I tested the 2026 Honda Passport midsize SUV for USA TODAY Cars to see how it compares to other popular SUVs I’ve driven this year. It was much more luxurious than I expected and I appreciated the quality of its interior.
Honda’s midsize SUV is versatile and fun to drive. It’s also available in plenty of trims to customize your ownership experience.
Here’s what I learned about Honda’s rugged family SUV after driving it for a week.
What Stands Out About the 2026 Honda Passport?
The 2026 Honda Passport stands out because of its mighty V6 engine, spacious cabin and cargo area, and rugged styling. TrailSport trims bring out the Passport’s off-roading potential.
The Honda Passport has a unibody design instead of a traditional body-on-frame setup. This allows it to handle better on roads and also improves performance and fuel efficiency. It’s powerful enough to keep drivers engaged and make driving enjoyable. It’s also roomy enough to keep passengers comfortable on long trips.
Performance, Handling and Efficiency: How Does It Drive?
Honda’s midsize SUV delivers steady power and has a car-like refinement thanks to a four-wheel independent suspension. It isn’t very efficient for its segment.
The 2026 Passport uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine to produce 285 horsepower. It earns 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Standard all-wheel drive gives the SUV excellent traction.
Interior, Tech and Comfort: What’s It Like Inside?
The Honda Passport has a comfortable and spacious interior. It comes with great standard tech and has adequate legroom for drivers and passengers.
Honda’s Passport comes standard with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The TrailSport Elite trim I tested includes genuine perforated leather seating and embroidered headrests. It also has a stitched, soft-touch leather-wrapped dash that gives the cabin a luxury feel.
Will the 2026 Honda Passport Fit Your Lifestyle?
Honda’s midsize SUV is 191.5 inches long, 79.4 inches wide without mirrors, and 73.1 inches tall. It seats up to five people.
The Passport has 44.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row. It has 40.9 inches of rear legroom.
The Passport will fit your lifestyle if you have a small family and like to go on long road trips. It can handle mild obstacles, especially in TrailSport trims.
Price, Value and Competitors: Is the 2026 Honda Passport Worth Buying?
The 2026 Honda Passport starts at $44,950. It comes in seven trims, including the Passport TrailSport Elite trim that I tested.
- RTL: $44,950
- RTL Towing: $45,650
- RTL Blackout: $46,150
- TrailSport: $48,650
- TrailSport Blackout: $49,850
- TrailSport Elite: $52,650
- TrailSport Elite Blackout: $53,850
The Passport provides great value for the money as new car prices rise to nearly $50,000. Its main rivals are models like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Honda’s midsize SUV has a smoother ride quality than many of its rivals because of its unibody design.
The 4Runner is a better midsize SUV for off-roading. Jeep’s Grand Cherokee is the most powerful of the trio at 293 horsepower.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2026 Honda Passport?
If you’re looking for a capable family SUV that won’t break the bank, the 2026 Honda Passport is worth consideration. It’s one of the few midsize SUVs left on the market that comes standard with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive as many automakers switch to turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains.
I enjoyed the TrailSport Elite’s cabin quality, but I’d personally opt for a more affordable trim like the TrailSport ($48,650) instead. Honda’s midsize SUV exists in an ultra-competitive segment, but still stands out because of its value and capability.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at [email protected].
Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.
Add a Comment