Honda Teases Rugged 2026 Passport Trailsport Pushing It To the Restrict : Automotive Addicts
Automotive
Honda has dropped yet one more teaser for the extremely anticipated 2026 Passport, and it’s clear that massive modifications are coming. The most recent photos and video provide a glimpse of the SUV’s radical redesign, positioning it as a extra rugged and succesful possibility than ever earlier than. For adventurers and off-road fanatics, the upcoming Honda Passport TrailSport guarantees to push the boundaries of the model’s capabilities and convey probably the most off-road-ready automobile Honda has ever made.
A Daring New Search for the Passport
The 2026 Passport is breaking away from its predecessor’s extra tame design. Whereas the outgoing mannequin resembled a smaller model of the Honda Pilot, the brand new Passport is moving into its personal with a boxier, extra rugged aesthetic. Suppose Hyundai Santa Fe, however with a Honda twist. This new kind issue completely aligns with the adventurous spirit of the TrailSport trim, which is constructed to deal with harder terrains.
In accordance with Honda’s newest press launch, the Passport is present process critical testing in excessive environments. From the difficult purple rocks of Moab to the sandy dunes of western Michigan and the muddy trails of Appalachia, the Passport TrailSport is being pushed to its limits. The result’s a automobile that’s able to tackle no matter Mom Nature throws its method.
Honda’s Most Journey-Prepared SUV
Honda has by no means been the primary title in off-road SUVs, particularly for the reason that model hasn’t supplied a body-on-frame automobile for the reason that unique Passport—a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo—was discontinued in 2002. Nonetheless, Honda is positioning this next-gen Passport as “probably the most adventure-ready and succesful Honda SUV ever.” That’s fairly a declare from a model identified extra for its sensible day by day drivers than for off-roading machines.
Whereas the 2026 Passport is anticipated to retain its unibody development, its efficiency on rugged trails would possibly shock some skeptics. A teaser video showcases the Passport crawling over rocks, splashing by way of water, and powering down sandy trails. It might not match Jeep’s legendary off-road prowess, nevertheless it ought to rank among the many most succesful soft-roaders out there.
The outside design, that includes a chunkier and extra angular look, bears a resemblance to the bigger Ford Bronco Sport. That is no insult; the truth is, it’s a praise to the Passport’s newfound boldness. We’re desperate to see the ultimate model with out camouflage later this yr.
Powertrain Enhancements
One of many greatest revelations is that the 2026 Passport will follow a extra conventional engine setup quite than leaping on the hybrid or turbocharged bandwagon. Honda has confirmed that the Passport will retain a 3.5-liter V6, a choice that speaks to the automobile’s concentrate on rugged functionality over gas effectivity. The present Passport already presents 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, however the brand new mannequin is anticipated to realize a slight bump in energy.
Honda fanatics are hoping that the up to date V6 will come from the identical engine household because the Pilot’s J35Y8, delivering a decent 285 horsepower. Whereas that will not seem to be an enormous leap, it ought to give the Passport simply sufficient further muscle to distinguish itself from the family-oriented Pilot.
All trims of the Passport will come commonplace with a 10-speed automated transmission and Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, which reinforces the SUV’s torque-vectoring capabilities. This setup ought to translate into smoother off-road dealing with and a extra refined on-road driving expertise.
Coming Quickly
Mark your calendars—Honda plans to formally reveal the 2026 Passport and its TrailSport variant later this fall, with a launch scheduled for early 2025. This SUV is shaping as much as be a standout within the mid-size journey section, providing a recent tackle rugged functionality with out sacrificing Honda’s signature reliability.
For many who crave off-road journey with out desirous to dive into the world of Jeep Wranglers or Toyota 4Runners, the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport would possibly simply be the proper stability of rugged efficiency and on a regular basis practicality. Hold a watch out for this one—Honda is stepping up their off-road recreation, and the Passport is main the cost.
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