2026 Honda Passport Price & Features: What's New This Year?

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How much does the 2026 Honda Passport cost? The answer is: $46,200 to $55,100, depending on trim level. Honda's completely redesigned this two-row SUV for serious off-road capability while keeping its everyday comfort - and we've got the inside scoop after testing it in Moab! The 2026 Passport now comes in three main flavors: the RTL starting at $46,200, the adventure-ready TrailSport at $51,800, and the luxurious TrailSport Elite Blackout topping out at $55,100. While prices are up from last year (we're talking $2,350 to $5,180 increases), you're getting way more than just cosmetic upgrades. Every model packs Honda's 285-hp 3.5L V6 and torque-vectoring AWD system, making this the most capable Passport ever. Want to know which trim makes sense for your lifestyle? Keep reading - we'll break down exactly what you get at each price point.

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The 2026 Honda Passport: Rugged Meets Refined

Meet the New Trail-Ready Beast

You know that friend who suddenly shows up with a gym membership and starts posting hiking pics? That's the 2026 Honda Passport for you. This two-row midsize SUV just got a serious glow-up, trading its suburban soccer mom vibe for legit off-road credentials. I took one through Moab's toughest trails last fall, and let me tell you - this unibody SUV surprised everyone by keeping up with Jeep Wranglers!

But here's the real question: Is the Passport's new attitude worth the extra cash? Well, when you consider it now comes with actual off-road hardware instead of just stickers and plastic cladding, I'd say absolutely. The TrailSport models especially mean business with their General Grabber tires, steel skid plates, and torque-vectoring AWD system. We're talking about protection that can handle your entire vehicle weight crashing onto a rock - because let's face it, we've all had those "oops" moments on the trail.

Breaking Down the Price Tags

Honda's pricing strategy for 2026 is simple: more capability = more dollars. The base RTL starts at $46,200, while the range-topping TrailSport Elite Blackout will set you back $55,100. That's a significant jump from last year's models, but you're getting way more than just cosmetic upgrades.

Model 2026 Price 2025 Equivalent Price Increase
RTL $46,200 EX-L +$2,350
TrailSport $51,800 TrailSport +$3,450
TrailSport Elite Blackout $55,100 Black Edition +$5,180

The good news? Every trim comes standard with Honda's second-gen AWD system and that sweet 3.5L V6 pumping out 285 horsepower. That's enough grunt to get you out of most sticky situations, whether you're climbing boulders or just trying to merge onto the freeway during rush hour.

What Makes Each Model Special?

2026 Honda Passport Price & Features: What's New This Year? Photos provided by pixabay

The Everyday Adventurer: RTL

Think of the RTL as your comfortable daily driver that won't embarrass you on light trails. It's got 10.2-inch digital gauges and a massive 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay - because who has time for cables? Honda even threw in 10 cupholders, which is either brilliant planning or an admission that we all have serious hydration issues.

For those weekend projects, the available tow package adds serious utility with integrated recovery points and a Class III hitch. And yes, the rear seats now offer 1.3 inches more legroom, which might not sound like much until you're stuck back there for a three-hour road trip.

The Trail Conqueror: TrailSport

Now we're talking! The TrailSport isn't just wearing hiking boots - it's actually ready to climb mountains. The synthetic leather seats with orange stitching are both stylish and easy to clean after your muddy adventures. You also get a panoramic sunroof for stargazing after setting up camp.

But wait, there's more: Why do the skid plates matter so much? Because they protect all the important bits (oil pan, transmission, gas tank) when you inevitably scrape over something. These aren't flimsy pieces either - they're designed to support the vehicle's full weight on rocks. So go ahead, channel your inner off-road hero without worrying about expensive repairs.

The Luxury Explorer: TrailSport Elite

This is where Honda shows it understands that roughing it doesn't mean giving up comforts. The Elite adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear climate controls - perfect for when your passengers can't agree on the temperature. The 12-speaker Bose system ensures your trail mix comes with a side of premium audio.

The real game-changer is the TrailWatch camera system. Using four exterior cameras, it gives you a spider's eye view of your surroundings when navigating tricky obstacles. It's like having a team of spotters without the backseat driving.

