New Automotive Preview: 2026 Honda Passport : Automotive Addicts
For the 2026 mannequin yr, Honda is taking the rugged fame of its Passport SUV to new heights. Dubbed the “most off-road succesful” Passport ever, this fourth-generation mannequin is constructed with severe journey in thoughts. After testing a prototype, it’s clear that Honda has crafted a mid-size SUV that’s as comfy within the wilderness as it’s on the pavement. With its upgraded powertrain, improved suspension, and an entire suite of latest options, the 2026 Honda Passport is able to tackle a few of the hardest trails—whereas preserving passengers in consolation.
Energy and Efficiency
Underneath the hood, the 2026 Passport packs a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that’s been boosted to 285 horsepower, delivering 5 additional ponies in comparison with final yr’s mannequin. Paired with Honda’s new 10-speed computerized transmission, the Passport guarantees smoother and extra environment friendly gear shifts, specifically tuned to deal with each every day drives and rugged off-road situations. Honda’s torque-vectoring i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, normal throughout all trims, brings enhanced stability and management on uneven terrain, making it ultimate for adventures off the crushed path.
The Passport’s rugged upgrades don’t cease on the powertrain. Honda has bolstered its suspension, including solid metal suspension arms and cast-iron knuckles for added sturdiness. The re-tuned MacPherson entrance struts and an all-new rear multilink suspension system enhance experience consolation whereas making certain the SUV’s robust stance on difficult trails. Moreover, the bigger 13.8-inch entrance brakes present additional stopping energy, and with a towing capability of as much as 5,000 kilos, the Passport is able to haul gear or toys for any journey.
The 2026 Passport is available in three distinct trims—RTL, TrailSport, and TrailSport Elite—every with distinctive styling parts geared toward several types of drivers. The entry-level RTL trim has a complicated but sporty look with a black grille, black trim, matte black rocker panels, and 18-inch gloss Shark Grey wheels.
For individuals who crave extra off-road functionality, the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims add a rugged contact. Each characteristic a gloss black grille and trim, metallic silver skid garnishes, orange restoration hooks, and amber LED daytime working lights that give these fashions a particular, purposeful look. The TrailSport trims additionally come geared up with 18-inch Normal Grabber all-terrain tires, which Honda co-developed with Normal Tire for optimum off-road efficiency.
The 2026 Passport has grown in dimension and functionality, with a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase and a wider observe that give it a extra imposing stance. The dash-to-axle ratio has been elevated, and with a shorter entrance overhang, the Passport achieves higher method angles for off-road driving. Floor clearance has been elevated, particularly within the TrailSport trim, which additionally advantages from metal skid plates to guard the SUV’s undercarriage on tough terrain. A matte black roof panel on the rear provides a sensible contact, offering a scratch-resistant floor the place drivers can lean tall gadgets, comparable to skis or paddleboards, towards the SUV with out worrying about paint injury.
Tech and Inside Upgrades
Inside, the 2026 Passport is as trendy and cozy as ever. The prolonged wheelbase means extra legroom for rear-seat passengers, including 1.3 inches of additional area within the again. Up entrance, drivers are greeted by a ten.2-inch digital driver show and a bigger 12.4-inch infotainment display screen, which is 54% larger than earlier than. The infotainment system contains Google Constructed-In, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, making it simpler to remain linked on the street.
By way of practicality, the brand new Passport maximizes cargo capability, providing as much as 83.5 cubic toes of area behind the primary row and 44 cubic toes behind the second. Including to its versatility is the reintroduced stowable four-person picnic desk, which doubles as a cargo shelf for these spontaneous outside meals or scenic pit stops. With 10 cupholders (six massive sufficient to carry 32-ounce water bottles), the Passport ensures there’s room for all of the gear and hydration anybody may want.
Every Passport trim presents distinct inside touches to go well with completely different driver preferences. The RTL trim options leather-based upholstery and an influence liftgate for added comfort. The TrailSport trim steps it up with artificial leather-based, orange distinction stitching, and a panoramic sunroof to usher in pure gentle and improve the cabin’s ethereal really feel. The highest-tier TrailSport Elite trim provides perforated leather-based seats, ventilated entrance seats, rear local weather controls, rear door shades, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system for these seeking to elevate their experience expertise.
Shade Choices and Pricing
For 2026, the Passport will probably be accessible in eight coloration choices, together with two unique shades for the TrailSport trims—Sundown Orange and Ash Inexperienced Metallic. Pricing hasn’t been finalized but, however Honda signifies that the Passport will begin within the mid-$40,000 vary, near the 2025 mannequin’s beginning worth of $43,795, together with vacation spot prices.
Honda has expanded its accent lineup for the 2026 Passport, providing the broadest collection of real equipment the model has ever launched. This contains gadgets like rock sliders, scuff plates, MOLLE boards, and specialised wheels, permitting patrons to outfit their Passport for any journey.
With its improved off-road capabilities, stronger construct, and a focus to driver consolation, the 2026 Honda Passport seems able to carve out a stronger foothold within the mid-size SUV market. It strikes a stability between rugged performance and refined consolation, making it a compelling selection for each outside fans and people who merely get pleasure from a extra adventurous experience.
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