The midsize SUV segment is a crowded battleground, dominated by vehicles that prioritize practicality, comfort, and hauling capacity. Yet, few manage to strike a balance between suburban dependability and genuine rugged capability. Enter the 2026 Honda Passport. Reimagined for its third generation, the Passport is more than just a shortened version of its larger sibling, the Pilot; it’s a distinctively capable two-row, five-passenger SUV designed for those who occasionally venture beyond the paved path, or simply want a vehicle that looks like it could.
Built on the same robust platform as the three-row Honda Pilot, the 2026 Passport leverages this familial engineering to deliver exceptional interior space and structural rigidity. However, its design philosophy—dubbed “Born Wild” by Honda—is anything but suburban. With standard all-wheel drive across all trims, a powerful V6 engine, and specific trims geared toward true off-road performance, the 2026 Passport stands out as a genuine competitor in the increasingly popular “adventure SUV” category.
In this deep-dive review, we dissect every aspect of the 2026 Passport, from its functional interior and intuitive controls to its on-road manners and its serious off-road potential, comparing the everyday excellence of the RTL trim with the enhanced capability of the TrailSport. We’ll help you determine if the Passport is the right choice, especially when stacked against its formidable three-row sibling, the Honda Pilot.
Foundational Engineering: Built on the Pilot Platform
To truly understand the 2026 Passport, one must first recognize its roots. It shares its foundation with the highly successful and recently redesigned Honda Pilot. This shared platform immediately grants the Passport a significant advantage: excellent structural integrity and a generous wheelbase.
However, the Passport is not merely a Pilot with a section lopped off. Honda made key dimensional alterations to establish the Passport’s unique, more rugged identity. While the Pilot measures 8 inches longer overall, the Passport compensates by being 1 inch wider and 2 inches taller than its three-row counterpart. Crucially for those planning light off-roading, the Passport also boasts 1 inch more ground clearance than the Pilot.
This difference in dimensions translates directly into the Passport’s roomy cabin and imposing stance. The generous wheelbase ensures excellent access, facilitated by big front and rear doors that open wide. Moreover, the design features a very low sill to step over, mitigating the “climb-in” feeling often associated with large SUVs. It provides a comfortable, accessible entry that doesn’t feel like you are hoisting yourself into a full-frame, truck-based behemoth. This thoughtful geometry provides the best of both worlds: a highly spacious interior paired with easy ingress/egress.
Passport’s Competitive Stance and Standard AWD
Perhaps the most significant differentiator that solidifies the Passport’s rugged identity is its standard drivetrain. Unlike the Pilot, which offers front-wheel drive on its lower trims, all 2026 Honda Passports come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). This commitment to all-weather and all-terrain traction immediately appeals to drivers in snowy climates or those who frequently navigate gravel roads and challenging terrain.
The AWD system employed in the Passport is sophisticated, especially in the TrailSport trims, which incorporate a torque-vectoring rear differential. This technology actively manages power distribution not just front-to-back, but also side-to-side across the rear axle, maximizing available traction during cornering or when encountering slippery conditions. The result is superior handling stability and better performance when pushing the vehicle near its grip limits, even in the higher-riding, rugged TrailSport variant.
The overall rigidity of the new chassis is also worth noting. Honda claims the body is significantly stiffer—up to 50 percent more rigid in some areas compared to the previous generation. This newfound stiffness is immediately evident in the Passport’s composure over rough pavement, contributing to a more controlled and pleasant ride quality, even when tackling freeway expansion joints or poorly maintained secondary roads.
Power and Performance: The Trusty V6 Engine
Under the hood of every 2026 Honda Passport is the tried-and-true workhorse of the Honda lineup: a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired exclusively with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.
This powertrain setup is foundational to the Passport’s character. It delivers ample, usable power—specifically 295 horsepower (though some performance figures cite 285 hp, the Passport’s output remains robust) and solid torque figures. The 10-speed automatic is instrumental in managing this power, ensuring that acceleration is delivered smoothly and that the engine is kept in its most efficient or powerful band as needed. Whether you’re pulling away from a stoplight, merging onto a highway, or passing slower traffic, the V6 provides plenty of “go.” It’s an engine that offers reliable power without the turbo lag sometimes associated with smaller, turbocharged competitors.
