It’s no secret that midsize two-row SUVs occupy an odd spot in the industry, and the Honda Passport is no exception. Since its reintroduction in 2019, it has struggled to build an identity, unsure if it’s a family vehicle, a premium option, or an off-road adventurer. Well, for 2026, that question has been settled, and the third-generation Passport has committed itself fully to its rugged go-anywhere persona. The question is, does the latest version of this Honda SUV actually have the off-road chops to live up to its blocky looks and mud-splattered marketing, or is this just Honda jumping on the off-road bandwagon with another urban commuter cosplaying as an adventure vehicle?
Bigger, Bolder, and (a little) Brawnier
Honda SUVs are usually known for their sedate styling, but the 2026 Passport throws that out the window for something much more physically imposing. While there is plenty of Honda in the details, the broad strokes of this new generation are much more angular, with a squared-off grille, prominent front skidplate, and blocky lighting that wouldn’t look out of place alongside a Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford Bronco. The smaller 18-inch wheels with aggressive 31-inch tires also emphasize its more truck-like nature, and if you opt for one of the two TrailSport trims (more on that later), you’ll have a set of powder-coated orange recovery hooks peeking out from the front bumper.
This styling isn’t just an illusion either—the new Passport is physically larger than before. Honda stretched the wheelbase by nearly three inches and added over an inch to the vehicle’s track, improving stability and creating a more spacious cabin in the process. There’s also an upgraded powertrain under the hood, but the average driver is unlikely to notice the changes here. Output has increased by 5 hp, a tenth gear has been added to the transmission, and the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system has been upgraded with a stronger rear drive unit. They’re all good changes, but nothing earth-shattering.
The TrailSport Finally Fulfills Its Promise
The most obvious expression of the new Passport’s commitment to adventure is its trim lineup. Gone are the luxury-focused trims like the EX-L and Black Edition that were seen on the 2025 model; in their place, you will find the RTL (a trim borrowed from the Honda Ridgeline pickup), the TrailSport, and the new TrailSport Elite. Even more importantly, the two TrailSport trims come with serious off-road upgrades. When the TrailSport name was introduced for the 2022 Passport, it was quite frankly a bit of a joke, completely lacking any actual off-road features. However, that is no longer the case for the 2026 Passport.
Those orange recovery hooks aren’t just for show and are rated to support twice the Passport’s weight. Plus, while the big front skid plate is actually just a garnish, there are genuine steel skid plates designed to support the full weight of the vehicle, protecting the oil pan, transmission, and gas tank. It also offers one of the most important features you probably won’t consider until you’re stranded on the trail—a full-size spare tire! Honda is even encouraging drivers to upgrade their vehicles with a new range of accessories, including rock sliders, a front aluminum scuff plate, and more. While it’s not yet the same as the aftermarket for the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, it’s certainly a good start.
Should the 2026 Passport Be on Your Radar?
All in all, Honda has done a great job building a real identity for the Passport with the 2026 redesign. The commitment to adventure-ready performance has the potential to transform this model from being the forgotten member of the Honda family to one of the most exciting. However, it’s not clear that the new Passport will represent real value to actual adventures. Its estimated “mid-$40,000” starting price puts it right in line with the much more capable Toyota 4Runner. If you aren’t interested in a body-on-frame SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a more capable four-wheel drive system and a lower price tag, although Honda certainly has a better reputation for reliability. Still, the 2026 Passport certainly isn’t a bad vehicle and is probably worth considering if you want something a bit more adventurous while still being city-friendly.
