Sneak Peek: Our Eight Favorite Features of the Upcoming 2026 Honda Passport

If you’re thinking about starting your search for a Honda Passport for sale in Rochester, you’re not the only one. The brand-new, completely redesigned 2026 Passport delivers big on capability, performance, and in-cabin comforts, not to mention Honda’s excellent safety and driver-assist technologies. It’s the perfect SUV for families, weekend adventure seekers, and folks looking for a stylish vehicle with the reliability Honda owners have enjoyed for decades.

The three-trim 2026 Passport lineup includes the base RTL, the rugged TrailSport, and the luxurious TrailSport Elite. As an option in the ultra-competitive midsize SUV segment, the Passport has a big hill to climb for category dominance. Honda’s attention to detail in this newest generation will likely tip the scales in the Passport’s favor. The iconic Japanese automaker leans into capability across the trim lineup with a powerful standard V6 engine, high ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive.

Inside the new Passport’s comfortable cabin is an ergonomic cockpit with digital displays that provide critical driving data and make infotainment options easily accessible. Though the Passport favors a more rugged driving experience, its off-road-ready features don’t come at the expense of a comfortable ride and good handling. Instead, Honda walks that line with small but significant add-ons like the new Body Stabilizing Seats, designed to stave off driver fatigue. The list of the all-new 2026 Honda Passport’s benefits is long and impressive, but these eight features stand out and offer a compelling reason why the Passport belongs at the top of your list.

Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel drive system takes performance and control to the next level—a big plus for tackling Rochester’s notoriously awful winters. Designed to inspire confidence in any driving condition, this advanced AWD system actively distributes power where it’s most needed to achieve maximum traction. The system’s precise torque vectoring translates to sharper, more controlled steering—something you won’t get with a typical all-wheel drive system. Honda’s technology works by monitoring each wheel’s traction and using an active rear differential to redistribute power and maintain contact with the road surface. The bottom line: i-VTM4 delivers better handling in all weather conditions, including snow, mud, and sand.

Both the TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims come with a standard trail-ready suspension. Engineered with precisely tuned dampers, stabilizer bars, and spring rates, this suspension allows the Passport to navigate inclines and uneven surfaces more capably. Updated front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link setup contribute to more effective shock absorption, which smooths out the ride even when traversing uneven roads or trails. The 2026 Passport also boasts more durable forged steel suspension arms and cast-iron knuckles, making it ready for any adventure.

The 2026 Honda Passport’s standard 3.5L V6 engine isn’t just powerful—it’s engineered for efficiency and durability. Unlike its predecessor in the last generation Passport, this V6 features improved airflow and combustion efficiency for stronger performance. The new powerplant delivers 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine is efficient as well as powerful, making the Passport a good option for daily commuters. The more powerful engine also facilitates up to 5,000 lbs of towing capability, and there is a Tow mode for easier hauling.

In keeping with the 2026 Passport’s technological overhaul, this newest generation leans into the digital dash trend, with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen standard across all trims. Running on an Android-based platform with Google built-in, the system supports over-the-air updates, ensuring software remains current. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, allowing easy smartphone connectivity. The TrailSport Elite also offers additional exterior views via the TrailWatch camera system, which includes a set of four exterior cameras that together provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle.

The 2026 Passport has a wheelbase that is 2.75 inches longer and is 1.5 inches wider, which expands the cabin and cargo space. With the rear seats upright, cargo space has expanded by 2.8 cu.ft to a cavernous 44 cu.ft. Fold the rear seats flat, and cargo space has increased by 5.8 cu.ft. to 83.5 cu.ft., enough to fit full-size golf bags sideways. Honda has added a redesigned underfloor storage area for additional space to store smaller items. Final exterior dimensions are 190.6 inches long, with a 113.8-inch wheelbase. Honda also includes tons of in-cabin storage cubbies, including two-tier door bins and a center console that can fit a full-size tablet. A whopping 10 cupholders are also included.

The TrailSport and TrailSport Elite trims set a benchmark for the Passport’s off-road capability and exemplify Honda’s commitment to building the most rugged Passport ever. Built for off-road capability, the TrailSport features a trim-exclusive off-road-tuned suspension and steel skid plates, which, according to Honda, “can support the entire weight of the vehicle crashing down on a rock.” Honda also equips the TrailSport trims with 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, standard LED fog lights, and roof rails. A panoramic sunroof is also included in the long list of standard TrailSport features. The TrailSport Elite includes heated and ventilated power-adjustable perforated leather-trimmed seats with orange stitching, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Available exclusively on the Passport TrailSport Elite, the TrailWatch camera system helps off-roaders navigate blind spots and challenging trails. Using an exterior four-camera setup, the system has eyes on all four corners of the vehicle, displaying clear views on the vehicle’s infotainment touchscreen, including guidelines for easy navigation. Features include a front tire path indicator that comes in handy for navigating upcoming obstacles in the path of travel, automatic activation when the vehicle is traveling at a speed of 15 mph or slower, and a 360-degree view to help drivers orient better to the surrounding conditions.

Honda’s design inspiration for the all-new 2026 Passport stems from a “Born Wild” philosophy. More than just words, the philosophy trickles down to a more aggressive curb profile in what Honda calls a “bold backpack design theme.” In layman’s terms, the Passport borrows design cues from the Honda Ridgeline pickup. Features like flared fenders and a longer hood give the Passport a sportier, more aggressive look. The rear roof section features a matte black finish designed to hold up against scrapes and dings from skis and other roof-stowed sporting equipment. TrailSport trims also receive powder-coated orange recovery hooks. The Passport comes in eight exterior colors, including bold options exclusive to the TrailSport.

The new 2026 Passport departs from previous generations’ focus on family-friendly features. While still a fantastic choice for busy Rochester families, the latest Passport expands its appeal to adventure seekers and outdoors enthusiasts with style and capability. This is the Passport’s fourth generation, the most significant and most truck-like iteration in history. As Honda’s original SUV, the Passport is a vital nameplate and one the automaker leans on to compete effectively in the cluttered midsize SUV category.

The Passport joins its larger sibling, the Pilot, as a boxier version of its predecessor. Its engineering and drivetrain components are built for off-road capability but don’t sacrifice comfort and handling. Equipping the Passport with an upgraded version of Honda’s V6 increases performance and decreases emissions. Overall, the newly redesigned 2026 Honda Passport offers a compelling value proposition for midsize SUV buyers. With plenty of in-vehicle tech to satisfy commuters and daily drivers and an array of safety features that will inspire families to take a closer look, the Passport is poised to achieve Honda’s lofty goal of segment dominance.