The Honda Passport sits in an interesting spot in Honda’s SUV lineup. It is larger and more rugged than a typical two-row crossover, but it avoids the three-row layout and extra bulk of the Pilot. For drivers who want plenty of passenger room, strong towing capability, standard all-wheel drive, and genuine off-road ability, the Passport is worth a closer look.
The latest 2026 Honda Passport takes that formula considerably further. Honda redesigned the SUV for 2026, giving it a more upright appearance, a stronger off-road focus, updated technology, and a new range of trims led by the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite. The lineup continues to use a 3.5-liter V6, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
But is the Passport actually the right SUV for you? That depends on whether you prioritize off-road capability, everyday practicality, fuel economy, passenger space, or value. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the Honda Passport?
The Passport is a two-row midsize SUV designed for people who want more capability than a compact crossover without stepping up to a three-row SUV.
One of its biggest advantages is its balance. You get five-passenger seating, useful cargo space, standard all-wheel drive, and enough towing capacity for recreational equipment, while the vehicle remains easier to manage than many larger SUVs.
The Passport is particularly interesting for buyers who spend weekends outdoors. Depending on the model, features can include all-terrain tires, off-road suspension tuning, skid plates, recovery hooks, and selectable drive modes.
2026 Honda Passport: What’s New?
The 2026 model year represents a major change for the Passport. Honda expanded the lineup and gave the SUV a more rugged identity rather than simply treating it as a slightly larger crossover.
The current lineup includes:
- RTL
- RTL Towing
- RTL Blackout
- TrailSport
- TrailSport Blackout
- TrailSport Elite
- TrailSport Elite Blackout
Honda lists the 2026 Passport with starting MSRPs ranging from $44,950 for the RTL to $53,850 for the TrailSport Elite Blackout, before applicable taxes, registration, destination charges, and options.
Under the hood, every 2026 version uses a 3.5-liter V6. Output is rated at 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, with Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system standard across the range.
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport
The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is aimed at buyers who want something more capable away from paved roads.
It comes with 18-inch wheels, 275/60R18 all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, recovery hooks, and multiple terrain-oriented drive modes. Ground clearance is listed at 8.3 inches.
That equipment makes the TrailSport more than a cosmetic package. It is designed to handle rougher trails, loose surfaces, mud, sand, and other conditions where an ordinary family crossover may struggle.
2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite
At the top of the range, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite combines the TrailSport’s capability with additional comfort and technology.
Honda lists features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a Bose premium audio system, integrated rear door sunshades, and second-generation TrailWatch technology.
For someone who uses the SUV for commuting during the week and outdoor adventures on weekends, this is arguably the most complete version of the Passport.
Honda Passport Engine, Performance and Towing
One reason the Passport stands out is that Honda has not tried to turn it into a small hybrid-style crossover. The 2026 range uses a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6.
The engine produces:
- 285 horsepower
- 262 lb-ft of torque
- 3,471 cc displacement
- 6,500-rpm redline
- Regular unleaded fuel
- Standard i-VTM4 all-wheel drive
Honda rates maximum towing capacity at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
That makes the Passport useful for towing boats, campers, utility trailers, motorcycles, and other recreational equipment. Of course, actual towing should always follow the vehicle’s specific limits and Honda’s load guidelines.
Is There a Honda Passport Hybrid?
One question that comes up frequently is whether there is a Honda Passport hybrid.
For the 2026 model year, Honda’s official specifications show the Passport using a 3.5-liter V6 rather than a hybrid powertrain.
That matters because shoppers comparing the Passport with hybrid SUVs may be looking at two very different approaches. The Passport emphasizes power, towing, standard AWD, and off-road capability rather than maximizing fuel economy through electrification.
If fuel economy is your highest priority, it makes sense to compare the Passport with Honda’s hybrid-equipped SUVs before making a purchase.
2025 Honda Passport: What Was Different?
The 2025 Honda Passport was the final model year before the major 2026 redesign.
