Honda Unveils the Bold New 2026 Passport: A Rugged Redesign Packed with Upgrades
Honda has just raised the bar for midsize SUVs with the introduction of the 2026 Passport, and it's turning heads for all the right reasons.
This revamped model finally captures the adventurous spirit of its drivers, blending a bold, boxy design with impressive off-road capabilities. Its commanding front lighting and rugged silhouette signal a shift toward a more outdoorsy aesthetic, making it clear this SUV is built for adventure.
Inside, the 2026 Passport features a thoroughly modernized interior packed with advanced technology and premium finishes, delivering comfort and sophistication. To top it all off, mechanical enhancements improve performance, ensuring a smoother, more reliable ride.
The 2026 Passport isn't just a car--it's a life-sized toy for adventure enthusiasts. Say goodbye to the understated look of the past and hello to a new generation of excitement and capability.
Completely reimagined around a "Born Wild" concept fusing form and function, the all-new 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport represents the ultimate Honda adventure SUV with true rugged design, authentic off-road capability, next-level versatility and exceptional on-road performance. The fourth-generation Passport TrailSport will arrive early next year in two very well-equipped and capable trim levels: TrailSport and TrailSport Touring. The new Passport TrailSport is the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever, with standard rugged features, including off-road tuned suspension, expanded all-wheel drive system capabilities, robust steel skid plates, bright orange heavy-duty recovery hooks, specially engineered all-terrain tires and more to get weekend adventurers even farther down the trail or up the mountain.
"The all-new and completely redesigned Passport TrailSport embodies fun, toughness and adventure, redefining Honda's rugged design and capability by combining new styling and increased off-road performance," said Emile Korkor, Assistant Vice President Honda Canada.
"The Passport TrailSport is our latest halo, off-road vehicle that doesn't compromise everyday comfort and control with its new, rugged design and substantially enhanced capabilities."
The Passport TrailSport development team started with the grand concept of "Born Wild," an aspirational value, that set the rugged attitude and adventure capabilities Passport delivers. Designed in California, Passport is brawny and broad shouldered, with an all-new look that enhances its superior rugged capabilities. Its new bold backpack design theme gives the new Passport TrailSport a more robust C-pillar, stronger roof rails connecting to its blacked-out cargo bay with segment-leading functionality.
For serious off-roading, the new shorter front overhang increases the approach angle and at the rear, hidden exhaust tips are protected on the trail. Passport TrailSport's new front end is strong and powerful with a bold grille, long hood and aggressive hood scoop. A new LED DRL signature includes distinctive amber lighting. The design is tough and aspirational with an increased dash-to-axle ratio, and "PASSPORT" proudly stamped both in the front fascia and in the steel tailgate. Flared fenders, wider tracks (1,728mm / 68.0 inches front, 1.732mm / 68.2 inches rear) and 18-inch wheels with 31-inch tires on all Passports accentuate its powerful stance.
Every 2026 Passport TrailSport features a new more powerful 285 hp (SAE net @ 6,100 rpm) DOHC 3.5-litre V6 engine, paired with the model's first 10-speed automatic transmission. Refined and responsive, the new high-strength automatic transmission has been tuned exclusively for Passport. This is also the first Passport to get the second generation of the Honda torque vectoring i-VTM4TM all-wheel drive system, which features a stronger rear drive unit with 40% more torque capacity and 30% faster response, optimizing traction in all driving scenarios, especially slick and off-road conditions.
The new Passport interior is also adventure ready with improved rear seat legroom, increased cargo space and more standard tech than ever before, including a 10.2-inch digital driver instrumentation display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, plus Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM compatibility all standard. New front Body Stabilizing Seats help reduce fatigue on long adventure drives for best-in-class comfort.
To take the rugged capability and appearance of Passport TrailSport even further, Honda engineers have created the broadest line of genuine Honda accessories ever, including a variety of wheels, robust rock sliders, an aluminum and front scuff plate.
Based on the longstanding Honda "Safety for Everyone" approach, a commitment to advance safety for everyone sharing the road, the next-generation Passport TrailSport is a safety performance leader in the midsize SUV class with advanced active and passive safety technology standard on all models. These class-leading safety features include a new and improved suite of Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technologies, a next-generation front passenger airbag, improved front side airbags and new driver and front-passenger knee airbags.
New Passport Trailsport Features:
Rugged Design
Matching its rugged off-road capabilities, the aggressive new look of the new next-generation Honda Passport TrailSport further advances the rugged design direction of Honda light trucks. Designed in the Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles, Passport TrailSport features all-new bodywork conceived around a bold backpack design theme.
The new Passport is an inch wider with aggressively flared fenders covering trail-ready 18-inch wheels and tires for a stronger, more aggressive stance. A 70mm / 2.75inches longer
wheelbase, pulled back A-pillars and long hood create a longer dash-to-axle ratio for a sportier profile.
