The 2026 Honda Passport isn’t just another mid-cycle refresh. Honda’s rugged SUV is bringing boxy back with a vengeance, wearing its angular proportions and TrailSport Elite trim like a badge of honor. But, as always, there’s more to this story than a few sharp lines and an orange paint job.
Let’s peel back the layers and explore why the 2026 Passport’s redesign speaks volumes about where the SUV market—and Honda itself—are headed.
Why This Matters
- SUVs are getting boxier again, echoing the 1990s trend as buyers crave rugged, practical designs over soft curves. Honda is reading the room—and responding, fast.
- The TrailSport Elite trim is more than a badge: with exposed front recovery points (rated for double the vehicle’s weight!), real all-terrain tires, and practical cladding, Honda is targeting drivers who actually plan to leave the pavement.
- The V6 lives on: At 285 horsepower, Honda’s classic 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engine sticks around, bucking the turbo-4 and hybridization trend—at least for now.
What Most People Miss
- Cargo over style: The Passport’s new boxy shape isn’t just for show. It translates to a cavernous cargo area—something few crossovers can genuinely promise today.
- Subtle but critical upgrades: Heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic moonroof, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto are now standard for the TrailSport Elite. These features are becoming non-negotiables in the upper-midsize SUV segment.
- Amber DRLs and paint upcharge: Not just a visual flex—amber daytime running lights and a $455 Sunset Orange paint option show Honda’s willingness to add flair, but also squeeze some extra margin from customization-hungry buyers.
Key Takeaways & Industry Context
- Honda’s targeting Subaru and Toyota: By doubling down on off-road credentials, Honda is aiming squarely at Subaru’s Wilderness models and Toyota’s TRD Pro lineup. The Passport TrailSport’s real recovery points and all-terrain tires aren’t just for marketing—they’re functional.
- Internal combustion isn’t dead yet: While Ford and Hyundai shift their two-row SUVs to hybrid or turbo-four powertrains, Honda’s V6 strategy appeals to buyers who want proven reliability and towing muscle.
- Tech and comfort are standardizing: Expect panoramic roofs, big touchscreens, and premium audio to be table stakes in this segment within two years.
Timeline: Passport’s Evolution
- 2019: Passport returns as a two-row, adventure-oriented sibling to the Pilot.
- 2022: TrailSport trim debuts, signaling Honda’s off-road ambitions.
- 2026: Boxy refresh, TrailSport Elite gets serious hardware, and V6 is refined for extra power.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Real off-road hardware (AWD, all-terrain tires, recovery points)
- Spacious, practical cargo area
- Updated tech and comfort features
- Proven V6 engine
- Cons:
- No hybrid or electrified option (yet)
- Premium color upcharges
- Boxy aesthetics may not appeal to everyone
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Honda Passport is more than a facelift. It’s Honda’s declaration that the family SUV is ready for a new era of adventure—both visually and functionally. In a market awash with lookalike crossovers, the Passport’s honest, boxy design and real-world off-road upgrades make it stand out. Whether you love the nostalgia or crave genuine capability, this SUV is worth a closer look.