2026 Honda Passport is Brawnier and Better-Looking Than Ever

When it launched in 2019, the Honda Passport felt opportunistic — a way to make the most out of the Pilot platform, but not necessarily a real-deal off-roader. However, for the 2026 model year, the two-row SUV is getting more serious, more rugged, and more powerful than ever before.

Honda’s serious focus on ruggedness is apparent from just one look at the new 2026 Passport. An inch wider than the outgoing model, the new SUV has a brawny new look with squared-off proportions and a variety of off-roady design cues. These aren’t just for looks, either. The new 18-inch wheels are wrapped in custom-made all-terrain tires, the skid plates were designed to handle the full weight of the vehicle crashing down on them to really protect the oil pan, and the antenna has been incorporated into the rear glass (rather than in a “shark fin” on the roof) to prevent it from being damaged when owners mount their gear on the roof. Speaking of which, the Passport uses a “backpack” design black trim that Honda says will allow owners to lean gear (such skis) against the SUV without damaging it.

Under the skin, the vehicle also benefits from forged steel suspension arms, cast-iron knuckles, and a one-inch wider track to help it perform well off-road. The body’s torsional rigidity has been improved by 50 per cent, while its lateral rigidity has been improved by over 70 per cent to help it feel more refined on and off the road. Indeed, Honda’s focus has been on delivering a vehicle that’s the master of both surfaces. To wit, the orange tow hooks have been engineered to break away in a collision, meaning that they can help you get out of a ditch without preventing the Passport from getting a good safety rating.

Under the hood, the SUV comes with a standard 3.5L V6 engine that makes 285 hp (five more than the current model). For the first time, the engine will be affixed to a 10-speed automatic transmission and will send its power to all four wheels via an updated torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system. The result is that 40 per cent more torque will be available at the rear wheels and the driveline will respond to inputs 30 per cent faster, improving driving dynamics.

Inside, Honda has equipped the SUV with a 50 per cent larger infotainment touchscreen (12.3 inches) that is powered by Google Built-in. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard on both trim levels: TrailSport and TrailSport Touring. The former will come with synthetic leather upholstery that is designed to be easy to clean, orange contrast stitching, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and more. The TrailSport Touring trim comes with perforated and piped leather seats that are heated and ventilated. Passengers in the rear will get climate control, window shades for the side mirrors, and all occupants will benefit from a Bose 12-speaker sound system.

Regardless of which trim buyers opt for, they get more legroom in the rear than the current model, and more cargo capacity, too (up to 2,356 L with the seats down). Not just larger for bigness’ sake, the cargo area is now smarter. For instance, it is now wide enough to fit a golf bag sideways, with the second-row seats up. With them folded down, Honda promises that 2026 Passport will be able to fit two full-size adult mountain bikes with their front wheels removed. We suspect that our road test editor, Dan Ilika, will be all too happy to test that claim out.

Naturally, Honda has also equipped the SUV with a full suite of advanced driver assistance and safety features, including TrailWatch. This system utilizes four exterior cameras to provide drivers with a 360-degree view of the ground around the vehicle, and comes on automatically at speeds of less than 24 km/h when Trail mode is active. That allows drivers to better navigate tricky off-road sections (or tight parking lots).

Prices for the 2026 Honda Passport have yet to be revealed, but Honda Canada has announced that the new model will start appearing on our roads in early 2025.