The unique matte black finish of the rear roof section -- a key component of Passport's backpack design theme -- enables owners to lean skis, fishing poles and other adventure equipment against Passport without damage. New LED taillights and a sleek roof spoiler help make the next-generation Passport instantly recognizable from the rear. Another thoughtful off-road touch is the Passport's antenna, now integrated into the passenger side rear glass, replacing the more traditional "shark-fin" style roof antenna. This placement eliminates the possibility of damage to the antenna during trail driving or when loading and unloading equipment and gear from the available cargo roof platform.
The Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Touring have a rugged design and exclusive off-road hardware. Both feature a gloss black grille and exterior trim, signature amber DRL, metallic silver front and rear skid garnishes and TrailSport badges. LED fog lights are standard and mounted higher in the front fascia for additional protection on the trail. For the first time, Passport TrailSport models are equipped with stout front and rear recovery points rated at twice the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). New, orange front recovery hooks, are powder coated to resist corrosion and engineered to breakaway in the event of a front collision. This patented design is a world's first and enables the Passport TrailSport to target top of class safety ratings. The rear trailer hitch with 7-pin connector, standard on all TrailSport models, integrates two rear recovery points and helps protect the rear fascia from off-road damage.
Both Passport TrailSport models feature uniquely styled 18-inch wheels in exclusive finishes such as Matte Shark Gray and Dark Tinted Clearcoat with Gloss Black lug nuts that include a protected sunken valve stem to avoid damage on the trail. New General Grabber all-terrain tires (275/60R18), co-developed exclusively with General Tire for the new Passport TrailSport, are extremely capable in sand, mud, rocky terrain and snow, but still quiet and comfortable on the road. Passport TrailSport is available in six eye-catching exterior colours that highlight its rugged design and adventurous spirit, including two all-new paint colors, Sunset Orange and Ash Green Metallic.
More Spacious, Adventure-Ready Interior
Inside, the Honda Passport TrailSport is ready for both the adventures of daily life and the rigors of rugged weekend escapes. The all-new cabin is modern, clean and uncluttered with more comfort, storage and cargo space than ever before. The layout is simple and intuitive with premium materials and design throughout, including high-quality switchgear and a unique topographic map design that lines its front storage bins. New Body Stabilizing power adjustable heated front seats with memory are standard across the
lineup. The already spacious second-row legroom is increased a generous 33mm / 1.3 inches for increased comfort.
The TrailSport cabin stands out with comfortable, easy to clean synthetic leather upholstery and a sliding panoramic sunroof. Exclusive orange contrast stitching and head restraints embroidered with the TrailSport logo align to the rugged design direction. Power folding mirrors, a heated windshield and a heated steering wheel are standard. The top-of-the-line TrailSport Touring, adds perforated leather seating with piping, ventilated front seats, rear climate controls, rear door shades and expanded ambient lighting, plus a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system custom-engineered for the new interior. With Bose Centerpoint technology, SurroundStage digital signal processing and a new, larger 16.4-litre (+.07-litre) capacity subwoofer box, the new system places all occupants in the middle of the music, regardless of their seating position, with a clear listening experience.
Expanded storage space in the cabin includes two-tier door bins, a large multi-use tray ahead of the shifter that can accommodate two smartphones side-by-side, a massive console bin that fits a full-size tablet, and a clever passenger-side instrument panel shelf. Passport TrailSport is equipped with 10 large cupholders throughout the cabin, including six that will fit wide 32 oz water bottles. The 2026 Passport TrailSport has the most cargo room in the model's history, with up to 2356 litre / 83.5 cu.-ft.1 behind the first row (+156 litres), and up to 1,246 litre / 44.0 cu.-ft.1 (+79 litres) behind the second row, which includes a larger redesigned underfloor storage area. The new wider cargo area can now hold full-size golf bags laid sideways across the cargo floor or a large stroller.
With its rear seats folded flat, Passport can accommodate two full-size adult mountain bikes with their front wheels removed. Intuitive Technology Intuitive easy-to-use technology has been smartly integrated into the new modern Passport TrailSport cabin, including a standard 10.2-inch digital instrument panel digital instrument display. The configurable multi-information display features user-selectable functions, such as Honda Sensing® settings, vehicle information and more. New elevation, pitch and roll off-road readouts are standard, adding driver confidence on tough trails. Every new Passport TrailSport comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the latest HMI software for lag-free performance. A lip at the bottom of the touchscreen makes it easier to use by providing a stable surface as a finger rest. Google Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoTM compatibility, 4G-LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot capability and a Qi- compatible 15W wireless smartphone charger are standard. The first integration of Google built-in in Passport includes apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps and more on Google Play for a helpful, personalized and connected driving experience.
The large multi-use tray ahead of the shifter and the rear of the center console both feature a pair of standard 60W 3.0A USB-C ports that can charge personal electronic devices, including a laptop, 110-volt power outlets are featured in the center console and conveniently located in the cargo area.