The Passport’s capable engine and platform also translate to significant utility. It boasts a respectable 5,000-pound towing capacity (when properly equipped with the Class IV hitch), making it more than capable of handling a decent-sized boat, utility trailer, or camping setup. This capability, combined with the standard AWD system, makes the Passport a versatile choice for weekend adventurers who need to tow their gear to a remote campsite.
The Hybrid Question and Honda’s Future Plans
In a market increasingly moving toward electrification, the absence of a hybrid version of the 2026 Passport is a curious omission. Many of its primary competitors now offer hybrid powertrains, providing a significant boost to fuel economy.
Honda, however, has a strategic plan. The company has publicly stated that its next-generation hybrid system, designed specifically for integration into its larger vehicles, is slated to arrive around the 2027 model year. For buyers prioritizing long-term fuel efficiency, this potential future offering might be worth waiting for. For now, buyers must contend with the V6’s mileage, which is decent for a heavy, AWD, off-road-focused vehicle, but not comparable to hybrid alternatives.
A Tale of Two Trims: RTL vs. TrailSport
The 2026 Honda Passport lineup consists of seven distinct trims, all sharing the same V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. These trims are divided into two main categories: the three RTLs, which focus more on on-road comfort and premium features, and the four TrailSports, which are specifically engineered for enhanced off-road use.
The On-Road Competence of the RTL
Our specific test vehicle, a 2026 Honda Passport RTL with all-wheel drive, highlights the on-road, slightly more civilized side of the Passport experience. With an MSRP of $44,750, plus the $455 Sonic Gray paint and $1,450 destination fee, the total cost came to $46,655.
The RTL trim, while being the less adventurous option, still fully embraces the Passport’s rugged aesthetic. It features plenty of black plastic cladding and protective body work, offering defense against minor dings and dents encountered during light off-roading or gravel road travel. It maintains generous approach and departure angles, meaning it can easily handle steep driveways and mild trails. The RTL is designed to be the highly competent, comfortable, and well-appointed daily driver that also happens to look and feel ready for anything. Its suspension is tuned for comfortable cruising, offering good bump absorption and limited body lean during normal driving.
Unlocking Off-Road Potential with the TrailSport
The TrailSport trims are where the Passport truly leans into its “Born Wild” moniker. These versions feature a number of key mechanical and aesthetic enhancements that significantly improve its capability when the pavement ends.
- Specialized Suspension: The TrailSport models come equipped with suspensions that are specifically tuned for off-road compliance. While the RTL is competent, the TrailSport is designed to soak up larger impacts and navigate uneven terrain with greater control.
- All-Terrain Tires: Standard on the TrailSport are more aggressive all-terrain tires. These tires provide superior grip on loose surfaces like mud, sand, and rock, significantly boosting confidence off-road.
- Increased Clearance and Protection: TrailSport models boast an impressive ground clearance (some sources cite 8.3 inches) and feature improved approach and departure angles for tackling steep obstacles. They also include underbody skid plates and, in some high-level trims, functional tow hooks, adding credence to their rugged appearance.
- Handling Tweaks: Despite the off-road focus, reviews of the TrailSport note that it retains a surprisingly crisp steering feel. The standard AWD system with the torque-vectoring rear differential is particularly effective on the TrailSport, allowing it to apply maximum available traction and maintain composure even in demanding situations.
While the RTL provides a great blend of comfort and capability for the average driver, the TrailSport is the undisputed choice for the avid camper, hiker, or off-road enthusiast who needs a comfortable family vehicle during the week but demands weekend ruggedness.
Interior Design: Where Function Reigns Supreme
Stepping inside the 2026 Passport reveals a cabin that prioritizes durability and usability over ostentatious luxury—a concept best described as function over form. The overall rough-and-ready feel suggests this is an interior designed to be knocked about, easily cleaned, and withstand the inevitable wear and tear of family life and outdoor gear.
That said, it is far from spartan. The RTL trim features nice, comfy leather seats with contrasting stitching. This stitching and padding extend to the front of the dashboard, offering soft-touch surfaces where they count. However, Honda makes no excuses for the utility-focused materials in other areas: the top of the dashboard and much of the door paneling utilize harder plastics, affirming the Passport’s durable, non-luxury focus.