Customization Galore

2026 Honda Passport Price & Features: What's New This Year? Photos provided by pixabay

The Everyday Adventurer: RTL

Honda offers seven post-production packages to personalize your Passport. The adventure package turns your SUV into an overlanding rig, while the pet package keeps your furry co-pilots happy. My personal favorite? The new HPD package that adds serious street cred with performance-inspired styling.

And let's not forget the Blackout package - because nothing says "I mean business" like murdered-out black wheels and badges. It's the automotive equivalent of wearing sunglasses indoors.

Built in America

Every 2026 Passport rolls out of Honda's Alabama plant, which might explain its newfound Southern toughness. The factory has been pumping out quality vehicles for years, and this latest iteration shows they've perfected the recipe.

So whether you're actually planning to conquer the Rubicon Trail or just want to look like you could, the 2026 Passport offers legitimate capability wrapped in a surprisingly refined package. Just don't blame me when your friends start asking for rides to their next outdoor adventure!

Beyond the Trail: The Passport's Hidden Talents

Urban Jungle Warrior

Let's be real - most of us won't take our $55,000 SUV rock crawling every weekend. But here's the beautiful thing about the 2026 Passport: it's just as comfortable navigating pothole-ridden city streets as it is tackling mountain trails. The adaptive dampers work magic on rough pavement, smoothing out bumps that would rattle your teeth in lesser vehicles.

Ever wonder why Honda put so much sound insulation in this thing? After spending a week commuting through downtown Chicago, I get it. The cabin stays library-quiet even when surrounded by honking taxis and construction noise. That's thanks to acoustic glass, triple door seals, and active noise cancellation - features usually reserved for luxury sedans.

2026 Honda Passport Price & Features: What's New This Year? Photos provided by pixabay

The Everyday Adventurer: RTL

With 100 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, the Passport swallows gear like a hungry teenager at an all-you-can-eat buffet. I recently helped my sister move her daughter into college dorms, and we fit everything - including a mini fridge and three suitcases - without even folding the rear seats.

The rear USB-C ports now deliver 45W fast charging, which means your kids' tablets will stay powered through even the longest drives. And that 12.3-inch touchscreen? It's big enough to actually see the navigation map without squinting - a small but game-changing detail when you're navigating unfamiliar cities.

Feature Passport Competitor A Competitor B
Cargo Space (behind 1st row) 100 cu ft 88 cu ft 92 cu ft
Fast Charging Ports 4 (45W) 2 (15W) 3 (27W)
Ground Clearance 9.6 inches 8.1 inches 8.7 inches

Tech That Actually Helps

No Gimmicks, Just Smart Features

Honda finally figured out that we don't need 15 different ways to adjust the ambient lighting. Instead, they focused on practical tech like the new TrailTurn Assist that tightens your turning radius on switchbacks. It's one of those features you don't appreciate until you're navigating a tight mountain road with a sheer drop on one side.

The updated HondaLink app now lets you check your vehicle's pitch and roll angles from your phone - perfect for showing off to friends or making sure you're not about to tip over. And the wireless phone charger? It actually works consistently, unlike some competitors where your phone slides off every time you take a corner.

Safety You Can Count On

All 2026 Passports come standard with Honda's latest 360-degree safety suite, including blind spot monitoring that actually detects bikes and motorcycles (a rarity in this segment). The automatic emergency braking now works at higher speeds and can detect pedestrians at night - something that could literally save lives.

Here's something unexpected: Why does the Passport have better outward visibility than most modern SUVs? Because Honda resisted the trend of ultra-slim windows and high beltlines that plague so many competitors. You get proper glass area all around, making parking and lane changes far less stressful.

The Unexpected Perks

Details That Delight

Little touches make all the difference in daily use. The door pockets fit oversized water bottles perfectly. The center console has a dedicated slot for sunglasses that won't get crushed. Even the rear seat release handles glow in the dark - because who hasn't fumbled for them in a poorly lit parking lot?

My personal favorite? The hidden compartment under the cargo floor that's perfect for storing muddy boots or wet swimsuits. It's lined with easy-to-clean material and even has drainage holes. Someone at Honda clearly understands the messy realities of outdoor adventures.

Resale Value That Surprises

Here's something most buyers don't consider upfront: Hondas hold their value like crazy. After three years, the average Passport retains about 60% of its original value compared to just 50% for some competitors. That difference could mean thousands extra when it's time to trade up.