More Power and Performance
Passport TrailSport's new, more powerful 24-valve DOHC 3.5-litre engine produces 285 horsepower (SAE net @ 6,100 rpm) and 262 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net @ 5,000 rpm). Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard plus, where applicable, floor space between seating rows, seats in their forward-most and upright position, and underfloor storage. One of the most powerful engines in its class, the all-aluminum V6 features low-profile cylinder heads with high-tumble ports and a narrow 35-degree valve angle for better combustion. The low-profile design of the DOHC cylinder heads is primarily a product of a more compact rocker arm and hydraulic lash adjuster design, further assisted by doing away with separate cam bearing caps, instead incorporating them directly into the valve cover itself. The result is a 30 mm reduction in overall cylinder head height, while also reducing the number of parts. Variable Cylinder ManagementTM (VCMTM) improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. Performance is further enhanced by a refined and responsive, high-strength 10-speed automatic transmission tuned exclusively for Passport. Paddle shifters are standard for manual control, making Passport TrailSport more fun-to-drive.
To expand its off-road and inclement weather capabilities, Passport TrailSport comes standard with the second generation of the Honda torque vectoring i-VTM4TM all-wheel drive system. The new and more capable i-VTM4TM system, which debuted on the current Pilot, features a stronger rear drive unit that can handle 40% more torque and provides 30% faster response, optimizing available traction in all driving scenarios. Up to 70% of the engine's torque can be sent to the rear axle, and 100% of that torque can be distributed to either the left or right rear wheel.
Seven standard selectable drive modes optimize the driving experience for various conditions: Normal, Sport, Econ, Snow, Sand, Tow and Trail. The new Trail mode optimizes off-road capabilities and a new Tow mode for additional capability. Passport TrailSport can comfortably tow as much as 2,267 kgs / 5,000 lbs, which is more than enough for most boats, campers or "toy" trailers that serve as the key to adventure for many customers.
Sportier and More Engaging to Drive
Based on the extremely rigid Honda light truck platform, the 2026 Passport TrailSport is sportier and more engaging to drive, both on and off road. The platform was engineered from the very beginning with the intention of giving TrailSport true off-road capabilities, which also benefits the ride, handling and overall refinement thanks to a 72% increase in front lateral rigidity and a 50% increase in rear torsion rigidity. The wheelbase has been extended to 2,887 mm / 113.8 inches (+70mm) benefitting ride comfort and straight stability, and significantly wider tracks +33 mm / 1.3 inches in front, and +38 mm /1.5 inches in the rear improve cornering stability.
The all-new suspension of Passport TrailSport is fortified with stronger forged steel suspension arms and sturdy cast-iron knuckles. Retuned MacPherson struts in front and an all-new rear multilink suspension help give Passport a more confident handling feel, while simultaneously improving ride quality. The confidence-inspiring dynamics are further enhanced by a revised variable steering ratio that quickens response for sharper handling and agility around town, and more enjoyable on twisty backroads. Steering feel and stability are also improved with a new, stiffer steering column and stiffer torsion bar to enhance communication with the driver.
Stopping power is increased with larger front 350mm /13.8-inch (+30mm) brake rotors and larger calipers. A reduced overall pedal stroke and improved heat resistance improve driver confidence, especially in emergency situations and on wet or snowy roads and trails. A new standard Hill Descent Control system increases off-road capability with more control and confidence on steep, slippery declines of up to 7+ percent allowing drivers to select speeds between 3 and 20 km/h.
Sound absorbing technologies, including acoustical spray foam insulation inserted in the body structure, fender liners, thicker carpet and other measures, reduce wind, road and powertrain noise inside the cabin for a more refined driving experience.
Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Touring
The all-new Passport TrailSport is an authentic, off-road capable SUV tested on challenging terrain throughout North America -- from the red rocks of Moab, Utah and the deep sands of Glamis, California to the challenging muddy trails in the hills of Kentucky and North Carolina. TrailSport models deliver top class off-road performance with a unique suspension tuned for off- road driving, featuring exclusive spring rates and damper valve tuning, plus optimized stabilizer bars that improve articulation and off-road ride comfort.
Thick steel skid plates protect the oil pan, transmission and gas tank from damage. Designed in collaboration with Honda Powersports engineers, the skid plates can support the entire weight of the vehicle crashing down on a rock.
Standard on TrailSport Touring, the new TrailWatch camera system uses four exterior cameras to offer four camera views (front, rear, side and 360 degree) along with clever tire placement graphics to help drivers navigate obstacles outside their natural line of sight by slope or proximity such as blind crests, deep ruts and the trail's edge. When driving In Trail mode at speeds below 24 km/h, the forward view camera automatically turns on and then deactivates when speeds rise above 24 km/h. For additional driver support, and unlike competitor trail camera systems, TrailWatch automatically reactivates if the vehicle speed dips below 20 km/h. To quantify target metrics and off-road performance, Honda engineers developed a new proprietary Honda off-road capability rating system in cooperation with the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC), a pioneer in off-road testing.
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