The seating itself is highly accommodating. Both the standard 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and the four-way power adjustable passenger seat (a nice feature, as base models often skimp here) are wide enough to accommodate a variety of body types. The bolsters on the seat backs are supportive without being overly confining. A particularly excellent feature of the driver’s seat is the ability to adjust the leading edge of the bottom cushion. This allows drivers to perfectly tailor their optimal seating position, enhancing comfort during long drives.
Practical Storage: Eliminating the Clutter
One of the Passport’s greatest interior strengths is its absolute abundance of thoughtful storage solutions. The design team clearly mined every available corner for places to stash gear, phones, and junk.
- Door Storage: The doors feature dual-level storage pockets, providing ample room for bottles, maps, and miscellaneous items.
- Center Console: The star of the show is the giant, deeply recessed center console. It features a useful coin/pen holder inside and swallows an impressive amount of cargo, keeping the cabin tidy.
- Front Cubbies: Up front, the Passport includes a wireless phone charger situated on a rubberized mat, designed to prevent sliding. Adjacent to this is a second, equally useful rubberized mat, perfect for keys, wallets, or a second cell phone.
- Passenger Tray: A unique design feature, perhaps inherited from the more hardcore off-road TrailSport lineage, is the grab handle on the passenger side. In the RTL, this area cleverly integrates a tray, providing yet another spot for passengers to keep personal items secure.
The only slight demerit in the storage department is the glove box. While roomy, it uses somewhat cheap plastic that flops open, a minor imperfection in an otherwise highly functional layout.
Usability and Technology: Physical Buttons Prevail
In an era where many manufacturers bury essential controls deep within touchscreen menus, the 2026 Honda Passport earns high marks for its commitment to intuitive, physical controls.
The climate control system is a masterclass in usability. Dedicated, tactile buttons and knobs manage the driver and passenger temperature, fan speed, and air direction. Crucially, even the controls for the heated seats are physical buttons located conveniently on the center console, eliminating the need to “dive through menus” just to adjust seat temperature—a major win for ergonomics and safety.
The infotainment system, while digital, is logically organized and easy to use.
- Customization: The home page is easy to personalize, allowing users to move tiles around for quick access to frequently used apps.
- Access Rail: A particularly smart feature is the rail on the left side of the screen. This allows for quick, single-touch jumps between essential applications like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, native navigation, Bluetooth audio, and the home screen. This solves the common headache of being trapped several layers deep within a third-party app.
The physical volume control knob for the audio system is appreciated, though it is slightly small and requires a delicate touch. Fortunately, controls for audio volume, cruise control, and media are replicated with excellent, non-touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel.
The primary technological headache in the Passport comes from interacting with the driver information center (or gauge cluster). Customizing or cycling through the digital displays requires a convoluted process involving a small roller button and a separate toggle and press mechanism on the steering wheel—a process that is decidedly less intuitive than the rest of the controls. However, this is a minor operational flaw in an otherwise well-designed interface. Visibility is also phenomenal, with relatively thin A-pillars and large, square second-row windows, making lane changes much safer and easier.
Cargo and Family Versatility
The Passport’s extra width and clever packaging really shine in the second row and the cargo area, making it a stellar family hauler with capacity for gear.
Access to the back seat is remarkably easy. The rear doors open almost 90 degrees, offering a big footwell and plenty of space for adults and children alike. While the seat bottom is slightly low to the ground, potentially limiting under-thigh support for very tall passengers, overall comfort is high, and headroom is plentiful. A key family feature is the lack of a central transmission tunnel, which means the middle passenger has decent foot room, allowing three people to fit fairly comfortably across the bench. This is why the TrailSport models are frequently praised by parents for easy car seat installation—the combination of wide doors and generous cabin space minimizes the struggle.
The Cargo Area: Where the Passport Hauls
The Passport’s cargo hold is one of the most versatile in the segment, easily accessed via a standard power tailgate. The opening itself is wide and square, which is ideal for loading large, bulky items like boxes, furniture, or even a large TV.