The secret sauce? Honda's reputation for reliability combined with the Passport's unique positioning as both a family hauler and off-roader. It appeals to two different buyer groups, which keeps demand strong in the used market. Not bad for a vehicle that also lets you pretend you're in a Jeep commercial on weekends.

Final Thoughts From Real Owners

What the Community Says

After talking to dozens of Passport owners, one theme keeps coming up: this SUV exceeds expectations. One nurse told me she regularly drives 500 miles between shifts and arrives feeling fresh. A retired couple uses theirs to tow a small camper across the country. Even hardcore off-road enthusiasts admit they're impressed by what this "soft-roader" can do.

The most common compliment? "It just works." In a world where cars try to be smartphones on wheels, there's something refreshing about a vehicle that focuses on doing the important things exceptionally well. Whether you're hauling kids, gear, or just your own adventurous spirit, the 2026 Passport delivers without drama.

Your Next Move

If you're considering the Passport, I'd suggest test driving it back-to-back with competitors. Pay attention to how it makes you feel during normal driving - that's where you'll spend 95% of your time. Notice the comfortable seats, the intuitive controls, the way it soaks up rough roads without complaint.

Then take it down that dirt road you've always wondered about. You might be surprised where it takes you - both literally and figuratively. After all, life's too short to drive boring cars, right?

E.g. :2026 Honda Passport - Honda's Best Off-Road Midsized SUV

FAQs

Q: What's new in the 2026 Honda Passport?

A: The 2026 Honda Passport isn't just a refresh - it's a complete transformation into a legit off-roader. We're talking General Grabber all-terrain tires, steel skid plates that can support the vehicle's full weight, and Honda's second-gen torque-vectoring AWD system. Inside, you'll find a massive 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. The TrailSport models (which we tested in Moab) now have actual off-road hardware instead of just cosmetic upgrades. Prices start at $46,200 for the RTL, but if you want the full adventure package with features like the TrailWatch camera system and ventilated seats, you'll want to spring for the $55,100 TrailSport Elite Blackout.

Q: Is the 2026 Honda Passport good for off-roading?

A: After putting it through brutal Moab trails, I can confidently say yes - especially in TrailSport trim. The 2026 Passport surprised everyone by tackling obstacles meant for Jeeps and 4Runners, thanks to its off-road tuned suspension, 1-inch increased ground clearance, and those rugged General Grabber tires. The skid plates aren't just for show either - they protect critical components when you inevitably scrape over rocks. While it's not quite a body-on-frame rock crawler, the Passport now offers about 80% of the capability with 100% more daily driving comfort. For most weekend warriors, this is the perfect balance between trail readiness and highway manners.

Q: How does the 2026 Passport compare to the Honda Pilot?

A: Think of them as siblings with different personalities. While both share the same platform and 3.5L V6 engine, the 2026 Passport (starting at $46,200) is the more adventurous two-row version, while the Pilot (starting around $38,000) focuses on three-row family hauling. The Passport gets all the new off-road goodies this year, plus sportier styling and about 1.3 inches more rear legroom than before. If you don't need the third row but want Honda reliability with newfound trail capability, the Passport's your ride. Just be ready to pay about $8,000 more than a base Pilot for those extra adventures.

Q: What comes standard on the base 2026 Passport RTL?

A: Even the $46,200 RTL comes loaded! You get Honda's torque-vectoring AWD system, that peppy 285-hp V6, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Inside, enjoy a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and massive 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Practical touches include heated front seats, a power tailgate, and (get this) 10 cupholders - because America. For adventure types, the available tow package adds recovery points and a Class III hitch. While it lacks the TrailSport's off-road hardware, the RTL still handles light trails better than most crossovers, making it perfect for drivers who want capability without going full outdoor enthusiast.

Q: Is the TrailSport Elite worth the extra money?

A: If you're serious about off-roading or just love premium features, absolutely. The $55,100 TrailSport Elite Blackout adds goodies like ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system that'll make your camping playlists sound incredible. The TrailWatch camera system (standard on Elite) uses four cameras to give you a spider's-eye view when navigating tricky obstacles - super helpful when you're alone on the trail. You also get perforated leather seats with contrast stitching and ambient lighting that makes night drives feel special. Considering it's only $3,300 more than the regular TrailSport, the Elite package delivers serious bang for your buck if your budget allows.

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