The 2025 lineup consisted of the EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition. The EX-L started at $42,400, while the TrailSport started at $45,000 and the Black Edition at $48,470, according to Honda’s published pricing.
The 2025 model used a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and paired it with Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system. The TrailSport added all-terrain tires and an off-road-tuned suspension.
This makes the 2025 version particularly interesting for buyers looking for a Honda Passport 2025 at a potentially lower used-car price after the newer generation arrived.
Older Honda Passport Models Worth Considering
Not everyone needs the latest model. Earlier versions can make a lot of sense if you’re shopping for value.
2024 Honda Passport
The 2024 Honda Passport belongs to the same generation as the 2025 model. It offered a 3.5-liter V6, standard all-wheel drive, and a strong combination of passenger and cargo space.
The TrailSport version was especially attractive for buyers who wanted an SUV with genuine outdoor capability without moving into a larger truck-based vehicle.
2023 Honda Passport
The 2023 Honda Passport is another appealing used option. It delivered the same basic formula: two rows, V6 power, standard AWD, and a practical cabin.
When buying one today, condition and maintenance history are more important than simply choosing a particular model year. A well-maintained example with complete service records can be a smarter purchase than a newer vehicle with an uncertain history.
2022 Honda Passport
The 2022 Honda Passport received styling and equipment updates that helped keep the model competitive. It is worth considering for shoppers who want a relatively modern interior and strong V6 performance without paying for a newer vehicle.
2021 Honda Passport
The 2021 Honda Passport remains a practical choice in the used SUV market. It offers the core characteristics that made the Passport popular: a spacious two-row cabin, V6 power, AWD, and useful cargo capacity.
2019 Honda Passport
The 2019 Honda Passport is particularly notable because it was the first model year of the Passport’s modern return to the U.S. market.
Older examples can offer considerable value, but buyers should pay closer attention to mileage, previous ownership, accident history, tires, brakes, suspension components, and maintenance documentation.
Honda Passport vs Pilot: Which Is Better?
The Honda Passport vs Pilot comparison is one of the most logical comparisons for Honda shoppers.
The biggest difference is straightforward: the Passport is a two-row SUV, while the Pilot is designed around three-row family practicality.
Choose the Passport if you prefer:
- Two-row seating
- A more rugged character
- Standard AWD
- Strong towing capability
- Easier access to outdoor-oriented trims
- A more adventure-focused design
Choose the Pilot if you need:
- Three rows
- More seating capacity
- Maximum family flexibility
- A vehicle primarily designed around passenger carrying
Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on how you actually use your SUV.
What Makes the TrailSport Special?
TrailSport has become an important part of Honda’s strategy for competing in the growing adventure-SUV market.
Rather than simply adding black badges and aggressive styling, Honda equips the Passport TrailSport with hardware intended for rougher terrain. On the 2026 model, that includes all-terrain tires, an off-road-tuned suspension, skid plates, recovery hooks, and selectable terrain modes.
That’s an important distinction for buyers. If you never leave paved roads, some of this equipment may not matter much. If you regularly drive dirt roads, trails, beaches, campsites, or snowy routes, it can be considerably more useful.
Interior, Technology and Everyday Comfort
The Passport is designed to work as a daily driver as much as an adventure vehicle.
The 2026 model includes a 12.3-inch color touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, while available technology includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Google built-in.
Higher trims add premium touches such as Bose audio and heated and ventilated front seats.
The two-row layout is also useful for cargo. Instead of sacrificing rear-seat space to squeeze in a third row, the Passport concentrates its interior around five occupants.
Should You Buy a New Honda Passport?
A new Honda Passport makes the most sense if you want the latest technology, factory warranty coverage, updated styling, and the newest TrailSport equipment.
The 2026 redesign is particularly significant, so someone buying new is getting a substantially updated Passport rather than a minor year-to-year refresh.
Before visiting a dealership, however, compare trims carefully. The difference between the entry-level model and a high-end TrailSport Elite is substantial, and you may discover that a mid-level version already has everything you actually need.