Inside, the Passport offers a relatively low lift-over height and a perfectly flat load floor. Two features elevate the Passport’s cargo management above its competitors:
- The Secret Compartment: Hidden beneath the main load floor on the left side is a covered, durable compartment. This is an absolutely invaluable feature for storing dirty or wet items—like muddy boots, damp recovery gear, or spilled groceries—without marring the clean interior carpet.
- Internal Spare Tire: Lifting up the entire cargo panel reveals a space-saver spare tire. Housing the spare inside the vehicle, rather than underneath, protects it from rust, dirt, and damage, making it much easier and cleaner to access when needed, especially in poor weather conditions or on a trail.
Furthermore, when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded down, they create a completely flat load floor that extends all the way to the front seats. This uninterrupted surface is perfect for carrying long items, like a bicycle or construction materials, ensuring they lie flat without pedals or gear falling into awkward seams or angled gaps.
Driving Impressions: Competent and Controlled
Out on the road, the 2026 Passport is best described as supremely competent and controlled, if not overtly exciting. It doesn’t scream “sports SUV,” but it confidently handles the rigors of daily driving and highway cruising.
At low and middle speeds, the ride is controlled and absorbs most bumps well. There is minimal head toss and little impact noise that cuts through to the passengers. Highway cruising is similarly composed, with the suspension soaking up pavement imperfections, such as expansion joints, without punching through to the cabin. The cabin is also noticeably quiet, contributing to a pleasant, fatigue-free experience on long trips.
Handling Dynamics and the Body Roll Trade-off
The Passport’s driving dynamics are directly influenced by its raised ride height and off-road design goals.
The RTL trim, being the on-road focused model, features lighter steering that communicates the position and grip level of the front tires adequately, preventing the driver from feeling totally detached. It handles well around town, masking its bulk effectively.
However, when the Passport is pushed hard—such as going around tight corners at higher speeds—the vehicle’s top-heavy nature becomes more apparent. Drivers will notice the body lean and roll, a direct trade-off for the generous ride height and softer suspension tuning required for bump absorption and off-road capability. While the Passport is responsive, it is not engineered to be tossed around like a low-slung performance crossover, such as the Mazda CX-70.
Visibility remains a standout feature during the drive. The high seating position provides an excellent view out the front. The relatively thin A-pillars and large, square rear windows offer a wide field of vision, particularly when checking blind spots for a lane change. Standard parking sensors are a welcome addition, helping to manage the somewhat decent-sized blind zone immediately in front of the relatively high hood.
The Final Verdict: Passport vs. Pilot
After examining its two distinct identities—the comfortable RTL and the rugged TrailSport—the Passport emerges as a highly competitive midsize SUV. It is roomy, offers excellent visibility, boasts easy-to-use controls, and delivers driving and handling characteristics that satisfy the needs of most average consumers.
The biggest question facing potential buyers, however, is a financial and spatial one: Why buy the Passport when the Honda Pilot is priced within about a thousand dollars?
The decision hinges entirely on need and preference:
| Feature | 2026 Honda Passport | 2026 Honda Pilot | Winner for Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | Two-row, Five Passengers | Three-row, Eight Passengers | Pilot (Capacity) |
| Drivetrain | Standard All-Wheel Drive | Available FWD or AWD | Passport (Standard Capability) |
| Ground Clearance | Higher (8.3 inches on TrailSport) | Lower | Passport (Off-Road) |
| Length | 8 inches Shorter | Longer | Passport (Maneuverability) |
| Identity | Rugged, Adventure-Ready | Family, Suburban Hauler | Preference |
If you need the third row for maximum passenger capacity, the Pilot is the obvious choice.
If, however, you value standard AWD, require a more rugged aesthetic and capability, or prefer a shorter, more maneuverable vehicle with a truly massive cargo area (especially when utilizing the unique under-floor storage and flat-folding seats), the Passport is superior. The Passport is the SUV for those who want a practical family vehicle that can truly handle the tough trail to the remote campsite or dispersed camping spot, without committing to the bulk of a three-row model. It is designed for those who appreciate capability and practicality above all else, making the TrailSport version a particularly appealing proposition against many truck-based competitors.
The 2026 Passport proves that capability and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive, offering a compelling package that is truly ready for wherever life—or the trail—takes you.