Some SUVs spend their time on school runs and in supermarket car parks. Others are built for adventure, designed to get muddy, scraped, and tested on something a little more demanding than suburban tarmac. The Honda Passport has always sat somewhere between the two, but for 2026, Honda has decided to nudge it firmly toward the wilder side.
The newly redesigned Passport is a rugged, adventure-focused SUV that leans into the "Born Wild" concept, pairing a more aggressive stance with genuinely improved off-road capability. Honda is promising that the TrailSport edition, in particular, will be the most capable off-road SUV it has ever built, with new all-terrain credentials, an upgraded all-wheel-drive system, and an expanded range of accessories designed for people who take adventure seriously.
2026 Honda Passport: A redesign with purpose
Unlike many so-called off-roaders that feel like they were designed in a marketing meeting rather than an R&D lab, the 2026 Passport has been built from the ground up with actual capability in mind. Honda has reworked the proportions, increasing ground clearance and shortening the front overhang to improve approach angles. The new silhouette is more muscular, with flared fenders, a longer dash-to-axle ratio, and a bold grille that sits above an aggressive front-end design.
For TrailSport models, the exterior details are as functional as they are eye-catching. Powder-coated orange recovery hooks, steel skid plates, and all-terrain tyres make it clear that this isn’t just an aesthetic exercise. There’s even a new "backpack design" element at the rear, with a matte black roof section that lets owners lean their gear – skis, fishing rods, whatever they’re packing for the weekend – against the vehicle without worrying about scratches.
A more powerful, off-road-ready drive
At the heart of the 2026 Passport is an upgraded 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower, paired with a newly tuned 10-speed automatic transmission. This marks a step forward in both power and efficiency, offering a refined balance of torque and responsiveness. Honda has also introduced the second generation of its i-VTM4 torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which delivers 40% more torque capacity and 30% faster response, optimising traction on slick surfaces and uneven trails.
For those serious about taking the Passport beyond the tarmac, there are seven selectable drive modes, including Sport, Trail, Sand, and Tow, the latter reinforcing its 5,000-pound towing capacity – more than enough for boats, campers, or anything else you’d typically hitch to an SUV of this size.
More than just an off-roader
Despite all the talk of rugged capability, Honda hasn’t forgotten that many Passport buyers will still spend most of their time on the road. Comfort and refinement remain key, and the 2026 model offers more legroom, better seating, and a significantly upgraded interior. The cabin is a mix of clean, modern design and increased functionality, with new body-stabilising seats, an expanded cargo area, and a digital driver display that now includes roll, pitch, and elevation readouts in the TrailSport models.
There’s also a 54% larger touchscreen, now measuring 12.3 inches, complete with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. TrailSport Elite models add a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated leather seats, reinforcing that even an adventure-focused SUV should still feel premium behind the wheel.
For drivers who want to take things a step further, Honda is offering an extensive range of rugged accessories, including rock sliders, a front scuff plate, and a modular MOLLE storage system. One of the most intriguing additions is the new cargo shelf, which transforms into a full-size picnic table with a rubberised surface finished with a Baja topographic map design – because even the most serious off-roaders need somewhere to rest their sandwiches.
2026 Honda Passport: Pricing and availability
With the 2026 Passport, Honda is delivering a more confident, more capable SUV that leans into its adventure-ready identity without losing everyday usability. It’s a step up in every sense – tougher, more refined, and better equipped for whatever the road (or lack of it) throws your way.
Expect to see it in showrooms soon, starting at around $40,000.
Next up: Check out the best overlanding gear to get off-road ready.