Buying a Honda Passport for Sale
If you’re searching for a Honda Passport for sale, don’t focus solely on the advertised price.
A smarter buying process looks like this:
- Decide whether you want new or used.
- Compare model years and generations.
- Choose the equipment you genuinely need.
- Check the vehicle history on used examples.
- Inspect tires, brakes, suspension, and underbody components.
- Review maintenance records.
- Get an independent inspection before buying a used vehicle.
- Compare the total purchase cost rather than just the monthly payment.
For a used SUV, condition can make a bigger difference than a small difference in model year.
Is a Used Honda Passport a Good Buy?
A used Honda Passport can be a compelling option for shoppers who want a spacious midsize SUV without paying new-car pricing.
The key is to buy the individual vehicle rather than simply buying the badge. Look for evidence of regular maintenance and investigate whether the vehicle spent most of its life on highways or was regularly exposed to harsh conditions and heavy off-road use.
If you’re considering a Honda Passport used model, a professional pre-purchase inspection is money well spent.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong V6 performance
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity on the 2026 model
- Spacious two-row layout
- Excellent TrailSport capability
- Useful cargo area
- Comfortable long-distance cruiser
- Strong range of modern safety and connectivity features
Cons
- No hybrid powertrain in the 2026 lineup
- Fuel economy isn’t the main selling point
- Higher TrailSport trims can become expensive
- Two-row layout won’t suit large families needing three rows
- Some buyers may never use the vehicle’s off-road hardware
Who Should Buy the Honda Passport?
The Passport is best suited to someone who wants a versatile SUV rather than a basic commuter crossover.
It is particularly appealing if your typical week looks something like this: commuting to work Monday through Friday, carrying family or friends on weekends, then occasionally heading toward a campsite, trailhead, lake, or other destination where road conditions become less predictable.
For those buyers, the combination of AWD, V6 power, towing capability, cargo room, and TrailSport hardware makes a lot of sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Honda Passport a good SUV?
Yes. The 2026 model is especially appealing for buyers who value V6 power, standard AWD, towing ability, and off-road capability. Its redesigned lineup also gives shoppers more trim choices.
How much can the 2026 Passport tow?
The 2026 Passport is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Does the Honda Passport have three rows?
No. The Passport is a two-row SUV designed to seat five people.
Is the Passport good for off-roading?
The TrailSport versions are specifically designed for greater off-road capability. The 2026 TrailSport includes all-terrain tires, off-road suspension tuning, skid plates, recovery hooks, and terrain-oriented drive modes.
Is there a 2026 Passport hybrid?
Honda’s official 2026 specifications list a 3.5-liter V6 rather than a hybrid powertrain.
What is the difference between Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Elite?
The TrailSport focuses heavily on capability, while the TrailSport Elite adds more premium equipment. The Elite includes features such as heated and ventilated front seats, Bose premium audio, and second-generation TrailWatch technology.
Is a 2025 Passport still worth buying?
It can be. The 2025 model is from the previous generation, but it still offers V6 power, standard AWD, and useful TrailSport equipment. A good deal on a well-maintained 2025 can make more financial sense than automatically choosing the newest model.
Is the Passport better than the Pilot?
It depends on your needs. The Passport is the better fit for buyers who want two-row seating and a more adventure-oriented SUV, while the Pilot is better suited to families who need three rows.
Final Thoughts
The Honda Passport has always occupied a useful middle ground: bigger and more capable than many crossovers, but less focused on family hauling than a three-row SUV.
The 2026 Honda Passport takes that concept further with a redesigned body, more powerful V6, standard AWD, stronger TrailSport hardware, modern technology, and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
For shoppers on a tighter budget, earlier models such as the 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2019 versions can also be worth investigating. The best choice ultimately comes down to budget, driving habits, desired features, and how much off-road capability you actually need.
If you’re shopping for one, compare several trims and model years, inspect used vehicles carefully, and calculate the complete ownership cost before making a decision. That approach will help you find the Passport that fits your lifestyle—not simply the one with the newest badge.
