Review by Veeno Dewan.
The 2026 Honda Passport is a mid -size SUV first released in 2019. It slots in-between the compact CR-V and the midsize Honda Pilot. The Passport seats five and has two rows of seats. Highlights include a powerful V6 engine that is now becoming a rarity in this segment. It also comes with as standard AWD and a decent number of standard features, excellent technology, smartphone integration and plentiful interior storage.
The 2026 Passport trim models use a 3.5L V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system automatically sends up to 70 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels and can split 100 per cent of that between the rear wheels based on driving conditions and traction needs.
The 2026 Honda Passport model comes in 3 trim levels: Sport, TrailSport, and Black Edition. It is $50,480 for the Sport AWD trim. The TrailSport AWD and Black Edition AWD trims are priced at $53,980 and $56,940 respectively plus $2,000 for freight and PDI. Other fees are extra.
All three trim levels come fairly well-equipped and include automatic LED headlamps, a power sunroof, an auto-dimming mirror, tri-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The as tested 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport is an adventure orientated model with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, off-road tuned suspension, and enhanced off-road capability with features like reinforced skid plates and a TrailWatch™ camera system which provides a better view of the terrain ahead. There is also increased ground clearance and specialized larger All-terrain tires for tackling tough terrain. The TrailSport is also differentiated with bright orange heavy-duty recovery hooks and special orange themed badges and detailing.
The redesigned interior offers special TrailSport touches with orange contrast stitching on the seats and an embroidered TrailSport logo on the front seat headrests. A digital instrument cluster displaying vehicle pitch, roll, and elevation to aid in off-road navigation is also part of the package. Our tester with the brown, tan and black interior looked pretty upscale and refined.
Interior wise, the Passport is spacious and seats five in relative comfort. The cabin uses excellent materials, especially in the upper trim versions. The front seats are heated on all trims, while the rear seats are heated on the TrailSport version. The reclining rear seats are also very comfortable. The rear seats fold flat for carrying extra-long items. There is a total of 1,430 litres of cargo space that can be expanded thanks to multiple under-floor storage compartments. A power tailgate is standard on all trims, with hands-free access on the top models.
On the road, the Passport TrailSport exhibits good a good driving experience for its class. The Passport’s V6 engine delivers punchy acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission shifts smoothly. The V6 engine also has Cylinder deactivation to help save fuel at cruising speeds and also has the auto on- off fuel saver function at stop lights that can also be deactivated. The Passport’s maximum towing capacity ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 lbs depending on trailer equipment.
Off- Road ability in the TrailSport Editions is capable for light -duty conditions. There is a 23-degree approach angle, 23.1-degree departure angle, which is decent enough to tackle small hills and obstacles. The 8.3-inch ground clearance also helps, while the metal skid plates under the engine and fuel tank, offer added protection. The all-wheel drive system has been upgraded for 2026 with new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes added to the Normal, Econ, Snow, and Sand modes. The new hill descent control system allows a slower automated controlled speed while descending hills. Granted the TrailSport will have it limitation on the really gnarly terrain, but offers excellent off-road ability on most terrain and in the harshest of winter road conditions. Honda’s fuel consumption estimates for the Passport are 12.5/ L/100 km highway, 9.8 L/100km Combined, 11.3 L/100km (city/highway).
To sum up, the Honda Passport is more expensive than its rivals, but the powerful V6 engine, higher equipment spec, excellent cabin materials, and high attention to detail makes it worth it. Not much to complain about, the V6 is thirsty and not really needed unless you tow and carry a fill load of passengers and their cargo on a regular basis. The TrailSport version adds that extra pizazz, a refined interior, better Off-Road ability and higher interior spec that sets it apart. Highly recommended for adventure ready couples and families.
2026 Honda Passport priced from: $53,980
Trail Sport Edition – and $56,940 plus $2,000 freight and PDE.
More info at: www.honda.ca
