Honda has recently teased its all-new 2026 Passport, and there is plenty to be excited about. This midsize crossover SUV, set to arrive in early 2025, promises to offer a blend of rugged adventure capabilities and modern conveniences. The Passport will sit between Honda’s bestselling CRV and the larger Honda Pilot, targeting smaller families and off-road enthusiasts alike.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history of the Passport, explore the teaser details, and discuss what we can expect from this highly anticipated vehicle.
A Brief History of the Honda Passport
The Honda Passport has had a rather unique journey. Initially introduced in the early 90s, the Passport was actually a product of collaboration between Subaru and Isuzu, built in Indiana. This first-generation Passport lasted until 1997 before being replaced by a second generation, which continued until 2002. After nearly a decade of production, the Passport vanished from the market as Isuzu withdrew from the American market.
Fast forward to 2019, after a 17-year hiatus, Honda reintroduced the Passport. However, the new Passport was no longer a body-on-frame, truck-like SUV. Instead, it adopted a unibody construction, sharing its platform with the Honda Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline. This transformation allowed the Passport to appeal to a broader audience, marketing itself as an off-road adventure vehicle.
The New 2026 Passport: What We Know So Far
Design and Styling
The 2026 Honda Passport is set to break cover with a fresh new design that promises to be both rugged and sophisticated. According to the teasers, the Passport will feature a unique front fascia with the “Passport” name boldly embossed under the upper grille. The introduction of exclusive amber daytime running lights is a standout feature, adding a touch of aggression and adventure-ready appeal to the vehicle.
Honda has hinted at a more macho and boxy appearance compared to its predecessors. The teaser images suggest a possible hood scoop, elongated honeycomb grille design, and roof rails, all contributing to a robust and off-road capable look. The Passport will likely share many design cues with the current Honda Pilot, albeit with a distinct identity of its own.
Interior and Technology
Inside, we can expect the 2026 Passport to mirror the interior design of the newer Honda Pilot, which is known for its functionality and user-friendly layout. The cabin will likely feature a larger infotainment screen, possibly up to 12 inches, similar to the one found in the Honda Accord. The triple-knob climate control system, which has received positive feedback for its ease of use, is expected to remain.
Honda’s push-button gear selector is likely to be a staple in the new Passport, ensuring a modern and uncluttered center console. Additionally, the interior will offer various rugged touches, especially in the TrailSport variant, with unique stitching and materials aimed at enhancing the adventure-ready appeal.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the 2026 Passport is expected to come equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering around 280 horsepower. This engine will likely be paired with Honda’s in-house 10-speed automatic transmission, replacing the outgoing 9-speed ZF transmission. This combination promises smoother and more responsive driving dynamics, particularly for off-road adventures.
The Passport will continue to offer Honda’s i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management) all-wheel-drive system, known for its excellent handling and off-road capabilities. In the future, Honda may introduce hybrid variants of the Passport, incorporating advanced e-axle technology for improved torque vectoring and fuel efficiency.
Off-Road Capabilities
The TrailSport variant of the Passport will be the most adventure-ready and capable Honda SUV to date. With features like rugged shocks, lifted suspension, underbody protection, and skid plates, the TrailSport will cater to off-road enthusiasts seeking a vehicle that can handle challenging terrains. The introduction of amber daytime running lights also adds a touch of ruggedness, reminiscent of popular off-road models like the Kia Telluride.
Market Position and Competitors
The 2026 Honda Passport aims to fill the gap between the CRV and the Pilot, targeting families and individuals seeking a midsize SUV with robust off-road capabilities. It will compete with models like the Subaru Forester, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. While not a body-on-frame SUV, the Passport’s combination of unibody construction and advanced off-road features positions it as a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.
Final Thoughts
The all-new 2026 Honda Passport promises to be an exciting addition to Honda’s SUV lineup. With its rugged design, advanced technology, and robust off-road capabilities, it is set to appeal to a wide range of customers.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV or an off-road adventure vehicle, the Passport is poised to deliver. Stay tuned for more updates as Honda reveals additional details in the coming months.
