0 cubic feet behind the second row. Once you fold down the rear seats row, and that increases up to 83.5 cubic feet. 
Power comes from a 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with 262 pound-feet of torque on tap. A ten-speed automatic is connected to it, along with its second-generation i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system and Intelligent Traction Management.
It delivers on performance and acceleration quite well. We found the overall engine response worked well in both on the off the highway. For example, we saw how the 2026 Passport moved with its Intelligent Traction Management set in Trail mode delivering traction on sand and dirt. We also observed a fuel economy average of 20.7 MPG.
In terms of ride quality, the 2026 Passport TrailSport’s suspension was smooth on many surfaces. On rougher surfaces, it was dampened enough to minimalize the feedback from the surface. Handling and cornering are on the soft side, with some controlled roll through the turns. 
Steering was pretty good with solid on-center feel and decent response from the wheel. The turning radius was average, though a few more turns would be in order in tighter areas. Brakes were fine, with solid pedal action and average stops in normal and panic situations.
There is a choice of seven trim levels for the 2026 Honda Passport, rooted in three basic ones: RTL, TrailSport and TraillSport Elite. Pricing starts at $44,750. This TrailSport Eiite tester came with a sticker price of $54,400.
The Honda Passport wants to play in the dirt, ruts, and trails. There are other vehicles that compete against it on these same off-road conditions. These competitors include the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Subaru Outback Wilderness, Toyota 4Runner, Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition, Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Discovery 110, and Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige.
If you are looking for an SUV that has capability, practicality, and rugged looks, the 2026 Honda Passport is something to consider. It is also an accommodating place to get to your destination off the beaten track.
